Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Google Pixel 9a
Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9a has a massively higher-resolution main camera, 48MP against the Apple iPhone 12 mini's 12MP, and the Pixel 9a packs the bigger battery, 5100mAh against 2227mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The Pixel 9a has the bigger screen at 6.3" against 5.4", while the iPhone 12 Mini has the sharper one at 477 PPI, and the iPhone 12 Mini is the lighter phone at 135g against 186g. Only pay up for the Pixel 9a if you'll use what it offers; if not, the iPhone 12 Mini makes more sense.
If you'd rather pay up front, the iPhone 12 Mini is the cheaper buy at £120 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.4
13 reviews
Prices updated 28 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 mini
|
Google Pixel 9a
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 10 reviews |
4.4 13 reviews |
| Screen | 5.4" | 6.3" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2424 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 477 | 421 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 2,227 mAh | 5,100 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Android 15 |
| 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/6 tri-band |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 135 grams | 186 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts | - |
£14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £119.95 | £274.99 |
| 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 9a?
The Google Pixel 9a has the bigger screen at 6.3" 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 421, and the Apple iPhone 12 mini uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9a has a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9a has a 48 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 9a?
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 9a?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Google Pixel 9a use?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Google Pixel 9a uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is the more portable of the two: it's 51g 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 9a?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Google Pixel 9a is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Google Pixel 9a run?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini runs iOS 14.1 and the Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.