Apple iPhone Air vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Our Verdict: If you are choosing between Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Apple iPhone Air, display quality is the main reason to lean one way. The Pixel has a larger 6.8-inch screen, its LTPO AMOLED panel, and a higher-resolution 42MP front camera; 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 Pixel is the Android choice, while the iPhone keeps you in Apple's iOS ecosystem. 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 £855 all-in, about £410 less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Expert Rating
3.9
12 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen
6.5" 6.8"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO AMOLED
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch
444 460
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 5,060 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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) £49.00/mo (£39.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£599.99 £368.00
Apple iPhone Air Apple iPhone Air Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Expert Rating 3.9
12 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen 6.5" 6.8"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO AMOLED
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch 444 460
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 5,060 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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
£49.00/mo
£39.00 upfront
SIM-free £599.99 £368.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone Air
Apple iPhone Air

12 Months

256GB

Sky Blue

3GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£70.97 per month, with FREE phone.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

24 Months

512GB

Hazel

Unlimited

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£49 per month, £39 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone Air is cheaper on contract at £854.64 over the life of the deal from £70.97 per month with £0.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone Air's 6.5", the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 444, and the Apple iPhone Air uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a LTPO AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone Air features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9 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 9 Pro XL?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £368.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone Air and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone Air is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone Air and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL use?

The Apple iPhone Air is powered by the Apple A19 Pro (3 nm), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

It's a trade-off: the Apple iPhone Air is lighter but the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is more compact. It's 34g lighter at 165 grams, though the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 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 XL?

The Apple iPhone Air is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 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 XL run?

The Apple iPhone Air runs Apple iOS and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 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.