iPhone 12 vs Pixel 6
It’s Apple against Google in the flagship smartphone class, and the iPhone 12 and the Pixel 6 are the models carrying each flag. Count the areas and a pattern appears. The Pixel 6 is ahead in 4 of 5, led by a clear margin in display. Money matters here as well, since the iPhone 12 started out $200 above the Pixel 6.
At a glance
- Display Pixel 6 wins
- Performance Tie
- Memory & Storage Pixel 6 wins
- Camera Pixel 6 wins
- Battery & Charging Pixel 6 wins
- Price Pixel 6 wins
- Display2.3
- Memory & Storage0.4
- Camera0.9
- Display4.5
- Memory & Storage1.3
- Camera1.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Pixel 6 has a 90 Hz display instead of 60 Hz
A clear win for the Pixel 6: 90 Hz against 60 Hz. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. Smoother motion is one of the most visible display upgrades, and adaptive high-refresh panels can slow down on static content to save power.
-
The iPhone 12 has a 1.52 oz lighter build
Here the iPhone 12 pulls well ahead of the Pixel 6, with 5.78 oz compared to 7.30 oz. The iPhone 12 is easier on your wrist during long reading or gaming sessions.
-
The Pixel 6 has 128 GB of base storage instead of 64 GB
The Pixel 6 doesn’t just edge this one; 128 GB against 64 GB is a lead you’ll feel. Base storage is what you get without paying extra. Photos, videos and apps add up quickly, so more space at the entry price is real value.
-
The Pixel 6 has a higher-resolution 50 MP main camera
Big gap, real consequences. The Pixel 6’s 50 MP versus the iPhone 12’s 12 MP changes how the two compare in daily use. Megapixels are only one part of image quality, so treat this as a sign of detail potential, not a verdict on photos.
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The iPhone 12 has a 0.06 in slimmer body
The Pixel 6 is clearly behind on thickness (0.35 in against 0.29 in), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. It’s a difference you mostly notice in the hand and in tight pockets.
Design & Size
- iPhone 12 5.78 in × 2.81 in × 0.29 in
- Pixel 6 6.24 in × 2.94 in × 0.35 in
Size is a trade-off, not a score: the Pixel 6 is larger, the iPhone 12 more compact. The Pixel 6 is 1.52 oz heavier than the iPhone 12. The Pixel 6 measures 0.06 in more in depth than the iPhone 12.
Design & Build
| Spec | iPhone 12 | Pixel 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.78 in | 6.24 in |
| Width | 2.81 in | 2.94 in |
| Thickness | 0.29 in (winner) | 0.35 in |
| Weight | 5.78 oz (winner) | 7.30 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Display
Pixel 6 leads
The iPhone 12 has a tough time in the display section, where the Pixel 6 pulls well ahead. The Pixel 6 takes this one with a 90 Hz display instead of 60 Hz. A higher refresh rate makes scrolling, animations and games look smoother. Once you’re used to it, a lower-rate screen can feel sluggish by comparison. The iPhone 12 makes its case with 12% sharper pixel density. That makes the Pixel 6 the natural choice for buyers focused on display.
Refresh rate
iPhone 12: 60 Hz Pixel 6: 90 Hz You notice refresh rate every time you scroll a feed or a web page, which is why the Pixel 6 feels more fluid in everyday use.
Screen size
iPhone 12: 6.1 in Pixel 6: 6.4 in Screen size is personal. If you watch a lot on your phone, the extra area pays off; if you text one-handed on the go, compact is kinder.
Performance
Too close to call
The performance section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. For performance, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
CPU cores
iPhone 12: 6 Pixel 6: 8 Core count on its own says little about speed; how the chip is designed and how fast each core runs matter more.
Memory & Storage
Pixel 6 leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Pixel 6 leads the memory & storage section with room to spare. In its favor, the Pixel 6 has 128 GB of base storage instead of 64 GB. If you shoot a lot of video or keep music and maps offline, base storage is one of the specs you’ll feel most over the years. So if memory & storage tops your list, lean toward the Pixel 6.
Base storage
iPhone 12: 64 GB Pixel 6: 128 GB The Pixel 6 starts with more room, which means fewer “storage full” warnings and less time deleting old videos.
Camera
Pixel 6 leads
If camera is high on your list, the Pixel 6 makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The Pixel 6 stands out with a higher-resolution 50 MP main camera. The Pixel 6’s higher-resolution main sensor gives you more room to crop, which helps when you can’t get closer. The iPhone 12 answers with a sharper 12 MP selfie camera. Bottom line for camera: the Pixel 6 has the edge.
Main camera
iPhone 12: 12 MP Pixel 6: 50 MP More megapixels on the main camera allow bigger crops and more detail in good light, but sensor size and processing matter just as much.
