Apple iPhone Air vs Google Pixel 11

Our Verdict: With Apple iPhone Air versus Google Pixel 11, the stronger argument is portability. The iPhone has the useful edge there with its LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel, a higher-resolution 18MP front camera, and a lighter 165g body. The Pixel still has a role if you prefer its OLED panel and a larger 4,985 mAh battery. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Software may decide it too: the iPhone keeps you in Apple's iOS ecosystem, while the Pixel is the Android choice. The iPhone is the stronger choice for portability, with the Pixel better suited to display quality.

Over a full contract, the Pixel 11 works out around £648 all-in, about £190 less than the iPhone Air.

Expert Rating
3.9
12 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Screen
6.5" 6.3"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch
444 421
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
18 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) Google Tensor G6 (2 nm)
Battery
3,149 mAh 4,985 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 17
SIM Type
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
Bluetooth
6.0, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.6 mm
Weight
165 grams 197 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 (£89.00 upfront) £24.99/mo (£9.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£599.99 £799.00
Apple iPhone Air Apple iPhone Air Google Pixel 11 Google Pixel 11
Expert Rating 3.9
12 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Screen 6.5" 6.3"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch 444 421
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 18 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) Google Tensor G6 (2 nm)
Battery 3,149 mAh 4,985 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
OS Apple iOS Android 17
SIM Type 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
Bluetooth 6.0, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.6 mm
Weight 165 grams 197 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
£89.00 upfront
£24.99/mo
£9.00 upfront
SIM-free £599.99 £799.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone Air
Apple iPhone Air

24 Months

256GB

Light Gold

Refurbished

200GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£29.99 a month, £89 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10 off)

Google Pixel 11
Google Pixel 11

24 Months

256GB

Frost

25GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

Exclusive Deal Details

£24.99 a month, £9 upfront.

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 11 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 11 is cheaper on contract at £648.36 over the life of the deal from £24.99 per month with £9.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 11?

The Apple iPhone Air has the bigger screen at 6.5" compared to the Google Pixel 11's 6.3", the Apple iPhone Air has the sharper display at 444 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Apple iPhone Air uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 11 has a OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 11?

The Apple iPhone Air features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 11 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 Air or Google Pixel 11?

The Apple iPhone Air is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £599.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone Air and Google Pixel 11?

The Apple iPhone Air is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Google Pixel 11 comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone Air and Google Pixel 11 use?

The Apple iPhone Air is powered by the Apple A19 Pro (3 nm), while the Google Pixel 11 uses the Google Tensor G6 (2 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 11?

It's a trade-off: the Apple iPhone Air is lighter but the Google Pixel 11 is more compact. It's 32g lighter at 165 grams, though the Google Pixel 11 is actually the more compact phone at 152.8 x 72 x 8.6 mm, the Apple iPhone Air is slimmer at 5.6mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 11?

The Apple iPhone Air is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 11 is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone Air and Google Pixel 11 run?

The Apple iPhone Air runs Apple iOS and the Google Pixel 11 runs Android 17. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.