Google256 GB
Pixel 9a
6.3″ · pOLED · 120 Hz · Google Tensor G4
256 GB · 8 GB RAM · Obsidian · UK specification GTF7PFull product profile
Obsidian YOUR PHONE FACE-OFF
Real specs. Clear sources.Exact variants · Checked 26 Sept 2026Google Pixel 9a vs Apple iPhone Air
Obsidian
WHO EACH ONE SUITS
Choose the Pixel 9a if…
- you prefer the smaller 6.3″ screen Source: Google UK Pixel 9a technical specifications (opens in a new tab)
- you need a physical SIM slot; the other is eSIM-only Source: Google UK Pixel 9a technical specifications (opens in a new tab)
Choose the iPhone Air if…
- you want a lighter phone: 165 g vs 186 g Source: Apple UK iPhone Air technical specifications (opens in a new tab)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera: 18 vs 13 MP Source: Apple UK iPhone Air technical specifications (opens in a new tab)
- you want a thinner body: 5.64 vs 8.9 mm Source: Apple UK iPhone Air technical specifications (opens in a new tab)
- you want the larger 6.5″ screen Source: Apple UK iPhone Air technical specifications (opens in a new tab)
Apple256 GB
iPhone Air
6.5″ · OLED · 120 Hz · Apple A19 Pro · 6 CPU cores · 5 GPU cores · 16-core Neural Engine
256 GB · Space Black · UK A3517 · dual eSIM · MG2L4QN/AFull product profile
Space BlackAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
THE DIFFERENCES, MADE VISIBLE
Visual facts
Differences first. Select a topic for its graphic, sources and conditions.
How to read this comparison
How to read this comparison
- Manufacturer facts for the exact models shown. Not a quality rating or a test result.
- “Different” means the known values differ, not that one is better.
- Missing or conflicting evidence is marked and never counts as a difference. Source chips hold each fact’s sources and conditions.
SPECIFICATIONS SIDE BY SIDE6 topics
SELECTED TOPIC
01 / 06
Chipset
A different chip or core configuration is a hardware change, not a measured performance uplift.
iPhone Air
0.2″ larger diagonal.
Bigger is a preference, not a quality score.
- Pixel 9a
- 6.3″
- iPhone Air
- 6.5″
Relative diagonals · illustrative shape, not actual size
BOTH PHONES
Matching native reach.
Dedicated telephoto reach. No digital or crop zoom.
- Pixel 9a
- No telephoto
- iPhone Air
- No telephoto
Lens illustration · not an image-quality test
DATA INCOMPLETE
Playback on paper.
Up-to claims. Different test methods; no endurance winner.
- Pixel 9a
- Not verified
- iPhone Air
- Up to 27h
Arcs on a shared 0–40 h scale · not mixed-use battery life
WHAT CHANGES BETWEEN THEM?
Full specifications ↓Key differences
19 verified differences, most decision-relevant first. 2 are also drawn in Visual facts above. 1 manufacturer description restating separately listed fields is grouped below. Missing information stays separate.
Chipset
In Visual factsPixel 9aGoogle Tensor G4
iPhone AirApple A19 Pro · 6 CPU cores · 5 GPU cores · 16-core Neural Engine
Sources
Different hardware. A chip name or generation does not quantify real-world performance.
Camera system
Pixel 9aWide: 48 MP (f/1.7, OIS); Ultra-wide: 13 MP (f/2.2); Front: 13 MP (f/2.2); Video: up to 4K 60 fps
iPhone AirMain: 48 MP (f/1.6, OIS), 2x crop mode; Front: 18 MP; Video: up to 4K 60 fps
Sources
Pixel 9a
No dedicated telephoto: Google lists Super Res Zoom up to 8x (digital) and 'optical quality' at 0.5x and 1x. Wide 1/2" sensor, 82° field of view, Quad PD Dual Pixel; ultra-wide 1/3.1" sensor, 120°; selfie 96.1° field of view. Front video 4K 30 fps.
Google UK Pixel 9a technical specificationsCompare the camera hardware and recording modes. Matching megapixels or zoom do not mean identical cameras.
