Apple iPhone SE (2020) vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Our verdict: Both screen size and sharpness go to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, with a 6.8" display at 460 PPI. Photography fans should note the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL packs a 50MP main sensor. Up front, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL wins with a 42MP selfie camera. Portability goes to the Apple iPhone SE (2020) at 148g.

Expert Rating
4.2
25 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen
4.7" 6.8"
Display
Retina HD display LTPO AMOLED
Resolution
1334 x 750 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch
326 460
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
7 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Storage
64GB, 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS
Apple iOS Android 14
SIM Type
Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 4G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight
148 grams 199 grams
Water Resistance
IP67 - Dust and water resistant IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£49.00/mo (£39.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£64.00 £441.99
Apple iPhone SE (2020) Apple iPhone SE (2020) Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Expert Rating 4.2
25 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen 4.7" 6.8"
Display Retina HD display LTPO AMOLED
Resolution 1334 x 750 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch 326 460
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 7 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Storage 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS Apple iOS Android 14
SIM Type Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 4G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight 148 grams 199 grams
Water Resistance IP67 - Dust and water resistant IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £49.00/mo
£39.00 upfront
SIM-free £64.00 £441.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone SE (2020)'s 4.7", the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 326, and the Apple iPhone SE (2020) uses a Retina HD display panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a LTPO AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) features a 12 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 SE (2020) or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £64.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone SE (2020) and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone SE (2020) and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL use?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is powered by the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is the more portable of the two — it's 51g lighter at 148 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm, and is slimmer at 7.3mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant, 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 SE (2020) and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL run?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) 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.