Google Pixel 7 Pro Vs iPhone 12 mini

Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:201.00

Versus €640.98 new

See options
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at

Refurbished price:146.50

Versus €689.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Google Pixel 7 Pro, released in October 2022, and the iPhone 12 Mini, launched in October 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and user experience. While the Pixel 7 Pro offers a large display and advanced camera system running on Android, the iPhone 12 Mini prioritizes a compact form factor and the iOS ecosystem. These differences cater to varying user preferences, from screen size and operating system to camera capabilities and overall handling.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, both offer substantial software support, though their release timelines create a difference in their remaining update cycles.

  • Release Timeline: The Google Pixel 7 Pro, released in October 2022, is a newer device compared to the iPhone 12 Mini, which launched in October 2020. This two-year difference impacts their remaining software support.
  • OS Support Duration: Google guarantees five years of OS and security updates for the Pixel 7 Pro, meaning it will receive updates until at least October 2027. The iPhone 12 Mini, typically receiving 5-7 years of iOS updates, is expected to receive software support until around 2027.
  • Repairability: The iPhone 12 Mini received a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit, noting that display and battery replacements are well-prioritized. The Pixel 7 Pro has a repairability score of 5.5 out of 10, with screen replacements being relatively easy but battery removal and other component replacements being more complex due to strong adhesive and soldered parts.

Year of Release

2022

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, and these two devices offer different experiences based on their internal components and operating systems.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Google Pixel 7 Pro features a current-generation processor designed for efficient AI and machine learning tasks, contributing to smooth app performance and advanced computational photography. The iPhone 12 Mini is powered by a powerful processor that delivers responsive performance for everyday applications and gaming, despite its earlier release.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 12GB of RAM, the Pixel 7 Pro handles demanding applications and extensive multitasking with ease, maintaining fluidity even with many apps open. The iPhone 12 Mini, with 4GB of RAM, provides a smooth user experience for typical smartphone usage, though it may manage fewer active background applications compared to the Pixel.
  • Battery Behavior: The Pixel 7 Pro is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use for many users, though some report varying experiences depending on usage intensity. The iPhone 12 Mini has a smaller 2227 mAh battery, which users often find requires more frequent charging, especially with heavy use, though some report it lasting a full day with moderate usage.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely defined by its display, and these two models present distinct characteristics in terms of size, technology, and refresh rates.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Google Pixel 7 Pro features a large 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and adaptive refresh rates. The iPhone 12 Mini comes with a more compact 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also known for its excellent color reproduction and contrast.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), resulting in a very sharp and detailed image. The iPhone 12 Mini offers a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, providing clear visuals on its smaller screen.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Pixel 7 Pro's display can reach up to 1500 nits peak brightness and features a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The iPhone 12 Mini has a peak brightness of up to 1200 nits and a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1440 x 3120

1080 x 2340

Screen type

LTPO AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but they approach photography with different strengths and feature sets.

  • Rear Camera System: The Google Pixel 7 Pro features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens with autofocus, and a 48 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The iPhone 12 Mini is equipped with a dual-camera system, comprising a 12 MP wide lens and a 12 MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Pixel 7 Pro is highly regarded for its computational photography, excelling in detail, color accuracy, and low-light performance, with features like Photo Unblur and Night Sight. The iPhone 12 Mini delivers consistent and high-quality images in various conditions, with strong performance in Night mode and Smart HDR.
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both phones offer high-quality video recording capabilities. The Pixel 7 Pro provides advanced video features, while the iPhone 12 Mini supports Dolby Vision HDR video recording. For audio, both devices include stereo speakers, offering a good media consumption experience.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10.8 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily usability of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for faster mobile data speeds. The Pixel 7 Pro uses a USB-C 3.2 port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 12 Mini utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
  • Biometric Security: The Pixel 7 Pro offers both an under-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock for secure access. The iPhone 12 Mini relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system.
  • Build Materials and Dimensions: The Pixel 7 Pro features a glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus) with an aluminum frame, weighing 212 grams. The iPhone 12 Mini has a Ceramic Shield front cover and a glass back with an aluminum frame, weighing a lighter 135 grams, making it significantly more compact. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Weight

212 g

135 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

5.4

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Google Pixel 7 Pro and iPhone 12 Mini cater to different user priorities, making the choice between them dependent on individual needs. Users frequently praise the Pixel 7 Pro for its exceptional camera capabilities, particularly its computational photography features, and its clean Android experience. Some criticisms include varying battery life experiences and occasional thermal management concerns. The iPhone 12 Mini is widely lauded for its compact size, making it ideal for one-handed use and easy pocketability. Its performance is generally considered strong for its size, and its camera system delivers reliable results. However, its battery life is a frequent point of concern for many users, often requiring mid-day charging, and some find the smaller screen less suitable for extensive media consumption.

Users prioritizing a large, high-refresh-rate display, a versatile camera system with advanced zoom, and the Android ecosystem will likely find the Google Pixel 7 Pro well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a highly compact device, seamless one-handed operation, and the iOS experience may lean towards the iPhone 12 Mini. Both devices offer robust performance for their respective categories, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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