Is the iPhone 12 Still Worth Buying in 2025?
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It's been nearly five years since Apple released the iPhone 12 series, and with several generations of iPhones launched since then, you might wonder: is the iPhone 12 still worth buying in 2025? With the market flooded with newer, more advanced options, this is a legitimate question for budget-conscious consumers or those who don't necessarily need cutting-edge features.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll analyze whether the iPhone 12 remains a viable option in 2025, considering its performance, camera capabilities, battery life, software support, and overall value compared to newer models. We'll help you decide if this older flagship still deserves your attention or if you should invest in something more recent.
iPhone 12: Specifications Overview
Before diving into our detailed analysis, let's refresh our memory on what the iPhone 12 brought to the table when it launched in October 2020:
- Processor: Apple A14 Bionic chip (5nm)
- Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2532 x 1170 pixels)
- Rear Camera: Dual 12MP system (wide + ultra-wide)
- Front Camera: 12MP TrueDepth camera
- Storage Options: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
- Battery: 2,815 mAh
- Charging: 20W wired, 15W MagSafe wireless charging
- Build: Ceramic Shield front, glass back, aluminum frame
- Water Resistance: IP68 (6 meters for 30 minutes)
- Colors: Black, White, Red, Green, Blue, Purple (added later)
Design and Build Quality in 2025
The iPhone 12 represented a significant design shift for Apple, reintroducing flat edges reminiscent of the iPhone 4 era. This design language has largely persisted through subsequent iPhone generations, meaning the iPhone 12 doesn't look particularly dated even in 2025.
The build quality of the iPhone 12 is still impressive by today's standards. The Ceramic Shield front glass has proven durable over time, and the aluminum frame remains resistant to dents and scratches. The IP68 water resistance rating (6 meters for 30 minutes) is only slightly below the newer models' ratings.
The 6.1-inch display size hits a sweet spot for many users, being large enough for comfortable viewing but not unwieldy. However, the iPhone 12 lacks the ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate) technology that has become standard in mid-to-high-end smartphones in 2025, including Apple's cheaper iPhone SE models from 2024 onwards.
Performance: How Does the A14 Bionic Hold Up?
The A14 Bionic was cutting-edge when it debuted, built on a 5nm process and featuring a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. Apple's chips are known for their longevity, and the A14 is no exception.
In 2025, the A14 Bionic can still handle most everyday tasks without breaking a sweat. App launching, web browsing, social media, video streaming, and even light gaming remain smooth experiences. However, there are limitations worth noting:
- Demanding 3D games may require lower graphics settings to maintain smooth framerates
- Processing-intensive tasks like 4K video editing or AR applications will be noticeably slower than on newer models
- The latest AI features in iOS may run with reduced capabilities or increased latency
For context, the A14 Bionic performs similarly to mid-range Android chips from 2023-2024, which is still respectable but not exceptional by 2025 standards. If your usage is primarily focused on communication, social media, and content consumption, the A14 remains more than adequate.
Camera System: Still Competitive?
The iPhone 12's dual 12MP camera system (wide + ultra-wide) was excellent at launch but camera technology has significantly evolved since 2020. Here's how it stacks up in 2025:
The main wide camera still takes good photos in daylight conditions with accurate colors and decent dynamic range. Night mode performance, while not matching newer models, remains competent for casual photography. The ultra-wide lens provides versatility for landscape shots and group photos.
However, compared to current smartphones, the iPhone 12 camera system shows its age in several areas:
- No dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom
- Lower light performance lags behind newer sensors
- Video stabilization is noticeably inferior to current standards
- Missing computational photography features introduced in iOS 16-18
For casual photographers who primarily share images on social media, the iPhone 12's camera remains satisfactory. However, photography enthusiasts and those who frequently take photos in challenging lighting conditions will notice significant improvements in newer models.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery degradation is inevitable in aging smartphones, and by 2025, most iPhone 12 units that have been in use since launch will have experienced some capacity reduction. A new or refurbished iPhone 12 should still provide adequate battery life, but it won't match the endurance of newer models.