Display specification
Pixel 9apOLED; 2424 × 1080; 60–120 Hz; 2,700 nits peak
iPhone Air6.5-inch OLED; 2736 × 1260; up to 120 Hz; 3000 nits peak (outdoor)
Sources
Pixel 9a
Diagonal published as 160 mm on the UK page and 6.3 inches on the US page; 422.2 PPI; up to 1,800 nits (HDR); Corning Gorilla Glass 3; >1,000,000:1 contrast. Brightness figures are Google claims.
Google UK Pixel 9a technical specificationsiPhone Air
460 ppi; ProMotion adaptive refresh; 1,000 nits typical and 1,600 nits HDR peak.
Apple UK iPhone Air technical specificationsCheck the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.
Wireless connectivity
Pixel 9aWi-Fi 6E (2.4/5/6 GHz, 2×2 MIMO) · Bluetooth 5.3 · NFC · Google Cast · Dual-band GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, NavIC)
iPhone AirWi-Fi 7 · Bluetooth 6 · Thread · second-generation UWB
Sources
Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.
Update policy
Pixel 9a7 years of OS, security and Pixel Drop updates
iPhone AirNo fixed update period published; ships with iOS 26
Sources
Pixel 9a
Google's page does not state the start date on this page; Google's policy for Pixel counts from the model's initial availability, so the remaining term is shorter for a model launched with Android 15.
Google UK Pixel 9a technical specificationsDistinguish Android upgrades from security coverage. A total term from launch is not the support remaining from today or from purchase.
Launch operating system
Pixel 9aLaunched with Android 15
iPhone AiriOS 26
Sources
Launch software and update commitments differ. A newer launch version does not establish an exclusive feature.
Show 13 more verified differences
Ports and buttons
Pixel 9aUSB Type-C 3.2 · Power button · Volume controls
iPhone AirUSB-C; USB 2 data up to 480 Mb/s
Sources
Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.
Battery and charging
Pixel 9a5,100 mAh typical (5,000 mAh minimum); fast wired charging; Qi wireless charging
iPhone AirUp to 27 h video; fast wired charging (20 W+ adapter), 20 W wireless
Sources
Pixel 9a
Google publishes no wired charging rate: its footnote says fast wired charging rates are based on the Google 45W USB-C Charger (adapters sold separately). Wireless charging is up to 7.5 W with Qi-certified EPP chargers. Battery-life claims (30+ hours; up to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver) are Google estimates, not independent tests.
Google UK Pixel 9a technical specificationsiPhone Air
Apple does not publish battery capacity in mAh. Up to 22 h streamed video; up to 50% in 30 minutes with a separately sold 20 W or higher USB-C adapter; MagSafe and Qi2 up to 20 W. Apple claims, not independent tests.
Apple UK iPhone Air technical specificationsManufacturer claims for the stated mode and equipment. Read each test condition; this is not measured everyday battery life.
Authentication
Pixel 9aFingerprint Unlock · Face Unlock · Pattern, PIN, password
iPhone AirFace ID
Sources
Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.
Display resolution
Pixel 9a1080 × 2424
iPhone Air2736 × 1260
Sources
Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.
eSIM only
Pixel 9aNo
iPhone AirYes
Sources
Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.
Front camera
Pixel 9a13 MP selfie camera; f/2.2 aperture; 96.1° ultrawide field of view
iPhone Air18 MP Center Stage · f/1.9 · autofocus
Sources
Compare the camera hardware and recording modes. Matching megapixels or zoom do not mean identical cameras.
Panel technology
Pixel 9apOLED
iPhone AirOLED
Sources
Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.
Claimed peak brightness
Pixel 9a2700 nits
iPhone Air3000 nits
Sources
Pixel 9a
Manufacturer peak claim; HDR brightness is listed separately as up to 1,800 nits.
Google UK Pixel 9a technical specificationsCheck the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.
Pixel density
Pixel 9a422.2 ppi
iPhone Air460 ppi
Sources
Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.
Rear camera modules
Pixel 9a2
iPhone Air1
Sources
Compare the camera hardware and recording modes. Matching megapixels or zoom do not mean identical cameras.
Screen size
Pixel 9a6.3 in
iPhone Air6.5 in
Sources
Pixel 9a
US page states 6.3 inches; UK page states 160 mm. Not converted by us.
