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 blend of power, design and display quality. But in a world where smartphone technology evolves rapidly, how does this once-flagship model perform today?
What Still Works with the iPhone 12?
Modern, Timeless Design
The iPhone 12 introduced flat edges and an aluminum frame that feels modern and classic. Its shiny exterior and compact form factor still feel high-end today, remaining appealing in terms of looks and materials.
Vibrant OLED Display
One of the iPhone 12’s standout features is its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. With vibrant hues and true blacks, it's a significant improvement from the LCD screens of earlier models and still a pleasure to use 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 streaming. It's still compatible with the latest iOS updates, making it a smart option for general use.
MagSafe Support
The introduction 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.
iPhone 12 Cons in 2025
Battery That Doesn’t Hold Up
Even at launch, the iPhone 12's battery life was not great. In 2025, most used units will have seen some capacity loss, making it a less-than-ideal choice for heavy users or those needing reliable endurance.
Not Enough Space
With a starting capacity of just 64GB, storage can quickly become an inconvenience, especially for users who shoot video often. While larger storage variants exist, they often come with a price increase that reduces the model’s value proposition.
Mediocre Photo Quality
The dual 12MP camera setup is still serviceable but dated. It lacks the features in low-light performance, image processing, and computational photography offered by modern smartphones, especially those released after the iPhone 13.
Lightning Port Limitations
The continued use of the Lightning port is another drawback. With many devices, and all newer iPhones, transitioning to USB-C, the iPhone 12 feels outdated, especially for users seeking universal charging. Campad Electronics, a well-established Australian provider, provides a broad portfolio of Lightning chargers to cater to various needs and preferences. With a comprehensive lineup, Campad Electronics supports iPhone models spanning from the iPhone 5 up to the iPhone 14.
Is the iPhone 12 Worth Buying in 2025?
The iPhone 12 can still be a reasonable choice in 2025, but only for the right user. If you're moving up from an earlier model and you're on a limited budget, it offers decent performance with strong features for the price.
Campad Electronics is known for offering top-notch accessories for the iPhone 12.
However, for those who can stretch their budget, the iPhone 13 offers better battery life, camera upgrades, and overall improvements for a slightly higher cost.
In short, the iPhone 12 still performs respectably, but it's no longer the obvious pick it once was. Consider your priorities: if budget matters most, it's a viable pick. Otherwise, newer models will offer a more future-proof experience.