I had a budget of around $2000 to get a phone for myself and one for my wife.
I did my work and came down to just two choices out of the sea of options: Google Pixel 8 Pro and the recent release from OnePlus – 12. For half a month, I used the Pixel 8 Pro (while she used OnePlus), and for the next half, I used the OnePlus 12. Read on to learn about my experience with both.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs. OnePlus 12: A Macro Overview
On paper, let’s talk about that, OnePlus takes the lead with its latest and greatest release – 12. Better performing chipset with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, better GPU, fast charging, UFS 4.0 storage than Pixel’s 3.0, and a bigger display with absolutely nuts peak brightness (more on that later) among others.
But you won’t be using the phone on just the paper but in your hand. So, that’s where Google Pixel shines. The refined experience of stock Android, the cameras, and the Android skin coupled with tons of features, a premium build, along with better haptics and water resistance makes the phone a tough competitor to the OnePlus 12.
Pricing is where it all starts to make a difference. Pixel 8 Pro is $200 more expensive than OnePlus 12 but will it make sense to you? Let’s find out.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs. OnePlus 12: The Performance
If you have already looked for the GeekBench scores of the said phones then you might here just be for the verdict. And you likely have guessed it right already: the OnePlus 12 has a smoother experience than the Pixel thanks to more RAM and a better processor.
Don’t get me wrong, the Pixel 8 Pro is fine too but its competitor is better. If you’ll be using the phone for checking on social media, posting stories on Instagram, or scrolling through your X (aka Twitter) then you will be fine with Pixel.
On the other hand, if you are planning to keep your phone for longer and want to play heavy mobile games like COD or Need for Speed on your phone, then certainly OnePlus will make the difference with its SD 8 Gen 3.
However, you do have to make sure you have stable internet like the one from Xfinity for a seamless gaming experience. Xfinity is termed one of the most reliable ISPs in the US with affordable internet plans, network stability, and responsive Xfinity customer service.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs. OnePlus 12: The Display
Again, on paper, OnePlus is the winner here with a bigger display and a better screen-to-body ratio.
OK, what about the real-life use? Still, the OnePlus 12 is the winner here. The thin bezels apart from a bigger chin and a curved display (which I personally like a lot), and the brightest display (4500 nits at peak) in a smartphone as of today make the difference.
Watching videos on this bright and vivid screen of OnePlus is much better, especially outdoors.
One thing that I like about Pixel’s display is its symmetry. OnePlus 12 has a bigger chin than the Pixel which doesn’t have any as it has the same bezels throughout the display.
Oh, and I forgot to mention the resolution of the display, silly me! OnePlus 12 again is leading with a 1440p display whereas Pixel has an unorthodox 1344p. You might not find the difference unless you observe it but OnePlus 12 certainly has a much sharper display than the Pixel.
And that’s it.
The only downside I see on the OnePlus 12 is its chin and I can compromise on the chin so, on any day I will go with OnePlus for the display.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs. OnePlus 12: The Cameras
This is where things get interesting.
Traditionally, let’s start with the on-paper stuff. OnePlus has a 50MP shooter that comes with OIS, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 64MP periscope that can zoom to 3x optically.
On the flip side, Google has a 50MP main lens with OIS, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and another 48MP zoom lens that can go 5x optically.
OnePlus has partnered with Hasselblad again for color calibration while Google doesn’t need any. Although the partnership with Hasselblad sounds fancy, I don’t see any point where Hasselblad has made a huge difference for the small camera lens of a mobile phone. I reckon OnePlus can spend these resources to improve its IP rating and offer more comfort around the water.
As for the image quality, Google is straight up the winner: more color-accurate photos are just ready to be uploaded on social media thanks to Google’s post-capture processing.
When it comes to the videos, OnePlus can record in 8k while Pixel can’t. 8k won’t be used by many and Google knew that’s why they have spent the resources to improve the 4k and 1080p video quality. It’s much better in the Pixel.
So, the bottom line is if you want to get a phone for taking pictures, Google Pixel 8 Pro is a better choice.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs. OnePlus 12: My Verdict
Which one should you buy? The answer is subjective depending on who you are and what you want. If you want an affordable option with the greatest specs then One Plus is for you. If you want a better software experience and support, and to capture the memories in a lens, go with Pixel 8 Pro.