OnePlus 12 vs Pixel 8: Which budget flagship is better?

OnePlus 12 vs Pixel 8
We compare the OnePlus 12 vs Google Pixel 8 and see which one is better. (Image via OnePlus/Google)

The OnePlus 12 has finally launched after a long wait and comes packed with impressive specifications at an affordable price. On the other hand, the Google Pixel 8 also has an impressive camera and hardware and is priced similarly to the OnePlus 12. Although the OnePlus 12 has a better processor, the Google Pixel 8 has many AI software tools, which give it an edge over the former. A OnePlus 12 vs Pixel 8 comparison, keeping their similar prices in mind, will give you an idea of which is the better phone.

In this article, we will provide a detailed comparison between the OnePlus 12 and Google Pixel 8 to help you decide which one is a better purchase. So, without further ado, let us jump right into the comparison.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the author’s opinions.


OnePlus 12 vs Pixel 8: Specifications compared

The first part of our OnePlus 12 vs Pixel 8 comparison includes hardware information of both smartphones.

Specification

OnePlus 12

Apple iPhone 15

Display

6.82-inch, QHD+LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate (1~120Hz), 4500 nits peak

6.2‑inch, OLED display, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2000 nits peak

Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Octa-core, Adreno 750

Google Tensor G3, Nona-core, Immortalis-G715s MC10

RAM

Upto 16GB RAM

8GB RAM

Storage

256GB/ 512GB UFS4.0

128GB/256GB UFS 3.1

Battery

5000 mAh

4575 mAh

Operating System

Oxygen OS 14, Android 14

Android 14

Main Cameras

50 MP, f/1.6, (23mm wide, 1/1.43", 1.12µm pixel size)

64 MP, (periscope telephoto), 3x optical zoom

48 MP, f/2.2, (14mm, ultrawide, 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF)

50 MP, f/1.7, (25mm wide, 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel) PDAF, Laser Autofocus, OIS

12 MP, f/2.2, ultrawide

Charging Speed

100W wired

50W wireless

27W wired

18W wireless

Video Recording

8K@24fps,

4K@30/60fps,

1080p@30/60/240/480fps,

HDR10+, gyro-EIS

4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS, 10 bit HDR

OnePlus phones have always offered the best specs in their flagship number series, and the company’s latest flagship is no exception. Now, it also comes with a 5400mAh battery and 50W wireless charging support. Moreover, the phone has UFS 4.0 storage in its base variant, compared to UFS 3.1 on the OnePlus 11.

But, Google has also included some great upgrades over the Pixel 7 in the Pixel 8 as it now comes with a 120Hz display and Gorilla Glas Victus protection like the Pixel 8 Pro. But the OnePlus 12 boasts LTPO support, which means it can switch from 1-120Hz whenever needed to conserve battery. The device also has a much faster charging speed.


OnePlus 12 vs Pixel 8: Prices and models

The Google Pixel 8 starts from $699 for the 8GB RAM 128GB storage variant, which is $100 cheaper than the base variant of the OnePlus 12. The top-end models of both smartphones also have vastly different storage and RAM options.

OnePlus 12 models

  • Base model: 12GB RAM and 256GB storage at $799
  • Top-end model: 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage at $899

Google Pixel 8 models

  • Base model: 8GB RAM and 128GB storage at $699
  • Top-end model: 8GB RAM and 256GB storage at $759

OnePlus 12 vs Pixel 8: Camera comparison

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Both smartphones come with impressive cameras. But while the OnePlus 12 relies more on the camera hardware, the Google Pixel 8 is dependent on its AI-software magic. If we talk about the numbers, the OnePlus 12 features a 50MP Sony LYT-808 primary camera, a 48MP ultrawide angle lens, and a 64MP 3x telephoto zoom shooter.

The smartphone's main highlight is the impressive telephoto camera, which can shoot up to 120x digitally zoomed images. The long-running Hasselblad partnership with OnePlus flagships once again promises natural and well-saturated colors in photographs taken with the OnePlus 12.

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The Google Pixel 8 also produces fantastic photos in almost every situation, and Google's amazing AI tools make it one of the most reliable shooters. But the smartphone lacks a telephoto sensor, whereas the OnePlus 12 truly outshines it. However, Google's Night mode is probably the best software tool if you want to click photos in low-light conditions.


OnePlus 12 vs Pixel 8: Verdict

This concludes our OnePlus 12 vs Pixel 8 comparison. If you value raw hardware specifications and want a bigger battery smartphone, the OnePlus 12 is the better choice. OnePlus has also now provided cutting-edge features such as 50W wireless charging and IP65 certification, which is usually only available on phones above $1000.

But if you love compact phones and want the best camera experience with lots of AI features, the Google Pixel 8 is a no-brainer. Although you will miss out on the longer battery life and fast charging support, Google makes up for it by providing up to seven years of software support and a better dust and water resistance rating.


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