Apple iPhone Air vs Google Pixel 9
Our verdict: You'll pay £203.08 less overall on contract with the Google Pixel 9 than the Apple iPhone Air. Screen lovers will prefer the Apple iPhone Air and its 6.5" display running at 444 PPI. Snap-happy users may prefer the Google Pixel 9 and its 50MP rear camera. For video calls and selfies, the Apple iPhone Air offers a 18MP front camera.
12 reviews 4.2
13 reviews
Apple iPhone Air
|
Google Pixel 9
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.9 12 reviews |
4.2 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.5" | 6.3" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | OLED |
| Resolution | 1206 x 2622 | 1080 x 2424 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 444 | 421 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 18 Megapixels | 10.5 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 14 |
| 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 165 grams | 198 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 |
£29.99/mo
£159.00 upfront |
£54.83/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £629.00 | £331.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 9 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9 is cheaper on contract at £689.48 over the life of the deal from £54.83 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 9?
The Apple iPhone Air has the bigger screen at 6.5" compared to the Google Pixel 9'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 9 has a OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 9?
The Apple iPhone Air features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9 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 9?
The Google Pixel 9 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £331.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone Air and Google Pixel 9?
The Apple iPhone Air is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Google Pixel 9 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone Air and Google Pixel 9 use?
The Apple iPhone Air is powered by the Apple A19 Pro (3 nm), while the Google Pixel 9 uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 9?
It's a trade-off: the Apple iPhone Air is lighter but the Google Pixel 9 is more compact. It's 33g lighter at 165 grams, though the Google Pixel 9 is actually the more compact phone at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, the Apple iPhone Air is slimmer at 5.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 9?
The Apple iPhone Air is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 9 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone Air and Google Pixel 9 run?
The Apple iPhone Air runs Apple iOS and the Google Pixel 9 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.