Apple iPhone 17 vs Google Pixel 5a
The Verdict
The Apple iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 5a sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Google Pixel 5a is the cheaper of the two at $449 versus $799, a difference of about $350. The Apple iPhone 17 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple iPhone 17 stands out for a19 chip with improved efficiency, while Google Pixel 5a is praised for large 4680 mah battery for excellent endurance. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 17 if…
- →A19 chip with improved efficiency
- →Ceramic Shield 2 front and back
- →48MP main camera with improved processing
Buy the Google Pixel 5a if…
- →Large 4680 mAh battery for excellent endurance
- →IP67 water resistance (first a-series with it)
- →Great computational photography at $449
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 17
Pros
- A19 chip with improved efficiency
- Ceramic Shield 2 front and back
- 48MP main camera with improved processing
- ProMotion 120Hz display
Cons
- Still only 27W wired charging
- No telephoto lens
- 8GB RAM vs 12GB on Pro models
Google Pixel 5a
Pros
- Large 4680 mAh battery for excellent endurance
- IP67 water resistance (first a-series with it)
- Great computational photography at $449
- Headphone jack retained
- Clean stock Android experience
Cons
- 60Hz display
- Slow 18W charging
- No wireless charging
- Only available in the US and Japan
- Snapdragon 765G is mid-range
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 17 | Google Pixel 5a |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 19 | Android 11 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 174 g | 183 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield 2 | Aluminum unibody, polycarbonate coating |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 147 x 71 x 7.8 mm | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP, f/1.6, OIS | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, OIS |
| Front camera | 24 MP, f/1.9, Center Stage | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 4K@60fps, Cinematic mode | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | — | 16 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3600 mAh | 4680 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 18W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.34 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | OLED |
| Resolution | 1179 x 2556 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 700 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | 6-core | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz + 1x2.2 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | 5-core GPU | Adreno 620 |
| Chipset | Apple A19 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.0 | USB-C 3.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.0 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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