Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 5
Starting at
£122.00
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 newWhat's the difference between the Google Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 5 starts at £122, £210.70 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
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 on the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
- The Google Pixel 5 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Google Pixel 5 has a bigger battery: 4080 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max specs
The Pixel 5 is smaller, lighter, and has a larger battery, suiting those who prefer a compact phone with longer battery life. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger, higher resolution screen and a more advanced chipset, which appeals to users who want a larger display and high performance. Camera setups differ, with the Pixel having two rear cameras and the iPhone offering three, plus a higher resolution front camera. Storage options are broader on the iPhone, making it suitable if you need more space. Both are unlocked phones with dual SIM support, differing mainly in operating system and design preferences.
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max price
Colour
Storage
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software updates are key to daily reliability. Battery size varies, which affects how long each phone can last between charges.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 5 has a 4080 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 3687 mAh. A bigger battery can mean longer usage between charges for Pixel 5 users, especially if you use your phone heavily throughout the day.
Operating System
The Pixel 5 runs on Android while the iPhone 12 Pro Max uses iOS. Your choice may depend on which system you prefer for apps, interface, and updates.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage. Both phones offer solid performance for everyday use, but their hardware suits different user needs.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, known for strong performance and efficiency. The Pixel 5 uses the Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G chipset, suitable for smooth daily tasks and 5G connectivity.
Memory Size
The Pixel 5 comes with 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open simultaneously and can improve multitasking. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has 6 GB of RAM, which is optimised for iOS performance.
Storage Options
The Pixel 5 is stocked with 128GB of storage. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers more options with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB available, suiting users who need extra space for apps, photos, or videos.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max screen
Screen size, resolution, and type influence how you view content. Both phones have OLED displays, but the iPhone offers a larger and sharper screen experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen with a 1284 x 2778 resolution, providing a spacious and detailed display ideal for watching videos or browsing. The Pixel 5 has a 6 inch screen with 1080 x 2340 resolution, which suits users who want a smaller, more pocketable device.
Screen Technology
The Pixel 5 uses an OLED screen, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max features a Super Retina XDR OLED. The iPhone's screen delivers high brightness and contrast, which benefits those who use their phone outdoors or enjoy vivid colours.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max camera
Camera capabilities are important for photography and video calls. Both phones have strong main cameras but differ in camera count and front camera resolution.
Rear Camera Setup
The Pixel 5 has two rear cameras, which covers essential photography needs well. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers three rear cameras, giving more flexibility for different types of shots.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video calls compared to the Pixel 5's 8 megapixel front camera.
Main Camera Detail
Both phones have main cameras around 12 megapixels, with the Pixel 5 at 12.2 megapixels and the iPhone 12 Pro Max at 12 megapixels. This means both deliver clear and detailed photos in typical conditions.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max size and design
Other features like weight, size, connectors, and network support affect everyday use and compatibility. These differences help decide which phone fits your preferences and accessories.
Size and Weight
The Pixel 5 is smaller and lighter at 144.7 mm tall and 151 g, making it easier to hold and carry. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is larger at 160.8 mm tall and heavier at 226 g, offering a bigger presence in hand and on a surface.
Connector Type
The Pixel 5 uses a USB-C connector, common on many devices, which may suit users with compatible chargers and accessories. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a Lightning connector, used by many Apple accessories.
Carrier and SIM Compatibility
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G mobile networks. Each supports a physical SIM plus an eSIM, allowing dual SIM use for work and personal numbers or travel.
Dimensions Detail
The Pixel 5 is 8 mm deep and 70.4 mm wide, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max is 7.4 mm deep and 78.1 mm wide. These measurements contribute to the overall feel and fit in your pocket.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 5 or iPhone 12 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 5 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £122, £210.70 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4080 mAh vs 3687 mAh)
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6 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 Nov 2023, last Android 14)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Google Pixel 5 often highlight its good battery life and overall condition, noting it works well for everyday tasks. Many find it reliable and appreciate the affordability of a refurbished phone with solid performance. Some report issues like screen burn-in or restarts, but most say the phone looks like new and performs as expected once set up.
Reviews for the iPhone 12 Pro Max emphasize satisfaction with the phone's appearance and battery lasting all day. Users like the larger screen and storage options, with many commenting that the phone feels like new despite being refurbished. Some mention minor cosmetic signs that do not affect use, while a few report serious problems such as unresponsive screens or poor battery health.
The Pixel 5 suits buyers wanting a compact, long-lasting Android phone with a straightforward camera setup. The iPhone 12 Pro Max fits those who prefer a larger, more detailed display, iOS software, and more storage choices.
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max FAQs
Google Pixel 5 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) on the Google Pixel 5, Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The Google Pixel 5 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The Google Pixel 5 is cheaper refurbished, from £122 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The Google Pixel 5 has a bigger battery: 4080 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
The Google Pixel 5 has 12.2 megapixels and the iPhone 12 Pro Max has 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 5 ended in Nov 2023. Its last version is Android 14. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 5 comes in 128GB, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
