Google Pixel 9 Vs iPhone 14

Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9
Starting at

Refurbished price:£327.25

Versus £890.22 new

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iPhone 14
iPhone 14
Starting at

Refurbished price:£229.00

Versus £599.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Google Pixel 9, released in August 2024, and the iPhone 14, launched in September 2022, represent distinct approaches to the modern smartphone experience. While both are designed to offer reliable daily performance, the Pixel 9 emphasizes advanced artificial intelligence capabilities and a longer software support commitment, running on Android. The iPhone 14, powered by iOS, focuses on a streamlined user experience and robust ecosystem integration.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Google Pixel 9 is a newer device, having been released in August 2024. The iPhone 14 was released nearly two years prior, in September 2022. This difference in launch dates directly impacts their remaining support windows.
  • Software Longevity: Google has committed to providing seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates for the Pixel 9, extending its software lifespan significantly. Apple typically provides iOS updates for its devices for approximately five to six years from their release. This means the Pixel 9 is expected to receive software support for a longer duration than the iPhone 14.
  • Durability Features: Both devices feature robust build materials. The Pixel 9 incorporates Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, along with an aluminum frame, and carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 14 features a Ceramic Shield front cover, glass back, and an aluminum design, also with an IP68 rating for splash, water, and dust resistance.

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 to demanding applications and multitasking.

  • Processing Power: The Google Pixel 9 is equipped with the Google Tensor G4 processor, which is designed with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks, contributing to efficient handling of complex applications. The iPhone 14 utilizes the A15 Bionic chip, which, despite being an older generation, provides smooth and responsive performance for general use and gaming.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Pixel 9 comes with 12GB of RAM, which supports fluid multitasking and app management. It offers storage options of 128GB and 256GB. The iPhone 14 features 6GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most user needs, and is available with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Pixel 9 has a 4700 mAh battery, designed to offer over 24 hours of typical use, with an extreme battery saver mode extending this significantly. Real-world tests suggest it can last a full day, though heavy 5G usage may reduce this. The iPhone 14, with a 3279 mAh battery, provides up to 20 hours of video playback. In typical usage, it offers around 9 hours and 28 minutes of web browsing.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, influencing everything from media consumption to daily interactions.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Google Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display with a resolution of 1080x2424 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 422 ppi. The iPhone 14 sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels, offering a pixel density of 460 ppi. Both OLED panels deliver deep blacks and vibrant colors.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Pixel 9's display supports an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 60Hz to 120Hz, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid visuals. It can reach up to 1800 nits for HDR content and a peak brightness of 2700 nits. The iPhone 14 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Its display offers 800 nits of typical brightness and can peak at 1200 nits for HDR content.
  • Viewing Experience: The Pixel 9's larger screen and higher refresh rate may offer a more immersive and responsive viewing experience, particularly for gaming or fast-paced content. The iPhone 14's display, while smaller and with a lower refresh rate, still provides excellent clarity and color accuracy for everyday use.

Resolution

1080 x 2424

1170 x 2532

Screen type

OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems, leveraging their respective hardware and software optimizations for photography and videography.

  • Rear Camera System: The Google Pixel 9 features a dual-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP wide-angle main sensor and a 48MP ultrawide lens with a 123-degree field of view. The iPhone 14 also has a dual 12MP rear camera system, comprising a main wide-angle lens with sensor-shift optical image stabilization and an ultrawide lens with a 120-degree field of view.
  • Photography Features: The Pixel 9 benefits from Google's computational photography, including features like Magic Editor and Best Take, which use AI to enhance images. It excels in capturing detail and color accuracy across various lighting conditions. The iPhone 14 utilizes Apple's Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 4 to improve image quality, especially in challenging lighting, and includes Night mode and Photographic Styles.
  • Video Capabilities: Both devices support 4K video recording at various frame rates. The Pixel 9 can record 4K video at 24, 30, or 60 frames per second. The iPhone 14 supports 4K Dolby Vision video recording at 24, 25, 30, or 60 frames per second, and features Cinematic mode for shallow depth-of-field video up to 4K HDR at 30 fps, and Action mode for enhanced video stabilization. The front-facing cameras are 10.5MP on the Pixel 9 and 12MP with autofocus on the iPhone 14.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10.5 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and camera, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Google Pixel 9 supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, offering advanced wireless connectivity. It uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 14 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. It features Apple's proprietary Lightning port. Both devices offer 5G cellular connectivity.
  • Biometrics and Security: The Pixel 9 includes an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and face unlock for secure authentication, alongside the Titan M2 security co-processor. The iPhone 14 relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, for secure unlocking and payments.
  • Design and Handling: The Pixel 9 measures 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm and weighs 198g. The iPhone 14 is slightly more compact and lighter at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm and 172g. These differences can impact one-handed use and pocketability.

Weight

198 g

172 g

Screen size (in)

6.3

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

User sentiment for the Google Pixel 9 often highlights its strong camera performance, particularly its AI-driven features, and the extended software support as significant advantages. Users appreciate the clean Android experience and the integration of Google's intelligent services. Some discussions indicate that while its processor is powerful for daily tasks, it may not match the raw benchmark scores of some competitors. The battery life is generally considered reliable for a full day, though heavy usage on 5G can impact it.

For the iPhone 14, users frequently praise its consistent performance, the intuitive iOS operating system, and the robust Apple ecosystem. Its camera system is well-regarded for its ease of use and quality, especially for video. Common observations include its solid build quality and reliable software updates. Some users have noted that the 60Hz display and the older processor (compared to its Pro counterparts) might feel less cutting-edge, and there have been some reports of battery degradation over time.

Users prioritizing a device with the latest AI innovations, a longer software support window, and a high refresh rate display may find the Google Pixel 9 better suited to their needs. Those who value a highly integrated ecosystem, a familiar user experience, and strong video capabilities might lean towards the iPhone 14. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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