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
| Feature | Google Pixel 8 | Apple iPhone 12 |
| Operating System | Android 14 | iOS 14 |
| SoC / Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Apple A14 Bionic |
| Neural Engine / AI | Google AI Engine with on-device LLM | 16-core Neural Engine |
| RAM | 8 GB LPDDR5X | 4 GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage Options | 128 GB, 256 GB UFS 3.1 | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB NVMe |
| Display Size | 6.2 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Type | Actua OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz adaptive | 60Hz fixed |
| Peak Brightness | 2000 nits | 1200 nits |
| Rear Camera Configuration | 50 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide | 12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 10.5 MP | 12 MP |
| Video Capabilities | 4K@60fps, 10-bit HDR, Speech Enhancement | 4K@60fps, Dolby Vision HDR |
| Image Editing Tools | Magic Editor, Best Take, Face Unblur | Photographic Styles, Deep Fusion |
| Battery Capacity | 4575 mAh | ~2815 mAh |
| Wired Charging | Up to 27W | Up to 20W |
| Wireless Charging | Qi wireless up to 18W | MagSafe up to 15W |
| Charging Adapter Included | No | No |
| Biometric Authentication | Face Unlock + Fingerprint under-display | Face ID only |
| Build Material | Matte glass back, aluminum frame | Glossy glass back, aluminum frame |
| Weight | 187g | 164g |
| Dimensions (mm) | 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 |
| Thermal Management | Vapor chamber cooling | Passive thermal design |
| AI Voice Features | Call Screen, Assistant Summarize | Siri only |
| Assistant Integration | Google Assistant | Siri |
| Software Updates Duration | 7 years OS + security | ~5–6 years |
| Satellite Connectivity | Not supported | Not supported |
| SIM Support | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| 5G Support | Sub-6GHz + mmWave | Sub-6GHz + mmWave |
| USB Port | USB-C 3.2 | Lightning |
| Audio | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers |
| Expandable Storage | No | No |
| UWB Support | No | Yes |
| Colors | Obsidian, Hazel, Rose | Black, White, Green, Blue, Purple, Red |
| Price | Check Pixel 8 Price | Check 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
| Feature | Google Pixel 8 | Apple iPhone 12 |
| Form Factor | Bar-type smartphone | Bar-type smartphone |
| Display Type | OLED | OLED |
| Dual Rear Cameras | Yes | Yes |
| Night Photography Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Portrait Mode | Yes | Yes |
| 4K Video Recording | Up to 4K at 60fps | Up to 4K at 60fps |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| Face Recognition Unlock | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| IP68 Water Resistance | Yes | Yes |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| eSIM Support | Yes | Yes |
| No microSD Card Slot | Yes | Yes |
| Premium Build Materials | Aluminum frame, glass front & back | Aluminum frame, glass front & back |
| Price | Check Pixel 8 Price | Check iPhone 12 Price |