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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the flagship option here, boasting a stunning 6.8" Super Actua display that hits a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Meanwhile, the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is your budget-friendly choice, offering a compact 4.7" LCD screen that's easy to use with one hand. If you want premium features like a 50MP camera and extensive software support, the Pixel is worth the upgrade for serious users.
📱 Display: 6.8" vs 4.7"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz🔋 Battery: 5060 mAh vs 2018 mAh
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
★4.4
(986)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5
(225)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4.7"
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
1–120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
60Hz
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Tensor G4
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
16GB LPDDR5XWinner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4GB
Storage
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OISWinner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
No (Not supported)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
5,060 mAh (Typical)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
7.80 oz (221 g)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.09 oz (144 g)Winner
Dimensions
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Android
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
★4.4(986)Amazon
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5(225)Best Buy
| Criterion | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(986)Amazon | ★4.5(225)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | iOS |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022) |
Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) |
Graphics | Arm Mali-G715 MC7 | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X | 4GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1) | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 4.7" |
Screen Type | Super Actua LTPO OLED | Retina HD LCD (IPS) |
Resolution | 1344 x 2992 pixels (QHD+), 486 ppi | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 2,000 nits (HDR) / 3,000 nits (Peak) | 625 nits (Typical) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | 48MP Telephoto (5x optical, f/2.8), Quad PD AF, OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 5x Optical Zoom (Optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x Super Res Zoom | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 8K@30fps (via Video Boost); 4K@24/30/60fps | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps |
Front Camera | 42MP Front (f/2.2, 103° FOV), Dual PD AF | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 5,060 mAh (Typical) | 2,018mAh (Approximate) |
Wired Charging | Up to 37W (charges up to 70% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger) | 20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning |
Wireless Charging | Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) |
Durability | IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back) | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass |
Dimensions | 6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm) | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) |
Weight | 7.80 oz (221 g) | 5.09 oz (144 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) |
Extras | Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; Temperature sensor; VPN by Google One | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support |
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Rating:★4.4(986)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
RAM:16GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Actua LTPO OLED
Resolution:1344 x 2992 pixels (QHD+), 486 ppi
Refresh Rate:1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:2,000 nits (HDR) / 3,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Telephoto Camera:48MP Telephoto (5x optical, f/2.8), Quad PD AF, OIS
Optical Zoom:5x Optical Zoom (Optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x)
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:8K@30fps (via Video Boost); 4K@24/30/60fps
Front Camera:42MP Front (f/2.2, 103° FOV), Dual PD AF
Battery:5,060 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 37W (charges up to 70% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger)
Wireless Charging:Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back)
Dimensions:6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm)
Weight:7.80 oz (221 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock
Extras:Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; Temperature sensor; VPN by Google One
✓ Pros:
- • Industry-leading 7-year software support commitment
- • Super Actua display is exceptionally bright (3,000 nits peak)
- • Versatile camera system with 5x optical zoom and high-res 42MP selfie camera
- • Deep AI integration with Gemini and exclusive features like Video Boost
- • Premium build with uniform bezels and Gorilla Glass Victus 2
✗ Cons:
- • 8K video recording is not native on-device (requires cloud-based Video Boost processing)
- • UFS 3.1 storage is slower than the UFS 4.0 standard found in competitors
- • Heavy gaming performance lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 rivals
- • Charging speed (37W max) is slower than many flagship peers
- • Optical fingerprint sensor replaced by ultrasonic, but still requires good placement
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Rating:★4.5(225)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
RAM:4GB
Storage:64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Display Size:4.7"
Screen Type:Retina HD LCD (IPS)
Resolution:1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Peak Brightness:625 nits (Typical)
Main Camera:12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps
Front Camera:7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps
Battery:2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wired Charging:20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
USB:Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass
Dimensions:5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Weight:5.09 oz (144 g)
Biometrics:Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button)
Extras:Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support
✓ Pros:
- • Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- • Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
- • A15 Bionic chip provides flagship-level performance for the price
- • Retains the classic Touch ID Home button (preferred by some users)
- • IP67 water resistance rating is rare in the budget category
✗ Cons:
- • Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- • Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
- • Base storage starts at a low 64GB
- • No Night Mode for the camera (struggles in low light)
- • Lacks 5G mmWave support (Sub-6 GHz only) unlike main iPhone models
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Which one is better?
Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 4.7" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL if: you want a stunning display for streaming, you shoot a lot of high-quality photos, or you need a phone that will last for 7 years.
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you need a compact phone for quick tasks, you're on a budget, or you prefer the familiarity of the Home button. (4.7" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL excels if you value industry-leading 7-year software support commitment. Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is better if you prioritize most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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