Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 3a
Starting at
£155.00
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at
£274.51£879.00 newWhat's the difference between the Google Pixel 3a and iPhone 12 Pro?
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3a starts at £155, £119.51 less than the iPhone 12 Pro. The iPhone 12 Pro is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3a, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro.
- The iPhone 12 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Google Pixel 3a has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro specs
The Google Pixel 3a and the iPhone 12 Pro differ in several ways that suit different needs. The Pixel 3a is simpler with a smaller screen and battery, running Android, ideal for everyday use and those who prefer a lighter phone with a straightforward experience. The iPhone 12 Pro offers more power with a faster chipset, more RAM, a larger and sharper screen, and 5G network support, suited for users wanting a premium feel, more storage options, and longer software updates. Both are unlocked and support physical SIM plus eSIM, but the iPhone 12 Pro's extra features appeal to those who want more from their device.
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro price
Colour
Storage
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and operating systems, which affect how long the device can keep up with daily use and receive new features. These two devices differ in battery capacity and update support, which matters depending on how you use your phone.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 3a has a 3000 mAh battery, which suits users looking for a phone with enough power for standard daily use. The iPhone 12 Pro has a slightly smaller 2815 mAh battery, which may suit users who rely on efficient power management and don't mind charging a bit more often.
Operating System
The Google Pixel 3a runs on Android, appealing to those who prefer the flexibility and customization Android offers. The iPhone 12 Pro runs on iOS, fitting users who prefer Apple's ecosystem and interface.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage, influencing how smoothly the device runs apps and handles multitasking. The two phones differ in processor power, memory size, and available storage options.
Processor Power
The Google Pixel 3a uses a Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 chipset built on 10 nm technology, which works well for everyday apps and tasks. The iPhone 12 Pro features the Apple A14 Bionic chipset on 5 nm technology, offering stronger performance for users who run demanding apps or multitask frequently.
Memory
With 4 GB of RAM, the Google Pixel 3a suits users who mainly use standard apps and moderate multitasking. The iPhone 12 Pro has 6 GB of RAM, better for keeping more apps open and handling heavier workloads.
Storage Options
The Google Pixel 3a is stocked with 64GB of storage, suitable for users with moderate media and app needs. The iPhone 12 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, fitting users who store large amounts of data or prefer more space for apps and media.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro screen
Screen quality affects how you see videos, photos, and text. These two phones differ in screen size, resolution, and screen type, which impacts viewing experience and detail.
Screen Size
The Google Pixel 3a has a 5.6 inch screen, which suits users who prefer a more compact device that fits easily in one hand. The iPhone 12 Pro's 6.1 inch screen offers a larger viewing area, ideal for watching videos or working on the go.
Screen Resolution
The Pixel 3a's screen resolution is 1080 x 2220, delivering clear images for everyday use. The iPhone 12 Pro's higher resolution of 1170 x 2532 provides sharper detail, making it suitable for users who want a crisper display.
Screen Type
The Google Pixel 3a uses an OLED screen, providing good contrast and colour for its size. The iPhone 12 Pro features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, offering enhanced brightness and richer colours that benefit users who value high-quality visuals.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro camera
Audiovisual features include the cameras, which capture photos and video. Differences in megapixels affect detail and clarity for selfies and main shots.
Front Camera
The Google Pixel 3a has an 8 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear selfies and video calls. The iPhone 12 Pro's 12 megapixel front camera captures more detail, which benefits users who take frequent selfies or rely on video conferencing.
Main Camera
The Pixel 3a is equipped with a 12.2 megapixel main camera, delivering good quality photos for everyday use. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 12 megapixel main camera, offering similar resolution but may appeal to users who value Apple's camera system and image processing.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro size and design
Other features include size, weight, network compatibility, and SIM options. These details affect comfort, connectivity, and how you use your phone day to day.
Size and Weight
The Google Pixel 3a measures 151.3 mm in height, 70.1 mm in width, and 8.2 mm in depth, weighing 147 g. This makes it a lighter and more compact device, good for users preferring smaller phones. The iPhone 12 Pro is taller at 146.7 mm, wider at 71.5 mm, deeper at 7.4 mm, and weighs 187 g, offering a more substantial feel for those comfortable with a larger phone.
Mobile Network
The Google Pixel 3a supports 4G networks, fitting users who are fine with fast but not the latest mobile data speeds. The iPhone 12 Pro supports 5G, suitable for users wanting access to the newest mobile network technology and faster data where available.
SIM Card Support
Both devices support a physical SIM plus eSIM, giving flexibility for dual SIM use or easy switching between networks without changing cards.
Carrier Compatibility
Both phones come unlocked, which means they can be used with any compatible network in the UK, offering freedom to choose or switch carriers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 3a or iPhone 12 Pro: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 3a if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £155, £119.51 less than the iPhone 12 Pro
- you want a bigger battery (3000 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a lighter build (147 g vs 189 g)
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.6 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Google Pixel 3a generally praise its condition and reliability. Many find it easy to set up and in excellent shape, with some using it for everyday tasks or even to run alternative operating systems like Ubuntu. There are some mentions of slower performance and occasional hardware issues like charging or power button problems but overall buyers recommend it for a straightforward, functional device that feels like new.
The iPhone 12 Pro receives very positive feedback for its condition, smooth performance, and battery life. Customers appreciate how it looks and works like new, with some noting the ease of upgrading from older iPhones and enjoying the larger storage options. The phone is seen as a solid choice for those wanting a high-quality refurbished device with good battery health and a premium feel.
The Google Pixel 3a suits users who want a lighter, smaller phone running Android for everyday use, while the iPhone 12 Pro fits those who prefer a larger, more powerful device with iOS and 5G support. Both devices come recommended by their owners for different needs.
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro FAQs
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3a, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro. The iPhone 12 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The Google Pixel 3a is cheaper refurbished, from £155 compared with £274.51 for the iPhone 12 Pro.
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 Pro has 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 3a ended in May 2022. Its last version is Android 12.1. The iPhone 12 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3a comes in 64GB, and the iPhone 12 Pro in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
