Apple iPhone 12 vs TCL 605 4G

Our Verdict: Apple iPhone 12 looks better equipped than TCL 605 4G in the most visible areas: the resolution works out sharper on Apple iPhone 12 at 457 PPI versus 262; Apple iPhone 12 has the higher-resolution selfie camera at 12MP versus 5MP; Apple iPhone 12 is the lighter phone, 164 grams against 190 grams. TCL 605 4G is not without practical strengths: TCL 605 4G offers more display space with a 6.7" panel next to 6.1"; TCL 605 4G has the higher-resolution rear camera at 50MP versus 12MP. Software is also a real split, with Apple iPhone 12 on iOS 14.1 and TCL 605 4G on Android 15. The cleaner spec recommendation is Apple iPhone 12, though TCL 605 4G remains the budget-minded option.

Over a full contract, the 605 4G works out around £170 all-in, about £189 less than the iPhone 12.

Screen

6.1" 6.7"

Display

Super Retina XDR OLED IPS LCD, 90Hz

Resolution

1170 x 2532 720 x 1600

Pixels Per Inch

457 262

Rear Camera

12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels

Front Camera

12 Megapixels 5 Megapixels

Chipset

Apple A14 Bionic Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm)

Battery

2,815 mAh 5,010 mAh

Storage

64GB, 128GB, 256GB 128GB

iOS 14.1 Android 15

SIM Type

Standard SIM Nano SIM + Nano SIM

Connectivity

Up to 5G Up to 4G

Wi-Fi

802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

Bluetooth

5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.1 with A2DP, LE

Dimensions

146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm 165.6 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm

Weight

164 grams 190 grams

Water Resistance

IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP54, dust and splash resistant

Contracts

£11.99/mo (£49.00 upfront) £5.04/mo (£49.00 upfront)

SIM-free

£144.99 £89.24

Prices updated 19 July 2026

Deals Deals

	Apple iPhone 12	TCL 605 4G
Screen	6.1"	6.7"
Display	Super Retina XDR OLED	IPS LCD, 90Hz
Resolution	1170 x 2532	720 x 1600
Pixels Per Inch	457	262
Rear Camera	12 Megapixels	50 Megapixels
Front Camera	12 Megapixels	5 Megapixels
Chipset	Apple A14 Bionic	Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm)
Battery	2,815 mAh	5,010 mAh
Storage	64GB, 128GB, 256GB	128GB
OS	iOS 14.1	Android 15
SIM Type	Standard SIM	Nano SIM + Nano SIM
Connectivity	Up to 5G	Up to 4G
Wi-Fi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth	5.0 with A2DP, LE	5.1 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions	146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm	165.6 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm
Weight	164 grams	190 grams
Water Resistance	IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)	IP54, dust and splash resistant
Contracts	£11.99/mo £49.00 upfront	£5.04/mo £49.00 upfront
SIM-free	£144.99	£89.24
Prices updated 19 July 2026
	Deals	Deals

Cheapest Deals

Related Comparisons

Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone 12 mini

Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone 12 Pro

Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 12 mini vs TCL 605 4G

Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs TCL 605 4G

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs TCL 605 4G

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 12 or TCL 605 4G cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the TCL 605 4G is cheaper on contract at £169.96 over the life of the deal from £5.04 per month with £49.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 or TCL 605 4G?

The TCL 605 4G has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 12's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 12 has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 262, and the Apple iPhone 12 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the TCL 605 4G has a IPS LCD, 90Hz.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 or TCL 605 4G?

The Apple iPhone 12 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the TCL 605 4G 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 TCL 605 4G?

The TCL 605 4G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £89.24.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 and TCL 605 4G?

The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the TCL 605 4G comes in 128GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and TCL 605 4G use?

The Apple iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the TCL 605 4G uses the Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 or TCL 605 4G?

The Apple iPhone 12 is the more portable of the two: it's 26g 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 TCL 605 4G?

The Apple iPhone 12 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the TCL 605 4G is rated IP54, dust and splash resistant.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 and TCL 605 4G run?

The Apple iPhone 12 runs iOS 14.1 and the TCL 605 4G 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.