Can an old budget phone still survive in 2026 Bangladesh? I used HTC Desire 12 and Google Pixel 9 as daily drivers for over a month each, inside Dhaka heat, weak signals, outdoor use, and long screen hours. The gap between them is huge. HTC Desire 12 feels slow, limited, and outdated. Google Pixel 9 feels fast, reliable, and stress-free. In this comparison, I’ll share real gaming, camera, display, network, and daily usability differences.

Prices were verified through visits to Jamuna Future Park, Bashundhara City, local Dhaka retailers, and trusted online sellers in Bangladesh. The HTC Desire 12 is no longer officially sold. What’s available is mostly used stock, and condition varies a lot. Google Pixel 9 is sold unofficially but widely available, with fairly consistent pricing across importers. From a buyer’s view, Pixel 9 pricing feels transparent, while Desire 12 pricing depends heavily on seller honesty and device condition.

Unofficial / Gray Market Buying Risk in BD

Buying HTC Desire 12 is risky due to battery wear and parts scarcity. On the other hand, the Pixel 9 is safer overall, though warranty depends on the importer, not Google Bangladesh.

I played PUBG, COD Mobile, and casual games in warm rooms without any cooling. The HTC Desire 12 struggled even with light gaming, showing constant frame drops, slow touch response, and quick heat buildup, making long sessions impractical. In contrast, the Google Pixel 9 handled the same games smoothly with stable performance and controlled heat. While it isn’t a gaming-focused phone, the Pixel 9 prioritizes smooth, consistent gameplay and sits far ahead of the HTC Desire 12 in real-world performance.

• Everyday speed
  The HTC Desire 12 feels slow even with basic apps. Opening Facebook, switching apps, or unlocking the phone often comes with small delays. Google Pixel 9 feels instant and smooth all day.

• Multitasking reality
  HTC Desire 12 reloads apps frequently, which gets frustrating. Google Pixel 9 lets me move between apps without losing progress, saving real time daily.

• Heat & stability
  In warm Bangladeshi rooms, Desire 12 heats up quickly and slows down. Pixel 9 warms slightly but keeps performance stable.

• Camera confidence
  With HTC Desire 12, I often recheck photos. With Pixel 9, I shoot once and trust the result.

I tested both phones using Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi, and Airtel in Dhaka and nearby areas. The difference was clear in daily use. HTC Desire 12 struggles to hold signal consistently, while Pixel 9 feels far more dependable.

• HTC Desire 12 shows weak indoor signal and slower data during peak hours

• Pixel 9 maintains stable 4G LTE, faster switching, and clearer call quality

• Desire 12 feels outdated for today’s congested networks

• Pixel 9 is future-ready, including better Wi-Fi stability and 5G support

Across casual photos, family shots, and night scenes, the experience level isn’t even close. Desire 12 is usable only in good light, while Pixel 9 delivers consistent results anytime.

• HTC Desire 12 daylight photos look soft and inconsistent

• Low-light shots on Desire 12 lose detail fast

• Google Pixel 9 produces sharp photos with strong HDR and natural colors

• Night photos and video stability are clearly better on Pixel 9

• Pixel 9 camera feels trustworthy; Desire 12 does not

Daily viewing made the gap obvious, especially outdoors. Desire 12’s screen feels dated, while Pixel 9 is comfortable in all conditions.

• Desire 12 display is fine indoors but weak under sunlight

• Text and videos look less sharp on Desire 12

• Pixel 9 OLED is bright, sharp, and easy on the eyes

• Outdoor visibility and color accuracy are much better on Pixel 9

• For media and reading, Pixel 9 feels premium and modern

Choose the HTC Desire 12 only if your budget is extremely limited and you need a basic phone for calls, messaging, and light app use. For smooth performance, reliable camera results, stable network experience, and long-term usability in Bangladesh, the Google Pixel 9 is the clear and smarter choice.

Is Pixel 9 much faster than HTC Desire 12?
Yes. Pixel 9 feels instantly responsive, while Desire 12 shows lag even in basic daily tasks.

Which phone heats more during gaming?
HTC Desire 12 heats quickly and throttles. Pixel 9 manages heat better and stays stable longer.

Can HTC Desire 12 handle modern apps properly?
Barely. Many apps run slowly, reload often, and feel restricted by old hardware.

Which phone camera is more reliable daily?
Pixel 9. It delivers consistent results in daylight and night without retries.

Is Pixel 9 worth buying unofficially in Bangladesh?
Yes, if bought from a trusted seller. It’s far safer than buying an old Desire 12.