Apple iPhone 15 Pro vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 22, 2023 August 22, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 85.9 cm³ 106 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.26 "/g 3.08 "/g
Weight 187 g 221 g
Height 146.6 mm 162.8 mm
Width 70.6 mm 76.6 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black Titanium
  • White Titanium
  • Blue Titanium
  • Natural Titanium
  • Obsidian
  • Hazel
  • Porcelain
  • Rose Quartz

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1179 x 2556 1344 x 2992
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88.2 % 89.4 %
Pixel Density 461 PPI 486 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 1000 nits N/A
HBM Brightness 2000 nits 2000 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 3000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 87.99 mAh/in² 109.43 mAh/in²
Battery Density 38.11 mAh/cm³ 47.74 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3274 mAh 5060 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz) Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Apple GPU (6-core graphics) Mali-G715 MC7

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 3.2
OTG Support
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.2, Gen 2, DisplayPort USB Type-C 3.2

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 17 14
Maximum OS Version 18 21

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 15 ProGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XLPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions146.6x70.6x8.3mm162.8x76.6x8.5mmPixel 9 Pro XL is significantly larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use.
Weight187g221giPhone 15 Pro is noticeably lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
Build MaterialsUnspecifiedUnspecifiedMaterial choice impacts durability and premium feel; information is lacking for a complete comparison.
Display
Size6.1"6.8"Pixel offers a larger screen for more immersive media consumption and multitasking, while the iPhone prioritizes portability.
TypeLTPO Super Retina XDR OLEDLTPO OLEDBoth are high-quality displays with variable refresh rates for power efficiency. Specific differences in color accuracy and sharpness are unclear without further data.
Resolution1179x25561344x2992Pixel has a higher resolution, but the practical difference in sharpness may be minimal due to the iPhone's smaller screen size resulting in a higher pixel density.
Peak Brightness2000 nits (HBM)3000 nits (peak)Pixel's higher peak brightness improves outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Performance
ChipsetApple A17 Pro (3 nm)Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)A17 Pro is expected to offer superior performance and efficiency due to its more advanced manufacturing process, but real-world benchmarks are needed for confirmation. Tensor G4 is likely optimized for AI and machine learning tasks.
CPUHexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz)Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520)Core counts and clock speeds don't directly translate to real-world performance; OS optimization and architecture play significant roles.
GPUApple GPU (6-core graphics)Mali-G715 MC7Gaming and graphics-intensive tasks will likely perform differently, but concrete comparisons require benchmarks.
RAM8GB16GBPixel's larger RAM capacity should allow for better multitasking and app switching, keeping more apps in memory.
Battery
Capacity3274 mAh5060 mAhPixel's significantly larger battery likely translates to much longer battery life.
Camera
DetailsLimited InformationLimited InformationInsufficient detail to compare camera quality. Sensor size, aperture, and software processing significantly impact image quality.
VideoUp to 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fpsUp to 8K@30fps, 1080p@240fpsBoth offer similar slow-motion capabilities. Pixel can record in 8K, but file sizes will be significantly larger, and practical benefits depend on display and usage scenarios.

2. Key Differences Analysis

iPhone 15 Pro Advantages:

  • More Compact and Lightweight: Easier to handle and carry.
  • Potentially Faster Performance: A17 Pro chip's advanced process suggests a performance advantage.

Pixel 9 Pro XL Advantages:

  • Larger Display: More immersive for media and multitasking.
  • Significantly Larger Battery: Longer usage time between charges.
  • More RAM: Better multitasking and app performance.
  • Higher Peak Brightness: Improved outdoor visibility.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

iPhone 15 Pro: Users who prioritize a compact, lightweight phone with potentially superior performance and a premium iOS experience.

Pixel 9 Pro XL: Users who prefer a large screen for media consumption, gaming, and productivity, value long battery life, and appreciate the flexibility of Android. Also suitable for users who prioritize RAM for multitasking.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. What screen size do you prefer? Compact or large?
  2. How important is battery life?
  3. Which operating system (iOS or Android) do you prefer?

My Choice: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

While the iPhone 15 Pro likely offers a performance advantage and a more refined design, the Pixel 9 Pro XL's significantly larger battery, bigger display for media consumption and productivity, and double the RAM for seamless multitasking are more compelling to me. The brighter display is also a significant advantage for outdoor use. As someone who prioritizes practicality and productivity, the Pixel 9 Pro XL better fits my needs. The larger size and weight are trade-offs I'm willing to accept for the benefits it offers. Furthermore, Android's open ecosystem and customization options are preferable to me.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.