The 2,815 mAh battery capacity was already on the smaller side at launch, and Apple has significantly improved battery capacity and efficiency in subsequent generations. In practical terms, a new iPhone 12 in 2025 might provide:
- About 5-6 hours of screen-on time with mixed usage
- A full day of light usage, but potentially requiring a mid-day charge with moderate-to-heavy use
- Noticeably faster battery drain when using the camera extensively or playing games
The charging capabilities are also dated by 2025 standards. The 20W wired and 15W MagSafe wireless charging speeds are significantly slower than the 45W+ wired and 30W+ wireless charging now common in the industry. If fast charging is important to you, this is an area where the iPhone 12 shows its age.
Software Support and Future-Proofing
Apple's long-term software support is one of the iPhone's greatest strengths. As of 2025, the iPhone 12 is still receiving iOS updates, currently running on iOS 18 or iOS 19 (depending on the exact date you're reading this). Based on Apple's historical support patterns, we can expect:
- Major iOS updates for at least 1-2 more years (until 2026-2027)
- Security updates potentially extending beyond that timeframe
This continued software support means the iPhone 12 remains secure and can access most new iOS features, though some hardware-dependent capabilities may be limited. For instance, certain AI features and camera enhancements introduced in iOS 17-19 might run with reduced functionality or be unavailable.
From a future-proofing perspective, buying an iPhone 12 in 2025 gives you a device that should remain software-supported for 1-2 years. For many users, especially those who plan to upgrade again within that timeframe, this is sufficient.
5G and Connectivity
The iPhone 12 was Apple's first 5G-capable iPhone, and its implementation remains functional in 2025. However, it lacks support for some of the advanced 5G features and bands that have become standard since its release. For most users, this won't be a practical limitation, as the iPhone 12 still connects to the commonly used 5G networks deployed across the U.S. and other regions.
Other connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC for Apple Pay remain perfectly adequate for everyday use in 2025, though newer devices offer Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, providing marginal improvements in speed and reliability.
Price and Value Proposition
The value proposition is perhaps the most compelling reason to consider an iPhone 12 in 2025. With several generations of newer iPhones now available, the iPhone 12 can be found at significant discounts in the refurbished and pre-owned markets.
Typical pricing in 2025 might range from $250-350 for refurbished models in good condition, depending on storage capacity and vendor. This represents exceptional value compared to new budget Android phones in the same price range, which often feature inferior build quality and shorter software support lifespans.
For those willing to spend a bit more, certified refurbished units from Apple offer additional peace of mind with thorough testing and a limited warranty, though at a premium price point. For many budget-conscious consumers, a well-maintained iPhone 12 offers an excellent balance of performance, features, and value in 2025.
Alternatives to Consider
Before making a decision, it's worth considering alternatives in a similar price range:
- iPhone 13 mini/13: For a bit more money, these offer improved cameras, better battery life, and an extra year of software support
- iPhone SE (2024): Similar price point with newer processor but less premium design and display
- Mid-range Android options: Phones from Samsung, Google, and OnePlus offer newer hardware but potentially shorter software support
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- Modern design that still looks premium in 2025
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Excellent build quality with durable materials
- Continued iOS updates for 1-2 more years
- Strong value proposition at current price points
- Full access to Apple ecosystem
Cons
- Battery life lags behind current standards
- Camera system shows its age in challenging conditions
- No high refresh rate display (stuck at 60Hz)
- Limited support for latest computational features
- Slower charging compared to newer models
- Limited future-proofing beyond 2027
Conclusion: Is the iPhone 12 Still Worth Buying in 2025?
The iPhone 12 remains a viable option in 2025 for specific types of users:
- Budget-conscious consumers looking for a premium Apple experience without breaking the bank
- Casual smartphone users who primarily text, call, browse social media, and take occasional photos
- Those seeking a temporary device to bridge the gap until they can afford a newer flagship
- First-time iPhone users wanting to try the Apple ecosystem at a lower entry point
However, the iPhone 12 is less suitable for:
- Power users who push their devices with demanding applications
- Photography enthusiasts seeking the best possible image quality
- Those who prioritize all-day battery life without needing to recharge
- Users planning to keep their next phone for 3+ years
The value proposition of the iPhone 12 in 2025 comes down to your priorities and budget. At $250-350 for a refurbished model, it offers
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