Pixel 8 vs iPhone 12 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Google Pixel 8 & Apple iPhone 12 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Google Pixel 8 rather than the Apple iPhone 12

Why Do I Recommend The Google Pixel 8

  • The Google Pixel 8 has a 120Hz Actua OLED display for smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and improved responsiveness for a better user experience, compared to the iPhone 12’s 60Hz screen.
  • Google Pixel 8 features the Tensor G3 chip for advanced on-device AI tasks such as live call screening, real-time dictation, and smart photo editing, which are not available on the iPhone 12’s A14 Bionic chip.
  • It features a 50 MP main camera with AI tools like Magic Editor and Best Take that enhance photo quality and simplify complex edits directly on the device, compared to the iPhone 12’s 12 MP camera.
  • The Google Pixel 8 has a larger 4575 mAh battery that supports longer screen-on time, extended usage throughout the day, and less frequent charging compared to the smaller ~2815 mAh battery in the iPhone 12.
  • Google Pixel 8 supports both Face Unlock and under-display fingerprint for flexible and faster biometric authentication options in various lighting and face-covering conditions, whereas the iPhone 12 has only Face ID.
  • It support USB-C charging that enables universal cable compatibility and faster wired charging speeds, whereas the iPhone 12 uses the proprietary Lightning port with slower charging performance.
  • The Google Pixel 8 includes 8 GB of LPDDR5X RAM that improves multitasking efficiency, app switching speed, and overall device responsiveness, while the iPhone 12 includes only 4 GB of LPDDR4X RAM.
  • Google Pixel 8 comes with 7 years of guaranteed Android OS and security updates that ensure long-term software support, access to new features, and improved security, compared to the iPhone 12’s 5-year typical update cycle.

Maybe the Apple iPhone 12 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Google Pixel 8. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureGoogle Pixel 8Apple iPhone 12
Operating SystemAndroid 14iOS 14
SoC / ChipsetGoogle Tensor G3Apple A14 Bionic
Neural Engine / AIGoogle AI Engine with on-device LLM16-core Neural Engine
RAM8 GB LPDDR5X4 GB LPDDR4X
Storage Options128 GB, 256 GB UFS 3.164 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB NVMe
Display Size6.2 inches6.1 inches
Display TypeActua OLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED
Refresh Rate120Hz adaptive60Hz fixed
Peak Brightness2000 nits1200 nits
Rear Camera Configuration50 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide
Front Camera10.5 MP12 MP
Video Capabilities4K@60fps, 10-bit HDR, Speech Enhancement4K@60fps, Dolby Vision HDR
Image Editing ToolsMagic Editor, Best Take, Face UnblurPhotographic Styles, Deep Fusion
Battery Capacity4575 mAh~2815 mAh
Wired ChargingUp to 27WUp to 20W
Wireless ChargingQi wireless up to 18WMagSafe up to 15W
Charging Adapter IncludedNoNo
Biometric AuthenticationFace Unlock + Fingerprint under-displayFace ID only
Build MaterialMatte glass back, aluminum frameGlossy glass back, aluminum frame
Weight187g164g
Dimensions (mm)150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4
Thermal ManagementVapor chamber coolingPassive thermal design
AI Voice FeaturesCall Screen, Assistant SummarizeSiri only
Assistant IntegrationGoogle AssistantSiri
Software Updates Duration7 years OS + security~5–6 years
Satellite ConnectivityNot supportedNot supported
SIM SupportNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + eSIM
5G SupportSub-6GHz + mmWaveSub-6GHz + mmWave
USB PortUSB-C 3.2Lightning
AudioStereo speakersStereo speakers
Expandable StorageNoNo
UWB SupportNoYes
ColorsObsidian, Hazel, RoseBlack, White, Green, Blue, Purple, Red
PriceCheck Pixel 8 PriceCheck iPhone 12 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • OLED Displays: Both the Pixel 8 and iPhone 12 use high-quality OLED panels that provide deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high contrast for immersive viewing experiences.
  • Full HD+ Resolution: Each phone delivers a crisp Full HD+ display, ensuring sharp detail for media, gaming, and reading.
  • Dual Rear Cameras: Both devices feature a dual-camera setup (wide + ultrawide), giving users flexibility in capturing standard shots and expansive landscapes without needing digital zoom.
  • Night Mode: Pixel 8 and iPhone 12 include advanced low-light photography modes, allowing users to take clear, detailed shots even in very dark conditions.
  • Portrait Photography: Both phones support portrait modes that simulate shallow depth of field using computational photography to create DSLR-like background blur.
  • 4K Video Recording at 60fps: Whether recording high-resolution content or cinematic scenes, both smartphones support smooth 4K video capture at 60 frames per second.
  • Stereo Audio Output: Pixel 8 and iPhone 12 have dual speakers that produce stereo sound, enhancing video watching and music playback without headphones.
  • Face Recognition Unlock: While the implementation differs, both devices support facial recognition as a biometric authentication method.
  • Qi Wireless Charging: The Pixel 8 and iPhone 12 are compatible with Qi wireless chargers, enabling users to recharge their phones cable-free.
  • IP68 Water and Dust Resistance: Both phones are certified for IP68 protection, making them resistant to dust and capable of surviving submersion in water under specific conditions.
  • 5G Network Support: Whether browsing, streaming, or gaming, both devices can connect to 5G networks, including mmWave in supported regions for faster speeds.
  • eSIM Capability: Both phones support eSIM in addition to physical SIM, allowing easier dual-SIM usage or carrier switching without swapping cards.
  • No microSD Card Slot: Both models lack microSD card expansion, encouraging users to rely on internal storage and cloud backups.
  • Premium Construction: With aluminum frames and glass backs, both phones feel premium and durable in hand, emphasizing a modern and flagship design aesthetic.

