Apple iPhone Air vs Google Pixel 11 Pro XL

Our Verdict: If you are choosing between Apple iPhone Air and Google Pixel 11 Pro XL, display quality is the main reason to lean one way. The Pixel has a larger 6.8-inch screen, a sharper 482 PPI display, and its LTPO OLED panel; the iPhone mainly responds with its LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel and a lighter 165g body. 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 Pixel is the better fit for display quality, while the iPhone is the one to consider for portability.

Over a full contract, the iPhone Air works out around £838 all-in, about £110 less than the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

Expert Rating
3.9
12 reviews
3.8
10 reviews
Screen
6.5" 6.8"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO OLED
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1344 x 2992
Pixels Per Inch
444 482
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
18 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) Google Tensor G6 (2 nm)
Battery
3,149 mAh 5,115 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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/7
Bluetooth
6.0, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm 162.7 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm
Weight
165 grams 226 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) £29.99/mo (£199.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£599.99 £1099.00
Apple iPhone Air Apple iPhone Air Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Google Pixel 11 Pro XL
Expert Rating 3.9
12 reviews
3.8
10 reviews
Screen 6.5" 6.8"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO OLED
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1344 x 2992
Pixels Per Inch 444 482
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 18 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) Google Tensor G6 (2 nm)
Battery 3,149 mAh 5,115 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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/7
Bluetooth 6.0, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm 162.7 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm
Weight 165 grams 226 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
£29.99/mo
£199.00 upfront
SIM-free £599.99 £1099.00
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 Pro XL
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL

24 Months

256GB

Obsidian

100GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£29.99 a month, £199 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10 off)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone Air is cheaper on contract at £838.36 over the life of the deal from £29.99 per month with £89.00 upfront.

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

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone Air's 6.5", the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL has the sharper display at 482 pixels per inch versus 444, and the Apple iPhone Air uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL has a LTPO OLED.

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

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

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 Pro XL?

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

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone Air is the more portable of the two: it's 61g lighter at 165 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm, and is slimmer at 5.6mm thick.

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

The Apple iPhone Air is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL 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 Pro XL run?

The Apple iPhone Air runs Apple iOS and the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL 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.