Apple iPhone 17e vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a marginally higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 17e's 48MP, plus a 42MP selfie camera against 12MP, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL packs the bigger battery, 5060mAh against 4005mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers up to 1TB of storage versus 512GB on the iPhone 17e, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen, 6.8" against 6.1". The Pixel 9 Pro XL is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the iPhone 17e is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.

The iPhone 17e is the cheaper one to own: around £660 over a typical contract, £605 less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Expert Rating
3.9
11 reviews
4.4
13 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
£25.99/mo (£0.00 upfront) £49.00/mo (£39.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£539.99 £373.00
Apple iPhone 17e Apple iPhone 17e Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Expert Rating 3.9
11 reviews
4.4
13 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 £25.99/mo
£0.00 upfront
£49.00/mo
£39.00 upfront
SIM-free £539.99 £373.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 17e
Apple iPhone 17e

24 Months

256GB

Black

30GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£25.99 per month, with FREE phone.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

24 Months

512GB

Hazel

Unlimited

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£49 per month, £39 upfront.

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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 £659.76 over the life of the deal from £25.99 per month with £0.00 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 £373.00.

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.