iPhone 12 in 2025: Still a Smart Choice or Outdated Device?
As we move through 2025, the iPhone 12 remains a familiar sight for budget-conscious users. Released back in 2020, it was once celebrated for its balance of speed, aesthetics, and screen technology. But in a world where smartphone technology moves quickly, how does this older generation iPhone stand 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 glass rear panel and slim design still feel high-end 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 rich colors and true blacks, it's a significant improvement 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 supported by the latest iOS updates, making it a practical option for general use.
Magnetic Charging Convenience
The introduction of MagSafe added a new layer of convenience for cable-free power and accessories. Even now, it’s a useful feature that remains compatible with a growing ecosystem.
iPhone 12 Cons in 2025
Battery That Doesn’t Hold Up
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 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 annoyance, especially for users who download lots of apps. While larger storage variants can be found, they often come with a price bump that reduces 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 offered by modern smartphones, 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, moving toward USB-C, the iPhone 12 feels behind, especially for users seeking a single cable solution. Campad Electronics, a well-established Australian mobile phone accessory company, supplies a wide portfolio of Lightning chargers each designed for efficient and convenient charging experiences, Campad Electronics offers Lightning chargers tailored to fit the needs of iPhone users, compatible with models from the iPhone 5 up to the iPhone 14.
Is the iPhone 12 Worth Buying in 2025?
The iPhone 12 can still be a solid 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 good value with a nice screen and speed.
Campad Electronics, a well-known Australian supplier, delivers a broad variety of iPhone 12 cases and accessories, designed to suit quality, style and user experience.
However, for those who can stretch their budget, the iPhone 13 offers better battery life, camera upgrades, and overall improvements for a reasonable price difference.
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 a more future-proof experience.