Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 mini
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 3a
Starting at
£155.00
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 newWhat's the difference between the Google Pixel 3a and iPhone 12 mini?
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 mini comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3a starts at £155, £6.35 less than the iPhone 12 mini. The iPhone 12 mini is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
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Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3a, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini.
- The Google Pixel 3a has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
- The Google Pixel 3a has a bigger screen: 5.6 inch vs 5.4 inch.
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 mini specs
The Google Pixel 3a and iPhone 12 mini differ in several ways that suit different users. The Pixel 3a has a slightly bigger screen, while the iPhone 12 mini offers a higher front camera resolution and a sharper screen. Each phone fits different preferences in performance, screen quality, and connectivity.
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 mini price
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Storage
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 mini battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and operating system. These factors affect how long you can use the phone daily and how long it stays supported.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 3a has a 3000 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 12 mini's 2227 mAh. This means the Pixel 3a may offer longer use between charges, which suits users who prioritise battery life in daily use.
Operating System
The Pixel 3a runs Android, which offers a different app ecosystem and customisation options compared to the iPhone 12 mini's iOS. Your choice may depend on which operating system you prefer or already use.
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Ip rating
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Year of release
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 mini performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage, which influence how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking.
Chipset
The Pixel 3a uses the Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 chipset, while the iPhone 12 mini features the Apple A14 Bionic. The A14 Bionic is built on a smaller 5 nm process, which generally means it is more efficient and powerful. This suits users who want faster performance for demanding apps.
RAM
Both phones have 4 GB of RAM, helping keep everyday apps running smoothly. This amount supports good multitasking for typical daily use.
Storage Options
The Pixel 3a comes with 64 GB of storage, while the iPhone 12 mini offers 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB options. More storage on the iPhone 12 mini suits users who keep many apps, photos, or videos on their phone.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 mini screen
Screen quality affects how clear and vibrant images and text appear. Resolution, size, and screen type all contribute to your viewing experience.
Screen Resolution and Size
The Pixel 3a has a 5.6 inch screen with 1080 x 2220 resolution, slightly larger than the iPhone 12 mini's 5.4 inch screen with 1080 x 2340 resolution. The iPhone's resolution is a bit taller, which may suit users who prefer a more compact size with slightly more vertical space for content.
Screen Type
Both phones use OLED technology for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 12 mini has a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which is designed to offer higher contrast and brightness. This suits users who want sharper visuals and more vivid display quality.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 mini camera
Camera quality and front-facing camera resolution matter for photos, video calls, and selfies. These features influence how much detail your pictures capture.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, compared to the Pixel 3a's 8 megapixels. This higher resolution suits users who take many selfies or use video calling frequently, helping capture more detail.
Main Camera Resolution
Both phones have very similar main cameras, with the Pixel 3a at 12.2 megapixels and the iPhone 12 mini at 12 megapixels. This means both can capture detailed photos, suitable for everyday photography needs.
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 mini size and design
Other features include network support, size, weight, and SIM compatibility, which affect how the phone fits your lifestyle and connectivity needs.
Network Compatibility
The iPhone 12 mini supports 5G networks, which provides faster mobile data speeds where available. The Pixel 3a supports 4G, suitable for users who do not require the fastest mobile data or whose network coverage is mainly 4G.
Size and Weight
The Pixel 3a measures 151.3 mm tall, 70.1 mm wide, and weighs 147 g. The iPhone 12 mini is slightly shorter at 131.5 mm tall, narrower at 64.2 mm wide, and lighter at 135 g. The iPhone suits users who want a compact and lightweight device that fits easily in a pocket or handbag.
Carrier and SIM Compatibility
Both phones are unlocked and support a physical SIM plus eSIM, giving flexibility to switch carriers or use multiple numbers on one device.
Storage Expansion
Neither phone has an SD card slot, so storage capacity cannot be expanded beyond what is built into the device.
Depth
The Pixel 3a is 8.2 mm thick, while the iPhone 12 mini is 7.4 mm thick. Both are slim enough to fit comfortably in hand or pocket.
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SD card slot
SIM card
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Google Pixel 3a or iPhone 12 mini: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 3a if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £155, £6.35 less than the iPhone 12 mini
- you want a bigger battery (3000 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.6 inch vs 5.4 inch)
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- 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)
- you want 5G
What our customers say
Customers find the Google Pixel 3a generally reliable and in good condition. Many say the phone works perfectly and is easy to set up. The larger battery capacity suits users who want longer daily use. Some note the phone can feel slow or have charging issues. A few mention hardware quirks like power button faults. Overall, the Pixel 3a is appreciated for providing solid everyday use with Android.
Reviews of the iPhone 12 mini often highlight its compact size and good condition, with several customers noting the phone looks like new or very close to it. The front camera's higher resolution and the sharp Super Retina XDR OLED screen are appreciated for photos and viewing. Some users praise the 5G connectivity and new battery health. A few customers report issues like overheating or screen problems, showing that experiences can vary. The available storage options give users flexibility for their data needs.
The Pixel 3a suits those looking for a straightforward Android phone with a larger battery and solid everyday performance. The iPhone 12 mini appeals to users who want a compact iOS device with the latest updates, better front camera resolution, and 5G connectivity.
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 mini FAQs
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 mini 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 mini. The Google Pixel 3a has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
The Google Pixel 3a is cheaper refurbished, from £155 compared with £161.35 for the iPhone 12 mini.
The Google Pixel 3a has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
The Google Pixel 3a has 12.2 megapixels and the iPhone 12 mini has 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 3a ended in May 2022. Its last version is Android 12.1. The iPhone 12 mini is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3a comes in 64GB, and the iPhone 12 mini in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
