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

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 22, 2023 September 9, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 82.43 cm³ 93.51 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.57 "/g 3.17 "/g
Weight 171 g 199 g
Height 147.6 mm 152.8 mm
Width 71.6 mm 72 mm
Thickness 7.8 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Pink
  • Obsidian
  • Hazel
  • Porcelain
  • Rose Quartz

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.3 "
Resolution 1179 x 2556 1280 x 2856
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 86.4 % 86.9 %
Pixel Density 461 PPI 495 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1000 nits 2000 nits
Peak Brightness 2000 nits 3000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 90.00 mAh/in² 118.42 mAh/in²
Battery Density 40.63 mAh/cm³ 50.26 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3349 mAh 4700 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth) Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Apple GPU (5-core graphics) Mali-G715 MC7

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, 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 15Google Pixel 9 ProPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mmPixel 9 Pro is noticeably larger and thicker. iPhone 15 is more pocketable.
Weight171g199giPhone 15 is significantly lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
Build MaterialsNot specifiedNot specifiedCannot compare build quality and durability without material information.
Display
Size6.1"6.3"Pixel 9 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for media consumption.
TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDLTPO OLEDBoth are high-quality displays, but LTPO on the Pixel allows for variable refresh rate, potentially saving battery.
Resolution1179 x 25561280 x 2856Pixel 9 Pro has a sharper display due to higher resolution and pixel density.
Refresh RateNot specified120Hz120Hz on Pixel 9 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations. Lack of information for iPhone 15 prevents comparison.
Peak Brightness2000 nits3000 nitsPixel 9 Pro should offer better visibility in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetApple A16 Bionic (4 nm)Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)Both are powerful chips, but real-world performance depends on optimization. A16 has a proven track record.
CPUHexa-coreOcta-coreCore count alone doesn't determine performance; architecture and clock speeds matter more. Detailed benchmarks are needed for accurate comparison.
GPUApple GPU (5-core)Mali-G715 MC7Gaming and graphics-intensive tasks might perform differently. Specific GPU benchmarks are needed for comparison.
RAM6GB16GBPixel 9 Pro's significantly higher RAM allows for better multitasking and app retention.
Storage256GB/512GB256GB/512GB/1000GBPixel 9 Pro offers a 1TB storage option for users needing ample space.
Battery
Capacity3349 mAh4700 mAhPixel 9 Pro likely offers significantly longer battery life.
Charging SpeedNot specifiedNot specifiedCannot compare charging speeds without specific data.

2. Key Differences Analysis

iPhone 15 Advantages:

  • Potentially More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and carry.
  • Established A16 Bionic Chip: Proven performance and efficiency.
  • iOS Ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple devices.

Pixel 9 Pro Advantages:

  • Larger, Sharper, and Brighter Display: More immersive media consumption and better outdoor visibility.
  • 120Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother user interface and animations.
  • Significantly Larger Battery: Potentially much longer battery life.
  • More RAM: Superior multitasking and app performance.
  • More Storage Options: Up to 1TB for power users.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

iPhone 15: Users prioritizing a compact, lightweight phone within the Apple ecosystem. Ideal for users who value one-handed usability and seamless integration with other Apple devices.

Pixel 9 Pro: Users who prioritize a large, high-quality display, long battery life, and smooth performance. Suitable for power users, mobile gamers, and those who consume a lot of media on their phones. Also ideal for Android enthusiasts who value a "pure" Google experience and timely OS updates.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What screen size and quality do you prefer? Larger display with higher refresh rate (Pixel) vs. more compact size (iPhone).
  2. How important is battery life? Pixel 9 Pro likely has a significant advantage here.
  3. What operating system and ecosystem are you invested in?

My Choice

I would choose the Pixel 9 Pro. While the iPhone 15 likely offers a more compact and refined design, the Pixel 9 Pro's advantages in display quality, battery life, performance (due to significantly higher RAM), and the flexibility of the Android OS outweigh the iPhone's strengths for my personal needs. I value a smooth, responsive experience, a large screen for media consumption, and long battery life, making the Pixel 9 Pro a better fit. The higher RAM on the Pixel is a critical factor for ensuring smooth performance over time. While the A16 is a powerful chip, 6GB of RAM can become limiting with demanding applications and multitasking, especially in the longer term.

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.