Google’s latest flagship smartphones, the Pixel 9 series, will be going on sale soon. If you’re wondering how the base Pixel 9 stands up against its biggest competitor, the iPhone 15, you’re in the right place. Google Pixels are considered the “iPhones” of the Android smartphone market, but how well does it compare to Apple’s tried-and-tested base iPhone 15, which is essentially cheaper currently? We find out in this comparison.
| Google Pixel 9 |
iPhone 15 | |
| Display | 6.3-inch FHD+ OLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 1080×2424 resolution, 2,700 nits peak brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with 60Hz refresh rate, 2,000-nits peak brightness, Ceramic Shield protection |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Apple A16 Bionic |
| RAM and Storage | 12GB RAM, 256GB storage | 6GB RAM, 128/256/512GB storage |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main with OIS + 48MP ultrawide | 48MP main with OIS + 12MP ultrawide |
| Front camera | 10.5MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 4,700mAh battery, 27W charging | 3,349mAh battery, 20W charging |
| Software | Android 14 | iOS 17 |
| Others | IP68, Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor | IP68, Face ID |
Google Pixel 9 vs iPhone 15: pricing in India
| Google Pixel 9 | iPhone 15 | |
| 128GB | NA | Rs. 79,600 |
| 256GB | Rs 79,999 | Rs 89,600 |
| 512GB | NA | Rs 1,09,600 |
Google Pixel 9 is available in only a single configuration in India, the 256GB model. The brand has opted not to bring the 128GB version to the market, whereas the iPhone 15 is available in 3 storage variants: 128GB, 256GB and 512GB. Both devices start at a very similar price tag, but Pixel 9 offers double the storage at its starting price.
iPhone 15 has been available at heavy discounts for a while, so getting the phone under Rs 70,000 wouldn’t be hard. Google Pixel 9, on the other hand, comes with a cashback and exchange bonus offer as a part of the pre-order and sale period.
Google Pixel 9 vs iPhone 15: display and design
A major advantage of Google Pixel 9’s display is its 120hz refresh rate and support for features such as Always On Display. iPhone 15 still has a dated 60Hz display. Both devices feature a similar design language with a flat frame. iPhone 15 is thinner and lighter at 7.8mm and 171 grams.
Pixel 9 features a glossy back and comes in four colour options: Peony, Wintergreen, Porcelain and Obsidian. iPhone 15 features a matte glass back panel in 5 subtle finishes: Pink, Blue, Black, Green and Yellow.
Google Pixel 9 vs iPhone 15: performance
iPhone 15 features the Apple 16 Bionic silicone, which first debuted with the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022. Even though it’s not the latest chip, it’s said to provide better performance than Google’s Tensor G4, at least based on preliminary benchmarks. However, the Google Pixel 8 has double the RAM with a 12GB module. iPhone 15, on the other hand, offers more storage options from 128GB to 512GB.
Google Pixel 9 vs iPhone 15: cameras
Google Pixel 9 features a 50MP main camera with OIS, while the iPhone 15 has a 48MP sensor. Pixel 9 also features a 48MP ultrawide camera, but you’ll find a 12MP one on the iPhone 15. iPhone 15’s 12MP front camera can record videos in up to 4K/60 resolution. Google has added AI features such as Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, and Photo Unblur to the Pixel 9, which are unavailable on the iPhone 15 due to the lack of Apple Intelligence.
Google Pixel 9 vs iPhone 15: battery and charging
Google promises 24-hour battery life with the Pixel’s 4,700mAh battery pack. iPhone 15 can provide up to 20 hours of video playback with its 3,349mAh battery, as per Apple. However, it’s important to note that iPhones are known to have smaller battery packs but come with better efficiency, and it should not be a problem for the iPhone 15 to last a day.
Both phones support USB Power Delivery charging standard through their USB-C ports. Pixel 9 supports faster 27W charging than the iPhone 15, which maxes out at 20W. iPhone 15 can pull up to 25W during video recording, though.
Google Pixel 9 vs iPhone 15: software
Pixel 9 series is the first lineup of phones from Google to not feature the latest Android OS. Due to the phone’s unusually early launch timeline compared to its predecessor, it comes with last year’s Android 14 in-built. Google is promising seven years of OS, security updates, and feature drops.
iPhone 15 launched last year with iOS 17 out of the box. It is expected to receive iOS 18 this fall, and the device could have another five years of iOS updates left based on past precedents. However, Google stands out with its AI features powered by Gemini, as Apple Intelligence is not coming to the iPhone 15.
