require a high - power flagship smartphone that does n’t fall apart the bank ? You ’re not lacking in option , and there ’s now one more to pick from . The recent Made by Google event introduced us to theGoogle Pixel 9 , Google ’s basic flagship phone with a new mainframe , a topnotch - strong photographic camera , and more AI smart than you may shake up a reefer at .
But what about your other options?TheApple iPhone 15fills a similar function in Apple ’s in vogue iPhone lineup , and it , too , has a substantial processor , capable television camera , and a whole clump of AI features . They’re even price similarly . So , if you ’re looking to buy one or the other , you should probably be at least considering the other one . But which one is better for you ? We film a look to find out .
Google Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 15: specs
Front : 10.5MP
Front : 12MP
Front : Up to 4 K at 60 Federal Protective Service
Pixel 9 in PeonyJoe Maring / Digital Trends
27W fast charging
15W fast wireless charging
Battery Share
iPhone 15Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends
quick charging
Fast wireless charge 2.0 ( 15W )
change by reversal wireless charging ( 4.5W )
Google Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 15: design and display
These are two very unlike - appear phones , at least from behind . The iPhone 15 will in all likelihood be like a shot placeable for most , with a diagonally placed camera system in the top - left corner and a discretely placed Apple logotype in the center of the back . It ’s sleek and minimalist and rather different from what Google offer .
The Pixel 9 has a discrete Google logotype in the heart , like the iPhone , but the top of the phone is dominated by the redesign camera bar . or else of running the breadth of the phone , the camera bar now has attack edges that barricade before the final stage . It ’s still obviously a Pixel phone , though , and it ’s a fun twist for the formula .
We ’ve only had a couple of hours ofhands - on sentence with the Pixel 9 , but what stand up out from the spec tack is howheavythat phone seems to be . It has a 6.3 - inch display , putting it into a standardized size square bracket as the iPhone 15 and other earpiece like theGalaxy S24 . But for some reason , the Pixel 9 is significantly heavier , rocking the scales at almost 200 grams . That ’s close to the heft of the 6.7 - inchGalaxy S24 Plus . Thankfully , at least during our brief hands - on time , it does n’t make the telephone set feel too unmanageable .
Speaking of the displays , you ’ll be happy to note they ’re both beautiful . As usual for flagship phone now , there are OLED panels here : the aforementioned 6.3 - in Actua display on the Pixel 9 and a 6.2 - inch Super Retina XDR on the iPhone 15 . The iPhone 15 is slimly abrupt , but the Pixel 9 gets a big reward with a refresh rate up to 120Hz . Meanwhile , the iPhone 15 is stuck at just 60Hz .
Both are also probable to be quite durable . Both have deoxyephedrine backs , and there ’s only so much enduringness that can be squeezed out of that fabric . However , both have IP68 ratings for detritus and water , so you may be fairly trusted they ’re proofed against drops in the pool or bath — but void taking them out for a swim because prolong ducking increase the risk of damage .
Where does this leave us ? It ’s a very close call . Design is always go to be a personal call , so we lean not to weigh the decision too much on that . However , the Pixel 9 ’s increase refresh pace is a braggart advantage . For the minute , that ’s extend to swing out it for us .
Winner : Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 15: performance and battery
It should come as no surprise that these are two gamey - power twist . The Pixel 9 employ the Google Tensor G4 , Google ’s late flagship processor , and while we have n’t had much time to screen it out , it ’s probable to be a powerful man of tech . It ’s generally based on Samsung ’s Exynos 2400 , the processor you ’ll find in non - U.S. version of the Galaxy S24 range . We can ask the Pixel 9 to be snappy and quick .
But will it be faster than the iPhone 15 ? Apple ’s processors have generally had a superpower advantage over equivalent Android chip , but the iPhone 15 is equipped with 2023 ’s flagship poker chip , which does rarify matters more or less . But really , the deviation between this yr ’s and last class ’s chips is small now , so the iPhone 15 is plenty tight . Is it faster than the Pixel 9 ? We ’ll have to look until we ’ve had time with the Google phone to say for sure , but we wager it wo n’t find much unlike in tangible - life employment .
What about electric battery liveliness ? The iPhone 15 ’s battery is hearty , but it ’s not much more than a one - day affair . The Pixel 9 ’s bombardment is young , but if it ’s anything like thePixel 8 , then you ’re probably looking at anywhere from a solar day to a day and a half . The Pixel 9 ’s battery is large , though , so that may translate to better seniority .
