Apple iPhone Air vs Google Pixel 9a
Our verdict: On contract, the Google Pixel 9a works out £381.24 cheaper overall than the Apple iPhone Air. The Apple iPhone Air wins on display with a bigger 6.5" screen and a sharper 444 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Google Pixel 9a starts at £259.99 SIM-free. The Apple iPhone Air gives you more flexibility with 3 storage options to choose from.
Apple iPhone Air
|
Google Pixel 9a
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.5" | 6.3" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits |
| Resolution | 1206 x 2622 | 1080 x 2424 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 444 | 421 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 18 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 15 |
| 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/6 tri-band |
| Bluetooth | 6.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 165 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 |
£29.99/mo
£159.00 upfront |
£14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £645.99 | £259.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone Air 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 Air or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone Air has the bigger screen at 6.5" compared to the Google Pixel 9a's 6.3", the Apple iPhone Air has the sharper display at 444 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Apple iPhone Air 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 Air or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone Air 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 Air 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 Air and Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone Air is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone Air and Google Pixel 9a use?
The Apple iPhone Air is powered by the Apple A19 Pro (3 nm), while the Google Pixel 9a uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 9a?
It's a trade-off: the Apple iPhone Air is lighter but the Google Pixel 9a is more compact. It's 21g lighter at 165 grams, though the Google Pixel 9a is actually the more compact phone at 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm, the Apple iPhone Air is slimmer at 5.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone Air or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone Air 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 Air and Google Pixel 9a run?
The Apple iPhone Air 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.