Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 3a
Starting at
£155.00
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 newWhat's the difference between the Google Pixel 3a and iPhone 12?
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3a starts at £155, £15 less than the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3a, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12.
- The Google Pixel 3a has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
- The iPhone 12 has a bigger screen: 6.1 inch vs 5.6 inch.
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 specs
The Google Pixel 3a and iPhone 12 offer different strengths suited to varied needs. The Pixel 3a runs Android and has a 5.6 inch OLED screen with a slightly larger battery capacity. It also offers 5G connectivity and a choice of three storage sizes. For everyday use with Android and a compact design, the Pixel 3a is a solid choice.
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 price
Colour
Storage
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and operating system. These factors affect how long the phone can last daily and stay supported over time.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 3a has a 3000 mAh battery, which is slightly larger than the iPhone 12's 2815 mAh. This means the Pixel 3a may offer longer battery life under similar usage, which suits users wanting extended use without charging.
Operating System
The Pixel 3a runs Android, offering flexibility and customisation common to this platform. The iPhone 12 runs iOS, known for its smooth integration with Apple services and regular updates. Your preference for Android or iOS will guide your choice here.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 performance
Performance focuses on the chipset, memory, and storage, which influence how smoothly the phone handles apps, multitasking, and storage needs.
Processor Technology
The iPhone 12 features the Apple A14 Bionic chip built on a 5 nm process, which typically offers efficient and fast performance. The Pixel 3a uses a Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 chip built on a 10 nm process, suitable for everyday tasks. Those needing smoother multitasking and faster app launches may prefer the iPhone 12.
Memory Size
Both phones have 4 GB of RAM, enough to keep everyday apps running smoothly. This amount supports typical multitasking needs without difference between them.
Storage Options
The Pixel 3a is available with 64GB of storage. The iPhone 12 offers more choices with 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, allowing you to pick one that fits your storage needs for apps, photos, and files.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 screen
Screen quality affects your viewing experience for videos, reading, and apps. Both phones use OLED technology but differ in size and resolution.
Screen Size
The Pixel 3a has a 5.6 inch screen, making it more compact and easier to hold for one-handed use. The iPhone 12's 6.1 inch screen provides more room for watching videos and browsing content comfortably.
Resolution and Display Type
The iPhone 12 offers a higher resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels with its Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which delivers sharper and more vibrant images. The Pixel 3a's 1080 x 2220 OLED screen is still bright and clear, suitable for everyday viewing but with less pixel detail.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 camera
Camera quality is key if you take selfies or photos regularly. The front and main cameras differ in megapixels, affecting detail capture.
Front Camera Detail
The iPhone 12 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls. The Pixel 3a has an 8 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear self-portraits but with fewer pixels.
Main Camera Detail
Both phones have main cameras around 12 megapixels: 12.2 on the Pixel 3a and 12 on the iPhone 12. This means both can take detailed photos, with little difference in pixel count to affect daily photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 size and design
Other features include network compatibility, physical size, and weight, which impact connectivity and how the phone feels in your hand.
Network Connectivity
The iPhone 12 supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile internet where 5G is available. The Pixel 3a supports 4G, which remains common and reliable for everyday mobile use.
Physical Dimensions
The Pixel 3a measures 151.3 mm in height, 70.1 mm in width, and 8.2 mm in depth, making it more compact. The iPhone 12 is slightly larger at 146.7 mm high, 71.5 mm wide, and 7.4 mm deep, which may suit users who prefer a bigger phone.
Weight
The Pixel 3a weighs 147 g, lighter than the iPhone 12's 164 g. A lighter phone may feel easier to carry and handle for extended use.
SIM Card Options
Both phones support a physical SIM plus an eSIM, giving flexibility for multiple mobile plans or travel.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 3a or iPhone 12: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 3a if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £155, £15 less than the iPhone 12
- you want a bigger battery (3000 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a lighter build (147 g vs 162 g)
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.6 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended May 2022, last Android 12.1)
What our customers say
Customers of the Google Pixel 3a generally appreciate its reliable condition and ease of use. Many praise the phone's performance for everyday tasks, despite some noting occasional slowness or issues with charging. The Pixel 3a's compact size and Android OS appeal to those who prefer simplicity and a smaller device. A few customers highlight excellent condition and recommend it for straightforward use, while some note minor faults like a power button issue or activation lock problems.
Reviews for the iPhone 12 are very positive, with many customers impressed by its condition looking like new and smooth performance powered by the A14 Bionic chip. Buyers value the phone's sharp screen, reliable battery, and choice of storage sizes. The iPhone 12 is popular with those wanting a larger, high-quality display and the latest iOS updates. Customers mention the phone's ability to handle multitasking and photo editing well, along with features like 5G. The device suits users who want a premium feel and up-to-date software.
Overall, the Pixel 3a fits buyers seeking a compact Android phone for everyday use, while the iPhone 12 suits those who want a larger screen, more storage options, and continued software updates with iOS.
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 FAQs
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3a, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12. The Google Pixel 3a has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The Google Pixel 3a is cheaper refurbished, from £155 compared with £170 for the iPhone 12.
The Google Pixel 3a has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The Google Pixel 3a has 12.2 megapixels and the iPhone 12 has 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 3a ended in May 2022. Its last version is Android 12.1. The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3a comes in 64GB, and the iPhone 12 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