Google UK Pixel 9a technical specificationsGoogle US Pixel 9a technical specifications (regional comparison)iPhone Air
Nominal diagonal; actual viewable area is smaller.
Apple UK iPhone Air technical specificationsCheck the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.
Thickness
Pixel 9a8.9 mm
iPhone Air5.64 mm
Sources
A size or weight trade-off; it does not establish the better product.
Weight
In Visual factsPixel 9a186 g
iPhone Air165 g
Sources
A size or weight trade-off; it does not establish the better product.
Manufacturer wording of separate fields (1)
Combined manufacturer descriptions whose values are listed as separate differences. Kept here so every verified difference stays in one list.
Dimensions
Pixel 9a154.7 × 73.3 × 8.9 mm (height × width × depth)
iPhone Air156.2 × 74.7 × 5.64 mm (height × width × thickness)
Sources
A size or weight trade-off; it does not establish the better product.
Small physical differences (2)
Height
Pixel 9a154.7 mm
iPhone Air156.2 mm
Sources
A size or weight trade-off; it does not establish the better product.
Width
In Visual factsPixel 9a73.3 mm
iPhone Air74.7 mm
Sources
A size or weight trade-off; it does not establish the better product.
Configuration & compatibility details (1)
Regional SIM / network configuration
Pixel 9aUK model GTF7P; nano-SIM + eSIM
iPhone AirUK model A3517; eSIM only
Sources
Pixel 9a
UK page lists model GTF7P with LTE bands 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/18/19/20/21/26/28/32/38/39/40/41/42/66/75. The US store page instead lists model GXQ96 with US carrier bands (e.g. LTE 13/14/25/29/30/48/71, 5G n70/n71), so the UK and US units are different hardware models. Check carrier support before using one region's model in the other.
Google UK Pixel 9a technical specificationsGoogle US Pixel 9a technical specifications (regional comparison)iPhone Air
Dual eSIM (two active eSIMs); no physical SIM slot; 5G (sub-6 GHz). Carrier eSIM support needs confirming with your network.
Apple UK iPhone Air technical specificationsThese descriptions or measurements differ. Wording alone does not establish a different capability; check the exact configuration.
Missing or non-comparable evidence (30)
Rear 4K recording maximum
Pixel 9aNot verified
iPhone Air60 fps
Sources
Pixel 9a
No source recorded for this side.
iPhone Air
Manufacturer recording-mode claim; not an independent quality or sustained-recording test.
Apple UK iPhone Air technical specificationsEvidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Front 4K recording maximum
Pixel 9aNot verified
iPhone Air60 fps
Sources
Pixel 9a
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Rear camera optical stabilisation
Pixel 9aYes
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
Pixel 9a
Listed for the wide camera only; the ultra-wide lists none.
Google UK Pixel 9a technical specificationsiPhone Air
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Rear camera autofocus
Pixel 9aNot verified
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
Pixel 9a
The wide camera is listed as 'Quad PD Dual Pixel' but the page does not explicitly state autofocus for either rear camera; not converted into a capability claim.
Google UK Pixel 9a technical specificationsiPhone Air
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Front camera autofocus
Pixel 9aNot verified
iPhone AirYes
Sources
Pixel 9a
The manufacturer does not say whether the front camera has autofocus.
Google UK Pixel 9a technical specificationsEvidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Front camera optical stabilisation
Pixel 9aNot verified
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
Pixel 9a
The manufacturer does not say whether the front camera has optical stabilisation.
Google UK Pixel 9a technical specificationsiPhone Air
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Claimed video playback
Pixel 9aNot verified
iPhone Air27 hours
Sources
Pixel 9a
Not verified for this exact model.
No source recorded for this side.
iPhone Air
Apple UK up-to claim, without an external battery; not mixed-use battery life.
Apple UK iPhone Air technical specificationsEvidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Typical battery capacity
Pixel 9a5100 mAh
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
iPhone Air
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Wired charging power
Pixel 9aNot verified
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
Pixel 9a
Google lists only 'Fast charging' and publishes no wired charging rate or charge time; its footnote says fast wired charging rates are based on the Google 45W USB-C Charger (sold separately). The UK configuration page's charger label says this SKU supports USB PD chargers with power minimum 7.5 W and maximum 27 W (charger not included). That is charger compatibility, not a charging rate, so the value stays unknown.
