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iPhone 15 256GB — A16 · iOS · 256GB
Apple

iPhone 15 256GB

A16 · iOS · 256GB

86
/ 100
From $899
VS
Pixel 9a — Tensor G4 · 6.3″ OLED · $499
Google

Pixel 9a

Tensor G4 · 6.3″ OLED · $499

86
/ 100
From $499
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, iPhone 15 256GB lands at 86 and Pixel 9a at 86. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick iPhone 15 256GB if…

  • ✓iOS ecosystem
  • ✓Long update support
  • ✓Polished hardware

Pick Pixel 9a if…

  • ✓Cheapest Gemini-ready Pixel
  • ✓7-year updates
  • ✓Improved 5100 mAh battery
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Photography

Pixel 9a

Stills and video quality across lenses

Pixel 9a leads on camera (92 vs 85).

Battery life

Pixel 9a

Screen-on time and charging

Pixel 9a leads on battery (90 vs 80).

Performance

iPhone 15 256GB

Chipset speed for gaming and heavy apps

iPhone 15 256GB leads on gpu (84 vs 80).

Display

Pixel 9a

Panel quality, brightness, refresh rate

Pixel 9a leads on display (88 vs 83).

Value for money

Pixel 9a

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Pixel 9a more score per dollar ($499 vs $899).

iPhone 15 256GB 86
vs
86 Pixel 9a

Score breakdown

iPhone 15 256GB
86
cpu 86
gpu 84
camera 85
battery 80
display 83
design 86
Pixel 9a
86
cpu 84
gpu 80
camera 92
battery 90
display 88
design 84

Specs side-by-side

iPhone 15 256GB versus Pixel 9a — full spec comparison
Spec iPhone 15 256GB Pixel 9a
Chipset
A16
Google Tensor G4
Storage
▲ 256GB
128/256 GB
OS
iOS 17
Android 15, 7-yr updates
Release year
2023
—
Display
—
6.3″ OLED 120Hz
RAM
—
8 GB
Battery
—
5100 mAh

iPhone 15 256GB

Pros
  • +iOS ecosystem
  • +Long update support
  • +Polished hardware
Cons
  • −Premium pricing
  • −Limited customization
  • −Lightning/USB-C split across generations

Pixel 9a

Pros
  • +Cheapest Gemini-ready Pixel
  • +7-year updates
  • +Improved 5100 mAh battery
Cons
  • −Slower charging (23W)
  • −Tensor G4 throttles
  • −Plastic back

FAQ: iPhone 15 256GB vs Pixel 9a

Which is better, iPhone 15 256GB or Pixel 9a? +

Both score 86 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is iPhone 15 256GB worth the price? +

At $899, iPhone 15 256GB delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in cpu.

Is Pixel 9a worth the price? +

At $499, Pixel 9a delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in camera.

Does iPhone 15 256GB or Pixel 9a last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for photography, iPhone 15 256GB or Pixel 9a? +

Pixel 9a — leads on camera (92 vs 85). Stills and video quality across lenses.

Which is better for battery life, iPhone 15 256GB or Pixel 9a? +

Pixel 9a — leads on battery (90 vs 80). Screen-on time and charging.