Apple iPhone 17 vs Google Pixel 9a
Our verdict: On contract, the Google Pixel 9a works out £390.15 cheaper overall than the Apple iPhone 17. The Apple iPhone 17 has the sharper display at 458 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Google Pixel 9a starts at £259.99 SIM-free.
Apple iPhone 17
|
Google Pixel 9a
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.3" | 6.3" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits |
| Resolution | 1206 x 2622 | 1080 x 2424 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 421 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 18 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 15 |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and 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/6 tri-band |
| Bluetooth | 6.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 177 grams | 186 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£25.00/mo
£159.00 upfront |
£14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £697.00 | £259.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 9a cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £379.80 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £29.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 9a?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.3", the Apple iPhone 17 has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Apple iPhone 17 uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9a has a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 17 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9a has a 48 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 17 or Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £259.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 17 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 9a use?
The Apple iPhone 17 is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Google Pixel 9a uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 17 is the more portable of the two — it's 9g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm, and is slimmer at 7.95mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 17 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 9a is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 9a run?
The Apple iPhone 17 runs Apple iOS and the Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.