Google UK Pixel 9a technical specificationsPixel 9a Obsidian 256 GB (unlocked) — Google UK Store configurationiPhone Air
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Time to 50% wired charge
Pixel 9aNot verified
iPhone Air30 minutes
Sources
Pixel 9a
No source recorded for this side.
iPhone Air
Apple claim using a separately sold 20W or higher USB-C adapter.
Apple UK iPhone Air technical specificationsEvidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
RAM
Pixel 9a8 GB
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Expandable storage
Pixel 9aNot verified
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
Pixel 9a
Not verified for this exact model.
No source recorded for this side.
iPhone Air
Not verified for this exact model.
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Published update term
Pixel 9a7 years
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
Pixel 9a
OS, security and Pixel Drop updates; counted by Google from initial availability, not from purchase.
Google UK Pixel 9a technical specificationsiPhone Air
Not verified for this exact model.
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Cellular modem
Pixel 9aNot verified
iPhone AirApple C1X
Sources
Pixel 9a
No source recorded for this side.
iPhone Air
Listed in the UK Mobile and Wireless section for model A3517.
Apple UK iPhone Air technical specificationsEvidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Cover glass
Pixel 9aCorning Gorilla Glass 3
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
iPhone Air
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Exact Google UK store configuration
Pixel 9a_pixel_9a_obsidian_256gb_unlocked
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
iPhone Air
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Headphone jack
Pixel 9aNot verified
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
Pixel 9a
Not verified for this exact model.
No source recorded for this side.
iPhone Air
Not verified for this exact model.
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
In the box
Pixel 9aPixel 9a · 1 m USB-C to USB-C cable (USB 2.0) · SIM tool
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
iPhone Air
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
RAM and storage configuration
Pixel 9a8 GB RAM; 256 GB storage
iPhone AirRAM not published; 256 GB storage
Sources
One source states less detail or a rounded figure. This is not a verified difference; check the exact configuration.
Published network bands
Pixel 9a5G Sub-6 GHz (model GTF7P) · GSM/EDGE: quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) · UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA: bands 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19 · LTE: bands 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/18/19/20/21/26/28/32/38/39/40/41/42/66/75 · 5G Sub-6: bands 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/20/26/28/38/40/41/66/75/77/78/79 · NB-IoT: bands 23/255/256
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
iPhone Air
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Optical-quality zoom
Pixel 9aNot verified
iPhone Air2×
Sources
Pixel 9a
Not verified for this exact model.
No source recorded for this side.
iPhone Air
Main-sensor crop mode, not a separate telephoto lens.
Apple UK iPhone Air technical specificationsEvidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Published professional camera workflows
Pixel 9aNot verified
iPhone Air0
Sources
Pixel 9a
No source recorded for this side.
iPhone Air
Versus counts four workflow types: RAW stills, professional codecs, log capture and external production tools. Apple lists HEIF/JPEG photos and HEVC/H.264 video, and none of the four workflows.
Apple UK iPhone Air technical specificationsEvidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Reverse wireless charging
Pixel 9aNot verified
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
Pixel 9a
Not verified for this exact model.
No source recorded for this side.
iPhone Air
Not verified for this exact model.
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Satellite SOS
Pixel 9aNot verified
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
Pixel 9a
Satellite SOS is not listed in Google's UK Safety specification for this model, so check before relying on it.
Google UK Pixel 9a technical specificationsiPhone Air
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Sensors
Pixel 9aProximity · Ambient light · Accelerometer · Gyrometer · Magnetometer · Barometer
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
iPhone Air
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Claimed streamed video
Pixel 9aNot verified
iPhone Air22 hours
Sources
Pixel 9a
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
8K video recording
Pixel 9aNot verified
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
Pixel 9a
Video is listed up to 4K; 8K recording is not mentioned.
