Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro Max
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 3a
Starting at
£155.00
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 newWhat's the difference between the Google Pixel 3a and iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3a starts at £155, £177.70 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 Pro Max 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 on the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro Max specs
The Google Pixel 3a and the iPhone 12 Pro Max offer distinct experiences suited to different users. The Pixel 3a is a smaller, lighter phone with a simpler performance profile and a good OLED screen, designed for everyday use and those who prefer Android. Both phones have unlocked SIM support and dual SIM options, but the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a more premium feel with its bigger size and advanced screen technology.
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro Max price
Colour
Storage
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability includes battery capacity, software updates, operating system, and physical attributes. These factors influence how long the device runs between charges, how current the software remains, and the platform you use daily.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 3a has a 3000 mAh battery, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a larger 3687 mAh battery. This means the iPhone can potentially run longer between charges, which suits those needing extended battery life throughout the day.
Operating System
The Pixel 3a runs Android, providing access to Google's ecosystem and a flexible user interface. The iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS, known for its smooth integration with Apple services and apps. Your choice here depends on which platform suits your preferences.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro Max performance
Performance covers the chipset, RAM, and storage options, affecting how smoothly the phone runs apps, multitasks, and stores your data.
Chipset and RAM
The Google Pixel 3a uses a Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 chipset with 4 GB RAM, which is suitable for everyday tasks and basic multitasking. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has an Apple A14 Bionic chipset paired with 6 GB RAM, offering stronger performance that supports heavier multitasking and demanding apps.
Storage Options
The Pixel 3a comes in 64GB storage, which is enough for casual users with moderate app and media needs. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, catering to users who require more space for apps, photos, videos, and files.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro Max screen
Screen quality impacts your viewing experience for videos, photos, and everyday use. Differences in size, resolution, and screen type define how much you see and how clear it appears.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Google Pixel 3a features a 5.6 inch OLED screen with a 1080 x 2220 resolution. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a significantly larger 6.7 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a higher resolution of 1284 x 2778. This makes the iPhone better for watching videos and viewing detailed images on a larger display.
Screen Technology
While both have OLED screens, the iPhone 12 Pro Max uses Super Retina XDR OLED technology, which offers enhanced brightness and contrast. This benefits users who prioritise sharpness and vivid colours in their screen experience.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual features cover the cameras and how well each phone captures images and video from the front and rear.
Front Camera
The Google Pixel 3a has an 8 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear selfies and video calls. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a higher resolution 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail and suits users who prioritise selfie quality or video conferencing.
Main Camera
The Pixel 3a's main camera is 12.2 megapixels, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel main camera. Both deliver detailed photos, with similar megapixel counts that serve well for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro Max size and design
This section covers various features that affect daily use, such as network compatibility, size, weight, and SIM options.
Network and SIM
The Google Pixel 3a supports 4G mobile networks, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 5G, which offers faster data speeds on compatible networks. Both phones are unlocked and have a physical SIM plus eSIM, offering flexibility in carrier choice.
Size and Weight
The Pixel 3a is smaller and lighter at 151.3 mm height, 70.1 mm width, and 147 g weight. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is larger and heavier at 160.8 mm height, 78.1 mm width, and 226 g weight. The Pixel 3a suits those who want a compact, lightweight device, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max is for users comfortable with a bigger phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 3a or iPhone 12 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 3a if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £155, £177.70 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (147 g vs 228 g)
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.6 inch)
What our customers say
Customers of the Google Pixel 3a appreciate its condition and reliability. Many mention it works perfectly with no signs of wear, making it a dependable choice for everyday use. Some find the phone slower or note charging issues, which aligns with its simpler performance. A few customers have customised it, such as installing Ubuntu, showing its flexibility. The Pixel 3a's size and ease of setup also receive positive comments, though there are occasional reports of hardware issues like a faulty power button.
Users of the iPhone 12 Pro Max praise its condition, describing it as like new with a pristine screen and long-lasting battery. The larger storage options satisfy those needing more space, and the phone's size and colour are often noted as attractive features. Many customers are very happy with their purchase, enjoying the smooth experience and battery life. However, some report problems such as receiving the wrong colour or issues with screen responsiveness and battery health, showing variability in condition among refurbished units.
The Google Pixel 3a is well suited to those who want a smaller, lightweight Android phone for everyday tasks and appreciate reliability. The iPhone 12 Pro Max fits users who prefer a larger screen, more storage, and a device that supports the latest iOS updates with stronger performance.
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro Max FAQs
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3a, Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The Google Pixel 3a is cheaper refurbished, from £155 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Google Pixel 3a has 12.2 megapixels and the iPhone 12 Pro Max has 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 3a ended in May 2022. Its last version is Android 12.1. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3a comes in 64GB, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
