Tech Talk

The Google Pixel 5 and the iPhone 12 are two of the best phones you can get for their respective operating systems. The Pixel 5 doesn't have the highest-end specs we've ever seen, but its mission to deliver the best user experience possible at a reasonable price paid off tremendously. You'll spend a bit more for the iPhone 12, but it comes with a few notable upgrades that could be worth it for some people. If we're being perfectly honest, though, this all comes down to whether you prefer Android or iOS.

Google Pixel 5 vs. iPhone 12 Price and availability

Pre-orders for both the Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 are open right now, though the phones' actual launch dates are different. Google's launching the Pixel 5 on Oct. 29, with the iPhone 12 hitting store shelves about a week earlier on Oct. 23.

The Pixel 5 costs $700, and for that price, you're getting 128GB of storage. There aren't any other configurations available for the phone, meaning 128GB is all you get. As for the iPhone, you have three models to choose from:

• 64GB — $799
• 128GB — $849
• 256GB — $949

Google offers the Pixel 5 is Sorta Sage and Just Black colors, whereas the iPhone 12 comes in White, Black, Blue, Green, and (PRODUCT) RED.

Google Pixel 5 vs. iPhone 12 Two of 2020's best smartphones

When dealing with phones from Google and Apple, one might assume that they're drastically different from one another. Truth be told, the Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 actually have a lot in common. There are plenty of smaller differences here and there, but overall, both phones provide a top-notch experience for their respective operating systems.

Starting first with the phones' designs, we have two very different approaches. The Pixel 5 is made out of aluminum and features a unique paint job that gives it a soft-touch finish. You could say it's not as "premium" as other handsets, but it's very comfortable to hold and feels great in the hand. By comparison, the iPhone 12 has an aluminum frame with a glossy glass back. The front of the phone is also covered by Apple's Ceramic Shield design, which is said to be 4x more drop-resistant compared to regular glass. Both the Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 are water-resistant, have NFC for contactless payments, and support Qi wireless charging.

In addition to Qi, the iPhone 12 introduces MagSafe charging. The new MagSafe wireless charger attaches on the back of the iPhone 12 with magnets and provides faster charge speeds. Apple's also using the MagSafe system for things like cases, wallets, car mounts, and more. It's shaping up to be the next big standard for iPhone accessories, and the potential it has is pretty cool.

The Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 feature OLED displays with Full HD+ resolutions, and while they both look great, the Pixel 5 takes the lead with its 90Hz refresh rate. It's also ever-so-slightly smaller than the iPhone 12, but either phone is compact enough for easy one-handed use.

The Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 have capable specs in every department.

When it comes to cameras, we're met with two capable setups. The Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 tout primary and ultra-wide sensors, and for the most part, both phones take excellent shots. Google still has the advantage in low-light situations, but when shooting in broad daylight, it's a toss-up between which one is the best.

Google's made big strides with the Pixel 5's video recording, and while that's great to see, the iPhone 12 continues Apple's legacy of being the best in the business when it comes to shooting video on a smartphone. The iPhone 12 adds HDR and Dolby Vision recording, in addition to 27% better low-light performance.

Looking at the rest of the specs, there's not much to complain about with either phone. The Pixel 5's Snapdragon 765G isn't as powerful as the A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12, but both phones deliver fast performance for just about any task. You're also getting reliable battery life across the board, good selfie cameras, and biometric authentication (a fingerprint sensor for the Pixel 5 and Face ID on the iPhone 12).

Google Pixel 5 vs. iPhone 12 The software situation

Here's the thing about this comparison. We could keep going back and forth about what each phone does better than the other one, but at the end of the day, your final decision likely comes down to the software each handset is running.

This is a question of which OS you prefer.

The Google Pixel 5 ships with Android 11, and for people that like Android, it's a phenomenal purchase. You can customize it with third-party launchers, new features like chat bubbles are here, and you can look forward to major OS updates and monthly security patches through October 2023. As far as Android goes, it's one of the best ways to experience the platform.

Should you prefer iOS, it just makes sense to go with the iPhone 12. There are probably things about the Pixel 5 you would like, but there's no shame at all in sticking with what works for you. With features like AirDrop and iMessage, there's a legit argument to be made that iPhones just work better for certain groups of people.

We aren't saying you should never try out a new operating system if you have the urge to switch, but if you're happy with how Android or iOS is working for you and you want to stick with it, there's no reason you shouldn't.

Google Pixel 5 vs. iPhone 12 Can't go wrong with either one

No matter if you decide to buy the Pixel 5 or iPhone 12, you can rest easy knowing you're getting one of the best phones of the year.

It may not have the most powerful Snapdragon processor or the most RAM we've ever seen, but the Google Pixel 5 is one of the most enjoyable Android phones we've used in a while. Everything about the phone works as intended, it's pleasantly affordable, and those aren't things we've been able to say about a Pixel flagship for the past couple of years.

Some may argue that the iPhone 12 isn't as good of a deal as the Pixel 5, but for anyone that wants to use iOS, it's a hard phone to ignore. It's incredibly fast, has excellent cameras, and the new design is one of the best we've ever seen from Apple. When you consider you're getting all of this for $200 less than the iPhone 12 Pro, the value proposition becomes easier to see.

Pixel 5 or iPhone 12, buy the phone that works best for you. Regardless of which one you pick, we think you're going to love it.

The Android choice

Google Pixel 5

The first Pixel everyone should buy

$700 at Amazon $700 at Best Buy $699 at B&H

Unlike previous Pixels, the Pixel 5 has no deal-breaking battery, memory, or display issues. Instead, it's one of the best Android phones you can buy in 2020. It may not have the most bleeding-edge specs we've ever seen. but the day-to-day experience of using the phone is fantastic. We're especially fond of the new low pricing, which feels very appropriate given the current economic climate.

Apple greatness

iPhone 12

iOS fans can't go wrong with this one

From $799 at Apple From $829 at Amazon From $800 at Best Buy

If iOS is your operating system of choice, the iPhone 12 is an easy recommendation. It costs a bit more than the Pixel 5, but Apple delivers a ton of important upgrades while still keeping it relatively affordable. The OLED display looks excellent, the A14 Bionic is ridiculously fast, and the new design sure is something. You're also getting all of the iPhone-exclusive features you know and love.