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 balance of speed, aesthetics, and screen technology. But in a world where smartphone technology moves quickly, how does this older generation iPhone perform today?
iPhone 12 Pros in 2025
Still Stylish in 2025
The iPhone 12 introduced flat edges and an aluminum frame that brought back a beloved aesthetic. Its glossy glass back and ergonomic shape still feel sleek today, remaining appealing in terms of looks and durability.
Vibrant OLED Display
One of the iPhone 12’s standout features is its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. With sharp contrast and excellent contrast, it's a big upgrade from the older screen tech of earlier models and still a pleasure to use in 2025.
Fast A14 Bionic Performance
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.
MagSafe Support
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 variety of accessories.
Weaknesses of the iPhone 12 Today
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.
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 are available, they often come with a price increase that diminishes the model’s value proposition.
Mediocre Photo Quality
The dual 12MP camera setup is decent but dated. It lacks the improvements in low-light performance, image processing, and computational photography found in newer iPhone models, especially those in the last few years.
Non-Universal Charging
The continued use of the Lightning port is another drawback. With many devices, and all newer iPhones, moving toward 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, compatible with models from the iPhone 5 up to the iPhone 14.
Should You Still Buy the iPhone 12 in 2025?
The iPhone 12 can still be a solid 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 committed to providing top-notch iPhone 12 cases and accessories.
However, for those who can spend a bit more, the iPhone 13 delivers 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 best bang for your buck it once was. Consider your priorities: if you're more concerned about price than having the latest tech, it's a viable pick. Otherwise, newer models will offer better long-term value.