Google Pixel 5 vs iQOO 12
The Verdict
Google Pixel 5 prioritizes refined fundamentals with its compact 6.0-inch OLED display, reliable Snapdragon 765G performance, and exceptional computational photography from its 12.2MP main camera with OIS. IP68 rating and wireless charging add durability and convenience. iQOO 12 delivers flagship specs at a lower price: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 144Hz LTPO AMOLED display with 3000 nits peak brightness, 50MP main sensor with 3x telephoto, and 120W fast charging powering a 5000mAh battery. However, iQOO lacks IP rating and wireless charging, weighs 202g versus Pixel 5's 151g, and runs a heavily customized Android interface. For compact flagship experience with proven software and durability, Pixel 5 excels. For raw performance and display quality at budget flagship pricing, iQOO 12 offers exceptional value despite missing some refinements.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 5 if…
- →Compact and lightweight at 151 g
- →90Hz smooth OLED display
- →Excellent camera with Night Sight and astrophotography
Buy the iQOO 12 if…
- →Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers top-tier gaming and productivity performance
- →144Hz LTPO AMOLED with 3000-nit brightness is a display powerhouse
- →120W fast charging fills the 5000 mAh battery in around 25 minutes
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
iQOO 12
Pros
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers top-tier gaming and productivity performance
- 144Hz LTPO AMOLED with 3000-nit brightness is a display powerhouse
- 120W fast charging fills the 5000 mAh battery in around 25 minutes
- 64 MP 3x telephoto periscope zoom is excellent for the price
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 for future-proof connectivity
Cons
- No IP rating for water or dust resistance
- No wireless charging despite flagship-level pricing
- Limited global availability and after-sales network
- 13 MP ultrawide is a weak point in the camera system
- OriginOS/Funtouch is heavily skinned
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 5 | iQOO 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 11 | Android 14 (Funtouch OS 14 / OriginOS 4) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 151 g | 202 g |
| Material | Aluminum unibody, bio-resin coating | Aluminum frame, glass back |
| IP rating | IP68 | None |
| Dimensions | 144.7 x 70.4 x 8.0 mm | 162.7 x 75.8 x 8.1 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.88, OIS, Sony IMX920 |
| Front camera | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.45 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps |
| Ultrawide | 16 MP, f/2.2 | 13 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 64 MP, f/2.57, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB / 16 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4080 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 120W FlashCharge |
| Wireless charging | 12W wireless | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.0 inches | 6.78 inches |
| Type | OLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2800 x 1260 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 144Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 700 | 3000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz + 1x2.2 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz + 3x3.2 GHz + 2x3.0 GHz + 2x2.3 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 750 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
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.
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