Google Pixel 9 • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked Verizon

The Google Pixel 9, released in August 2024, and the iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Pixel 9 operates on Android and showcases a modern design with advanced computational photography, the iPhone SE 2022 runs on iOS, maintaining a classic iPhone aesthetic with a focus on core performance. The primary differentiators lie in their operating systems, camera capabilities, and overall form factors.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical resilience.

• Release Timeline: The Google Pixel 9 was released in August 2024, making it a newer device compared to the iPhone SE 2022, which launched in March 2022. This age difference inherently means the Pixel 9 will receive software updates for a longer period into the future.
• OS Support Duration: Google has committed to providing seven years of software updates for the Pixel 9, ensuring extended access to new features and security patches. The iPhone SE 2022, while known for Apple's long-term support, is expected to receive iOS updates until approximately 2028 to 2030.
• Physical Durability: The Pixel 9 features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone SE 2022 comes with ion-strengthened glass and an IP67 rating, offering protection against dust and water immersion. Both devices are built to withstand everyday use, though the Pixel 9's newer glass technology may offer a slight edge in scratch and drop resistance.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications. Both devices offer capable internal hardware, but with different generations of technology.

• Processor Capabilities: The Google Pixel 9 is powered by Google's Tensor G4 chip, which is designed to handle demanding apps and multitasking smoothly, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence features. The iPhone SE 2022 utilizes the A15 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 13 series, providing very responsive performance for its release era. Users of both devices generally report fluid and fast experiences for web browsing and social media.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Pixel 9 typically comes with 12GB of RAM, which supports extensive multitasking and keeps numerous applications active in the background without slowdowns. The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with 4GB of RAM, which is optimized for iOS to provide a smooth user experience, though it may manage fewer active applications simultaneously compared to the Pixel 9. Both offer various storage options, with the Pixel 9 starting at 128GB and the iPhone SE 2022 at 64GB.
• Battery Behavior: The Pixel 9 houses a 4700 mAh battery, with users reporting it comfortably lasts a full day of use. Independent tests show varying results, with some indicating over 13 hours of web surfing and others up to 23 hours of video playback. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 2018 mAh battery, and while its efficient chip helps, its battery life is generally considered average for a modern smartphone, often requiring charging by the end of a heavy day.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and these two devices offer different visual experiences.

• Display Technology and Size: The Google Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch OLED display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone SE 2022 has a smaller 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display, which provides good color accuracy and clarity, though it does not offer the same contrast levels as OLED technology.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Pixel 9 offers a 2424x1080 pixel resolution, resulting in a sharp image with 422 pixels per inch. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 1334x750 pixel resolution at 326 pixels per inch, which is clear for its size but less dense than the Pixel 9's display.
• Brightness and Smoothness: The Pixel 9's display can reach up to 1800 nits HDR brightness, with peak brightness up to 2700 nits, making it highly visible in bright outdoor conditions. It also boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother scrolling and animation experience. The iPhone SE 2022 has a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits and a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is adequate for most indoor and outdoor viewing but less fluid than higher refresh rate displays.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but with different strengths and feature sets.

• Rear Camera System: The Google Pixel 9 features a dual-lens rear camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization and a 48MP ultrawide lens that also supports macro focus. This configuration allows for versatile photography, from wide landscapes to detailed close-ups. The iPhone SE 2022 has a single 12MP wide rear camera with optical image stabilization, which is known for producing consistent and high-quality images in good lighting conditions.
• Photography Features: The Pixel 9 leverages its advanced processing for features like Super Res Zoom (digital up to 8x), Night Sight for improved low-light performance, Astrophotography, Portrait Mode, and unique AI-driven tools like 'Add Me' and 'Face Unblur'. The iPhone SE 2022 benefits from Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Photographic Styles, enhancing image quality and offering some customization. However, it notably lacks a dedicated Night Mode, which can impact low-light photography.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at 60 frames per second. The Pixel 9 includes a 10.5MP front-facing camera with autofocus. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 7MP front camera, which supports Portrait mode and 1080p video recording.