Between the iPhone SE (3rd gen) and Pixel 9, the iPhone SE (3rd gen) comes out ahead in weight, while the Pixel 9 wins on main camera and ram. Overall, the iPhone SE (3rd gen) scores 40.7 and the Pixel 9 scores 63.5 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Pixel 9 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 22.8 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the iPhone SE (3rd gen) if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. The biggest gaps in its favor are weight.
Pick the Pixel 9 if your top frustration with your current device is running out of charge before the day ends — endurance is the lead spec here. Its strongest claims are main camera, ram, battery capacity, among others.
Both ship with comparable 5g support, optical image stabilization, headphone jack, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Pixel 9 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) wins
- ▲Weight — 54.00 g less. 144 vs 198.
Why Google - Pixel 9 wins
- ▲Main camera — 316.67% more. 50 MP vs 12 MP.
- ▲RAM — 200.00% more. 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- ▲Battery capacity — 132.90% more. 4700 mAh vs 2018 mAh.
- ▲Refresh rate — 100.00% more. 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
- ▲Wireless charging — 100.00% more. 15 W vs 7.5 W.
- ▲AnTuTu — 58.97% more. 1240000 vs 780000.
- ▲Front camera — 50.00% more. 10.5 MP vs 7 MP.
- ▲Wired charging — 35.00% more. 27 W vs 20 W.
Spec comparison
Design
| Spec | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Google - Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 144 glead | 198 g |
| Thickness | 7.3 mmlead | 8.5 mm |
| Water resistanceⓘ | IP67 | IP68lead |
| Form factor | bar | bar |
Display
| Spec | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Google - Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen sizeⓘ | 4.7 " | 6.3 "lead |
| Pixel densityⓘ | 326 ppi | 422 ppilead |
| Refresh rateⓘ | 60 Hz | 120 Hzlead |
| Peak brightnessⓘ | 625 nits | 2700 nitslead |
Performance
Cameras
| Spec | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Google - Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Main cameraⓘ | 12 MP | 50 MPlead |
| Front camera | 7 MP | 10.5 MPlead |
| Optical image stabilizationⓘ | true | true |
Battery
| Spec | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Google - Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 2018 mAh | 4700 mAhlead |
| Wired chargingⓘ | 20 W | 27 Wlead |
| Wireless chargingⓘ | 7.5 W | 15 Wlead |
Connectivity
| Spec | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Google - Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| 5G supportⓘ | true | true |
| Headphone jack | false | false |
| microSD slot | false | false |
Operating System
| Spec | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Google - Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| OS | iOSlead | Android |
| Promised OS updates | 5 years | 7 yearslead |
Frequently asked
Which has better battery, iPhone SE (3rd gen) or Pixel 9?+
Pixel 9 has 132.9% more battery — 2018 mAh vs 4700 mAh.
Which is lighter, iPhone SE (3rd gen) or Pixel 9?+
iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 54g lighter — 144g vs 198g.
Is iPhone SE (3rd gen) waterproof?+
iPhone SE (3rd gen) has an IP67 rating.
Does Pixel 9 support 5G?+
Yes, Pixel 9 supports 5G.
Which has more RAM, iPhone SE (3rd gen) or Pixel 9?+
Pixel 9 offers 12GB of RAM.
Which has a better camera, iPhone SE (3rd gen) or Pixel 9?+
Pixel 9 has a 50 MP main camera vs 12 MP.
Spec-level deep dives
More from the same brands
vsMars is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.