Let’s compare what at first glance does not pull comparison: the small expensive iPhone 12 mini and the small, inexpensive Google Pixel 4a. The idea is that these are representatives of an endangered species: compact smartphones have disappeared as a class, there is essentially nothing to choose from.
I used the devices separately. The site has texts about both a small iPhone and a compact “google phone.” But what happens if you push them against each other? Let’s talk about this further.
Money
I’ll start with the main thing: the price. Google Pixel 4a will cost about $349. It will be a version with 128 GB of memory.
The iPhone 12 mini makes things a lot easier. It is supplied to us through official channels. The base model with 64 GB of internal memory will cost $729.
Let me clarify that Rostest compares favorably with Seryak with an additional year of warranty – we get not one but two years at the manufacturer’s goodwill.
Are you prettier or simpler?
If the iPhone 12 mini is exclusively beautiful and aesthetics of forms, a new design, a new beautiful lilac color, then the Google Pixel 4a is the most simple and even asceticism. For example, the fingerprint scanner on the back in 2021 is perceived strangely, especially against the background of the convenient Face ID system for protecting data on the iPhone. However, Pixel defenders may laugh at the iPhone’s bangs since the Pixel 4a has no cutouts, apart from the hole for the front camera.
The simple plastic case of Google Pixel 4a wants to be hidden in a case. Google’s branded fabric case is of excellent quality but expensive. However, the original accessories for the iPhone are not cheap either. But if the iPhone 12 mini wants to be carried without a case, feeling pleasant materials – glass and aluminum, admiring the new colors – then the Pixel 4a wants to quickly dress up in something cute, hiding a simple plastic case.
I note that in summer, it is especially drawn to water bodies. Here the iPhone 12 mini will be more interesting: it has protection against water. But the Google Pixel 4a does not have this feature, so it is better to keep it away from the water surface.
However, this is already a matter of taste: putting on a case on the phone, you immediately get a fatter device, the idea of compactness immediately collapses.
Screen
The physical dimensions of the displays differ, but not very much: 5.4 inches for the iPhone 12 mini versus 5.8 inches for the Google Pixel 4a. The display resolution is the same, 1080 × 2340 pixels, but due to the difference in diagonals, the pixel density favors the iPhone 12 mini. But these are only dry numbers. In practice, the picture is equally smooth. In both cases, we get OLED screens, but the Pixel has an auxiliary Always On mode, which the iPhone does not.
In terms of color reproduction, I like the iPhone screen better. Correcting photos or reading from the phone on it is more pleasant.
Work speed
The iPhone 12 mini has the most powerful hardware available today, a small iPhone with excellent performance, powerful and fast. Plus, there are still many years of regular iOS updates ahead.
The Google Pixel 4a has much simpler specs. It received not a top-end processor but an average processor in terms of power. However, the reaction speed in the menu and the general impressions of its performance are generally positive. It can be cited as an example of good hardware and software optimization. Plus regular updates – you can already install the beta of Android 12 and look into the near future. Many Android smartphones will receive fresh software. Oh, how long it will take.
If we talk about which is better: iOS or Android – this is an eternal battle with no winner. Here who likes what more. The main thing is that both phones leave a pleasant experience.
Working hours
The dry characteristics of the batteries do not say anything. The real indicators are interesting. Both smartphones can withstand a day of active use, producing about 5.5-6 hours of active screen. But if the iPhone 12 mini most often survive until late at night, then the Pixel 4a can last a little longer, until late at night.
In the kit with the iPhone, we get only a wire, and the power supply needs to be bought separately. On the contrary, the Google Pixel 4a comes with an 18W charger. Let’s put that in the pros. Alas, unlike the iPhone, it does not have wireless charging.
Memory
The basic version of the iPhone 12 mini only has 64 GB of memory, and since part of the space is used for system needs, there is not much left. You can, of course, survive, especially if you use cloud storage, but for a comfortable life, it is better to pay extra for a version with 128 GB. If that’s not enough, you can buy a phone with 256 GB. Thus, there are three options to choose from.
The Google Pixel 4a is simpler in this regard: there is nothing to choose from. Only one model with 128 GB is available.
Communication
Of the fundamental things, I will immediately say about 5G in the iPhone 12 mini.
The old and slow Lightning does not look very good against the background of the faster USB Type-C, but how often do you transfer data from phone to computer over the wire? Also not a very critical moment.
But the Google Pixel 4a has the usual 3.5 mm jack for connecting wired headphones, which is gradually becoming a thing of the past.
Camera
The main cameras with similar characteristics: we get 12 megapixels each, but there are more aperture optics on the side of the iPhone. The iPhone also has an auxiliary ultra-wide-angle camera, while the Pixel has no bells and whistles.
Nevertheless, with the help of a single and versatile camera for all occasions, the Google Pixel 4a shows consistently high-quality images. And in this respect, it has no equal – this is an excellent compact size camera with excellent results.
Basically, the same can be said for the iPhone 12 mini, especially if you love shooting videos. If, in terms of the photo part, it sometimes loses to the Google Pixel 4a, then in terms of the stability and smoothness of the videos, the Google smartphone cannot compete with it.
The front camera of the Pixel 4a is 8 megapixels, while the iPhone 12 mini has 12 megapixels. But it’s not only about the numbers but also about the quality. Here are some examples:
What is better to buy?
These phones are small. They don’t pull the pocket even in summer. They take great pictures and work long enough, despite their small size.
Smartphones are good in their own way: The Pixel 4a is an example of a great compact device with a great camera for a minimum of money. At the same time, he smoothly and quickly responds to commands. It is pleasant to use it, although the appearance is very unprepossessing.
In turn, the iPhone 12 mini is a real flagship smartphone, just very small.
When you need the smallest possible iOS phone with plenty of room for the future, the iPhone 12 mini is a great option. The Google Pixel 4a is also beautiful, but the bet is on software and a camera, and you won’t have to overpay for other functions.
Comparison with characteristics
| iPhone 12 mini | Google Pixel 4a | |
| Screen | OLED, 5.4 inches, 1080 × 2340 | OLED, 5.81 inches, 1080 × 2340 |
| CPU | Apple A14 Bionic | Snapdragon 730G |
| Memory | 64, 128, or 256 GB | 128 GB |
| Front-camera | 12 MP, 23 mm, f/2.2 | 8 MP, 24 mm, f/2.0 |
| Main camera | 12 MP, 26 mm, f/1.6 + 12 MP, 13 mm, f/1.6 | 12.2 MP, 27 mm, f/1.7 |
| Video recording | 4K, 60 fps | 4K, 30 fps |
| Battery | 2227 mAh | 3140 mAh |
| Wireless charger | Yes | No |
| Housing | Glass | Plastic |
| Moisture protection | Yes, IP68 | No |
| Wi-Fi | 6 | 5 |
| ESIM support | Yes | Yes |
| 5G support | Yes | No |
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeakers | Stereo | Stereo |
| Dimensions (edit) | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm | 144 x 69.4 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 135 grams | 143 grams |