Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone 12
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 4
Starting at
£131.91
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 newWhat's the difference between the Google Pixel 4 and iPhone 12?
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone 12 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 4 starts at £131.91, £38.09 less than the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Google Pixel 4, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12.
- The Google Pixel 4 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- Battery: 2800 mAh on the Google Pixel 4, 2815 mAh on the iPhone 12.
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone 12 specs
The Google Pixel 4 and iPhone 12 differ in several key areas that suit different needs. The Pixel 4 has a 90 Hz screen refresh rate and more RAM, making it a good choice if smooth animations and multitasking are important. Both have similar battery capacities. Camera resolutions differ slightly, with the iPhone 12 having higher megapixels on the front camera, while the Pixel 4 has marginally more on the main camera. Storage options on the iPhone 12 go up to 256GB, offering more space for apps and media. Choose the Pixel 4 for a more fluid Android experience or the iPhone 12 for a larger screen and longer software support.
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone 12 price
Colour
Storage
- 64GBSold out
- 128GBSold out
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone 12 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and operating system, which affect how long the device stays useful and secure.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 4 has a 2800 mAh battery, and the iPhone 12 has a slightly larger 2815 mAh battery. Both capacities are close, so daily usage time is likely similar. Battery life will depend on other factors like software optimisation and screen use.
Operating System
The Pixel 4 runs on Android, offering flexibility and customisation suited to users familiar with Google services. The iPhone 12 uses iOS, which is known for a consistent and integrated experience with Apple's ecosystem.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone 12 performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options, affecting speed, multitasking, and space for apps and media.
Chipset Technology
The Pixel 4 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset built on a 7 nm process, while the iPhone 12 uses the Apple A14 Bionic built on a 5 nm process. The A14 Bionic's smaller process suggests a newer design that can deliver efficient performance suitable for demanding apps and tasks.
Memory Capacity
The Pixel 4 comes with 6 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps active and running smoothly in the background. The iPhone 12 has 4 GB of RAM, which is still enough for everyday use and efficient app switching on iOS.
Storage Options
Pixel 4 storage options are 64GB and 128GB, which suits users with moderate needs for apps and media. The iPhone 12 offers an additional 256GB option, providing more space for users with larger storage demands.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone 12 screen
Screen quality influences daily interaction with the device, including clarity, size, and smoothness of motion.
Refresh Rate
The Pixel 4 features a 90 Hz refresh rate, which makes animations and scrolling feel smoother. This can be noticeable when browsing or gaming, appealing to users who value fluid visuals. The iPhone 12 has a 60 Hz screen, which is standard for most smartphones.
Resolution and Size
The Pixel 4's screen resolution is 1080 x 2280 on a 5.7 inch display, offering sharp images in a compact size that fits comfortably in one hand. The iPhone 12 has a higher resolution of 1170 x 2532 on a larger 6.1 inch display, providing more space for viewing videos and multitasking.
Screen Type
The Pixel 4 uses a P-OLED screen, which delivers vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 12's Super Retina XDR OLED screen is known for high brightness and colour accuracy, enhancing content viewing in bright conditions.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone 12 camera
Camera quality is key for capturing photos and video, with front and main cameras serving different purposes.
Front Camera Resolution
The Pixel 4 has an 8 megapixel front camera, suitable for selfies and video calls with clear detail. The iPhone 12's front camera is 12 megapixels, capturing higher resolution images for users who prioritise selfie quality.
Main Camera Resolution
The Pixel 4 offers a 12.2 megapixel main camera, which provides detailed photos for everyday photography. The iPhone 12 has a 12 megapixel main camera, close in resolution and suitable for high quality images across varied lighting.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone 12 size and design
This section includes other practical features such as network support, connectors, and physical dimensions that affect daily use.
Network Compatibility
The Pixel 4 supports 4G mobile networks, which provides reliable internet speeds for most users. The iPhone 12 supports 5G, offering faster download and upload speeds where 5G coverage is available, benefiting users wanting quicker mobile data.
Connector Type
The Pixel 4 uses a USB-C connector, common for many modern devices, allowing easy charging and data transfer with compatible accessories. The iPhone 12 uses the Lightning connector, which is standard for Apple devices and supported by a wide range of Apple accessories.
Device Size and Weight
The Pixel 4 measures 147.1 mm in height and 68.8 mm wide, with a thickness of 8.2 mm and weighs 162 g, making it compact and light. The iPhone 12 is slightly larger at 146.7 mm in height and 71.5 mm wide, thickness is 7.4 mm, and it weighs 164 g, offering a bigger screen in a similarly manageable size.
SIM Card Options
Both phones accept a physical SIM and an eSIM, allowing flexible mobile network setups for users who want to use two numbers or switch providers easily.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 4 or iPhone 12: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 4 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £131.91, £38.09 less than the iPhone 12
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a smoother screen (90 Hz vs 60 Hz)
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.7 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 Oct 2022, last Android 13)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Google Pixel 4 appreciate its performance and condition, often describing the phone as better than expected or very pleasing to use. Many praise its suitability for everyday tasks and enjoy the Android experience. Some customers have noted issues with battery health or screen problems, though others report satisfaction with the battery and overall quality. The Pixel 4 appears popular as a first phone or a practical choice for daily use.
Reviews for the iPhone 12 highlight its excellent condition, smooth performance, and reliable battery life. Users comment on its clean appearance and fast operation thanks to the A14 Bionic chip. The iPhone 12 is often described as handling all tasks well and feeling like a premium phone, with many customers happy with the screen and storage options. It is chosen by those who want a device that feels new and performs consistently for a range of activities.
Overall, customers find the Pixel 4 suitable if you want a responsive Android device with good multitasking, while the iPhone 12 appeals to those seeking a larger screen, longer software support, and 5G connectivity. Both phones receive praise for looking like new and working well in daily use.
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone 12 FAQs
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone 12 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Google Pixel 4, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12. The Google Pixel 4 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The Google Pixel 4 is cheaper refurbished, from £131.91 compared with £170 for the iPhone 12.
The Google Pixel 4 has 2800 mAh and the iPhone 12 has 2815 mAh.
The Google Pixel 4 has 12.2 megapixels and the iPhone 12 has 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 4 ended in Oct 2022. Its last version is Android 13. The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 4 comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the iPhone 12 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
