Now that Google’s new Pixel 9 has been released, smartphone buyers who are platform-agnostic are faced with an interesting dilemma. On one side, there’s the trusty iPhone 15, which was released last September and is soon to be succeeded by the iPhone 16. On the other side, there’s the new Pixel 9 from Google, which is not the most powerful new Google smartphone but is a strong competitor to the iPhone 15. So, if you’re open to either Android or iOS, and you’re in need of a new phone, should you go for the new Google Pixel 9, the iPhone 15, or wait for the iPhone 16?
Let’s start by looking at the design of the Pixel 9 and the iPhone 15. The Pixel 9 has a completely different design from its predecessor, with a large camera bump on the back. Its display is slightly bigger, brighter, and better than before, and it features an improved ultrawide camera and the new Google Tensor G4 chip. The iPhone 15, on the other hand, has the Dynamic Island feature, which gives it a unique black pill cutout at the top, and it comes in a variety of color options. In terms of design, both phones have undergone radical changes compared to their predecessors.
When it comes to price, both the Pixel 9 and the iPhone 15 start at the exact same price of $799, offering 128GB of storage. So, in terms of price and storage, both phones are evenly matched.
Moving on to the specs, the iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch OLED display with a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits. It’s powered by Apple’s A16 Bionic chip, has a 48-megapixel camera on the back, and offers features like Face ID, MagSafe accessories and charging, car crash detection, and satellite SOS messages. On the other hand, the Pixel 9 has a slightly larger 6.3-inch Actua display with up to 2,700 nits brightness. It’s powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chip, has a 50-megapixel main camera, and offers similar safety features as the iPhone. Additionally, it boasts Google’s software and AI smarts, which are known for their excellence.
Battery life is another important factor to consider. Google claims that the Pixel 9 has 24+ hours of battery life, while Apple doesn’t provide specific details about the iPhone 15’s battery capacity but claims up to 20 hours of video playback and up to 80 hours of audio playback.
When it comes to the camera, both phones offer similar specs, with the Pixel 9 having a slight edge on paper. However, the real test would be to review both phones and compare their camera performance in different conditions.
In terms of AI capabilities, Google is currently ahead of Apple, with the Pixel 9 already integrating Google Gemini and offering various AI-enhanced features. However, Apple has plans to incorporate Gemini into its own AI system, so it’s difficult to say which phone will be better in the long run.
Ultimately, the choice between the Google Pixel 9 and the iPhone 15 comes down to personal preference and ecosystem loyalty. If you prefer Android and want a phone with a slightly larger, brighter display and better AI integration, the Pixel 9 is a great choice. However, keep in mind that the landscape may change once the iPhone 16 is released.