Google Pixel 7 Pro • Unlocked vs iPhone 12 • Unlocked

The Google Pixel 7 Pro (2022) and the iPhone 12 (2020) are both prominent smartphones from their respective manufacturers, offering distinct user experiences. While the Pixel 7 Pro arrived two years later with updated hardware and a focus on advanced computational photography, the iPhone 12 introduced a refreshed design and 5G connectivity to Apple's lineup. Both devices run on their own proprietary operating systems, Android for the Pixel and iOS for the iPhone, each with its unique ecosystem and interface.

The expected practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. The Pixel 7 Pro, released in October 2022, benefits from a more recent launch, while the iPhone 12 was released in October 2020.

• OS Support: Google guarantees five years of OS and security updates for the Pixel 7 Pro from its release date, meaning support is expected until October 2027. The iPhone 12, released with iOS 14, typically receives major iOS updates for about five to seven years, with security updates often extending longer, potentially until 2027 or 2028.
• Physical Durability: The Pixel 7 Pro features Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, along with an aluminum frame, offering robust protection. The iPhone 12 introduced Ceramic Shield on the front, which enhances drop performance, and also has an aluminum frame and glass back.
• Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both devices are designed with modern smartphone construction, which can make user-level repairs challenging.

Performance in smartphones is determined by the internal components working together to handle applications, multitasking, and demanding tasks. The Pixel 7 Pro and iPhone 12 offer different approaches to processing power and memory management.

• Processing Capabilities: The Pixel 7 Pro is equipped with a current-generation processor designed by Google, which focuses on efficient machine learning and AI tasks, contributing to smooth app loading and system responsiveness. The iPhone 12 features an older generation processor that, while still capable for everyday use, may show its age with more intensive applications or future software updates.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Pixel 7 Pro typically comes with a larger amount of RAM, which can benefit heavy multitasking and keeping more applications open in the background without needing to reload. Both devices offer various storage options, though the iPhone 12's base model started with a smaller storage capacity.
• Battery Behavior: The Pixel 7 Pro houses a larger battery capacity, generally providing a full day of use for many users, though heavy usage or specific tasks can impact this. The iPhone 12's battery capacity is smaller, and while its processor is efficient, users often report needing to charge more frequently with moderate to heavy use.

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely defined by its display technology, resolution, and refresh rate. The Pixel 7 Pro and iPhone 12 present different screen characteristics.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Pixel 7 Pro features a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a high QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3120 pixels), offering sharp images and vibrant colors. The iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a slightly lower FHD+ resolution (1170 x 2532 pixels), still providing excellent clarity and deep blacks.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. It also offers higher peak brightness for better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone 12 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate and a lower peak brightness compared to the Pixel 7 Pro, which can affect outdoor readability.
• Viewing Experience: The larger screen size of the Pixel 7 Pro provides a more expansive viewing area for media consumption and productivity. Both displays offer excellent contrast and color accuracy due to their OLED technology.

Both the Google Pixel 7 Pro and the iPhone 12 offer capable camera systems, though they differ in their hardware and computational photography approaches.

• Rear Camera System: The Pixel 7 Pro features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a high-resolution main sensor, an ultrawide lens with autofocus, and a telephoto lens with optical zoom capabilities, allowing for detailed zoomed-in shots. The iPhone 12 has a dual-camera system with a main wide lens and an ultrawide lens, both offering solid performance in various lighting conditions.
• Photography Performance: The Pixel 7 Pro is known for its advanced computational photography, excelling in detail, color accuracy, and low-light performance across its lenses, including impressive zoom capabilities. The iPhone 12 also delivers strong still images, particularly in good lighting, with reliable color reproduction and improved low-light performance compared to its predecessors, though it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at various frame rates. The Pixel 7 Pro offers good video stabilization, while the iPhone 12 was notable for introducing Dolby Vision HDR video recording. Both phones provide clear microphone quality for calls and recordings, and offer stereo speakers for media consumption.