Apple iPhone 17e vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Our Verdict: The Apple iPhone 17e came out in 2026, after the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in 2024, so it's the more recent phone. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a slightly higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the iPhone 17e's 48MP, plus a 42MP selfie camera against 12MP, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger battery of the two, 5060mAh against 4005mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. Storage goes higher on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, up to 1TB against 512GB, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen, 6.8" against 6.1". Only pay up for the Pixel 9 Pro XL if you'll use what it offers; if not, the iPhone 17e makes more sense.
The iPhone 17e is the cheaper one to own: around £602 over a typical contract, £837 less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
15 reviews 4.3
15 reviews
Apple iPhone 17e
|
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 11 March 2026 | 22 August 2024 |
| Expert Rating |
4.0 15 reviews |
4.3 15 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1280 x 2856 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 460 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 42 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 (3 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 4,005 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/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 169 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 |
£14.99/mo
£199.00 upfront |
£45.00/mo
£299.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £546.00 | £359.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
Cheapest Deals
Apple iPhone 17e
£14.99 a month, £199 upfront.
Monthly payment will increase to £16.79 on 1 April 2027. Then to £18.59 on 1 April 2028.
Use code: SPOOKY10 (£10 off)
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
£45 a month, £299 upfront.
Monthly payment will increase to £47.50 on 1 April 2027. Then to £50.00 on 1 April 2028.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 17e or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 17e is cheaper on contract at £601.96 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £199.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17e or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 17e's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 457 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 17e uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a LTPO AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17e or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £359.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17e and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Apple iPhone 17e is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17e and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL use?
The Apple iPhone 17e is powered by the Apple A19 (3 nm), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17e or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Apple iPhone 17e is the more portable of the two: it's 30g lighter at 169 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17e or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL run?
The Apple iPhone 17e 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.