iPhone 12 Still Worth It in 2025? (Long Term Review)
Is the iPhone 12 Still Worth It in 2025?
As we move through 2025, the iPhone 12 remains a familiar sight for budget-conscious users. Launched in late 2020, it was once celebrated for its strong performance and sleek design. But in a world where smartphone technology evolves rapidly, how does this once-flagship model hold up today?
Strengths of the iPhone 12 in 2025
Modern, Timeless Design
The iPhone 12 introduced flat edges and an aluminum frame that feels modern and classic. Its shiny exterior and ergonomic shape still feel sleek today, remaining appealing in terms of looks and durability.
Excellent Display Quality
One of the iPhone 12’s biggest selling points is its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. With rich colors and deep blacks, it's a significant improvement from the displays of earlier models and still a visually impressive in 2025.
Capable Chip Even Today
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 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
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 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 increase that diminishes the model’s value proposition.
Outdated Camera System
The dual 12MP camera setup is still serviceable but dated. It lacks the advancements in low-light performance, image processing, and computational photography found in newer iPhone models, especially those released after the iPhone 13.
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 With many devices, and all newer iPhones, now using USB-C, the iPhone 12 feels outdated, especially for users seeking modern port compatibility. Campad Electronics, a favourite Australian retailer, features a diverse range of Lightning chargers to cater to various needs and preferences, 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 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, a well-established Australian brand, supplies a vast range of iPhone accessories and cases for the iPhone 12, focused on everyday use.
However, for those who can afford an upgrade, the iPhone 13 delivers 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 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.