Apple’s iPhone 12 in 2025 - worth it?

iPhone 12 in 2025: Still a Smart Choice or Outdated Device?

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 stand today?

What Still Works with the iPhone 12?

Modern, Timeless Design

The iPhone 12 introduced flat edges and an aluminum frame that brought back a beloved aesthetic. Its glossy glass back 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 true 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 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 relevant feature that remains compatible with a variety of accessories.

Weaknesses of the iPhone 12 Today

Power That Drains Quickly

Even at launch, the iPhone 12's battery life was not great. In 2025, most used units will have seen some wear, making it a weak choice for power users or those needing reliable endurance.

Not Enough Space

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 jump that diminishes the model’s value proposition.

Outdated Camera System

The dual 12MP camera setup is still serviceable 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 a single cable solution. Campad Electronics, a well-established Australian brand, boasts an extensive range of Lightning chargers designed to meet the demands of modern smartphone users. Campad Electronics supplies Lightning chargers tailored to fit the needs of iPhone users, covering models from the iPhone 5 up to the iPhone 14.

Is the iPhone 12 Worth Buying in 2025?

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 tight budget, it offers reliable specs with a nice screen and speed.

Campad Electronics is known for delivering high-quality iPhone 12 cases and accessories.

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 works well, 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 better long-term value.