Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Google Pixel 9a
Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9a came out in 2025, after the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max in 2020, so it's the more recent phone. The Pixel 9a has a far higher-resolution main camera, 48MP against the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 12MP, and the Pixel 9a packs the bigger battery, 5100mAh against 3687mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 6.3" and sharper at 457 PPI, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max goes up to 512GB of storage, where the Pixel 9a tops out at 256GB. The Pixel 9a is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
If you'd rather pay up front, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the cheaper buy at £251 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.4
13 reviews
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Google Pixel 9a
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
4.4 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.3" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1080 x 2424 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 421 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 5,100 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | iOS14 | 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, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 186 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts | - |
£32.97/mo
£0.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £251.00 | £264.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Google Pixel 9a's 6.3", the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 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 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 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 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £251.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9a use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Google Pixel 9a uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 9a is the more portable of the two: it's 42g lighter at 186 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), 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 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9a run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 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.