Apple iPhone 17 / Google Pixel 9

ProMotion adjusts the refresh rate to the content: 120 Hz smoothness when scrolling, lower rates on still images to save battery. The Always-On display shows the time and notifications dimmed while locked. Because of the rounded corners, the visible area is slightly smaller than the rectangle measurement.

According to Google it reaches up to 1,800 nits in HDR and up to 2,700 nits peak, with contrast above 2,000,000:1. Smooth Display varies the refresh rate between 60 and 120 Hz with the content.

3,000 nits is a short peak in strong sunlight, not sustained full-screen brightness. The 1-nit minimum aims to avoid eye strain in a dark room. The screen has anti-reflective and oleophobic coatings.

According to Apple, the colour-infused back glass is used on Black, Mist Blue, Sage and Lavender.

Apple notes that this resistance is not permanent, may decline with normal wear, and that liquid damage is not covered by the warranty.

The GPU supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing; the Neural Accelerators speed up AI work inside the GPU.

There is no memory card slot.

The 2× image comes from the centre of the 48 MP main sensor rather than a separate telephoto lens; the optical-quality zoom range is 4× in total, with digital zoom up to 10×. The ultra wide camera also takes 48 MP macro photos.

There is no telephoto camera; Google lists optical-quality zoom at 0.5x, 1x and 2x. The ultrawide camera also handles Macro Focus; a laser autofocus (LDAF) sensor is fitted.

Dual Capture records with the front and rear cameras at the same time. Action mode strongly stabilises footage shot while walking or running.

Center Stage automatically adjusts the framing to the people in photos and video calls; the TrueDepth system for Face ID works with this camera.

25 W wireless charging needs a 30 W or higher adapter; no adapter is included. Battery life varies with Apple’s test conditions, network and settings.

Google measures 27 W and 55% in 30 minutes with its separately sold 45 W charger; the box contains only a 1 m USB-C cable (USB 2.0). Battery Share lets the back of the phone wirelessly charge other Qi devices.

Wired data transfer is limited to USB 2 speed, so moving large video files takes time. USB-C can output to an external display at up to 4K HDR.

Thread provides low-power mesh connectivity with smart-home devices. Ultra Wideband helps locate devices such as AirTag by direction and distance; availability varies by country.

Emergency SOS and Roadside Assistance via satellite are offered depending on country; Crash Detection is included.

The Action button can be set to functions such as silent mode, torch, translate or a shortcut. Camera Control is a touch-sensitive button that adjusts exposure, depth and zoom by sliding.

No power adapter or EarPods are included.

IP68 is a dust and water resistance rating; Google notes it is not permanent and that liquid damage is not covered by the warranty.

There is no memory card slot; storage options may vary by region.

Video offers optical stabilisation, fused stabilisation, Cinematic Pan and Audio Magic Eraser; digital video zoom goes up to 7x.

The seven years count from when the device first went on sale on the US Google Store.

The Indian model has Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 + 5 GHz). Dual-band GNSS receives two frequencies from positioning satellites for more accurate location in cities.

There is no 3.5 mm headphone jack; unlocking uses fingerprint and face recognition.