Apple iPhone 12 vs Google Pixel 9a
The Pixel 9a is the cheaper one to own: around £411 over a typical contract, £99 less than the iPhone 12.
18 reviews 4.4
13 reviews
Prices updated 28 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12
|
Google Pixel 9a
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 18 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 | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 5,100 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Android 15 |
| 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/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 | 164 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 |
£19.00/mo
£9.00 upfront |
£14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £149.99 | £274.99 |
| Prices updated 28 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 12 or Google Pixel 9a cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £411.16 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £29.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 or Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 9a 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 9a has a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 12 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 or Google Pixel 9a?
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 9a?
The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and Google Pixel 9a use?
The Apple iPhone 12 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 or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 12 is the more portable of the two: it's 22g 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 9a?
The Apple iPhone 12 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 and Google Pixel 9a run?
The Apple iPhone 12 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.