← Back to Smartphones
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 17 Air vs Google Pixel 9
The Apple iPhone 17 Air is the premium option here, but the Google Pixel 9 gives it a real run for its money with impressive features. The Pixel 9's dual-camera system and 50MP main shooter deliver stunning photos, especially in well-lit settings, while the iPhone's single camera may leave you wanting more versatility.
📱 Display: 6.6" vs 6.3"🔋 Battery: 3150 mAh vs 4700 mAh⚖️ Weight: 5.82 oz vs 6.98 oz
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Apple iPhone 17 Air
★4.9
(13)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
Check Amazon Price→
Google Pixel 9
★4.5
(1,044)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
Check Amazon Price→
Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple iPhone 17 Air
Google Pixel 9
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 17 Air
6.6" (6.55" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Google Pixel 9
6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 17 Air
Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display
Google Pixel 9
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 17 Air
Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Google Pixel 9
Google Tensor G4
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 17 Air
12 GB (LPDDR5X)
Google Pixel 9
12GB LPDDR5X
Storage
Apple iPhone 17 Air
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)Winner
Google Pixel 9
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 17 Air
48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Google Pixel 9
50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OISWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 17 Air
No dedicated Ultra Wide camera (functionality limited to panoramic stitching via software)
Google Pixel 9
48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 17 Air
3150 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 26 hours video playback (20 hours streamed)
Google Pixel 9
4,700 mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 17 Air
MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W
Google Pixel 9
Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 17 Air
5.82 oz (165 g)Winner
Google Pixel 9
7.0 oz (198 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 17 Air
6.15" x 2.94" x 0.22" (156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm)
Google Pixel 9
6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone 17 Air
iOS
Google Pixel 9
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 17 Air
5G (sub-6 GHz only, no mmWave) using Apple-designed modem; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
Google Pixel 9
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Dual Band GNSS
+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: Apple iPhone 17 Air vs Google Pixel 9
Apple iPhone 17 Air
★4.9(13)Best Buy
Google Pixel 9
★4.5(1,044)Amazon
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 17 Air | Google Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.9(13)Best Buy | ★4.5(1,044)Amazon |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates |
Processor | Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Google Tensor G4 |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro) | Arm Mali-G715 MC7 |
RAM | 12 GB (LPDDR5X) | 12GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) |
Display Size | 6.6" (6.55" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Actua OLED Display |
Resolution | 2736 x 1260 pixels (460 ppi) | 1080 x 2424 pixels (FHD+), 422 ppi |
Refresh Rate | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 3000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum | 1,800 nits (HDR) / 2,700 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | No dedicated Ultra Wide camera (functionality limited to panoramic stitching via software) | 48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) |
Optical Zoom | 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (2x optical zoom range) | 2x Optical Quality (via sensor crop) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60fps; 10-bit HDR |
Front Camera | 24MP Center Stage (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 10.5MP Front (f/2.2, 95° FOV), Dual PD AF |
Battery | 3150 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 26 hours video playback (20 hours streamed) | 4,700 mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | Up to 27W (charges up to 55% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W | Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz only, no mmWave) using Apple-designed modem; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Dual Band GNSS |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output | USB Type-C 3.2 |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield 2 front; Grade 5 Titanium alloy frame (internal aluminum structure); Ceramic Shield back | IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back); Fingerprint-resistant coating |
Dimensions | 6.15" x 2.94" x 0.22" (156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm) | 6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm) |
Weight | 5.82 oz (165 g) | 7.0 oz (198 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock |
Extras | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; VPN by Google One; Car Crash Detection |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Apple iPhone 17 Air
Rating:★4.9(13)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
RAM:12 GB (LPDDR5X)
Storage:256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.6" (6.55" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2736 x 1260 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display
Peak Brightness:1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 3000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum
Main Camera:48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Ultra-Wide Camera:No dedicated Ultra Wide camera (functionality limited to panoramic stitching via software)
Telephoto Camera:No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS
Optical Zoom:1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (2x optical zoom range)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps
Front Camera:24MP Center Stage (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:3150 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 26 hours video playback (20 hours streamed)
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz only, no mmWave) using Apple-designed modem; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
USB:USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield 2 front; Grade 5 Titanium alloy frame (internal aluminum structure); Ceramic Shield back
Dimensions:6.15" x 2.94" x 0.22" (156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm)
Weight:5.82 oz (165 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite
✓ Pros:
- • Thinnest iPhone ever (5.6mm) featuring a premium Titanium chassis
- • 120Hz ProMotion display finally arrives on non-Pro tier
- • Powered by the A19 Pro chip with 12GB RAM for full Apple Intelligence support
- • Upgraded 24MP front camera for superior selfies and video calls
- • Excellent main camera performance with 2x lossless crop
✗ Cons:
- • High price for a single-camera system (no Ultra Wide or Telephoto lenses)
- • Battery life is shorter than the 'Plus' model it replaces due to thinness
- • USB-C port is limited to USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mb/s)
- • No mmWave 5G support (Sub-6 GHz only due to Apple modem restrictions)
- • No physical SIM tray (eSIM only in US)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Google Pixel 9
Rating:★4.5(1,044)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:12GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Actua OLED Display
Resolution:1080 x 2424 pixels (FHD+), 422 ppi
Refresh Rate:60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,800 nits (HDR) / 2,700 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:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Quality (via sensor crop)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60fps; 10-bit HDR
Front Camera:10.5MP Front (f/2.2, 95° FOV), Dual PD AF
Battery:4,700 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 27W (charges up to 55% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger)
Wireless Charging:Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Dual Band GNSS
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back); Fingerprint-resistant coating
Dimensions:6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm)
Weight:7.0 oz (198 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock
Extras:Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; VPN by Google One; Car Crash Detection
✓ Pros:
- • Compact and premium design with satin metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- • Bright Actua display reaches 2,700 nits peak brightness
- • Industry-leading 7-year software update commitment
- • Excellent dual-camera system with Macro Focus on the ultrawide lens
- • Includes useful AI features like Add Me, Best Take, and Gemini integration
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens (zoom limited to 8x Super Res Zoom)
- • Charging speed (27W wired) is slower than many competitors
- • Base storage starts at 128GB with UFS 3.1 (slower than UFS 4.0)
- • Tensor G4 performance lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in raw benchmarks
- • Display refresh rate bottoms out at 60Hz (not LTPO 1–120Hz like Pro models)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
Key specs: Display: 6.6" vs 6.3" and Battery: 3150 mAh vs 4700 mAh.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 17 Air if: you want a sleek design with a 120Hz display, prefer Face ID over fingerprint unlock, or need high-quality video capabilities with its 4K Dolby Vision.
Choose the Google Pixel 9 if: you need a long-lasting battery for all-day use, love taking photos with a dual-camera setup, or want the latest software updates for 7 years.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone 17 Air excels if you value thinnest iphone ever (5.6mm) featuring a premium titanium chassis. Google Pixel 9 is better if you prioritize compact and premium design with satin metal frame and gorilla glass victus 2. 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.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.