iPhone 12 vs. Google Pixel 5a 5G: Which Phone Wins in 2024?
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 5a 5G offers a superior value proposition. Its significantly longer battery life (122h endurance vs. 84h) and competitive performance from the Snapdragon 765G outweigh the iPhone 12’s faster processor in everyday tasks. However, the iPhone 12 remains a strong contender for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPhone 12 | Google Pixel 5a 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2172 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79, 260, 261 Sub6/mmWave - A2172 | 1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 13 | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, October 23 | Available. Released 2021, August 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm (5.78 x 2.81 x 0.29 in) | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (China) | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 164 g (5.78 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Ceramic Shield glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 90.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 625 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 620 |
| OS | iOS 14.1, upgradable to iOS 26.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.6" | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama) | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 30fps), stereo sound rec. | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | Lightning, USB 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless (MagSafe) 15W wireless (Qi2) - requires iOS 17.4 update | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 2815 mAh (10.78 Wh) | Li-Po 4680 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Red, Green, Blue, Purple | Mostly Black |
| Models | A2403, A2172, A2402, A2404, iPhone13,2 | G1F8F, G4S1M |
| Price | $ 190.00 / C$ 307.99 / £ 190.00 / € 219.00 / ₹ 54,900 | $ 189.00 / C$ 249.99 |
| SAR EU | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 84h | Endurance rating 122h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | -24.4 LUFS (Very good) | - |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 568674 (v8) GeekBench: 4067 (v5.1) GFXBench: 58fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 291303 (v8) GeekBench: 1337 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Apple iPhone 12
- Faster processor for demanding tasks
- Superior video recording capabilities
- Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem
- Significantly shorter battery life
- Higher price point
- Limited customization options
Google Pixel 5a 5G
- Exceptional battery life
- Excellent value for money
- Clean Android experience with timely updates
- Less powerful processor
- Slower charging speed compared to iPhone 12
- Build quality may not feel as premium
Display Comparison
Both phones feature displays with an 'Infinite' nominal contrast ratio, suggesting excellent black levels. However, the Pixel 5a 5G distinguishes itself with a measured peak brightness of 861 nits, significantly exceeding what’s likely available on the iPhone 12, making it more usable in direct sunlight. While the iPhone 12 likely benefits from superior color accuracy and potentially a higher refresh rate (though not specified), the Pixel 5a 5G’s brightness advantage is a tangible benefit for outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are capable of capturing excellent photos and videos, but approach image processing differently. The iPhone 12 is renowned for its video recording prowess, likely offering superior stabilization and dynamic range. The Pixel 5a 5G excels in computational photography, leveraging Google’s algorithms to produce stunning images, particularly in low-light conditions. While specific sensor sizes aren’t provided, the Pixel’s image processing is a key differentiator, often producing more natural-looking results. The iPhone 12’s advantage lies in its video capabilities and potentially more versatile camera system.
Performance
The Apple A14 Bionic (5nm) in the iPhone 12 is undeniably more powerful than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm) in the Pixel 5a 5G. The A14’s hexa-core CPU, with its 3.1 GHz Firestorm cores, delivers superior single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launches and smooth multitasking. However, the Snapdragon 765G’s octa-core configuration, while slower per core, provides efficient multi-tasking. The A14’s 5nm process node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, but the Pixel 5a 5G’s software optimization mitigates the performance gap in real-world usage for most users.
Battery Life
The Pixel 5a 5G dominates in battery endurance, boasting an impressive 122-hour rating compared to the iPhone 12’s 84 hours. This translates to significantly longer usage between charges. While the iPhone 12 supports faster wired charging (50% in 30 minutes with PD2.0) and wireless charging (15W MagSafe/Qi2), the Pixel 5a 5G’s 18W wired charging is sufficient, and the larger battery capacity provides a substantial advantage in overall longevity. The iPhone 12’s wireless charging is a convenience feature, but the Pixel 5a 5G’s battery life is a more impactful benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPhone 12 if you require seamless integration with other Apple devices, prioritize video recording capabilities, and demand the fastest possible processing speeds for demanding tasks like video editing. Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you prioritize exceptional battery life, a clean Android experience with timely updates, and a more affordable price point without sacrificing core functionality.