Google UK Pixel 9a technical specificationsEvidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Video recording
Pixel 9aRear: 4K at 30/60 FPS, 1080p at 30/60 FPS, digital zoom up to 5x; Front: 4K at 30 FPS; slo-mo up to 240 FPS; formats HEVC, AVC, AV1, VP9
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
iPhone Air
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Wireless charging power
Pixel 9a7.5 W
iPhone AirNot verified
Sources
Pixel 9a
Manufacturer 'up to' figure with Qi-certified EPP chargers (sold separately); Google says actual results may be slower. Not a measured rate.
Google UK Pixel 9a technical specificationsiPhone Air
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
MagSafe / Qi2 power
Pixel 9aNot verified
iPhone Air20 W
Sources
Pixel 9a
No source recorded for this side.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
7 shared fields have the same recorded value.
COMPARE THE DETAILS
Full specifications
All specs62 specificationsPixel 9aiPhone Air
Pixel 9aiPhone AirWeightDiffers
Sources
186g
165g
WidthDiffers
Sources
73.3mm
74.7mm
ThicknessDiffers
Sources
8.9mm
5.64mm
DimensionsDiffers
Sources
154.7 × 73.3 × 8.9 mm (height × width × depth)
156.2 × 74.7 × 5.64 mm (height × width × thickness)
HeightDiffers
Sources
154.7 mm
156.2 mm
Form factor
Sources
slabSingle-screen bar phone per the published dimensions.
slab
ColourDiffers
Obsidian
Space Black
Screen sizeDiffers
6.3″
US page states 6.3 inches; UK page states 160 mm. Not converted by us.
6.5″
Nominal diagonal; actual viewable area is smaller.
Published peak brightnessManufacturer peak claims use different test conditions.Differs
Sources
2700 nits
Claimed peak brightness · Manufacturer peak claim; HDR brightness is listed separately as up to 1,800 nits.
3000 nits
Published outdoor peak · Outdoor peak claim.
Pixel densityDiffers
Sources
422.2 ppi
460 ppi
Maximum refresh rate
Sources
120Hz
120Hz
Adaptive ProMotion.
Display specificationDiffers
Sources
pOLED; 2424 × 1080; 60–120 Hz; 2,700 nits peakDiagonal published as 160 mm on the UK page and 6.3 inches on the US page; 422.2 PPI; up to 1,800 nits (HDR); Corning Gorilla Glass 3; >1,000,000:1 contrast. Brightness figures are Google claims.
6.5-inch OLED; 2736 × 1260; up to 120 Hz; 3000 nits peak (outdoor)460 ppi; ProMotion adaptive refresh; 1,000 nits typical and 1,600 nits HDR peak.
Display resolutionDiffers
Sources
1080 × 2424
2736 × 1260
Native telephoto reach
Sources
No dedicated lensDedicated telephoto reach · No telephoto camera is listed; Super Res Zoom up to 8x is digital/computational.
No dedicated lensDedicated telephoto reach · The 2× mode crops the main sensor; there is no dedicated telephoto module.
Rear camera modulesDiffers
Sources
2
1
Camera systemDiffers
Sources
Wide: 48 MP (f/1.7, OIS); Ultra-wide: 13 MP (f/2.2); Front: 13 MP (f/2.2); Video: up to 4K 60 fpsNo dedicated telephoto: Google lists Super Res Zoom up to 8x (digital) and 'optical quality' at 0.5x and 1x. Wide 1/2" sensor, 82° field of view, Quad PD Dual Pixel; ultra-wide 1/3.1" sensor, 120°; selfie 96.1° field of view. Front video 4K 30 fps.
Main: 48 MP (f/1.6, OIS), 2x crop mode; Front: 18 MP; Video: up to 4K 60 fps
Front cameraDiffers
Sources
13 MP selfie camera; f/2.2 aperture; 96.1° ultrawide field of view
18 MP Center Stage · f/1.9 · autofocus
Rear camera optical stabilisation
Sources
iPhone AirNo source recorded
YesListed for the wide camera only; the ultra-wide lists none.
Not verified
Main camera optical stabilisation
Sources
Yes
YesSensor-shift OIS is stated for the 48 MP Fusion Main, the only rear camera.
Front camera autofocus
Sources
Not verifiedThe manufacturer does not say whether the front camera has autofocus.
Yes
Optical-quality crop reach
Sources
Pixel 9aNo source recorded
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
2×Main-sensor crop mode, not a separate telephoto lens.
