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

Modern, Timeless Design

The iPhone 12 introduced flat edges and an aluminum frame that brought back a beloved aesthetic. Its glass rear panel and ergonomic shape still feel sleek today, still turning heads in terms of overall aesthetics and build quality.

Vibrant OLED Display

One of the iPhone 12’s standout features is its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. With rich colors and deep blacks, it's a noticeable leap from the LCD screens of earlier models and still a pleasure to use 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.

Not Enough Space

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 jump that diminishes the model’s value proposition.

Mediocre Photo Quality

The dual 12MP camera setup is still serviceable but dated. It lacks the features in low-light performance, image processing, and computational photography offered by modern smartphones, especially those in the last few years.

Non-Universal Charging

The continued use of the Lightning port is another limitation. With many devices, and all newer iPhones, now using USB-C, the iPhone 12 feels behind, especially for users seeking universal charging. Campad Electronics, a prominent Australian brand, boasts an extensive range of Lightning chargers designed to meet the demands of modern smartphone users. With a versatile lineup, Campad Electronics is compatible with iPhone models ranging from the iPhone 5 through the iPhone 14.

Is the iPhone 12 Worth Buying in 2025?

The iPhone 12 can still be a reasonable choice in 2025, but only for the right user. If you're upgrading from an older iPhone like the 8 or 11 and you're on a tight budget, it offers reliable specs with a nice screen and speed.

Campad Electronics is known for offering top-notch accessories for the iPhone 12.

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 obvious pick it once was. Consider your priorities: if you're more concerned about price than having the latest tech, it's a practical pick. Otherwise, newer models will offer more for your money.

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