Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 Plus
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 9a
Starting at
£265.00
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at
£588.00£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the Google Pixel 9a and iPhone 16 Plus?
Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 9a starts at £265, £323 less than the iPhone 16 Plus. The Google Pixel 9a is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Refresh rate
- Chipset: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9a, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus.
- The Google Pixel 9a has a bigger battery: 5100 mAh vs 4674 mAh.
- The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger screen: 6.7 inch vs 6.3 inch.
Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 Plus specs
The Google Pixel 9a and iPhone 16 Plus differ in key areas that suit different types of users. The Pixel 9a offers a smaller, lighter design with a slightly larger battery and runs on Android, making it a good choice if you prefer that operating system and longer battery capacity. Storage options vary, with the iPhone offering more capacity choices. Both support 5G and have unlocked compatibility, so either can work well depending on your preferences for screen size, operating system, and storage needs.
Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 Plus price
Colour
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Storage
Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and the overall build of the devices.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 9a has a 5100 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 16 Plus's 4674 mAh. This means the Pixel 9a may last longer between charges, suiting users who prioritise extended battery life for heavy daily use.
Operating System
The Pixel 9a runs Android, while the iPhone 16 Plus uses iOS 18. Your choice here depends on which ecosystem and interface you prefer.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 Plus performance
Performance looks at chipset power, RAM, and storage options. Both devices offer 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The choice between the two depends on your preference for chipset and storage capacity.
Chipset Technology
The Google Pixel 9a uses the Google Tensor G4 built on a 4 nm process, while the iPhone 16 Plus features the Apple A18 chipset on a 3 nm process. Both bring efficient performance, but the iPhone's chipset uses a smaller manufacturing process, which may influence efficiency and power management.
Storage Options
The Pixel 9a is stocked with 128GB of storage, suitable for everyday use and moderate media. The iPhone 16 Plus offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, making it better suited for those who need more space for apps, photos, and videos.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 Plus screen
Screen quality affects how you experience media, gaming, and everyday use. Both devices have OLED displays, but their sizes and resolutions differ, influencing how much you see and the sharpness of the image.
Screen Size
The iPhone 16 Plus has a larger 6.7 inch screen, providing more room for video, gaming, and multitasking. The Pixel 9a's 6.3 inch screen is more compact, making it easier to handle and pocket.
Resolution and Display Type
The Pixel 9a features a P-OLED screen with a resolution of 1080 by 2424. The iPhone 16 Plus has a Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a resolution of 1290 by 2796. The iPhone's higher resolution and display type offer sharper images and richer colour, catering to users who want a more detailed and vivid viewing experience.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 Plus camera
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 Plus size and design
This section covers other practical features that may influence your daily experience, like size, weight, connector type, and network compatibility.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Pixel 9a measures 154.7 mm tall, 73.3 mm wide, and 8.9 mm deep, weighing 186 g. The iPhone 16 Plus is taller and wider at 160.9 mm by 77.8 mm, but slimmer at 7.8 mm, and weighs 199 g. The Pixel 9a fits more easily in smaller hands or pockets, while the iPhone offers a larger device with a slimmer profile.
Connector Type
Both phones use USB-C connectors.
Carrier Compatibility and SIM
Both devices are unlocked and support 5G networks. Each accepts a physical SIM card plus eSIM, giving flexibility for different carriers and plans.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 9a or iPhone 16 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 9a if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £265, £323 less than the iPhone 16 Plus
- you want a bigger battery (5100 mAh vs 4674 mAh)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
Buy the iPhone 16 Plus if
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.3 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Google Pixel 9a often praise its battery life and performance, noting the phone feels like new and runs smoothly with no lag. The 8 GB of RAM keeps everyday apps running well, and many appreciate the Android operating system. Some mention it being lighter and easier to handle, while others highlight the smooth buying experience and long software update support. A few users mention setup quirks like language defaults but overall are very satisfied with the phone's condition and value.
Reviews of the iPhone 16 Plus highlight its excellent build quality and near-new condition. Customers appreciate the larger screen and the availability of multiple storage options. Users find the device perfect for iOS fans who want the latest software and a vivid display. Some report minor issues like setup needing an Apple Store visit or occasional glitches. The weight and size suit those comfortable with a larger phone. For many, it feels like a new device with strong performance and battery life.
The Pixel 9a suits those who prefer a lighter, slightly smaller phone with a larger battery and Android experience. The iPhone 16 Plus is ideal if you want a larger, sharper screen, more storage choices, and the iOS system. Both have strong customer satisfaction for condition and usability.
Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 Plus FAQs
Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9a, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus. The Google Pixel 9a has a bigger battery: 5100 mAh vs 4674 mAh.
The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper refurbished, from £265 compared with £588 for the iPhone 16 Plus.
The Google Pixel 9a has a bigger battery: 5100 mAh vs 4674 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 48 megapixels.
The Google Pixel 9a gets updates until Apr 2032. The iPhone 16 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, and the iPhone 16 Plus in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
