Google announced four phones in August that make up its latest flagship series. Pixel 9 for $799 is an entry-level model that will compete with Apple’s $700 iPhone 15, released last year, and other rivals. (Along with the iPhone 16 lineup, the iPhone 15 series will also start at a reduced price.)
Compared to the Pixel 8, the Pixel 9 features a modern design with incremental improvements such as a more pronounced camera bump, more RAM, a larger screen, a slightly larger battery, and a new Tensor G4 processor. . The more notable change is the new introduction of AI across the Pixel 9 lineup, building on last year’s AI capabilities.
read more: Pixel 9 Pro XL review: Google is all about AI, for better or worse
Aside from the distinct experiences that Android and iOS offer, AI capabilities are likely to be the main differentiator between the Pixel 9 and iPhone 15, at least this year. As mentioned earlier, the Pixel 9 comes with new AI features designed to make the lineup more intuitive and useful. For example, Pixel Screenshot lets you ask questions about screenshots on your phone. There’s also an AI-generated weather summary and a new scary feature called Reimagine that lets you transform your photos just by typing a prompt.
Meanwhile, Apple is preparing for the general availability of Apple Intelligence, the iPhone maker’s AI platform, this week. The AI feature suite is expected to debut on the iPhone 16 series and iPhone 15 Pro models, excluding the base iPhone 15 entirely. As part of Apple Intelligence, the iPhone maker promised features such as an upgraded Siri, the option to use OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and an improved Notes app that can generate summaries with AI and transcribe audio in real time. Apart from price, this is probably one of the big differentiators to keep in mind.
The design change also made the Pixel 9 heavier. It weighs 198 grams, which is about 27 grams heavier than the iPhone 15. Due to its heavier construction, the Pixel 9 has a larger screen, while the iPhone 15 has a higher resolution. iPhone 15 also features Dynamic Island, a shape-shifting area at the top of the display that helps you multitask.
New to the Pixel 9 lineup is satellite connectivity, the ability to use satellites to send text messages to emergency responders when there’s no regular airwaves or internet connection. Apple introduced its Emergency SOS system two years ago.
To learn more about how Google’s Pixel 9 differs from the iPhone 15, check out the spec sheet below. You can also read our iPhone 15 review for first-hand insight.
Look at this: Google Pixel 9 review: More AI, a new look, and a higher price
Pixel 9 and iPhone 15
| google pixel 9 | Apple iPhone 15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display size, technology, resolution, and refresh rate | 6.3 inch OLED. 2,424×1,080 pixels. Variable refresh rate from 60 to 120 Hz | 6.1 inch OLED. 2,556×1,179 pixels |
| pixel density | 422ppi | 460ppi |
| Dimensions (inch) | 6×2.8×0.3 inch | 2.82 x 5.81 x 0.31 inch |
| Dimensions (mm) | 152.8×72×8.5mm | 71.6×147.6×7.8mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 198g (7oz) | 171g (6.02oz) |
| mobile software | android 14 | iOS17 |
| camera | 50 megapixels (wide), 48 megapixels (ultrawide) | 48 megapixels (wide), 12 megapixels (ultrawide) |
| front camera | 10.5 million pixels | 12 megapixel |
| video capture | 4K | 4K |
| processor | Google tensor G4 | A16 Bionic |
| RAM/Storage | 12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| expandable storage | none | none |
| battery | 4,700mAh | Unreleased; Apple claims up to 20 hours of video playback (16 hours of streaming) |
| fingerprint sensor | On display | None (face recognition) |
| connector | USB-C | USB-C (USB2.0) |
| headphone jack | none | none |
| special features | Satellite SOS; 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel feature retirement. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass; IP68 dustproof and waterproof performance. 2,700 nits peak brightness. 45W fast charging (charger not included). 15W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (2nd generation). 12W wireless Qi charging. Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7. NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; Dual SIM (eSIM + nano SIM); Add me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor | dynamic island. 5G (mmw/Sub6); MagSafe; Water resistant (IP68). Wireless charging; eSIM; satellite connectivity |
| US prices start at | $799 (128GB) | $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB) |
| UK prices start from | Convert to £637 (128GB) | £799 (128GB), £899 (256GB), £1,099 (512GB) |
| Australian prices start from | Convert to AU$1,211 (128GB) | AU$1,499 (128GB), AU$1,699 (256GB), AU$2,049 (512GB) |
