Google Pixel 9 Pro Vs iPhone 14 Plus

Google Pixel 9 Pro
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£395.25

Versus £917.17 new

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iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:£238.00

Versus £699.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Google Pixel 9 Pro, released in late 2024, and the iPhone 14 Plus, launched in late 2022, represent distinct approaches to the premium smartphone experience. While both offer robust performance and advanced camera systems, they differ significantly in their operating systems and core design philosophies. The Pixel 9 Pro runs on Google's Android platform, emphasizing artificial intelligence and computational photography, whereas the iPhone 14 Plus operates on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and user-friendly interface.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical resilience.

  • Release Timeline: The Google Pixel 9 Pro was released in August/September 2024, making it a more recent device compared to the iPhone 14 Plus, which launched in October 2022. This difference in release dates inherently grants the Pixel 9 Pro a longer period of anticipated software support from its manufacturer.
  • Software Longevity: Google typically provides extensive software support for its Pixel devices, with the Pixel 9 Pro expected to receive up to seven years of operating system updates. The iPhone 14 Plus, running iOS, generally receives major iOS updates for five to six years from its release. This means the Pixel 9 Pro is likely to remain current with the latest software features and security patches for a longer duration.
  • Physical Durability: Both smartphones feature robust builds designed to withstand daily use. The iPhone 14 Plus incorporates Ceramic Shield protection on its front display and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Google Pixel 9 Pro also boasts an IP68 rating and utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for both its front and back, offering considerable protection against drops and scratches.

Year of Release

2024

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for handling daily tasks, from browsing and messaging to demanding applications and gaming. Both devices offer capable hardware for a smooth user experience.

  • Processing Power: The Google Pixel 9 Pro is equipped with Google's Tensor G4 processor and features 16GB of RAM, enabling efficient multitasking and responsive operation across various applications. The iPhone 14 Plus utilizes the A15 Bionic chip with a 5-core GPU and 6GB of RAM, providing strong performance for everyday use and graphically intensive tasks.
  • Real-world Responsiveness: Users of the Pixel 9 Pro can expect smooth navigation and quick app loading, with its processor optimized for AI-driven features and computational tasks. The iPhone 14 Plus delivers a consistently fluid experience, handling demanding apps and gaming smoothly, a characteristic often associated with its integrated hardware and software.
  • Storage Options: Both models offer various internal storage configurations to suit different user needs. The iPhone 14 Plus is available with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage. The Pixel 9 Pro also comes with options including 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and up to 1TB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and media.

Memory (GB)

16 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the Pixel 9 Pro and iPhone 14 Plus offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Google Pixel 9 Pro features a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 2856 x 1280 pixels, offering sharp visuals and deep blacks. The iPhone 14 Plus comes with a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels and vibrant color reproduction.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Pixel 9 Pro's screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, and can reach up to 2000 nits for HDR content and 3000 nits peak brightness. The iPhone 14 Plus has a standard 60Hz refresh rate but offers excellent brightness with 800 nits typical and 1200 nits peak brightness for HDR content, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions.
  • Viewing Experience: The Pixel 9 Pro's higher refresh rate can enhance the perception of fluidity, particularly during gaming or fast-paced content. The iPhone 14 Plus, with its larger screen, provides an expansive canvas for media consumption, making it suitable for users who prioritize screen real estate.

Resolution

1280 x 2856

1284 x 2778

Screen type

LTPO OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are equipped with advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though they approach imaging with different strengths.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Google Pixel 9 Pro features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, allowing for detailed shots across various focal lengths. The iPhone 14 Plus sports a dual-camera system with a 12MP main sensor featuring sensor-shift optical image stabilization and a 12MP ultrawide lens, known for consistent color accuracy and reliable performance in diverse conditions.
  • Computational Photography and Features: The Pixel 9 Pro leverages Google's advanced computational photography, offering features like Super Res Zoom up to 30x, Night Sight for low-light conditions, Astrophotography, Macro Focus, and AI-powered editing tools such as Video Boost for 8K upscaling and Audio Magic Eraser. The iPhone 14 Plus benefits from Apple's Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 4 for improved image processing, alongside Night mode, Portrait mode, Cinematic mode for video, and Action mode for enhanced video stabilization.
  • Front-Facing Cameras: For selfies and video calls, the Pixel 9 Pro includes a 42MP front camera, offering high-resolution captures. The iPhone 14 Plus features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus and improved low-light performance.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

42 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Google Pixel 9 Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard and features a USB-C 3.2 port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 14 Plus supports Wi-Fi 6 and uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port. Both devices offer 5G connectivity and Bluetooth 5.3.
  • Biometric Security: The Pixel 9 Pro incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking, alongside facial recognition. The iPhone 14 Plus relies solely on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, for biometric authentication.
  • Design and Handling: The Pixel 9 Pro has dimensions of 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm and weighs 199 grams, offering a more compact feel. The iPhone 14 Plus is slightly larger and heavier at 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm and 203 grams, providing a more expansive screen experience. Both devices feature stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience.

Weight

199 g

203 g

Screen size (in)

6.3

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

The Google Pixel 9 Pro and iPhone 14 Plus cater to users with differing priorities, reflecting their distinct operating system philosophies and hardware focuses. Users often praise the Pixel 9 Pro for its advanced computational photography capabilities, particularly its AI-driven features that enhance photos and videos, and its long-term software support. Some users have noted its battery life as a significant improvement over previous Pixel models, with reports of it lasting through a full day of heavy use or even longer for moderate users.

Conversely, the iPhone 14 Plus is frequently lauded for its consistent performance, the intuitive nature of iOS, and its robust battery life, which many find to be excellent for extended usage. Its integrated ecosystem and strong privacy features are also common points of appreciation. Some criticisms for the iPhone 14 Plus have occasionally centered on its 60Hz display refresh rate, which some users perceive as less fluid compared to devices with higher refresh rates.

Users prioritizing cutting-edge camera technology, extensive AI features, and a longer software update commitment may find the Google Pixel 9 Pro well-suited to their needs. Its focus on computational photography and a more compact form factor could appeal to those seeking a powerful Android experience. On the other hand, users who value a larger display, a highly integrated and user-friendly operating system, and consistently strong battery performance may lean towards the iPhone 14 Plus. Its established ecosystem and reliable performance make it a solid choice for those accustomed to or preferring iOS.

For those looking for a more sustainable choice, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, offering an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new devices.

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