Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 12MP, plus a 42MP selfie camera against 12MP, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger battery of the two, 5060mAh against 2227mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" against 5.4", while the Apple iPhone 12 mini has the sharper one at 477 PPI, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL goes up to 1TB of storage, where the iPhone 12 Mini tops out at 256GB. Get the Pixel 9 Pro XL if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the iPhone 12 Mini covers the basics for less.
Buying outright, the iPhone 12 Mini starts at £120 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.4
13 reviews
Prices updated 28 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 mini
|
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 10 reviews |
4.4 13 reviews |
| Screen | 5.4" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1280 x 2856 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 477 | 460 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 42 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 2,227 mAh | 5,060 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Android 14 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 135 grams | 199 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£71.08/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £119.95 | £399.99 |
| Prices updated 28 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 12 mini's 5.4", the Apple iPhone 12 mini has the sharper display at 477 pixels per inch versus 460, and the Apple iPhone 12 mini uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a LTPO AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £119.95.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL use?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is the more portable of the two: it's 64g lighter at 135 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL run?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini runs iOS 14.1 and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android 14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.