Published professional camera workflows
Sources
Pixel 9aNo source recorded
Not verified
0Versus counts four workflow types: RAW stills, professional codecs, log capture and external production tools. Apple lists HEIF/JPEG photos and HEVC/H.264 video, and none of the four workflows.
Rear 4K recording maximum
Sources
Pixel 9aNo source recorded
Not verified
60 fpsManufacturer recording-mode claim; not an independent quality or sustained-recording test.
Front 4K recording maximum
Sources
Pixel 9aNo source recorded
Not verified
60 fpsFront 18 MP Center Stage camera only.
Claimed video playbackUp-to manufacturer claims. Playback protocols differ.
Sources
Pixel 9aNo source recorded
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
27 hoursClaimed local video playback · Apple UK up-to claim, without an external battery; not mixed-use battery life.
Wireless charging
Sources
YesQi certified. Google's UK specification footnote gives a wireless charging rate of up to 7.5 W with Qi-certified EPP chargers (sold separately) and says actual results may be slower.
Yes
Battery and chargingDiffers
Sources
5,100 mAh typical (5,000 mAh minimum); fast wired charging; Qi wireless chargingGoogle publishes no wired charging rate: its footnote says fast wired charging rates are based on the Google 45W USB-C Charger (adapters sold separately). Wireless charging is up to 7.5 W with Qi-certified EPP chargers. Battery-life claims (30+ hours; up to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver) are Google estimates, not independent tests.
Up to 27 h video; fast wired charging (20 W+ adapter), 20 W wirelessApple does not publish battery capacity in mAh. Up to 22 h streamed video; up to 50% in 30 minutes with a separately sold 20 W or higher USB-C adapter; MagSafe and Qi2 up to 20 W. Apple claims, not independent tests.
Typical battery capacity
Sources
iPhone AirNo source recorded
5100 mAhTypical; minimum rated capacity 5,000 mAh.
Not verified
Wireless charging power
Sources
iPhone AirNo source recorded
7.5 WManufacturer 'up to' figure with Qi-certified EPP chargers (sold separately); Google says actual results may be slower. Not a measured rate.
Not verified
Claimed streamed video
Sources
Pixel 9aNo source recorded
Not verified
22 hoursApple UK up-to claim.
Time to 50% wired charge
Sources
Pixel 9aNo source recorded
Not verified
30 minutesApple claim using a separately sold 20W or higher USB-C adapter.
MagSafe / Qi2 power
Sources
Pixel 9aNo source recorded
Not verified
20 WCompatible charger and adapter required.
Published support term
Sources
iPhone AirNo source recorded
7 yearsPublished update term · OS, security and Pixel Drop updates; counted by Google from initial availability, not from purchase.
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
Update policyDiffers
Sources
7 years of OS, security and Pixel Drop updatesGoogle's page does not state the start date on this page; Google's policy for Pixel counts from the model's initial availability, so the remaining term is shorter for a model launched with Android 15.
No fixed update period published; ships with iOS 26
Listed operating systemDiffers
Sources
Launched with Android 15
iOS 26
ChipsetDiffers
Sources
Google Tensor G4Titan M2 security coprocessor.
Apple A19 Pro · 6 CPU cores · 5 GPU cores · 16-core Neural Engine
RAM and storage configurationDiffers
Sources
8 GB RAM; 256 GB storage
RAM not published; 256 GB storageApple does not publish RAM capacity.
Regional SIM / network configurationConfiguration
UK model GTF7P; nano-SIM + eSIMUK page lists model GTF7P with LTE bands 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/18/19/20/21/26/28/32/38/39/40/41/42/66/75. The US store page instead lists model GXQ96 with US carrier bands (e.g. LTE 13/14/25/29/30/48/71, 5G n70/n71), so the UK and US units are different hardware models. Check carrier support before using one region's model in the other.
UK model A3517; eSIM onlyDual eSIM (two active eSIMs); no physical SIM slot; 5G (sub-6 GHz). Carrier eSIM support needs confirming with your network.
Storage
Sources
256 GB
256 GB
RAM
Sources
8 GB
Not verifiedNot stated by the manufacturer.
