iPhone 15 vs Google Pixel 9
Short answer: buy the Google Pixel 9 if you want a 120Hz screen, a much bigger battery, a 48MP ultra-wide, Google's photo processing and seven years of Android updates in a box pack phone. Buy the iPhone 15 if you prefer iOS, want more consistent video and better resale value, and are happy with a used unit. The Pixel is the newer phone with more hardware; the iPhone wins on video and ecosystem.
Updated 11 November 2026
Design and build
The Pixel 9 has a flat aluminium frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides and the pill-shaped camera bar. It weighs about 198 g. The iPhone 15 has an aluminium frame, colour-infused matte glass back and Ceramic Shield, and is lighter at about 171 g. Both are IP68.
The iPhone 15 keeps the Ring/Silent switch. The Pixel has just power and volume keys. Both have flat sides and feel solid.
Display
The Pixel 9 has a 6.3 inch Actua OLED at 1080 x 2424 with 60–120Hz and up to 2700 nits peak. The iPhone 15 has a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED at 1179 x 2556 with Dynamic Island, 60Hz and up to 2000 nits outdoors.
The Pixel's 120Hz makes scrolling much smoother, and its screen is brighter and a little bigger. This round goes clearly to the Pixel.
Performance and chipset
The iPhone 15 uses the A16 Bionic (4 nm). The Pixel 9 uses Google's Tensor G4 (4 nm). The A16 is still faster in heavy games and runs cooler under load, while the Tensor G4 is tuned for AI features like Call Screen, voice typing, Magic Editor and Gemini.
For daily apps both are fast. Gamers who play PUBG Mobile for hours will find the iPhone holds steadier performance; the Pixel can get warm in Pakistani summers.
Cameras
The Pixel 9 has a 50MP main camera with OIS and a 48MP ultra-wide, plus a 10.5MP autofocus selfie camera. The iPhone 15 has a 48MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide and a 12MP selfie camera.
For photos, especially at night and of people, the Pixel is excellent and adds tools like Best Take and Add Me. Its ultra-wide is sharper too. For video, the iPhone 15 is more stable and consistent, with 4K 60fps Dolby Vision. The Pixel also records 4K 60fps.
Battery and charging
The Pixel 9 has a 4700 mAh battery against 3349 mAh on the iPhone 15, so it lasts noticeably longer on a full charge. It charges at 27W wired and 15W wireless, with reverse wireless charging for earbuds.
The iPhone 15 reaches about 50% in 30 minutes wired and supports 15W MagSafe and Qi2. Neither phone comes with a charger in the box.
Specs side by side
- Chipset: A16 Bionic (4 nm) vs Tensor G4 (4 nm)
- Display: 6.1 inch 60Hz OLED vs 6.3 inch 120Hz OLED
- Peak brightness: 2000 nits vs 2700 nits
- Main camera: 48MP vs 50MP OIS
- Ultra-wide: 12MP vs 48MP
- Front camera: 12MP vs 10.5MP autofocus
- Battery: 3349 mAh vs 4700 mAh
- Charging: fast wired, 15W MagSafe vs 27W wired, 15W wireless
- Weight: 171 g vs 198 g
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 7
- Launch software: iOS 17 vs Android 14
Software and updates
Google promises seven years of Android and security updates for the Pixel 9 from its August 2024 launch. The iPhone 15 launched with iOS 17 in September 2023 and Apple usually supports iPhones for six years or more. The Pixel 9 will be supported longer and has Gemini built in; the iPhone 15 does not support Apple Intelligence.
Non PTA and SIM notes in Pakistan
Our iPhone 15 units are slightly used Non PTA phones with 100% battery health and original IMEIs. A Non PTA iPhone is not registered with PTA's DIRBS, so a local SIM works only for a limited time unless you register it and pay the PTA tax. Wi-Fi and every other feature work normally. Read our Non PTA guide (What Is a Non PTA Mobile? Everything You Should Know).
Google does not sell the Pixel officially in Pakistan. Our Pixel 9 is a Non Custom box pack unit and is PTA Patch Approved, so a local SIM works. It has a nano-SIM plus eSIM; US iPhone 15 units are eSIM only.
Who should buy which
Buy the Pixel 9 if you want a newer phone with a smooth 120Hz screen, better battery, top photo processing and seven years of updates.
Buy the iPhone 15 if you shoot lots of video, play heavy games, already use an iPad or Mac, or care about resale value. The current price of each model is shown on its page.
