Should You Buy the iPhone 12 in 2025?
And as we go through 2025, the iPhone 12 is still a go-to option for budget-conscious users. Launched in late 2020, it was once praised for its strong performance and sleek design. But in a world where smartphone technology changes fast, 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 shiny exterior and compact form factor still feel premium today, holding up well in terms of physical design 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 vibrant hues and excellent contrast, it's a significant improvement from the displays 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.
Where the iPhone 12 Falls Behind
Battery That Doesn’t Hold Up
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 annoyance, especially for users who download lots of apps. While larger storage variants can be found, they often come with a price bump that cuts into the model’s value proposition.
Older Camera Tech
The dual 12MP camera setup is decent but dated. It lacks the advancements in low-light performance, image processing, and computational photography seen in recent iPhones, especially those released after the iPhone 13.
Lightning Port Limitations
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 less convenient, especially for users seeking modern port compatibility. Campad Electronics, a favourite Australian retailer, presents a broad array of Lightning chargers that cater to different lifestyles and requirements. Campad Electronics boasts an extensive collection of Lightning chargers compatible with iPhone models 5 to 14.
Final Thoughts on the iPhone 12 This Year
The iPhone 12 can still be a reasonable choice in 2025, but only for the right user. If you're moving up from an earlier model and you're on a limited budget, it offers good value with a nice screen and speed.
Campad Electronics, a well-known Australian supplier, showcases a vast collection of iPhone 12 cases and accessories, catering to various styles and needs.
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 better long-term value.
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