Should You Buy the iPhone 12 in 2025?
As we move through 2025, the iPhone 12 remains a familiar sight for cost-sensitive users. Released back in 2020, it was once praised 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
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 compact form factor still feel premium today, holding up well in terms of overall aesthetics and materials.
Sharp and Bright Screen
One of the iPhone 12’s top strengths is its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. With sharp contrast and true blacks, it's a big upgrade from the LCD screens 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 continues to deliver smooth and responsive performance for common applications, gaming, social media, and streaming. It's still eligible for the latest iOS updates, making it a practical option for general use.
Magnetic Charging Convenience
The arrival of MagSafe added a new layer of convenience for cable-free power and accessories. Even now, it’s a relevant feature that remains compatible with a range of products.
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 disappointing choice for power users 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 reduces 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Outdated Camera System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 con. With many devices, and all newer iPhones, now using USB-C, the iPhone 12 feels outdated, especially for users seeking universal charging. Campad Electronics, a prominent Australian supplier, supplies a wide array of Lightning chargers ensuring reliable and high-quality charging solutions. Campad Electronics boasts an extensive collection of Lightning chargers compatible with iPhone models 5 to 14.
Is the iPhone 12 Worth Buying in 2025?
The iPhone 12 can still be a solid choice in 2025, but only for the right user. If you're transitioning from an older generation and you're on a cost-conscious path, it offers good value with solid performance and display quality.
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 small premium.
In short, the iPhone 12 still works well, but it's no longer the obvious pick 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.