The iPhone 12, launched in October 2020, marked a significant step for Apple by introducing 5G connectivity and the MagSafe accessory ecosystem. But as we move deeper into 2025, many wonder if it still holds up as a good smartphone choice. Here’s a detailed look at whether the iPhone 12 remains a solid option this year.
Performance
The iPhone 12 is powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, which remains capable of handling everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking smoothly. While it’s no longer the latest processor, it still offers strong performance that rivals many mid-range phones in 2025. This makes the iPhone 12 a viable option for users who want reliable speed without paying flagship prices.
Software Updates
Apple is known for supporting its devices with iOS updates for many years. As of 2025, the iPhone 12 continues to receive the latest iOS versions, ensuring access to new features, security patches, and app compatibility. This long software support extends the phone’s lifespan significantly compared to many Android counterparts.
Camera Quality
The iPhone 12 features a dual-camera system that still delivers excellent photo and video quality. It supports computational photography features like Night Mode and Deep Fusion, which remain competitive in 2025. While newer iPhones have more advanced camera systems, the iPhone 12’s cameras are more than sufficient for most users.
Battery Life
Battery capacity has naturally diminished over time with regular use, so a second-hand or heavily used iPhone 12 may require a battery replacement to maintain good endurance. However, with a healthy battery or a fresh replacement, the iPhone 12 can comfortably last a full day on a charge under typical usage.
Design and Display
The iPhone 12 sports a modern design with flat edges and a Super Retina XDR OLED display that still looks sharp and vibrant. Its build quality remains premium, and the MagSafe ecosystem adds convenience for wireless charging and accessories.
Value and Availability
Though no longer part of Apple’s official lineup, the iPhone 12 is widely available through third-party sellers and refurbished markets. It represents a strong value proposition for those looking for a capable iPhone at a lower price point than newer models.
Should You Buy an iPhone 12 in 2025?
- Yes, if: You want a reliable, well-supported iPhone with good performance and camera quality at a more affordable price.
- Consider alternatives if: You need the latest camera tech, longer battery life without replacement, or the newest design and features.
In summary, the iPhone 12 remains a good, practical choice in 2025, especially for budget-conscious buyers or those new to the Apple ecosystem. It balances performance, software support, and build quality effectively for most everyday needs.
iPhone 12 Guide
The iPhone 12, introduced by Apple in 2020, brought significant advancements to their smartphone lineup. It’s a device recognized for balancing size and functionality. Measuring at 6.1 inches, the iPhone 12 strikes a middle ground suitable for daily use by a wide audience. It provides users with a comfortable grip and screen space for tasks ranging from texting to content viewing.
With its introduction, the iPhone 12 set a new standard in Apple’s phone design and technology. Beyond its physical dimensions, the iPhone 12 boasts a harmonious blend of hardware and software. It comes equipped with a dual 12MP camera system and the A14 Bionic chip, which supports smooth performance across applications and tasks. Users enjoy fluid user experience, backed by the reliability of iOS, which has evolved since the phone’s release.
The phone is available in several storage capacities and colors, offering flexibility for different preferences and needs. Its durable design and compatibility with wireless charging also contribute to its practicality as a daily device.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone 12 offers a practical screen size of 6.1 inches.
- Its hardware and iOS provide a smooth, reliable user experience.
- The phone comes with various storage options and supports wireless charging.
Specifications and Design
The iPhone 12 series brings a refined design with new dimensions and advanced display features. This section will cover the specific characteristics of their design, including size, display, and the technology within.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro share the same dimensions, measuring 146.7mm (5.78 inches) in height, 71.5mm (2.82 inches) in width, and 7.4mm (0.29 inches) in depth. They weigh 162 grams (5.73 ounces) and 187 grams (6.60 ounces), respectively. The iPhone 12 Mini is smaller, standing at a height of 131.5 mm (5.18 inches), with a width of 64.2 mm (2.53 inches) and a depth of 7.4 mm (0.29 inches), weighing 133 grams (4.70 ounces). Meanwhile, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the largest, with dimensions of 160.8 mm (6.33 inches) in height, 78.1 mm (3.07 inches) in width, and 7.4 mm (0.29 inches) in depth, it weighs 228 grams (8.04 ounces).
Display Features
All models in the iPhone 12 series boast an OLED display with HDR support, bringing vivid colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro feature a 6.1-inch screen with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels at 460 ppi. The iPhone 12 Mini has a 5.4-inch screen offering 2340 x 1080 pixels at 476 ppi, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max sports a larger 6.7-inch screen with 2778 x 1284 resolution at 458 ppi. They all include the Ceramic Shield front cover, which provides better durability.
Internal Hardware
At the heart of the iPhone 12 series is the A14 Bionic processor, which improves performance and efficiency. The iPhone 12 and 12 Mini come with storage options of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, while the 12 Pro and Pro Max offer 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Connectivity features across the series include 5G, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, and Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds. Additionally, they all support MagSafe and wireless charging, giving users more options to power their device.
Software and Performance
The iPhone 12 stands out for its seamless operation and fast performance. This section focuses on the software that drives the device, the advanced features of its camera, and the range of connectivity options it offers.
Operating System
Apple’s iPhone 12 runs on iOS 14, offering a fresh look to the software with widgets and a new App Library. It supports regular updates that provide the latest features and security enhancements. The operating system makes multitasking fluid and keeps the phone running efficiently.
Camera and Photography
The iPhone 12 features a dual-camera system with 12MP ultra-wide and wide cameras. Camera modes like Night Mode and Deep Fusion are available across both cameras. Users can shoot HDR video with Dolby Vision, a first for any smartphone. With portrait mode and panorama features, the camera suite on the iPhone 12 is robust. Photos and videos retain excellent quality with clear details and vibrant colors.
Connectivity and Network
This model supports 5G, which brings faster internet speeds and improved connectivity when available. 4G LTE is also onboard for robust network support across various carriers. Globally, including the US, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Portugal, Russia, Georgia, Romania, Belarus, Serbia, and Vietnam, the device offers dual-SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM). This level of connectivity allows for extensive network compatibility and communication capabilities.
