Should You Buy the iPhone 12 in 2025?
And as we move through 2025, the iPhone 12 continues to be commonly used for budget-conscious users. Released back in 2020, it was once praised for its strong performance and sleek design. But in a world where smartphone technology evolves rapidly, how does this once-flagship model hold up today?
What Still Works with the iPhone 12?
Premium Build That Lasts
The iPhone 12 brought back flat edges and an aluminum frame that feels modern and classic. Its glass rear panel and compact form factor still feel premium today, still turning heads in terms of overall aesthetics and materials.
Excellent Display Quality
One of the iPhone 12’s biggest selling points is its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. With rich colors and deep blacks, it's a significant improvement from the displays of earlier models and still a great experience in 2025.
Powerful Under the Hood
Despite being a few years old, the A14 Bionic chip continues to deliver smooth and responsive performance for everyday tasks, gaming, social media, and streaming. It's still eligible for the latest iOS updates, making it a practical 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 useful feature that remains compatible with a growing ecosystem.
Weaknesses of the iPhone 12 Today
Power That Drains Quickly
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 less-than-ideal choice for long days or those needing reliable endurance.
Not Enough Space
With a starting capacity of just 64GB, storage can quickly become an issue, especially for users who download lots of apps. While larger storage variants can be found, they often come with a price increase that diminishes the model’s value proposition.
Outdated Camera System
The dual 12MP camera setup is still serviceable but dated. It lacks the advancements 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 With many devices, and all newer iPhones, transitioning to USB-C, the iPhone 12 feels outdated, especially for users seeking modern port compatibility. Campad Electronics, a favourite Australian provider, boasts a comprehensive portfolio of Lightning chargers ensuring reliable and high-quality charging solutions. Campad Electronics provides an extensive collection of Lightning chargers designed for iPhone models 5 to 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 moving up from an earlier model and you're on a tight budget, it offers reliable specs with strong features for the price.
Campad Electronics is known for offering top-notch accessories for the iPhone 12.
However, for those who can spend a bit more, the iPhone 13 delivers better battery life, camera upgrades, and overall improvements for a reasonable price difference.
In short, the iPhone 12 still performs respectably, but it's no longer the best bang for your buck it once was. Consider your priorities: if cost savings outweigh the need for modern features, it's a viable pick. Otherwise, newer models will offer better long-term value.