Apple iPhone 12 vs Google Pixel 9

Our verdict: Add up the full contract cost and the Apple iPhone 12 comes in £198.16 cheaper than the Google Pixel 9. Display is a trade-off — 6.3" on the Google Pixel 9 versus 457 PPI on the Apple iPhone 12. Keen photographers will appreciate the Google Pixel 9 and its 50MP main camera. Selfie fans take note: the Apple iPhone 12 has a 12MP front camera.

Expert Rating
4.3
18 reviews
4.2
13 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.3"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED OLED
Resolution
1170 x 2532 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch
457 421
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 10.5 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A14 Bionic Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Storage
64GB, 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
iOS 14.1 Android 14
SIM Type
Standard 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
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight
164 grams 198 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£11.95/mo (£69.00 upfront) £19.99/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£124.99 £297.00
Apple iPhone 12 Apple iPhone 12 Google Pixel 9 Google Pixel 9
Expert Rating 4.3
18 reviews
4.2
13 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.3"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED OLED
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch 457 421
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 10.5 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Storage 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB
OS iOS 14.1 Android 14
SIM Type Standard 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
Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight 164 grams 198 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £11.95/mo
£69.00 upfront
£19.99/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £124.99 £297.00
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 12 or Google Pixel 9 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper on contract at £325.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £69.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 or Google Pixel 9?

The Google Pixel 9 has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Apple iPhone 12's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 12 has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Apple iPhone 12 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 has a OLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 or Google Pixel 9?

The Apple iPhone 12 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9 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 or Google Pixel 9?

The Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £124.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 and Google Pixel 9?

The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Google Pixel 9 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and Google Pixel 9 use?

The Apple iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Google Pixel 9 uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 or Google Pixel 9?

The Apple iPhone 12 is the more portable of the two — it's 34g lighter at 164 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 or Google Pixel 9?

The Apple iPhone 12 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 9 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 and Google Pixel 9 run?

The Apple iPhone 12 runs iOS 14.1 and the Google Pixel 9 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.