When you purchase a Google Pixel 9 Pro or an iPhone 16 Pro, you’re aware of the price tag—each retailing for approximately $1,000. While these devices are costly, their prices reflect the typical range for flagship smartphones.
But is that the true cost of the phones? While that’s the amount you’ll pay, how much do Google and Apple actually spend to manufacture these devices? Recent data has shed some light on this question.
According to fresh insights from Nikkei, the production cost for Google’s Pixel 9 Pro is surprisingly lower than many anticipated, coming in at roughly $406 per unit. This figure includes costs such as $80 for the Tensor G4 chipset, $75 for the Samsung M14 display, and $61 for the camera components, as detailed by Jukanlosreve on X.
The Pixel 9 Pro’s manufacturing costs come in about 11% less than the Pixel 8 Pro. However, the newer model features a smaller display and battery. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is better compared to the Pixel 8 Pro, as this year’s range introduces three models—the standard Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL—marking the first time since the Pixel 4 XL in 2019 that the Pixel series has had three variants.
Furthermore, the same Nikkei analysis revealed that Apple’s production cost for the iPhone 16 Pro is $568 per unit. This includes costs such as $110 for the M14 display, $91 for the camera setup, and $135 for the A18 chipset. The overall manufacturing expense is slightly lower compared to the iPhone 15 Pro.
Both the Pixel 9 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro come equipped with a 6.3-inch OLED display featuring a dynamic refresh rate of 120Hz. The Pixel 9 Pro boasts a 50-megapixel main camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 48MP telephoto lens, while the iPhone 16 Pro is equipped with a 58MP primary camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 12MP telephoto lens.
In the U.S., both the Pixel 9 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro start at $1,000. However, based on the material costs, it appears that Google may yield a higher profit margin per device than Apple.
