Apple iPhone 17 vs Google Pixel 9

Our verdict: Budget-conscious buyers should note the Google Pixel 9 is £127.95 cheaper on contract than the Apple iPhone 17. You'll notice a sharper picture on the Apple iPhone 17 thanks to its 458 PPI density. Snap-happy users may prefer the Google Pixel 9 and its 50MP rear camera. For video calls and selfies, the Apple iPhone 17 offers a 18MP front camera.

Expert Rating
4.5
12 reviews
4.2
13 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.3"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED OLED
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch
458 421
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
18 Megapixels 10.5 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 Pro Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Storage
256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 14
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
6.0, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight
177 grams 198 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£31.79/mo (£49.00 upfront) £54.42/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£671.00 £349.00
Apple iPhone 17 Apple iPhone 17 Google Pixel 9 Google Pixel 9
Expert Rating 4.5
12 reviews
4.2
13 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.3"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED OLED
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch 458 421
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 18 Megapixels 10.5 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 Pro Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Storage 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Apple iOS Android 14
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 6.0, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight 177 grams 198 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £31.79/mo
£49.00 upfront
£54.42/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £671.00 £349.00
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 9 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9 is cheaper on contract at £684.01 over the life of the deal from £54.42 per month with £30.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 9?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.3", the Apple iPhone 17 has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Apple iPhone 17 uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 has a OLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 9?

The Apple iPhone 17 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 9?

The Google Pixel 9 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £349.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 9?

The Apple iPhone 17 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Google Pixel 9 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 9 use?

The Apple iPhone 17 is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Google Pixel 9 uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 9?

The Apple iPhone 17 is the more portable of the two — it's 21g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm, and is slimmer at 7.95mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 9?

The Apple iPhone 17 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 9 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 9 run?

The Apple iPhone 17 runs Apple iOS and the Google Pixel 9 runs Android 14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.