← Back to Smartphones
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8a vs OnePlus 12
The OnePlus 12 stands out as the superior option due to its powerhouse specs that truly shine. Plus, the 80W wired charging means you'll be back to full power in no time, making it a no-brainer for those on the go. In real-world use, the OnePlus 12's QHD+ display at 6.82 inches and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits makes media consumption an absolute delight. If you're considering an upgrade in 2026, the OnePlus 12 could be your best bet for performance and features that go above and beyond the mid-range offerings of the Pixel 8a.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.82"🔋 Battery: 4492 mAh vs 5400 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.63 oz vs 7.76 oz
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4
(1,570)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10
Check Amazon Price→
OnePlus 12
★4.6
(78)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of Android OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 750
Check Amazon Price→
Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Google Pixel 8a
OnePlus 12
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 8a
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
OnePlus 12
6.82" (measured diagonally from corner to corner)Winner
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 8a
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
OnePlus 12
1–120Hz (Dynamic)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 8a
Google Tensor G3
OnePlus 12
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform
RAMKey
Google Pixel 8a
8GB LPDDR5X
OnePlus 12
12GB / 16GB LPDDR5XWinner
Storage
Google Pixel 8a
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
OnePlus 12
256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0)Winner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 8a
64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS
OnePlus 12
50MP Wide (Sony LYT-808, f/1.6, 23mm equiv), PDAF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 8a
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
OnePlus 12
48MP Ultra-Wide (Sony IMX581, f/2.2, 114° FOV)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 8a
4,492 mAh (Typical)
OnePlus 12
5,400 mAh (Dual-cell 2,700 mAh, non-removable)Winner
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 8a
Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
OnePlus 12
50W AIRVOOC; 10W Reverse Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 8a
6.6 oz (188 g)Winner
OnePlus 12
7.76 oz (220 g)
Dimensions
Google Pixel 8a
6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
OnePlus 12
6.47" x 2.98" x 0.36" (164.3 x 75.8 x 9.15 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel 8a
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
OnePlus 12
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.4; NFC; IR Blaster
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Google Pixel 8a vs OnePlus 12
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4(1,570)Amazon
OnePlus 12
★4.6(78)Amazon
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8a | OnePlus 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,570)Amazon | ★4.6(78)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates | 4 generations of Android OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates |
Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform |
Graphics | Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Qualcomm Adreno 750 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X | 12GB / 16GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0) |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.82" (measured diagonally from corner to corner) |
Screen Type | Actua OLED Display | LTPO AMOLED ProXDR Display |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi | 3168 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 510 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) | 1–120Hz (Dynamic) |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) | 4,500 nits (Peak) / 1,600 nits (HBM) |
Main Camera | 64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS | 50MP Wide (Sony LYT-808, f/1.6, 23mm equiv), PDAF, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 48MP Ultra-Wide (Sony IMX581, f/2.2, 114° FOV) |
Telephoto Camera | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) | 64MP Periscope Telephoto (OmniVision OV64B, 3x optical, f/2.6); OIS |
Optical Zoom | N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop) | 3x Optical Zoom; 6x In-Sensor Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom | Up to 120x Ultra Res Zoom |
Video Recording | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps |
Front Camera | 13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus | 32MP Front (Sony IMX615, f/2.4, 21mm equiv) |
Battery | 4,492 mAh (Typical) | 5,400 mAh (Dual-cell 2,700 mAh, non-removable) |
Wired Charging | Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately) | 80W SUPERVOOC (US 110V limitation); 100W in 220V regions; Charger included |
Wireless Charging | Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W) | 50W AIRVOOC; 10W Reverse Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.4; NFC; IR Blaster |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
Durability | IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame | IP65 (Dust tight; Water jet resistant - not submersion proof); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front) |
Dimensions | 6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm) | 6.47" x 2.98" x 0.36" (164.3 x 75.8 x 9.15 mm) |
Weight | 6.6 oz (188 g) | 7.76 oz (220 g) |
Biometrics | Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock | Optical In-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock |
Extras | VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser | Hasselblad Camera for Mobile; Alert Slider; Aqua Touch; Trinity Engine |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Google Pixel 8a
Rating:★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Actua OLED Display
Resolution:1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi
Refresh Rate:60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus
Battery:4,492 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame
Dimensions:6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.6 oz (188 g)
Biometrics:Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock
Extras:VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser
✓ Pros:
- • Unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment
- • Bright 120Hz Actua OLED display (2,000 nits peak)
- • Flagship-grade Tensor G3 processor brings premium AI features (Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser)
- • Compact and comfortable design with a durable matte finish
- • Includes wireless charging (rare at this price point)
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Large bezels surround the display, looking dated compared to the Pixel 8
- • Uses older Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower than ultrasonic alternatives
- • Gets warm under heavy load due to Tensor G3 efficiency
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
OnePlus 12
Rating:★4.6(78)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of Android OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 750
RAM:12GB / 16GB LPDDR5X
Storage:256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Display Size:6.82" (measured diagonally from corner to corner)
Screen Type:LTPO AMOLED ProXDR Display
Resolution:3168 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 510 ppi
Refresh Rate:1–120Hz (Dynamic)
Peak Brightness:4,500 nits (Peak) / 1,600 nits (HBM)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (Sony LYT-808, f/1.6, 23mm equiv), PDAF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:48MP Ultra-Wide (Sony IMX581, f/2.2, 114° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:64MP Periscope Telephoto (OmniVision OV64B, 3x optical, f/2.6); OIS
Optical Zoom:3x Optical Zoom; 6x In-Sensor Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 120x Ultra Res Zoom
Video Recording:8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps
Front Camera:32MP Front (Sony IMX615, f/2.4, 21mm equiv)
Battery:5,400 mAh (Dual-cell 2,700 mAh, non-removable)
Wired Charging:80W SUPERVOOC (US 110V limitation); 100W in 220V regions; Charger included
Wireless Charging:50W AIRVOOC; 10W Reverse Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.4; NFC; IR Blaster
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
Durability:IP65 (Dust tight; Water jet resistant - not submersion proof); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front)
Dimensions:6.47" x 2.98" x 0.36" (164.3 x 75.8 x 9.15 mm)
Weight:7.76 oz (220 g)
Biometrics:Optical In-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock
Extras:Hasselblad Camera for Mobile; Alert Slider; Aqua Touch; Trinity Engine
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent value proposition with top-tier specs at a competitive price
- • Massive 5,400mAh battery paired with very fast 80W wired and 50W wireless charging
- • High-quality Hasselblad camera system with a versatile 3x periscope zoom
- • Extremely bright QHD+ LTPO display (4,500 nits peak)
- • Includes useful enthusiast features like an IR blaster and the Alert Slider
✗ Cons:
- • IP65 rating is inferior to the industry-standard IP68 (not rated for submersion)
- • Curved screen edges can be prone to accidental touches despite rejection algorithms
- • US wired charging is capped at 80W (vs 100W global) due to voltage differences
- • OxygenOS has moved visually closer to ColorOS, which may deter purists
- • Large and heavy device (220g) can be cumbersome
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
Grab the Google Pixel 8a if you want unmatched 7-year software support - it's a solid pick for long-term use.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if: you want 7 years of software updates, prefer a compact design, or need a phone that’s easier on the budget.
Choose the OnePlus 12 if: you need all-day battery life, crave fast charging, or want a larger, brighter display for media. (6.82" display, 5400 mAh battery)
Conclusion
Google Pixel 8a and OnePlus 12 are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 8a excels if you value unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment. OnePlus 12 is better if you prioritize excellent value proposition with top-tier specs at a competitive price. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.