Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Google Pixel 9a
Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9a is the newer of the two, a 2025 release against the Apple iPhone 12 Pro's 2020. The Pixel 9a has the better camera on paper, 48MP versus 12MP, and there's more battery in the Pixel 9a, 5100mAh to 2815mAh, 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 6.1", while the iPhone 12 Pro has the sharper one at 457 PPI, and storage goes higher on the iPhone 12 Pro, up to 512GB against 256GB. Get the Pixel 9a if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the iPhone 12 Pro covers the basics for less.
Buying outright, the iPhone 12 Pro starts at £180 SIM-free.
19 reviews 4.4
13 reviews
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
|
Google Pixel 9a
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 19 reviews |
4.4 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.3" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1080 x 2424 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 421 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 5,100 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 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 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 tri-band |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 189 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 | £179.99 | £264.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 9a has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 12 Pro has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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 or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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 or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £179.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Google Pixel 9a use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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 Pro or Google Pixel 9a?
It's a trade-off: the Google Pixel 9a is lighter but the Apple iPhone 12 Pro is more compact. It's 3g lighter at 186 grams, though the Apple iPhone 12 Pro is actually the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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 and Google Pixel 9a run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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.