Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 5
Starting at
£122.00
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 newWhat's the difference between the Google Pixel 5 and iPhone 12?
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 5 starts at £122, £48 less than the iPhone 12.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) on the Google Pixel 5, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12.
- The Google Pixel 5 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Google Pixel 5 has a bigger battery: 4080 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 specs
The Google Pixel 5 and iPhone 12, both released in 2020, offer distinct experiences suited to different preferences. The Pixel 5 runs Android with a larger 4080 mAh battery and 8 GB of RAM, making it well suited for users who prioritise longer battery life and smooth multitasking. The iPhone 12 runs iOS and features a more powerful Apple A14 Bionic chipset, options for up to 256GB storage, and a slightly larger 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen, fitting those who want more storage choices and a high-quality display for vibrant visuals. The Pixel 5's 90 Hz refresh rate offers smoother scrolling, while the iPhone 12's front camera shoots at 12 megapixels, appealing to selfie enthusiasts.
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 price
Colour
Storage
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and operating system. These factors affect how long the device lasts each day and how current the software remains.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 5 has a 4080 mAh battery, which suits users who want longer daily use between charges. The iPhone 12's 2815 mAh battery may require more frequent charging, fitting users who manage their power carefully or have convenient charging options.
Software Updates
This ensures each device can run current apps and security features, keeping them reliable for everyday use over time.
Operating System
The Pixel 5 runs Android, appealing to those who prefer its customisation and app ecosystem. The iPhone 12 uses iOS, which offers tight integration with other Apple products and a different user experience.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These influence how smoothly apps run and how much content you can keep on the device.
Processor
The iPhone 12's Apple A14 Bionic chip uses a 5 nm process, typically associated with efficient and strong performance, fitting users who want smooth handling of demanding apps. The Pixel 5 is powered by the Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G chipset with a 7 nm process, suited to everyday tasks and good 5G connectivity.
Memory
Google Pixel 5 comes with 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep multiple apps open and running smoothly. The iPhone 12 has 4 GB of RAM, supporting iOS's efficient use of memory and maintaining quick app performance.
Storage Options
The Pixel 5 is stocked with 128GB of storage, offering a solid amount for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone 12 provides more flexibility with 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, suiting buyers with different storage needs, from lighter to heavier users.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 screen
Screen quality impacts viewing comfort and clarity for media, reading, and daily use. Differences in refresh rate, resolution, size, and screen type affect how each phone displays content.
Refresh Rate
The Pixel 5 features a 90 Hz refresh rate, which means smoother scrolling and animations, benefiting users who value fluid screen movement in apps and browsing. The iPhone 12 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, offering reliable visuals but without the extra smoothness.
Resolution and Size
The iPhone 12's screen measures 6.1 inches with a resolution of 1170 x 2532, giving a slightly larger and sharper display for watching videos or reading text. The Pixel 5 has a 6 inch screen with a 1080 x 2340 resolution, providing a compact but clear view that suits users preferring a smaller phone.
Screen Type
Both devices use OLED technology for rich colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 12's Super Retina XDR OLED screen offers a high-quality display tailored for vivid visuals. The Pixel 5's OLED screen delivers vibrant colours with good contrast for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 camera
Camera specifications shape how well you can capture photos and video plus the front camera experience for calls and selfies.
Camera Setup
Both the Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 have dual rear cameras with similar megapixel counts: 12.2 MP on the Pixel 5 and 12 MP on the iPhone 12. This means both phones are capable of detailed photos with versatile shooting options.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12's front camera offers 12 megapixels, which suits users who prioritise high-resolution selfies and video calls. The Pixel 5's front camera has 8 megapixels, suitable for clear selfies and everyday video chats.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 size and design
Other features include physical dimensions, network compatibility, connectors, and weight, affecting daily handling and connectivity.
Connectivity and Network
Both phones support 5G and come unlocked, giving you flexibility with carriers and faster mobile internet speeds where available.
Physical Dimensions
The Pixel 5 is slightly smaller and lighter at 144.7 mm height, 70.4 mm width, 8 mm depth, and 151 g weight, suiting those who prefer a compact and lightweight device. The iPhone 12 measures 146.7 mm height, 71.5 mm width, 7.4 mm depth, and weighs 164 g, offering a slightly bigger feel in hand.
Connector
The Pixel 5 uses a USB-C connector, common among many devices for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 12 features Apple's Lightning connector, which is standard on many iPhones and accessories.
SIM Card Options
Both phones accept a physical SIM plus an eSIM, allowing you to use two numbers or plans on one device, which is useful for travel or separating work and personal calls.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 5 or iPhone 12: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 5 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £122, £48 less than the iPhone 12
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4080 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
Buy the iPhone 12 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 Nov 2023, last Android 14)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Google Pixel 5 appreciate its good battery life and overall condition. Many mention the phone works well and looks like new, with some noting the battery lasts throughout the day. A few users experienced issues such as screen burn-in or restarts, but most found the device reliable and straightforward to use. The Pixel 5 appeals to those who want a solid refurbished phone with a strong battery and Android experience.
Customers who chose the iPhone 12 praise its condition, often describing it as looking brand new with no scratches or dents. Several buyers highlight the smooth performance thanks to the A14 Bionic chip and the quality of the display. New batteries are a popular option, making the phone feel like a premium device at a fair price. The iPhone 12 suits those who want a reliable iOS phone with good storage options and a high-quality screen.
Both devices have satisfied customers who value refurbished phones as a practical and sustainable choice. The Pixel 5 is favoured by users who need a longer battery and Android flexibility, while the iPhone 12 is preferred by those seeking a premium iOS device with excellent condition and performance.
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 FAQs
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) on the Google Pixel 5, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12. The Google Pixel 5 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The Google Pixel 5 is cheaper refurbished, from £122 compared with £170 for the iPhone 12.
The Google Pixel 5 has a bigger battery: 4080 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The Google Pixel 5 has 12.2 megapixels and the iPhone 12 has 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 5 ended in Nov 2023. Its last version is Android 14. The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 5 comes in 128GB, and the iPhone 12 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
