Apple iPhone 12 vs Google Pixel 5
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone 12 delivers superior display performance with its 120-nit brighter Super Retina XDR OLED screen and more powerful A14 Bionic processor, justifying its $100 premium for users prioritizing raw speed and visual excellence. Google's Pixel 5 counters with a larger 4080 mAh battery offering genuinely longer endurance, a higher refresh rate display at 90Hz, double the RAM at 8GB, and a more versatile ultrawide camera at 16MP. Storage flexibility favors iPhone with three capacity options versus Pixel's single 128GB configuration. Both phones feature IP68 water resistance, 5G connectivity, and capable computational photography. Performance-wise, the A14 Bionic significantly outpaces the Snapdragon 765G for demanding apps and gaming. For most users seeking longevity and smoothness, iPhone 12 edges ahead, though Pixel 5 represents stronger value with its robust battery life and practical camera versatility at a lower entry price.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 12 if…
- →First iPhone with 5G connectivity
- →Ceramic Shield front cover is four times more drop-resistant
- →Flat-edge design is comfortable and stylish
Buy the Google Pixel 5 if…
- →Compact and lightweight at 151 g
- →90Hz smooth OLED display
- →Excellent camera with Night Sight and astrophotography
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 12
Pros
- First iPhone with 5G connectivity
- Ceramic Shield front cover is four times more drop-resistant
- Flat-edge design is comfortable and stylish
- A14 Bionic delivers excellent performance and efficiency
- Dolby Vision HDR video recording is a first for any smartphone
Cons
- 60Hz display when competitors offered 90Hz or 120Hz
- Small 2815 mAh battery offers mediocre battery life
- 64 GB base storage is inadequate in 2020
- Lightning port instead of USB-C
- No telephoto lens — only dual camera
Google Pixel 5
Pros
- Compact and lightweight at 151 g
- 90Hz smooth OLED display
- Excellent camera with Night Sight and astrophotography
- Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging
- IP68 water resistance
Cons
- Mid-range Snapdragon 765G in a $699 phone
- No telephoto camera
- 8 MP selfie camera is dated
- Only 128 GB storage option
- Bio-resin coating scratches easily
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 12 | Google Pixel 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 14 | Android 11 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 164 g | 151 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front | Aluminum unibody, bio-resin coating |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 144.7 x 70.4 x 8.0 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.6, OIS | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP TrueDepth, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 4K@60fps, Dolby Vision HDR | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.4 | 16 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2815 mAh | 4080 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 18W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 12W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.0 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | OLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 90Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 700 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz + 1x2.2 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 620 |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 3.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Google products. View full details for the Apple iPhone 12 or the Google Pixel 5.