Should You Buy the iPhone 12 in 2025?
As we move through 2025, the iPhone 12 continues to be commonly used for budget-conscious users. Launched in late 2020, it was once celebrated for its blend of power, design and display quality. But in a world where smartphone technology evolves rapidly, how does this once-flagship model stand 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 slim design still feel premium today, holding up well in terms of physical design and build quality.
Excellent Display Quality
One of the iPhone 12’s biggest selling points is its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. With vibrant hues and deep blacks, it's a noticeable leap from the LCD screens of earlier models and still a visually impressive in 2025.
Capable Chip Even Today
Despite being a few years old, the A14 Bionic chip remains fast for smooth and responsive performance for daily use, gaming, social media, and web browsing. It's still supported by the latest iOS updates, making it a viable option for general use.
Accessory-Friendly Features
The addition of MagSafe brought a new layer of convenience for wireless charging 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 wear, making it a less-than-ideal choice for long days or those needing extended use.
Not Enough Space
With a starting capacity of just 64GB, storage can quickly become an issue, especially for users who take lots of photos. 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Outdated Camera System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 With many devices, and all newer iPhones, now using USB-C, the iPhone 12 feels outdated, especially for users seeking modern port compatibility. Campad Electronics, a trusted Australian brand, boasts a comprehensive collection of Lightning chargers that cater to different lifestyles and requirements. 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, a well-established Australian brand, supplies a vast range of iPhone accessories and cases for the iPhone 12, focused on modern smartphone users.
However, for those who can spend a bit more, the iPhone 13 delivers better battery life, camera upgrades, and overall improvements for a small premium.
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 cost savings outweigh the need for modern features, it's a sensible pick. Otherwise, newer models will offer a more future-proof experience.