Panel technologyDiffers
Sources
pOLED
OLED
eSIM onlyDiffers
Sources
No
Yes
Ingress protection
Sources
IP68
IP68Apple laboratory condition: 6 m for 30 minutes. Resistance is not permanent.
USB connectionDiffers
Sources
USB Type-C 3.2 · Power button · Volume controls
USB-C; USB 2 data up to 480 Mb/s
Wireless connectivityDiffers
Sources
Wi-Fi 6E (2.4/5/6 GHz, 2×2 MIMO) · Bluetooth 5.3 · NFC · Google Cast · Dual-band GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, NavIC)
Wi-Fi 7 · Bluetooth 6 · Thread · second-generation UWB
Published network bands
Sources
iPhone AirNo source recorded
5G Sub-6 GHz (model GTF7P) · GSM/EDGE: quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) · UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA: bands 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19 · LTE: bands 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/18/19/20/21/26/28/32/38/39/40/41/42/66/75 · 5G Sub-6: bands 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/20/26/28/38/40/41/66/75/77/78/79 · NB-IoT: bands 23/255/256
Not verified
Device unlockDiffers
Sources
Fingerprint Unlock · Face Unlock · Pattern, PIN, password
Face ID
Sensors
Sources
iPhone AirNo source recorded
Proximity · Ambient light · Accelerometer · Gyrometer · Magnetometer · Barometer
Not verified
In the box
Sources
iPhone AirNo source recorded
Pixel 9a · 1 m USB-C to USB-C cable (USB 2.0) · SIM toolNo charger is listed in the box.
Not verified
Cover glass
Sources
iPhone AirNo source recorded
Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Not verified
Video recording
Sources
iPhone AirNo source recorded
Rear: 4K at 30/60 FPS, 1080p at 30/60 FPS, digital zoom up to 5x; Front: 4K at 30 FPS; slo-mo up to 240 FPS; formats HEVC, AVC, AV1, VP9
Not verified
Apple UK reference priceDiffers
£499Google UK Store price for Pixel 9a Obsidian 256 GB (unlocked) on 26 September 2026, when it was the only in-stock UK Pixel 9a configuration (the 128 GB and other colours showed 'Out of stock'). Not a live offer; retailer prices may differ.
£1,099Apple UK price for the 256 GB model in September 2026; retailer prices may differ.
Exact Google UK store configuration
Sources
iPhone AirNo source recorded
_pixel_9a_obsidian_256gb_unlocked
Not verified
Cellular modem
Sources
Pixel 9aNo source recorded
Not verified
Apple C1XListed in the UK Mobile and Wireless section for model A3517.
Show unverified (8)Not verified or conflicting for both phones. Kept for completeness; never counted as a difference.
8K video recording
Sources
Not verifiedVideo is listed up to 4K; 8K recording is not mentioned.
Not verified8K recording is not mentioned.
Wired charging power
Sources
Pixel 9aGoogle UK Pixel 9a technical specificationsPixel 9a Obsidian 256 GB (unlocked) — Google UK Store configuration
iPhone AirNo source recorded
Not verifiedGoogle lists only 'Fast charging' and publishes no wired charging rate or charge time; its footnote says fast wired charging rates are based on the Google 45W USB-C Charger (sold separately). The UK configuration page's charger label says this SKU supports USB PD chargers with power minimum 7.5 W and maximum 27 W (charger not included). That is charger compatibility, not a charging rate, so the value stays unknown.
Not verified
Rear camera autofocus
Sources
iPhone AirNo source recorded
Not verifiedThe wide camera is listed as 'Quad PD Dual Pixel' but the page does not explicitly state autofocus for either rear camera; not converted into a capability claim.
Not verified
Front camera optical stabilisation
Sources
iPhone AirNo source recorded
Not verifiedThe manufacturer does not say whether the front camera has optical stabilisation.
Not verified
Satellite SOS
Sources
iPhone AirNo source recorded
Not verifiedSatellite SOS is not listed in Google's UK Safety specification for this model, so check before relying on it.
Not verified
Reverse wireless charging
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
Headphone jack
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
Expandable storage
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
Exact variants · Manufacturer specificationsView sources
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Manufacturer specifications verified for both phones. Your choice doesn’t change the comparison above.
