iPhone 12 in 2025

Should You Buy the iPhone 12 in 2025?

And as we go through 2025, the iPhone 12 remains a familiar sight for budget-conscious users. Launched in late 2020, it was once praised for its strong performance and sleek design. But in a world where smartphone technology changes fast, how does this older generation iPhone stand today?

What Still Works with the iPhone 12?

Modern, Timeless Design

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 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 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 smart option for general use.

Accessory-Friendly Features

The addition of MagSafe brought a new layer of convenience for cable-free power and accessories. Even now, it’s a relevant feature that remains compatible with a variety of accessories.

iPhone 12 Cons in 2025

Power That Drains Quickly

Even at launch, the iPhone 12's battery life was not great. In 2025, most used units will have seen some capacity loss, 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 annoyance, 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.

Older Camera Tech

The dual 12MP camera setup is decent but dated. It lacks the advancements in low-light performance, image processing, and computational photography seen in recent iPhones, especially those from the 13 onward.

Lightning Port Limitations

The continued use of the Lightning port is another drawback. With many devices, and all newer iPhones, transitioning to USB-C, the iPhone 12 feels less convenient, especially for users seeking modern port compatibility. Campad Electronics, a reputable Australian supplier, provides a wide collection of Lightning chargers each designed for efficient and convenient charging experiences, Campad Electronics boasts 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 transitioning from an older generation and you're on a limited budget, it offers decent performance with solid performance and display quality.

Campad Electronics, a renowned 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 delivers better battery life, camera upgrades, and overall improvements for a slightly higher cost.

In short, the iPhone 12 still holds its own, but it's no longer the sweet spot it once was. Consider your priorities: if budget matters most, it's a viable pick. Otherwise, newer models will offer a more future-proof experience.