Google Pixel 8 vs iQOO 12
The Verdict
Google Pixel 8 delivers exceptional computational photography and software integration at a premium price point, featuring a sharp 6.2-inch 2000-nit OLED display and reliable Tensor G3 performance. iQOO 12 offers superior raw specifications: larger 6.78-inch 3000-nit display with 144Hz refresh rate, more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, bigger 5000mAh battery, and faster 120W charging. iQOO's telephoto lens and 8K video capability provide hardware advantages, while Pixel 8 excels in low-light photography, night mode, and AI-driven features like Magic Eraser. iQOO lacks IP rating and wireless charging, missing conveniences Pixel includes. For photography enthusiasts prioritizing software refinement and durability, Pixel 8 justifies its premium. Performance-focused users wanting specifications and value will prefer iQOO 12, especially considering the $170 price difference.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 8 if…
- →Compact and comfortable design
- →Seven years of updates
- →Excellent main camera
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 8
Pros
- Compact and comfortable design
- Seven years of updates
- Excellent main camera
- Bright Actua OLED display
- On-device AI features
Cons
- No telephoto lens
- Tensor G3 thermals can be inconsistent
- Only 8 GB RAM
- Slow charging vs rivals
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 8 | iQOO 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 14 (Funtouch OS 14 / OriginOS 4) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 187 g | 202 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus | Aluminum frame, glass back |
| IP rating | IP68 | None |
| Dimensions | 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm | 162.7 x 75.8 x 8.1 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.68, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.88, OIS, Sony IMX920 |
| Front camera | 10.5 MP, f/2.2 | 16 MP, f/2.45 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2, 125.8-degree | 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 | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4575 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 120W FlashCharge |
| Wireless charging | 18W (Pixel Stand) | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.2 inches | 6.78 inches |
| Type | Actua OLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2800 x 1260 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 144Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 3000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz + 3x3.2 GHz + 2x3.0 GHz + 2x2.3 GHz) |
| GPU | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Adreno 750 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 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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