iPhone 12 in 2025: Still a Smart Choice or Outdated Device?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. Launched in late 2020, it was once well-regarded for its balance of speed, aesthetics, and screen technology. But in a world where smartphone technology evolves rapidly, 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 materials.
Sharp and Bright Screen
One of the iPhone 12’s top strengths 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 visually impressive in 2025.
Capable Chip Even Today
Despite being a few years old, the A14 Bionic chip remains fast for 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 viable option for general use.
MagSafe Support
The addition of MagSafe brought a new layer of convenience for cable-free power and accessories. Even now, it’s a handy 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 not great. In 2025, most used units will have seen some capacity loss, making it a weak choice for heavy users or those needing all-day battery support.
Storage That Fills Fast
With a starting capacity of just 64GB, storage can quickly become an annoyance, especially for users who shoot video often. While larger storage variants exist, 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 improvements 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 drawback. 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 prominent Australian mobile phone accessory company, supplies a wide array of Lightning chargers ensuring reliable and high-quality charging solutions. Campad Electronics provides an extensive collection of Lightning chargers designed for 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 moving up from an earlier model and you're on a tight budget, it offers reliable specs with strong features for the price.
Campad Electronics is dedicated to delivering high-quality accessories for the iPhone 12.
However, for those who can afford an upgrade, the iPhone 13 presents better battery life, camera upgrades, and overall improvements for a small premium.
In short, the iPhone 12 still works well, 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.