Apple iPhone Air vs Google Pixel 9 Pro

Our verdict: On contract, the Google Pixel 9 Pro works out £44.60 cheaper overall than the Apple iPhone Air. You'll get more screen real estate from the Apple iPhone Air at 6.5", though the Google Pixel 9 Pro is crisper at 497 PPI. Photography fans should note the Google Pixel 9 Pro packs a 50MP main sensor. Selfie fans take note: the Google Pixel 9 Pro has a 42MP front camera.

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)
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
£29.99/mo (£139.00 upfront) £67.33/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£570.00 £382.00
Apple iPhone Air Apple iPhone Air Google Pixel 9 Pro 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)
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 £29.99/mo
£139.00 upfront
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £570.00 £382.00
Deals Deals

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 £842.96 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 £382.00.

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.