Google Pixel 9 • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked AT&T

The Google Pixel 9, released in 2024, and the iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both are capable smartphones, they cater to different user preferences through their respective Android and iOS operating systems, design philosophies, and core feature sets. The Pixel 9 emphasizes advanced computational photography and a modern display, whereas the iPhone SE 2022 offers a compact form factor and a familiar user experience.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

• Software Support: The Google Pixel 9, released in 2024, benefits from Google's commitment to providing seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates, extending its official support until 2031. The iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, typically receives iOS updates for five to six years, with potential for longer support, suggesting updates until at least 2027 or 2028.
• Physical Durability: The Pixel 9 features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE 2022 incorporates ion-strengthened glass and an aerospace-grade aluminum design, carrying an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, protecting it in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
• Expected Lifespan: Both devices are built to withstand daily use, but the Pixel 9's longer guaranteed software support offers an extended period of receiving the latest features and security updates.

Performance is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles demanding tasks.

• Processing Power: The Google Pixel 9 is powered by the Google Tensor G4, designed to handle demanding applications, multitasking, and advanced on-device AI features smoothly. The iPhone SE 2022 features the Apple A15 Bionic chip, which provides robust performance for its class, ensuring smooth operation for everyday tasks and graphically intensive games.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Pixel 9 typically comes with 12GB of RAM, contributing to efficient multitasking and app management. The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with 4GB of RAM. Both devices offer various storage options, including 128GB and 256GB, with the iPhone SE 2022 also available in a 64GB configuration.
• Battery Behavior: The Pixel 9, with its 4700 mAh battery, is designed for all-day power, with real-world usage often yielding 10-12 hours under heavy use and up to 24-28 hours with light use. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 2018 mAh battery, providing up to 15 hours of video playback, with typical daily use often requiring charging by the end of the day for heavy users.

The display is a primary interface, and differences in technology and specifications can significantly affect the visual experience.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Google Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 422 PPI. This OLED technology provides deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels and a pixel density of 326 PPI.
• Brightness and Smoothness: The Pixel 9's display offers an adaptive refresh rate from 60Hz to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and animations, and it can reach a peak brightness of up to 2700 nits, making it highly visible in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone SE 2022 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate and a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits.
• Viewing Experience: The Pixel 9 offers a larger, more immersive viewing experience with superior contrast and brightness, suitable for media consumption and detailed work. The iPhone SE 2022 provides a compact screen that is easy to handle with one hand, ideal for users who prefer a smaller device.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and these devices offer different photographic strengths.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Google Pixel 9 features a dual-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main camera with an f/1.68 aperture and a 48MP ultrawide camera with an f/1.7 aperture and a 123-degree field of view. It is known for its computational photography, delivering good color, contrast, and excellent low-light performance with Night Sight. The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a single 12MP wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture. While it produces good images in decent lighting, it lacks a dedicated Night mode.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. The Pixel 9 has a 10.5MP front-facing camera, while the iPhone SE 2022 has a 7MP front camera. The A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone SE 2022 enhances its camera's capabilities through features like Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion.
• Audio Experience: Both devices offer stereo speaker output, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption.