Apple iPhone 17 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Our Verdict: This comparison splits most clearly between broader contract availability on the Apple iPhone 17 and a lower current starting price, about £368 versus £641 from the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is currently cheaper to buy outright by roughly £273; the screen sizes are 6.3 inches for Apple iPhone 17 and 6.8 inches for Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. That leaves the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL as the pick for keeping the upfront or SIM-free spend lower, with the Apple iPhone 17 better if its extra hardware advantages line up with how you use your phone.

The iPhone 17 is the cheaper one to own: around £781 over a typical contract, £109 less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Expert Rating
4.5
12 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.8"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO AMOLED
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch
458 460
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
18 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 Pro Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery
3,692 mAh 5,060 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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, aptX HD
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight
177 grams 199 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
£29.99/mo (£39.00 upfront) £71.08/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£614.00 £399.99

Prices updated 26 July 2026

Apple iPhone 17 Apple iPhone 17 Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Expert Rating 4.5
12 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.8"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO AMOLED
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch 458 460
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 18 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 Pro Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery 3,692 mAh 5,060 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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, aptX HD
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight 177 grams 199 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 £29.99/mo
£39.00 upfront
£71.08/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £614.00 £399.99
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 17
Apple iPhone 17

24 Months

256GB

Black

Refurbished

250GB

Data

£29.99 per month, £39 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10)

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

12 Months

128GB

Obsidian

5GB

Data

£71.08 per month, £30 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 17 is cheaper on contract at £781.16 over the life of the deal from £29.99 per month with £39.00 upfront.

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

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 17's 6.3", both screens are similarly sharp at around 458 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 17 uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a LTPO AMOLED.

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

The Apple iPhone 17 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 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 Pro XL?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £399.99.

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

The Apple iPhone 17 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 17 is the more portable of the two: it's 22g 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 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone 17 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 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 Pro XL run?

The Apple iPhone 17 runs Apple iOS and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 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.