Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Apple's iPhone SE 4 delivers impressive value at $499, featuring the A18 chip, a vibrant 6.1-inch OLED display, and solid 48MP camera capabilities with 4K video. However, Google's Pixel 9 Pro XL ($1099) operates in an entirely different tier, offering a larger 6.8-inch display with exceptional 3000-nit brightness, superior 50MP main camera with optical zoom, versatile 48MP ultrawide and 48MP telephoto lenses, plus 8K video recording. The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a substantially larger 5060mAh battery providing notably longer endurance, faster 37W charging, and the Tensor G4's computational photography advantage. While the iPhone SE 4 provides excellent performance and design for budget-conscious buyers, the Pixel 9 Pro XL's premium display, comprehensive camera system, superior battery life, and AI-driven features justify its premium pricing for those seeking flagship capability.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 14 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 167 g | 221 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 138.7 x 67.3 x 7.9 mm | 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP, f/1.68, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 42 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps (Video Boost), 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | — | 48 MP, f/2.8, 5x optical zoom |
| Ultrawide | — | 48 MP, f/1.7, 123-degree |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | ~3279 mAh | 5060 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 37W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 23W (Pixel Stand) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO OLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2992 x 1344 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 1-120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 3000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Mali-G715 MC7 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Google Tensor G4 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone SE (4th generation)
Pros
- First SE with an OLED display, a generational leap over prior LCD
- A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence at the entry price point
- Face ID replaces Touch ID with modern full-screen front design
- USB-C replaces Lightning for universal compatibility
- Most affordable iPhone with A18 performance
Cons
- No telephoto or ultrawide camera — single rear lens only
- Capped at 60Hz with no ProMotion
- No Dynamic Island; uses standard notch
- No MagSafe support, only standard Qi wireless
- Modest battery life compared to standard iPhone 16
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Pros
- Exceptional 3000-nit display brightness
- Best-in-class computational photography
- Seven years of OS and security updates
- 16 GB RAM enables on-device Gemini AI features
- Premium build with flat aluminum frame
Cons
- Slow 37W wired charging compared to rivals
- Tensor G4 lags Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in raw performance
- Expensive starting price
- Runs warm under sustained load
Related Comparisons
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