Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) vs Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB)
Side by side comparison between Xiaomi 12S Ultra vs Google Pixel 9a phones, differences, pros, cons and full specifications. What's the better?
,
6.73"
AMOLED
AMOLED
1440x3200
50
MP
MP
32mp
12GB
RAM
RAM
Octa-core
4860
mAh
mAh
(Non removable)
vs
6.3"
POLED
POLED
1080x2424
48
MP
MP
13mp
8GB
RAM
RAM
Octa-core
5100
mAh
mAh
(Non removable)
What's the better phone? Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB)
The phonemore's choice is much more technical than personal. Therefore, you shouldn't only consider this. Our goal is to help you, but what's important to us may not be important to you. You decide which one is the best! Comment!
14 Advantages 
10 Advantages | 34 Common items in both devices |
| 256GB (218GB available) / 256GB (220GB available) |
| UFS 3.1 |
| AMOLED / P-OLED |
| 120Hz |
| Dual-LED flash |
| LDAF/PDAF: laser/phase detection autofocus / PDAF: phase detection autofocus |
| OIS: Optical stabilization |
| +27 specs and more in the table below |
Check the comparison table below for more items that are not evaluated in comparison score above.
Highlight differences Clear highlight📱 Model features | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | |
| Model | 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) |
| Other model names | 小米12S Ultra 5G (2203121C) 12GB RAM | Google Pixel 9a GXQ96 |
| Country or region available |  (Global, International) |  USA |
| Brand | Xiaomi | |
| Release date | 7/9/2022, Announced: 7/4/2022 | 4/10/2025, Announced: 3/19/2025 |
| Depth | 9 millimeters (0.35 inches) | 8.9 millimeters (0.35 inches) |
| Size (width x height) | 74.97 x 163.17 millimeters (2.95 x 6.42 in) | 73.3 x 154.7 millimeters (2.89 x 6.09 in) |
| Weight | 225 grams (7.88 ounces) | 186 grams (6.51 ounces) |
| Build, materials | Aluminum frame, glass front, leather back | Aluminum body, glass front, plastic back |
| Protection against water and others | IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant | IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant |
📲 Display | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | |
| Display type | AMOLED | P-OLED |
| Screen size | 6.73" inches | 6.3" inches |
| Screen-to-body ratio | ~89.4% (screen-to-body ratio) | ~83.9% (screen-to-body ratio) |
| Display resolution | 1440x3200 pixels (20:9) | 1080x2424 pixels (20:9) |
| Touchscreen | Capacitive Multitouch 10-points | Capacitive Multitouch |
| Pixel density (dot pitch) | 521 PPI | 421 PPI |
| Colors | 1 billion | 16 million |
| Scratch-resistant glass | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Display features | 1000nits[typ], 1500nits[peak] Dolby Vision/HDR10+ | 2700nits[peak] HDR8 Always-On Display |
🤖 Operating System | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | |
| System version | Android 12 | Android 15 |
| Firmware update | Android 13 | Android 16 |
| User Interface | MIUI 13 / 14 | feature not registered |
⚙️ Processor | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | |
| Chipset | 64bit: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (SM8475) (4nm) | 64bit: Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core, 3 processors: 1x 3.19GHz ARM Cortex-X2 (Single-core) 3x 2.75GHz ARM Cortex-A710 (Triple-core) 4x 2GHz ARM Cortex-A510 (Quad-core) | Octa-core, 3 processors: 1x 3.1GHz ARM Cortex-X4 (Single-core) 3x 2.6GHz ARM Cortex-A720 (Triple-core) 4x 1.92GHz ARM Cortex-A520 (Quad-core) |
| GPU graphical controller | Qualcomm Adreno 730 (818MHz) | ARM Mali-G715 MP7 (940MHz) |
| Performance (benchmark) | AnTuTu: 1039412 (v9) Geekbench: 4300 (v5.1) GFXBench: 51fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 1030262 (v10) |
💽 Memory and storage | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | |
| RAM memory | 12GB LPDDR5 | 8GB LPDDR5X |
| Internal storage | 256GB (218GB available) UFS 3.1 | 256GB (220GB available) UFS 3.1 |
| External storage | Not supported | Not supported |
📶 Mobile networks | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | |
| Dual-SIM | Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card | Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card |
| SIM card | 2 slots (Dual-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF) | 1 slot (Single-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF) + e-SIM |
| Maximum Download / Upload | 2000/1024 Mbps | 3000/1024 Mbps |
| Network technology | 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G | 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Frequency, bands | Expand band details Collapse details | |
| GSM MHz band | Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900 | Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900 |
| Primary 2G network | CDMA 800, GSM 850/900/1800/1900 | GSM 850/900/1800/1900 |
| Primary 3G network | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO UMTS 800/850/900/1700/1900/2100 | UMTS 800/850/900/1700/1900/2100 |
| Primary 4G network | LTE Cat20 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42) VoLTE | LTE Cat24 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66, 71) TD-LTE (38, 41, 48) VoLTE |
| Primary 5G network | SA/NSA (1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79) | SA/NSA/Sub6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78) |
| Primary data network | GPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev 0, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA | GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6 |
| Secondary 2G network | GSM 850/900/1800/1900 | GSM 850/900/1800/1900 |
| Secondary 3G network | UMTS 800/850/900/1700/1900/2100 | UMTS 800/850/900/1700/1900/2100 |
