Apple iPhone 17 vs Google Pixel 9a

Our Verdict: This is a straightforward iOS-versus-Android choice, but the hardware differences are big enough to matter. iPhone 17 is sharper at about 458 PPI versus 421, while iPhone 17 stretches further on storage, topping out at 512GB rather than 256GB; Pixel 9a has the larger rated battery, 5100mAh to 3692mAh, though that is capacity rather than a direct cross-platform battery-life verdict. Pixel 9a leaves far more room in the budget, so iPhone 17 has to win on features you will genuinely use. Pick iPhone 17 only if its upgrades are important to you; otherwise Pixel 9a is the better-value buy.

The Pixel 9a is the cheaper one to own: around £411 over a typical contract, £370 less than the iPhone 17.

Expert Rating
4.5
12 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.3"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch
458 421
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
18 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 Pro Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery
3,692 mAh 5,100 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 15
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/6 tri-band
Bluetooth
6.0, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm
Weight
177 grams 186 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£29.99/mo (£39.00 upfront) £14.99/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£614.00 £304.99

Prices updated 26 July 2026

Apple iPhone 17 Apple iPhone 17 Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a
Expert Rating 4.5
12 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.3"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch 458 421
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 18 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 Pro Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery 3,692 mAh 5,100 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Apple iOS Android 15
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/6 tri-band
Bluetooth 6.0, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm
Weight 177 grams 186 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £29.99/mo
£39.00 upfront
£14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £614.00 £304.99
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 9a
Google Pixel 9a

24 Months

128GB

Obsidian

25GB

Data

£14.99 per month, £29 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £411.16 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £29.00 upfront.

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

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 9a has a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits.

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

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

The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £304.99.

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

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

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 17 is the more portable of the two: it's 9g 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 9a?

The Apple iPhone 17 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 9a is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

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

The Apple iPhone 17 runs Apple iOS and the Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.