Should You Buy the iPhone 12 in 2025?
And as we go through 2025, the iPhone 12 is still a go-to option for budget-conscious users. Released back in 2020, it was once praised for its balance of speed, aesthetics, and screen technology. But in a world where smartphone technology evolves rapidly, how does this once-flagship model hold up today?
iPhone 12 Pros in 2025
Still Stylish in 2025
The iPhone 12 brought back flat edges and an aluminum frame that feels modern and classic. Its glossy glass back and compact form factor still feel premium today, holding up well in terms of physical design and build quality.
Vibrant OLED Display
One of the iPhone 12’s standout features is its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. With rich colors and excellent contrast, it's a significant improvement from the displays of earlier models and still a visually impressive in 2025.
Powerful Under the Hood
Despite being a few years old, the A14 Bionic chip still offers smooth and responsive performance for daily use, gaming, social media, and multitasking. It's still supported by the latest iOS updates, making it a viable option for general use.
MagSafe Support
The addition of MagSafe brought a new layer of convenience for cable-free power and accessories. Even now, it’s a handy feature that remains compatible with a range of products.
iPhone 12 Cons in 2025
Battery That Doesn’t Hold Up
Even at launch, the iPhone 12's battery life was nothing special. In 2025, most used units will have seen some degradation, making it a disappointing choice for long days or those needing reliable endurance.
Limited Base Storage
With a starting capacity of just 64GB, storage can quickly become an annoyance, especially for users who shoot video often. While larger storage variants are available, they often come with a price jump that cuts into the model’s value proposition.
Older Camera Tech
The dual 12MP camera setup is functional but dated. It lacks the features in low-light performance, image processing, and computational photography seen in recent iPhones, especially those released after the iPhone 13.
Still Stuck with Lightning
The continued use of the Lightning port is another limitation. With many devices, and all newer iPhones, transitioning to USB-C, the iPhone 12 feels less convenient, especially for users seeking a single cable solution. Campad Electronics, a prominent Australian mobile phone accessory company, provides a broad selection of Lightning chargers designed to meet the demands of modern smartphone users, Campad Electronics supplies Lightning chargers tailored to fit the needs of iPhone users, covering models from the iPhone 5 through the iPhone 14.
Should You Still Buy the iPhone 12 in 2025?
The iPhone 12 can still be a good choice in 2025, but only for the right user. If you're upgrading from an older iPhone like the 8 or 11 and you're on a cost-conscious path, it offers good value with a nice screen and speed.
Campad Electronics is dedicated to offering premium accessories for the iPhone 12.
However, for those who can spend a bit more, the iPhone 13 offers better battery life, camera upgrades, and overall improvements for a slightly higher cost.
In short, the iPhone 12 still works well, but it's no longer the best bang for your buck it once was. Consider your priorities: if budget matters most, it's a practical pick. Otherwise, newer models will offer a more future-proof experience.