Apple iPhone 12 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Our Verdict: For Apple iPhone 12 versus Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, the recommendation depends mostly on what you want from the hardware. The Pixel is ahead for display quality, with a larger 6.8-inch screen, its LTPO AMOLED panel, and a higher-resolution 50MP rear camera; the iPhone is the better match for its Super Retina XDR OLED panel and a lighter 164g body. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Software may decide it too: the iPhone keeps you in Apple's iOS ecosystem, while the Pixel is the Android choice. The Pixel is the better fit for display quality, while the iPhone is the one to consider for portability.

The iPhone 12 is the cheaper one to own: around £520 over a typical contract, £914 less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Expert Rating
4.3
18 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.8"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO AMOLED
Resolution
1170 x 2532 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch
457 460
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A14 Bionic Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery
2,815 mAh 5,060 mAh
Storage
64GB, 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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) £45.00/mo (£299.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£139.00 £364.00
Apple iPhone 12 Apple iPhone 12 Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Expert Rating 4.3
18 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.8"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO AMOLED
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch 457 460
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery 2,815 mAh 5,060 mAh
Storage 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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
£45.00/mo
£299.00 upfront
SIM-free £139.00 £364.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 12
Apple iPhone 12

24 Months

64GB

Black

100GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£19 a month, £9 upfront.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

24 Months

512GB

Hazel

Unlimited

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£45 a month, £299 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper on contract at £520.00 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 XL?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 12's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 457 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 12 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a LTPO AMOLED.

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

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

The Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £139.00.

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

The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

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

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

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

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 XL?

The Apple iPhone 12 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 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 XL run?

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