Good comparisons start with good sources.6 cited sources for this pair. Every number has a story.See the evidence
Important verified differences fall outside the scoring model, so no score is shown. Manufacturer battery claims can use different test conditions. Verified specifications remain visible even where a category cannot be scored.
How we calculate scoresGoogle Pixel 9a
256 GB · checked 26 Sept 2026
Specifications & verification
Weight186 gManufacturer claim · high confidenceGoogle
Width73.3 mmManufacturer claim · high confidenceGoogle
Thickness8.9 mmManufacturer claim · high confidenceGoogle
Display size6.3 inchesManufacturer claim · high confidence
US page states 6.3 inches; UK page states 160 mm. Not converted by us.
GoogleGooglePeak brightness2,700 nitsManufacturer claim · high confidence
Manufacturer peak claim; HDR brightness is listed separately as up to 1,800 nits.
GoogleClaimed video playbackNot verified
Not published
Claimed charging rateNot verified
Not published
Published total support7 yearsManufacturer claim · high confidence
OS, security and Pixel Drop updates; counted by Google from initial availability, not from purchase.
GoogleWireless chargingYesManufacturer claim · high confidence
Qi certified. Google's UK specification footnote gives a wireless charging rate of up to 7.5 W with Qi-certified EPP chargers (sold separately) and says actual results may be slower.
GoogleReverse wireless chargingNot verified
Not published
Headphone jackNot verified
Not published
Expandable storageNot verified
Not published
eSIM onlyNoManufacturer claim · high confidenceGoogle
IP ratingIP68Manufacturer claim · high confidenceGoogle
RAM8 GBManufacturer claim · high confidenceGoogle
Pixel density422.2 ppiManufacturer claim · high confidenceGoogle
Maximum refresh rate120 HzManufacturer claim · high confidenceGoogle
Native telephoto reach0×Manufacturer claim · high confidence
No telephoto camera is listed; Super Res Zoom up to 8x is digital/computational.
GoogleClaimed optical-quality reachNot verified
Not published
Rear camera modules2Manufacturer claim · high confidenceGoogle
Manufacturer list price£499.00Reference only · not a live offer or current priceGoogle
All sources3
- Google UK Pixel 9a technical specificationsGoogle · accessed 26 Sept 2026
- Pixel 9a Obsidian 256 GB (unlocked) — Google UK Store configurationGoogle · accessed 26 Sept 2026
- Google US Pixel 9a technical specifications (regional comparison)Google · accessed 26 Sept 2026
Apple iPhone Air
256 GB · checked 28 Sept 2026
Specifications & verification
Weight165 gManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Width74.7 mmManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Thickness5.64 mmManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Display size6.5 inchesManufacturer claim · high confidence
Nominal diagonal; actual viewable area is smaller.
AppleClaimed video playback27 hoursManufacturer claim · high confidence
Apple UK up-to claim, without an external battery; not mixed-use battery life.
AppleClaimed charging rate1.67% per minuteCalculated from sources · low confidence
Apple claim using a separately sold 20W or higher USB-C adapter. 50 divided by 30 minutes; not a sustained charging rate.
ApplePublished total supportNot verified
Not published
Wireless chargingYesManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Reverse wireless chargingNot verified
Not published
Headphone jackNot verified
Not published
Expandable storageNot verified
Not published
eSIM onlyYesManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
IP ratingIP68Manufacturer claim · high confidence
Apple laboratory condition: 6 m for 30 minutes. Resistance is not permanent.
ApplePixel density460 ppiManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Native telephoto reach0×Manufacturer claim · high confidence
The 2× mode crops the main sensor; there is no dedicated telephoto module.
AppleClaimed optical-quality reach2×Manufacturer claim · high confidence
Main-sensor crop mode, not a separate telephoto lens.
AppleRear camera modules1Manufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Manufacturer list price£1,099.00Reference only · not a live offer or current priceApple
All sources3
- Apple UK iPhone Air technical specificationsApple · accessed 10 Sept 2026
- Apple UK iPhone Air configurationsApple · accessed 10 Sept 2026
- iPhone Air exact UK configurationApple · accessed 10 Sept 2026
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The verified differences and their sources, in one link.