Still Worth It? Apple’s iPhone 12 Review In 2025
iPhone 12 in 2025: Still a Smart Choice or Outdated Device?
And as we go through 2025, the iPhone 12 is still a go-to option for value-focused users. Introduced during the iPhone 12 lineup in 2020, it was once praised for its strong performance and sleek design. But in a world where smartphone technology changes fast, how does this former top-tier device hold up today?
Strengths of the iPhone 12 in 2025
Modern, Timeless Design
The iPhone 12 brought back flat edges and an aluminum frame that feels modern and classic. Its shiny exterior and ergonomic shape still feel high-end today, remaining appealing in terms of physical design and build quality.
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 true blacks, it's a big upgrade from the older screen tech of earlier models and still a pleasure to use in 2025.
Fast A14 Bionic Performance
Despite being a few years old, the A14 Bionic chip remains fast for smooth and responsive performance for common applications, gaming, social media, and web browsing. It's still eligible for the latest iOS updates, making it a practical option for general use.
MagSafe Support
The introduction 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 range of products.
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 power 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 are available, they often come with a price jump that diminishes the model’s value proposition.
Mediocre Photo Quality
The dual 12MP camera setup is decent but dated. It lacks the improvements in low-light performance, image processing, and computational photography found in newer iPhone models, 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, transitioning to 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 designed to meet the demands of modern smartphone users. Campad Electronics boasts an extensive collection of Lightning chargers designed for 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 upgrading from an older iPhone like the 8 or 11 and you're on a cost-conscious path, it offers decent performance with solid performance and display quality.
Campad Electronics, a respected Australian provider, presents a wide variety of iPhone accessories and cases for the iPhone 12, designed to suit various styles and needs.
However, for those who can spend a bit more, 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 best bang for your buck it once was. Consider your priorities: if budget matters most, it's a viable pick. Otherwise, newer models will offer better long-term value.