Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 mini
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 5
Starting at
£122.00
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 newWhat's the difference between the Google Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 mini?
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 mini comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 5 starts at £122, £39.35 less than the iPhone 12 mini.
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 mini.
- The Google Pixel 5 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Google Pixel 5 has a bigger battery: 4080 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 mini specs
The Google Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 mini both launched in 2020 and offer distinct features suited to different needs. The Pixel 5 has a larger 6 inch OLED screen and a bigger 4080 mAh battery, which may appeal if you want more screen space and longer battery life. The iPhone 12 mini has a slightly smaller 5.4 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen and a smaller battery of 2227 mAh, making it very compact and easier to carry. Performance differs with the Pixel 5 offering 8 GB RAM and a Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G chipset, while the iPhone 12 mini has 4 GB RAM and the Apple A14 Bionic chipset. Storage options also vary, with the Pixel 5 stocked in 128GB while the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB variants.
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 mini price
Colour
Storage
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 mini battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and build features that affect daily use.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 5 has a 4080 mAh battery, which typically supports longer use between charges. The iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 2227 mAh battery, which suits users who prefer a more compact device but may charge more often. If you need longer battery life for busy days, the Pixel 5's larger battery is a clear advantage.
Operating System
The Pixel 5 runs on Android, while the iPhone 12 mini uses iOS. Your choice here depends on which operating system you prefer or are already familiar with, as this affects app availability and user experience.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 mini performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both phones provide capable hardware, but each suits different types of users based on memory and storage needs.
Chipset
The Google Pixel 5 features the Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G chipset built on a 7 nm process, which balances performance and power efficiency. The iPhone 12 mini uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset built on 5 nm technology, offering strong performance in a compact design. The iPhone's chipset is known for smooth handling of demanding tasks.
RAM
With 8 GB RAM, the Pixel 5 keeps more apps open and handles multitasking smoothly. The iPhone 12 mini has 4 GB RAM, which supports efficient app performance within iOS but is less in quantity. Users who run many apps simultaneously might notice the difference in RAM.
Storage Options
The Pixel 5 is stocked with 128GB storage, suitable for most users who keep photos, apps, and media on their phone. The iPhone 12 mini offers more flexibility with storage choices at 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. This allows you to select more space if you store many files or prefer fewer cloud services.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 mini screen
Screen quality influences how you watch videos, play games, or browse. Both phones share the same resolution but differ in size and screen technology.
Screen Size
The Google Pixel 5 offers a 6 inch screen, which provides more room for video, reading, and gaming. The iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4 inch screen, making it easier to use one-handed or fit in smaller pockets and bags. If screen space matters most, the Pixel 5 is more spacious.
Screen Type
The Pixel 5 uses an OLED screen, delivering good contrast and colours. The iPhone 12 mini features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, a branded version known for vivid colours and high dynamic range. This makes the iPhone 12 mini well suited for watching HDR videos and enjoying richer visuals.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 mini camera
Camera capabilities vary slightly between these phones, affecting selfies and photos. Both have main cameras close in megapixels but differ on the front camera.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, offering more detail for selfies and video calls. The Pixel 5 has an 8 megapixel front camera, which still produces good quality images but with fewer megapixels. If you prioritise sharper front-facing photos, the iPhone 12 mini is a strong choice.
Main Camera
The Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 mini have similar main cameras at 12.2 megapixels and 12 megapixels respectively. Both deliver quality images for everyday photography, so you can expect good results from either device.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 mini size and design
Other practical differences include connectors, size, weight, and network features that affect convenience and compatibility.
Connector Type
The Pixel 5 uses a USB-C connector, which is common for many devices and accessories. The iPhone 12 mini has a Lightning connector, compatible with Apple accessories. Your choice may depend on which cables or chargers you already own.
Size and Weight
The Pixel 5 measures 144.7 mm tall, 70.4 mm wide, and 8 mm deep, weighing 151 g. The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter at 131.5 mm tall, 64.2 mm wide, and 7.4 mm deep, weighing 135 g. The iPhone 12 mini suits those wanting a more compact, lighter phone, while the Pixel 5 offers a bit more presence in hand.
Carrier and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, providing flexibility to use across different carriers and access to faster mobile data speeds where available.
SIM Card Options
Both the Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 mini support a physical SIM and an eSIM, giving you options for dual SIM use or easy carrier switching.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 5 or iPhone 12 mini: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 5 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £122, £39.35 less than the iPhone 12 mini
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4080 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
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 Nov 2023, last Android 14)
- you want a lighter build (135 g vs 151 g)
What our customers say
Customers of the Google Pixel 5 often praise the phone's condition and battery life, noting that it works well and looks nearly new. Many find the 8 GB RAM and Android operating system suit everyday use and multitasking. Some highlight the larger battery capacity as a benefit, giving them a reliable day of use. A few customers mention issues like screen burn-in or faults, but most are happy with the phone's performance and condition.
For the iPhone 12 mini, customers appreciate the compact size and the quality of the screen, describing it as fitting nicely in a handbag or pocket. Many enjoy the iOS experience and find the 12 megapixel front camera useful for selfies. The available storage options are welcomed, especially the 256GB variant for those needing extra space. Some users report minor cosmetic wear but say the phone works well and battery health is good. A small number mention faults or overheating, but positive reviews emphasize the phone's size, speed, and overall condition.
The Pixel 5 suits buyers who want a larger screen and longer battery life with Android, while the iPhone 12 mini is ideal for those wanting an iOS device that is compact and offers flexible storage options.
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 mini FAQs
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 mini 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 mini. The Google Pixel 5 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The Google Pixel 5 is cheaper refurbished, from £122 compared with £161.35 for the iPhone 12 mini.
The Google Pixel 5 has a bigger battery: 4080 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
The Google Pixel 5 has 12.2 megapixels and the iPhone 12 mini has 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 5 ended in Nov 2023. Its last version is Android 14. The iPhone 12 mini is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 5 comes in 128GB, and the iPhone 12 mini in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