Common Features

FeatureGoogle Pixel 8Apple iPhone 12
Form FactorBar-type smartphoneBar-type smartphone
Display TypeOLEDOLED
Dual Rear CamerasYesYes
Night Photography ModeYesYes
Portrait ModeYesYes
4K Video RecordingUp to 4K at 60fpsUp to 4K at 60fps
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
Face Recognition UnlockYesYes
Wireless ChargingYesYes
IP68 Water ResistanceYesYes
5G ConnectivityYesYes
eSIM SupportYesYes
No microSD Card SlotYesYes
Premium Build MaterialsAluminum frame, glass front & backAluminum frame, glass front & back
Price Check Pixel 8 Price Check iPhone 12 Price

FAQ

Is the Google Pixel 8 better than the iPhone 12 in terms of performance?
The Google Pixel 8 features the Tensor G3 chip, which excels in AI and machine learning tasks, while the iPhone 12 uses the A14 Bionic chip, which remains powerful for general performance but lacks advanced on-device AI features.

Which phone has a better display, Pixel 8 or iPhone 12?
The Pixel 8 has a brighter 6.2-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smoother scrolling and better sunlight visibility compared to the iPhone 12’s 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate.

Does the Pixel 8 have better cameras than the iPhone 12?
Yes, the Pixel 8 has a 50 MP main sensor with advanced AI-powered tools like Magic Eraser and Best Take, while the iPhone 12 has a 12 MP main sensor with Smart HDR and Deep Fusion but fewer editing features.

Which device has longer battery life, Pixel 8 or iPhone 12?
The Pixel 8 generally lasts longer on a single charge due to its 4575 mAh battery, compared to the smaller ~2815 mAh battery in the iPhone 12.

Can both Pixel 8 and iPhone 12 charge wirelessly?
Yes, both phones support wireless charging. The Pixel 8 supports up to 18W Qi wireless charging, and the iPhone 12 supports up to 15W via MagSafe.

Do both phones support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both the Pixel 8 and iPhone 12 support 5G, including Sub-6GHz and mmWave (in supported regions).

Which phone has better software support longevity?
The Pixel 8 promises 7 years of OS and security updates, while the iPhone 12 typically receives around 5 to 6 years of updates based on Apple’s past practices.

Is Face Unlock available on both phones?
Yes, but the Pixel 8 includes both Face Unlock and an under-display fingerprint sensor, while the iPhone 12 uses Face ID only.

Do both phones have water and dust resistance?
Yes, both devices are IP68 rated. The iPhone 12 is rated for up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, while the Pixel 8 is rated for up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

Which device is more compact and lightweight?
The iPhone 12 is slightly more compact and weighs 164g, whereas the Pixel 8 is marginally larger and weighs 187g.

Can either device expand storage via microSD?
No, neither the Pixel 8 nor the iPhone 12 has a microSD card slot. Both rely solely on internal storage and cloud solutions.

Do both devices support eSIM?
Yes, both phones support eSIM along with physical SIM cards, allowing dual SIM usage or easier carrier switching.

Which phone is better for AI features and voice assistance?
The Pixel 8 is better equipped with Google Assistant and AI features like Call Screen, Magic Editor, and Assistant Summarize. The iPhone 12 uses Siri, which is more limited in AI functionality.

What kind of charging port do they use?
The Pixel 8 uses a USB-C port, while the iPhone 12 uses Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector.

Are both phones made with premium materials?
Yes, both phones have aluminum frames and glass backs. The Pixel 8 has a matte finish, while the iPhone 12 has a glossy finish.

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