| Secondary 4G network | LTE Cat20 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42) VoLTE | LTE Cat24 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66, 71) TD-LTE (38, 41, 48) VoLTE |
| Secondary data network | GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA | GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6 |
📷 Camera | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | |
| Back camera (main camera) | (quad camera) 50 megapixels 48MP periscope telephoto f/4.1120mm1/2"0.8µmPDAFOIS5x-optical-zoom 48MP ultrawide f/2.213mm128°1/2"0.8µmDual-PixelPDAF 0.3MP TOF 3D depth | (dual camera) 48 megapixels 13MP ultrawide f/2.2120°1/3.1"1.12µm |
| Main camera resolution | 8160x6120 pixels | 8000x6000 pixels |
| Video recording (primary) | 8K UHD (7680x4320) 24 fps | 4K UHD (3840x2160) 60 fps |
| Flash | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Focal aperture | f/1.9 (aperture) | f/1.7 (aperture) |
| Focal length | 23mm (lens) | 25mm (lens) |
| Sensor size | 1/1" inches | 1/2" inches |
| Pixel size | 1.6µm pixel | 0.8µm pixel |
| Autofocus | LDAF/PDAF: laser/phase detection autofocus | PDAF: phase detection autofocus |
| Touch focus | Supported | Supported |
| Image stabilization | OIS: Optical stabilization | OIS: Optical stabilization |
| Zoom | Digital and optical zoom | Only digital zoom |
| Face/smile detection | Face detection, Smile detection | Face detection, Smile detection |
| BSI sensor | Supported | Supported |
| HDR | HDR photo/video on both cameras | HDR photo/video on both cameras |
| Camera extras | 4K@60fps 1080p@480fps Sony IMX989 Leica optics | 4K@30/60fps 1080p@30/60/120/240fps |
📸 Front camera | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | |
| Front camera (secondary) | 32 megapixels | 13 megapixels |
| Front camera resolution | 6528x4896 pixels | 4128x3096 pixels |
| Video recording (secondary) | 4K UHD (3840x2160) | 4K UHD (3840x2160) |
| Front flash | Not supported | Not supported |
| Focal aperture | f/2.4 (aperture) | f/2.2 (aperture) |
| Focal length | 25mm (lens) | 20mm (lens) |
| Sensor size | feature not registered | 1/3.1" inches |
| Pixel size | 0.7µm pixel | 1.12µm pixel |
🔉 Sound and multimedia | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | |
| Loudspeaker | Stereo sound 24-bit/192kHz Tuned by Harman Kardon | Stereo sound |
| Active noise cancellation | 2 microphones or more | 2 microphones |
| Radio | Not supported | Not supported |
| TV | Not supported | Not supported |
| Video formats | MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKV | MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKV |
| Audio formats | MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC | MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC |
🔌 Connectivity | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | |
| USB | USB 2.0 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go | USB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go |
| Audio output | Type-C reversible connector | Type-C reversible connector |
| TV output | USB Type-C (reversible) | USB Type-C (reversible) |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 + A2DP/LE | 5.3 + A2DP/LE |
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6E/6] (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz) + MIMO WiFi Direct, hotspot | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6E/6] (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz) + MIMO WiFi Direct, hotspot |
| DLNA | Supported | Supported |
| GPS | A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou, QZSS, NavIC | feature not registered |
| NFC | Supported | Supported |
| Infrared port | Supported | Not supported |
🧭 Sensors | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | |
| Sensors | Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock 2D Fingerprint sensor (under display) Gyroscope Virtual proximity sensor | Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock 2D Fingerprint sensor (under display) Gyroscope Proximity sensor |
| Vibrating alert | Supported | Supported |
🔋 Battery | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | |
| Battery type | LiPo: li-ion polymer (Non removable) | LiPo: li-ion polymer (Non removable) |
| Battery capacity | 4860 mAh | 5100 mAh |
| Charger, watts | 67W Wired fast charging Reverse charging by cable Quick Charge 4 USB Power Delivery 3.0 | 23W Wired fast charging USB Power Delivery 3.0 |
| Inductive / wireless charging | 50W Qi wireless charging 10W Reverse wireless charging | 7.5W Qi wireless charging |
| Talk time autonomy | feature not registered | feature not registered |
| Standby | feature not registered | feature not registered |
➕ Other features | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | |
| Call control | Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands | Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands |
| Messaging | SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail | SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail |
| Hands-free calling | Supported | Supported |
| Video calling | Supported | Supported |
| Ringtones | Polyphonic and customized | Polyphonic and customized |
| Web browser | HTML, XHTML, HTML5 | HTML, XHTML, HTML5 |
| Antenna | Internal antenna | Internal antenna |
| Qwerty physical keyboard | Not supported | Not supported |
| Miscellaneous | • Colors: Black, Dark Green | • Colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, Peony • Google Cast |
☢️ Radiation rate | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Google Pixel 9a (GXQ96 256GB) | |
| SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.) | feature not registered | feature not registered |
| SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.) | feature not registered | 0.99W/kg (head), 1.39W/kg (body) |