Apple iPhone Air vs Google Pixel 9 Pro
Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9 Pro has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, plus a 42MP selfie camera against 18MP, and the Pixel 9 Pro packs the bigger battery, 4700mAh against 3149mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The Apple iPhone Air has the bigger screen at 6.5" against 6.3", while the Pixel 9 Pro has the sharper one at 497 PPI, and the iPhone Air offers up to 1TB of storage versus 512GB on the Pixel 9 Pro. The Pixel 9 Pro doesn't just win on price; it holds its own on specs too, which makes it the easy pick unless something specific draws you to the iPhone Air.
Total contract costs are about level, around £848 for either phone.
12 reviews 4.4
11 reviews
Apple iPhone Air
|
Google Pixel 9 Pro
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.9 12 reviews |
4.4 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.5" | 6.3" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1206 x 2622 | 1280 x 2856 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 444 | 497 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 18 Megapixels | 42 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 3,149 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| 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, aptX HD |
| Dimensions | 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 165 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 |
£70.97/mo
£0.00 upfront |
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £599.99 | £390.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 9 Pro cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is cheaper on contract at £847.96 over the life of the deal from £67.33 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 9 Pro?
The Apple iPhone Air has the bigger screen at 6.5" compared to the Google Pixel 9 Pro's 6.3", the Google Pixel 9 Pro has the sharper display at 497 pixels per inch versus 444, and the Apple iPhone Air uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro has a LTPO AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 9 Pro?
The Apple iPhone Air features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro 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 Pro?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £390.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone Air and Google Pixel 9 Pro?
The Apple iPhone Air is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone Air and Google Pixel 9 Pro use?
The Apple iPhone Air is powered by the Apple A19 Pro (3 nm), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 9 Pro?
It's a trade-off: the Apple iPhone Air is lighter but the Google Pixel 9 Pro is more compact. It's 34g lighter at 165 grams, though the Google Pixel 9 Pro 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 Pro?
The Apple iPhone Air is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro 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 Pro run?
The Apple iPhone Air runs Apple iOS and the Google Pixel 9 Pro 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.