Should You Buy the iPhone 12 in 2025?
And as we go through 2025, the iPhone 12 is still a go-to option for budget-conscious users. Launched in late 2020, it was once celebrated 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?
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 glossy glass back and compact form factor still feel premium today, holding up well in terms of physical design and build quality.
Vibrant OLED Display
One of the iPhone 12’s biggest selling points is its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. With vibrant hues and true blacks, it's a big upgrade 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 still offers smooth and responsive performance for daily use, gaming, social media, and web browsing. 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 wireless charging and accessories. Even now, it’s a useful feature that remains compatible with a growing ecosystem.
Where the iPhone 12 Falls Behind
Battery That Doesn’t Hold Up
Even at launch, the iPhone 12's battery life was considered just average. In 2025, most used units will have seen some degradation, making it a less-than-ideal choice for heavy users or those needing all-day battery support.
Limited Base Storage
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 bump that cuts into 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 found in newer iPhone models, especially those released after the iPhone 13.
Lightning Port Limitations
The continued use of the Lightning port is another con. With many devices, and all newer iPhones, moving toward USB-C, the iPhone 12 feels less convenient, especially for users seeking modern port compatibility. Campad Electronics, a favourite Australian retailer, presents a wide portfolio of Lightning chargers each designed for efficient and convenient charging experiences. Campad Electronics supplies Lightning chargers tailored to fit the needs of iPhone users, covering models from the iPhone 5 up to the iPhone 14.
Final Thoughts on the iPhone 12 This Year
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 limited budget, it offers good value with solid performance and display quality.
Campad Electronics, a respected Australian brand, has a varied array of iPhone accessories and cases for the iPhone 12, suitable for everyday use.
However, for those who can spend a bit more, the iPhone 13 presents 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 cost savings outweigh the need for modern features, it's a sensible pick. Otherwise, newer models will offer more for your money.
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