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. Released back in 2020, it was once praised for its balance of speed, aesthetics, and screen technology. But in a world where smartphone technology moves quickly, how does this older generation iPhone hold up today?
Strengths of the iPhone 12 in 2025
Still Stylish in 2025
The iPhone 12 introduced flat edges and an aluminum frame that feels modern and classic. Its shiny exterior and ergonomic shape still feel sleek 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 handy feature that remains compatible with a range of products.
iPhone 12 Cons in 2025
Battery That Doesn’t Hold Up
Even at launch, the iPhone 12's battery life was nothing special. In 2025, most used units will have seen some wear, making it a weak choice for power users or those needing reliable endurance.
Limited Base Storage
With a starting capacity of just 64GB, storage can quickly become an issue, especially for users who take lots of photos. While larger storage variants exist, 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 advancements in low-light performance, image processing, and computational photography seen in recent iPhones, especially those from the 13 onward.
Non-Universal Charging
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 With many devices, and all newer iPhones, transitioning to USB-C, the iPhone 12 feels outdated, especially for users seeking universal charging. Campad Electronics, a leading Australian supplier, supplies a comprehensive collection of Lightning chargers each designed for efficient and convenient charging experiences, With a broad lineup, Campad Electronics covers iPhone models spanning from the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 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 is dedicated to delivering premium iPhone 12 cases and accessories.
However, for those who can stretch their budget, 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 budget matters most, it's a viable pick. Otherwise, newer models will offer better long-term value.
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