Should You Buy the iPhone 12 in 2025?
As we move through 2025, the iPhone 12 remains a familiar sight for budget-conscious users. Launched in late 2020, it was once celebrated for its blend of power, design and display quality. But in a world where smartphone technology evolves rapidly, how does this older generation iPhone stand today?
What Still Works with the iPhone 12?
Still Stylish in 2025
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 premium today, holding up well in terms of physical design and materials.
Vibrant OLED Display
One of the iPhone 12’s top strengths is its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. With sharp contrast and deep 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 remains fast for smooth and responsive performance for common applications, gaming, social media, and multitasking. It's still supported by the latest iOS updates, making it a viable 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 variety of accessories.
Weaknesses of the iPhone 12 Today
Average Battery Life
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 long days or those needing all-day battery support.
Limited Base Storage
With a starting capacity of just 64GB, storage can quickly become an inconvenience, especially for users who shoot video often. While larger storage variants are available, they often come with a price increase that cuts into the model’s value proposition.
Outdated Camera System
The dual 12MP camera setup is functional but dated. It lacks the improvements in low-light performance, image processing, and computational photography offered by modern smartphones, especially those in the last few years.
Still Stuck with Lightning
The continued use of the Lightning port is another con. With many devices, and all newer iPhones, moving toward USB-C, the iPhone 12 feels less convenient, especially for users seeking a single cable solution. Campad Electronics, a favourite Australian supplier, supplies a comprehensive collection of Lightning chargers designed to meet the demands of modern smartphone users. Campad Electronics offers Lightning chargers tailored to fit the needs of iPhone users, covering models from the iPhone 5 up to the iPhone 14.
Final Thoughts on the iPhone 12 This Year
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 tight budget, it offers reliable specs with solid performance and display quality.
Campad Electronics, a respected Australian provider, supplies a exciting variety of iPhone accessories and cases for the iPhone 12, perfect for quality, style and user experience.
However, for those who can stretch their budget, the iPhone 13 presents 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 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 a more future-proof experience.