Should You Buy the iPhone 12 in 2025?
As we move through 2025, the iPhone 12 remains a familiar sight for budget-conscious users. Launched in late 2020, it was once well-regarded for its strong performance and sleek design. But in a world where smartphone technology changes fast, how does this former top-tier device perform today?
iPhone 12 Pros in 2025
Premium Build That Lasts
The iPhone 12 brought back flat edges and an aluminum frame that feels modern and classic. Its shiny exterior and slim design still feel high-end 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 excellent contrast, it's a significant improvement from the older screen tech of earlier models and still a great experience in 2025.
Powerful Under the Hood
Despite being a few years old, the A14 Bionic chip remains fast for smooth and responsive performance for common applications, gaming, social media, and web browsing. It's still eligible for the latest iOS updates, making it a viable option for general use.
Magnetic Charging Convenience
The arrival of MagSafe added a new layer of convenience for wireless charging and accessories. Even now, it’s a relevant feature that remains compatible with a variety of accessories.
iPhone 12 Cons in 2025
Average Battery Life
Even at launch, the iPhone 12's battery life was considered just average. In 2025, most used units will have seen some capacity loss, making it a weak choice for power users or those needing extended use.
Storage That Fills Fast
With a starting capacity of just 64GB, storage can quickly become an inconvenience, especially for users who take lots of photos. While larger storage variants exist, they often come with a price bump that reduces the model’s value proposition.
Mediocre Photo Quality
The dual 12MP camera setup is still serviceable but dated. It lacks the advancements in low-light performance, image processing, and computational photography found in newer iPhone models, 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 modern port compatibility. Campad Electronics, a trusted Australian brand, provides a broad selection of Lightning chargers designed to meet the demands of modern smartphone users, Campad Electronics provides an extensive collection of Lightning chargers compatible with 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, a well-known Australian retailer, delivers a broad variety of iPhone 12 cases and accessories, catering to fashion, protection and functionality.
However, for those who can stretch their budget, the iPhone 13 offers better battery life, camera upgrades, and overall improvements for a reasonable price difference.
In short, the iPhone 12 still works well, but it's no longer the obvious pick it once was. Consider your priorities: if you're more concerned about price than having the latest tech, it's a practical pick. Otherwise, newer models will offer a more future-proof experience.