iPhone 12 vs Google Pixel 5a

In a world where the choice of smartphones is rapidly expanding, two significant devices are the Google Pixel 5a 5G and the iPhone 12. Even though these devices target a particular segment of the market, the performance and characteristics of the devices are attractive to many consumers. In this article, we will provide more detail about the differences between these two phones so that you can make the right choice.

Comparison Chart of Features of iPhone 12 & Google Pixel 5a

1) Design and Build

The Apple iPhone 12 is bold and elegant, with a flat-edge design that most people think is stylish. It weighs 164 grams, lighter than the Google Pixel 5a, which weighs 183 grams. The two smartphones have splash-proof features. Apple’s iPhone 7 has an IP68 rating, meaning it can be submerged in water more profoundly than the Pixel, which has an IP67 rating.

2) Display Comparison

Apple’s iPhone 12 and Google’s Pixel 5a 5G have different display experiences even though the screens have the same size. The Pixel 5a 5G has a 6.34-inch OLED display with a resolution(s) of 2400 by 1080 pixels, giving a pixel density of 415 ppi. Some features include an always-on display, which adjusts color output between natural and boosted. 

At the same time, the iPhone 12 has a slightly smaller 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. Even though the screen is smaller, its 19.5:9 aspect ratio leads to a broader viewing area, which translates to an 86% screen-to-body ratio, although it has a notch. The brightness of the iPhone’s screen is better, which makes it suitable for use outdoors, and the color reproduction is also quite good, which enhances the general experience.

Check Out: iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13: The Ultimate Comparison

3) Camera Capabilities

The Google Pixel 5a has a dual-lens setup on the rear, with two lenses having a 12 and 16 MP resolution, respectively. The two cameras can capture video at 4K, with a 60 frames per second frame rate. At the front, the Pixel 5a houses an 8-megapixel front-facing camera built into the punch hole to take photos and record 1080p videos at 30 fps.

Nonetheless, the iPhone 12 has a cleaner camera module but offers intricate features. It has two 12-megapixel cameras on its rear side and one other 12-megapixel on the front, housed in the window notch above the screen. All these cameras can also offer 4K video recording at 60 fps, so the front and rear cameras are in sync.

3) Video Performance

And regarding video quality, especially the selfie camera, the iPhone 12 wins with support for 4K video at 60 frames per second. This is a clear benefit compared to the Pixel 5a, which only lets the user record video at 1080p at 30fps using the front camera. Those who are interested in vlogging or those who need high-quality video calls prefer the iPhone. Moreover, the low light performance of both phones is different; the iPhone sensors do a slightly better job because of the advanced HDR processing.

Check Out: Refurbished iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 11: Which is a Better Choice?

Ultra-Wide Lens Usage

For those who love to capture more in a single frame, both phones come with ultra-wide lenses but have different focal periscope lenses. The iPhone 12 has a slightly larger field of view than the Pixel thanks to its .5x ultra-wide lens compared to the .6x Pixel. This field of view also comes in handy when taking scenery pictures or capturing more of a scene without physically moving back.

4) Performance and Software

Other factors that can also be used in the comparison include performance. The iPhone 12’s high-performance processor, Apple A14 Bionic, ensures smooth and fast working with great potential for computations and playing games. 

On the other hand, the Pixel 5a 5G packs in a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G. It is not a top-of-the-line processor, but it delivers relatively smooth everyday usage due to some perfect software optimization by Google. The 6GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking and efficient phone use for most of its intended uses. 

Regarding software, the iPhone 12 has iOS, which is a good companion in terms of security, longevity in software updates, and a closed ecosystem. While the Pixel 5a has a cleaner Android look and feel, it is as user-friendly with regular software updates, but this is not as long-term as Apple’s five years of support.

Check Out: What Are iPhone 12 Problems & How to Fix Them in 2023?

5) Battery Life and Charging

The two models have different battery and charging departments, and the Pixel 5a 5G gives the iPhone 12 a run for its money here because the battery capacity of the former is 4680 mAh, almost double that of the iPhone 12 with 2815 mAh. This translates into the Pixel being able to last for two days with moderate usage and a battery-saver mode for even more extended usage.

On the other hand, the iPhone 12 is a device that is optimized for good endurance due to its iOS; it usually requires a recharge after a whole day of use. In addition, the Pixel is shipped with an 18-watt fast charger, while the iPhone 12 does not even include one in the box.

6) Audio and Connectivity

The Pixel 5a has a dedicated 3.5mm headphone jack socket for those still stuck in the wire regarding audio preferences. The two devices have stereo speakers, and the Pixel 5a has additional support for codecs like aptX and LDAC for better wireless audio. The Pixel 5a has a fingerprint scanner to enhance the security feature, which is not found on iPhone 12. The phone also comes with the USB type C for charging and data transfer, which many people like because it is universal. Both phones have 5G connectivity, faster download speed, and a low latency rate.

Check Out: Refurbished iPhone SE vs. iPhone 12 - Which One is Better?

Roobotech: Leading Provider of Refurbished Smartphones in Australia

Roobotech is well known for supplying only the best quality refurbished mobile phones in the Australian market. Having earned its reputation as a reliable company, it strictly tests and checks each device before selling it to the customers.

Unmatched Quality

The team ensures that every smartphone brought to Roobotech is restored to standard condition. This process includes testing, repairing, and cleaning the component to get it to its new state.

Affordable Options

Roobotech has many ways to provide a great phone at a lower price, which allows more people to buy a high-tech device at an excellent price.

Extensive Selection

Their selection of models and brands is vast, ensuring every client has a preferred type. Whether interested in new or old models, Roobotech has what one needs.

Customer Satisfaction

Roobotech also offers good customer service and warranties that assure customers of the quality of the gadgets they buy. Focusing on services and products is common for them, contributing to the development of long-term business relations with customers.

Conclusion: Value and Preferences

Thus, the decision between the two depends primarily on one’s budget and preferences between the iPhone 12 and the Google Pixel 5a 5G. Although the iPhone 12 stands out with a superior premium display and better performance, the Google Pixel 5a 5G is a value-for-money device, acing the battery life, clean software, and affordability, costing almost $400 less than the iPhone 12. Both devices meet modern smartphone demands capably, so consider what's most important to your smartphone experience: performance, particular features or characteristics, or high value and effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pixel 5a better in the camera than the iPhone?

Pixel 5a has better camera features than the iPhone SE because it has two camera options, the 12MP primary and 16MP ultrawide sensor, compared to the iPhone SE’s single 12MP rear camera.

Should you get the Google Pixel or the iPhone?

The Pixel 9 has more options, such as a larger screen and AI capabilities, than the iPhone 16.

What is the pixel density of the iPhone 12?

The iPhone 12 has a CSS Pixel Ratio of 3.

Which is better, Pixel 7 or iPhone?

The Pixel 7 Pro has a higher PPI and refresh rate, which makes it stand out from the Pixel 7 in this aspect.

How is the Pixel 5a as a photography device?

Yes, the Pixel 5a takes depth, sharpness, and realistic colors in the auto mode.

Which Pixel is better for pictures?

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL are photographic masters with great triple rear camera setups.