Apple iPhone 12 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro
Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9 Pro leads on camera hardware with a 50MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 12's 12MP, plus a 42MP selfie camera against 12MP, and there's more battery in the Pixel 9 Pro, 4700mAh to 2815mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The Pixel 9 Pro has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.3" against 6.1" and sharper at 497 PPI, and storage goes higher on the Pixel 9 Pro, up to 512GB against 256GB. Only pay up for the Pixel 9 Pro if you'll use what it offers; if not, the iPhone 12 makes more sense.
The iPhone 12 is the cheaper one to own: around £510 over a typical contract, £335 less than the Pixel 9 Pro.
18 reviews 4.4
11 reviews
Prices updated 28 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12
|
Google Pixel 9 Pro
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 18 reviews |
4.4 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.3" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1280 x 2856 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 497 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 42 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| 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, aptX HD |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 164 grams | 199 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 |
£19.00/mo
£9.00 upfront |
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £149.99 | £357.00 |
| Prices updated 28 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 12 or Google Pixel 9 Pro cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper on contract at £510.00 over the life of the deal from £19.00 per month with £9.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 or Google Pixel 9 Pro?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Apple iPhone 12's 6.1", the Google Pixel 9 Pro has the sharper display at 497 pixels per inch versus 457, and the Apple iPhone 12 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro has a LTPO AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 or Google Pixel 9 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro 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 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £149.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 and Google Pixel 9 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and Google Pixel 9 Pro use?
The Apple iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 or Google Pixel 9 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 is the more portable of the two: it's 35g 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 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro 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 Pro run?
The Apple iPhone 12 runs iOS 14.1 and the Google Pixel 9 Pro 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.