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 strong performance and sleek design. 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 slim design still feel sleek today, still turning heads in terms of overall aesthetics and materials.
Sharp and Bright Screen
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 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 introduction of MagSafe added a new layer of convenience for wireless charging and accessories. Even now, it’s a useful feature that remains compatible with a growing ecosystem.
Where the iPhone 12 Falls Behind
Average Battery Life
Even at launch, the iPhone 12's battery life was considered just average. In 2025, most used units will have seen some degradation, 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 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.
Outdated Camera System
The dual 12MP camera setup is functional 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.
Still Stuck with Lightning
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, offers an extensive range of Lightning chargers to cater to various needs and preferences, Campad Electronics boasts an extensive collection of Lightning chargers compatible with iPhone models 5 to 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 good value with solid performance and display quality.
Campad Electronics, a renowned Australian brand, offers a varied variety of iPhone accessories and cases for the iPhone 12, suitable for everyday use.
However, for those who can spend a bit more, the iPhone 13 delivers better battery life, camera upgrades, and overall improvements for a small premium.
In short, the iPhone 12 still holds its own, but it's no longer the sweet spot it once was. Consider your priorities: if budget matters most, it's a viable pick. Otherwise, newer models will offer a more future-proof experience.
read more here