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Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16

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Google Pixel 9a

Starting at

£265.00
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iPhone 16

Starting at

£577.65£699.00 new
See options
(100 reviews)
(451 reviews)

What's the difference between the Google Pixel 9a and iPhone 16?

Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 9a starts at £265, £312.65 less than the iPhone 16. The Google Pixel 9a is the newer model, released in 2025.

Refurbished from

£265£577.65

Chipset

Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)Apple A18 (3 nm)

Battery

5100 mAh3561 mAh

Screen size

6.3 inch6.1 inch

Screen type

P-OLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED

Refresh rate

120 Hz60 Hz
  • Chipset: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9a, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16.
  • The Google Pixel 9a has a bigger battery: 5100 mAh vs 3561 mAh.
  • The Google Pixel 9a has a bigger screen: 6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch.

Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 specs

The Google Pixel 9a and iPhone 16 differ in several areas that suit different types of users. The Pixel 9a offers a larger battery and screen, making it suitable for those who prioritise longer use and a more spacious display. It runs Android with a Google Tensor G4 chipset, while the iPhone 16 uses iOS 18 and an Apple A18 chip. Photographers might prefer the Pixel 9a's triple rear camera and higher resolution front camera, while the iPhone 16 has a slightly sharper screen in a smaller size. Storage options vary, with the iPhone 16 offering more choices. The Pixel 9a is a bit heavier and larger, while the iPhone 16 is slimmer and lighter. Each phone fits different preferences in performance, display, and camera features.

Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 price

Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 battery life and software updates

Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design. Battery size and dimensions differ, which affects daily use and handling.

Battery Capacity

The Google Pixel 9a has a 5100 mAh battery, which suits users who want longer battery life between charges. The iPhone 16 has a 3561 mAh battery, which can be enough for typical daily use but may require more frequent charging for heavy users.

Software Updates

The Pixel 9a runs Android, while the iPhone 16 runs iOS 18, so your choice depends on which operating system you prefer.

Physical Size and Weight

The Pixel 9a measures 154.7 mm in height, 73.3 mm wide, and weighs 186 g. The iPhone 16 is smaller and lighter at 147.6 mm tall, 71.6 mm wide, and 170 g. Those who prefer a more compact and lighter phone might lean towards the iPhone 16.

Battery

5100 mAh3561 mAh

Fast charging

23 WN/A

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

IP68IP68

OS at launch

N/AiOS 18

Software updates

Until Apr 2032Supported, up to iOS 27

Wireless charging

YesYes

Year of release

20252024

Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 performance

Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage. Both phones have 8 GB of RAM, keeping everyday apps running smoothly. Their chipsets and storage options cater to different preferences and needs.

Chipset

The Pixel 9a uses the Google Tensor G4 built on a 4 nm process, while the iPhone 16 features the Apple A18 on a 3 nm process. Each chipset is designed to optimise its phone's performance and software, so your choice may depend on whether you prefer Android or iOS.

Storage Options

The Pixel 9a comes with 128GB of storage, which suits users with moderate storage needs. The iPhone 16 offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, catering to those who want extra space for apps, media, and files.

Chipset

Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)Apple A18 (3 nm)

RAM

8 GB8 GB

Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 screen

Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with your phone. The Pixel 9a has a larger screen with a slightly lower resolution, while the iPhone 16 offers a smaller but sharper display with a different screen technology.

Screen Size and Resolution

The Pixel 9a has a 6.3 inch screen with a resolution of 1080x2424, providing a spacious display for watching videos and browsing. The iPhone 16 has a 6.1 inch screen and a resolution of 1179x2556, offering a slightly sharper image in a more compact size.

Screen Type

The Pixel 9a uses a P-OLED screen, which delivers vibrant colours and good contrast. The iPhone 16 features a Super Retina XDR OLED display, designed for bright, detailed visuals that suit viewing in various lighting conditions.

Refresh rate

120 Hz60 Hz

Resolution

1080x24241179 x 2556

Screen size

6.3 inch6.1 inch

Screen type

P-OLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED

Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 camera

Audiovisual features focus on camera setups and front camera resolution, influencing photography and video calls. Each phone has different camera configurations that appeal to different users.

Rear Camera Setup

The Pixel 9a has a triple rear camera system, which offers more versatility for photography with different lenses. The iPhone 16 has a dual camera setup, which covers essential photography needs in a simpler form.

Front Camera Resolution

The Pixel 9a's front camera is 13 megapixels, suitable for detailed selfies and video calls. The iPhone 16 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which also delivers clear and sharp images for everyday use.

Camera type

Triple (3x)Dual camera

Front camera

13 megapixels12 megapixels

Main camera

48 megapixels48 megapixels

Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 size and design

Miscellaneous details cover connectivity, physical design, and compatibility. These influence how the phone fits in daily life and what accessories you might use.

Connector Type

Both phones use USB-C connectors. The Pixel 9a's USB-C connector does not specify a version.

SIM and Network

Both phones support 5G networks and include a physical SIM plus eSIM, allowing flexible carrier options for users who switch networks or travel.

Physical Dimensions

With a depth of 8.9 mm, the Pixel 9a is thicker than the iPhone 16, which measures 7.8 mm. The Pixel 9a is also heavier at 186 g versus 170 g for the iPhone 16. These differences may affect how the phones feel in your hand or pocket.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-CUSB-C

Depth

8.9 mm7.8 mm

Height

154.7 mm147.6 mm

Mobile network

5G5G

Release date

10 April 202520 September 2024

SD card slot

NoNo

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

185.9 g170 g

Width

73.3 mm71.6 mm

Google Pixel 9a or iPhone 16: which should you buy?

Buy the Google Pixel 9a if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £265, £312.65 less than the iPhone 16
  • you want a bigger battery (5100 mAh vs 3561 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch)

Buy the iPhone 16 if

  • you want a lighter build (170 g vs 185.9 g)

What our customers say

Customers buying the Google Pixel 9a appreciate its condition, often saying it looks like new and performs well. They highlight good battery life and smooth performance with the Android system. Some mention the phone's larger battery and longer use between charges. A few customers found setup easy, while others noted some initial language setup quirks. The camera and call quality receive positive comments, and many value the long software update support. A few customers found the price or unlocking process less straightforward, but most are happy with the purchase and recommend the phone.

iPhone 16 customers praise the phone's excellent condition, often noting batteries at full health and screens without scratches. Many appreciate the smooth performance, good battery life, and the feel of a device that looks like new. The iPhone 16 is seen as a reliable, good-quality device, with some customers happy with larger storage options. The screen and camera receive praise for quality, and the phone's size and design are found appealing. A few customers mention very positive experiences with the phone's condition, while a small number report minor battery or screen issues.

Overall, the Pixel 9a is suited for users who want a larger screen, longer battery life, and Android features. The iPhone 16 suits those preferring a compact design, sharper display, and iOS with multiple storage options. Both phones satisfy customers looking for a like-new refurbished device with reliable performance.

Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 FAQs

Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9a, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16. The Google Pixel 9a has a bigger battery: 5100 mAh vs 3561 mAh.

The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper refurbished, from £265 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 16.

The Google Pixel 9a has a bigger battery: 5100 mAh vs 3561 mAh.

Both have the same main camera: 48 megapixels.

The Google Pixel 9a gets updates until Apr 2032. The iPhone 16 is still supported and can run iOS 27.

Refurbished, the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, and the iPhone 16 in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.

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