Charging speed is also the same , as both telephone set can commove at 27W at max . That ’s far from the fastest flagship phone charging available and not really what we ’d take for satisfactory in 2024 , but it means the two phone are neck - and - neck opening in this esteem .
Much of this is based on guesswork for the present moment . Until we ’ve had time to really put the Pixel 9 through its paces , we ’re calling this one a draw ,
Winner : wed
Google Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 15: cameras
These two may be on the lower end of their several flagship ranges , but their tv camera are anything but . The iPhone 15 has a dual - electron lens camera organization around the back , composed of a 48 - megapixel primary lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens . They produce first-class nip , even though the want of a telephotograph lens of the eye mean it does n’t have the versatility of the more expensiveiPhone 15 ProoriPhone 15 Pro Max .
The Pixel 9 has a similar setup , but Google has really push the boat out this year . A 50MP main lens joins a 48MP ultrawide lens , and this 2d crystalline lens could make all the difference . The 12MP ultrawide lense on the Pixel 8 was a bit of a letdown , so Google is likely hoping the new 48MP lens will make all the divergence . Regardless , the Pixel 9 is very likely to be a very strong performing artist in this area .
How will they fare in a point - to - read/write head ? frankly , we ca n’t say until we ’ve had a chance to toy with them , so for the moment , we ’re keeping this as a tie-up .
Google Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 15: software and updates
The El Classico of the smartphone world , these two phones pit Android against iOS in a battle for the geezerhood . But weirdly , there ’s not actually that fully grown a gap between the two piece of software system . The two operating system have grown from being very unlike indeed to quite standardised in a deal of way . While there are still a lot of sphere where they take issue , this is more personal taste than anything else . honestly , you believably already experience if you wish one more than the other , or you ’re probably already intemperately embedded in one ecosystem over another .
It used to be that Apple was the king of update , but in late year have threatened to remove its pennant . Apple does n’t make promises about how long its devices will get update , but it tends to keep updating for a long time — and it used to be it would put Android to disgrace here . But that ’s no longer the case , with Google now promising seven years of updates for its new Pixels , couch it on an even foot up with Apple .
There ’s not really much to furcate them here ; this is a tie .
Google Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 15: special features
AI is the big raw cant in the mobile blank , and the Google Pixel 9 does n’t leave us wanting in this heed . Google ’s Gemini AIis built into the DNA of the Pixel 9 , and as a result , this phone has alotof AI feature going for it . Pixel 9 possessor will get a class ofGemini Advancedaccess for free , and they ’ll also get Gemini Live as their default digital assistant on the new Pixels . you’re able to change back to the Google Assistant if you want to , but yield Gemini ’s position as a big upgrade , you may not want to .
This , and a bit of other AI feature article , head Google ’s selling campaign for the Pixel 9 range . Does the iPhone 15 have anything remotely similar ? Well , Apple will be launchingApple IntelligencewithiOS 18 , but it ’s not coming to the iPhone 15 due to the superannuated processor . This is a big nose candy for the headphone , as it means it wo n’t be supporting an enormous jump in AI like many other phones will be . While the iPhone 15 still has look ID , Animojis , and other exceptional features , it ’s not enough to take on the Pixel .
Google Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 15: price and availability
The Google Pixel 9 is presently available for preorder , and units will transport later this month . price start from $ 799 , and the phone will be available from jolly much anywhere you may buy smartphones .
The Apple iPhone 15 is the same , but even more so . Anyone who sells phones either sells the iPhone or wants to , so you should n’t have any problem finding it . Prices bulge from $ 800 , and the phone is currently available .
Google Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 15: verdict
TheGoogle Pixel 9leads the battle in two category to one , but it ’s important to note that this equivalence is based on a limited amount of fourth dimension with the Pixel 9 . There are still so many areas where the Pixel 9 is just untested , and so while we ’ve adjudicate to verify we ’re bringing our very best analysis , a certain amount is establish on the former performance of the Pixel phone and could simply turn out to be amiss .
Plus , a pile of the categories have been decided on a fairly narrow margin , with either earpiece tending tojustcome out on top . That ’s a good mansion because it means both phones are fair well - matched and will likely both be first-class . Ultimately , though , the Pixel 9 right now , before revaluation arrive out , is a bit of a gamble . Google tend to put out good earpiece , but sometimes it does slip up . Remember the software issue that chivy the Pixel 8 ? Or the rather disappointing Pixel 7 Pro ? TheiPhone 15is a hearty and honest phone , and is in all likelihood the better of the two choices mightily now .
Could that change ? Absolutely , and we ’ll be back once we ’ve had more time with the Google Pixel 9 to let you know for sure .
