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

Our verdict: Choosing the Apple iPhone SE (2020) on contract will save you £1047.44 compared to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. Visuals favour the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL — it's both bigger at 6.8" and sharper at 460 PPI. If the camera matters most, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the edge at 50MP. For video calls and selfies, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 42MP front camera.

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
£7.99/mo (£69.00 upfront) £37.00/mo (£399.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£62.00 £429.00
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 £7.99/mo
£69.00 upfront
£37.00/mo
£399.00 upfront
SIM-free £62.00 £429.00
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone SE (2020) or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper on contract at £279.56 over the life of the deal from £7.99 per month with £69.00 upfront.

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 £62.00.

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.