Front camera
iPhone 12: 12 MP Pixel 6: 8 MP Front cameras are often an afterthought, so a higher-resolution sensor is a small but welcome edge for the iPhone 12.
Battery & Charging
Pixel 6 leads
On battery & charging, the difference is modest, and it favors the Pixel 6. On the Pixel 6, you get faster 21 W wireless charging. If you rely on a wireless pad at your desk or bedside, the Pixel 6 refills quicker there. For battery & charging, the Pixel 6 is the one to beat.
Wireless charging
iPhone 12: 15 W Pixel 6: 21 W Wireless charging is usually slower than a cable, so this edge matters mainly to people who value the convenience.
Software & Updates
On software & updates, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | iPhone 12 | Pixel 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1 in | 6.4 in |
| Panel type | OLED (Super Retina XDR) | OLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi (winner) | 411 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 90 Hz (winner) |
| Peak brightness | 1,200 nits | N/A (not specified) |
| Always-on display | No | Yes (winner) |
Performance
| Spec | iPhone 12 | Pixel 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | A14 Bionic | Google Tensor |
| CPU cores | 6 | 8 |
| Process node | 5 nm | 5 nm |
| RAM | N/A (not specified) | 8 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | iPhone 12 | Pixel 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 64 GB | 128 GB (winner) |
| Max storage | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | iPhone 12 | Pixel 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 12 MP | 50 MP (winner) |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 2 |
| Front camera | 12 MP (winner) | 8 MP |
| Max video | 4K60 | 4K60 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | iPhone 12 | Pixel 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | N/A (not specified) | 4,614 mAh |
| Rated video playbackManufacturer rating | 17 h | N/A (not specified) |
| Wired charging | N/A (not specified) | 21 W |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 21 W (winner) |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | iPhone 12 | Pixel 6 |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | iOS 14 | Android 12 |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | N/A (not specified) | 3 years |
Design & Build
| Spec | iPhone 12 | Pixel 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.78 in | 6.24 in |
| Width | 2.81 in | 2.94 in |
| Thickness | 0.29 in (winner) | 0.35 in |
| Weight | 5.78 oz (winner) | 7.30 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | iPhone 12 | Pixel 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $799 | $599 (winner) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Going by launch prices, choosing the Pixel 6 keeps $200 in your pocket: 33% of difference. If value matters, the Pixel 6 makes a strong case: it saves $200 and wins more of the comparison.
Based on US launch pricing as of October 2021. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the iPhone 12 if…
- you notice every gram in your pocket (5.78 oz vs 7.30 oz)
- you want the slimmer phone (0.29 in vs 0.35 in)
- you want the sharper selfie camera (12 MP vs 8 MP)
- you want the sharper screen (460 ppi vs 411 ppi)
Choose the Pixel 6 if…
- you want smoother scrolling (90 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- you want more storage without paying for an upgrade (128 GB vs 64 GB)
- you want the higher-resolution main camera (50 MP vs 12 MP)
- you want faster wireless charging (21 W vs 15 W)
- you’re working to a firm budget and $200 matters
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the iPhone 12 or the Pixel 6?
The Pixel 6 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you’d rather have a 1.52 oz lighter build on the iPhone 12.
Which is larger, the iPhone 12 or the Pixel 6?
It’s the Pixel 6 that is larger: 6.24 × 2.94 × 0.35 in, versus 5.78 × 2.81 × 0.29 in for the iPhone 12.
Does the iPhone 12 have a stronger camera setup than the Pixel 6?
Going by the hardware, the Pixel 6 comes out ahead: a higher-resolution 50 MP main camera.
Which has the better screen, the iPhone 12 or the Pixel 6?
On display specs, the Pixel 6 leads thanks to a 90 Hz display instead of 60 Hz and an always-on display.
Which costs less, the iPhone 12 or the Pixel 6?
At launch, the Pixel 6 undercut the iPhone 12 by $200. These figures are as of October 2021, and street prices can change.
Is the iPhone 12 lighter than the Pixel 6?
The Pixel 6 is the heavier of the two; the iPhone 12 saves 1.52 oz.
Executive Summary
The iPhone 12 against the Pixel 6: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. It’s hard to argue with a 90 Hz display instead of 60 Hz, which is exactly what the Pixel 6 brings. A second reason: the Pixel 6 comes with 128 GB of base storage instead of 64 GB. Still, if you care most about a 1.52 oz lighter build, the iPhone 12 deserves a look.
The way I see it, people who prioritize portability will be happier with the iPhone 12, and those who prioritize display with the Pixel 6.
My pick: if it were my money, the Pixel 6, unless your top priority is a 1.52 oz lighter build.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.