Introduction
The iPhone 12 was a major milestone for Apple, introducing 5G connectivity, MagSafe charging, and a Ceramic Shield display. Even in 2025, it remains a powerful and future-proof device for those looking for an affordable premium iPhone.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, the certified used and refurbished iPhone 12 has dropped to $180+, making it one of the best value-for-money iPhones on the market. For comparison:
- iPhone 11 ($150+) – A solid budget option but lacks 5G and an OLED display.
- iPhone 13 ($260+) – A newer model with minor upgrades, but is it worth paying $80 more?
So, is the iPhone 12 still worth buying in 2025? Let’s explore its release history, software longevity, performance, and overall value to help you decide.
iPhone 12 Release Date
Apple officially announced the iPhone 12 on October 13, 2020, and it became available for purchase on October 23, 2020. The lineup included four models:
- iPhone 12 Mini (5.4-inch display)
- iPhone 12 (6.1-inch display)
- iPhone 12 Pro (6.1-inch display with extra camera features)
- iPhone 12 Pro Max (6.7-inch display with the best camera system)
The iPhone 12 series introduced several firsts for Apple:
- ✅ First iPhone with 5G – Offering faster data speeds and improved connectivity.
- ✅ First iPhone with Ceramic Shield glass – 4x better drop protection compared to previous iPhones.
- ✅ First iPhone with MagSafe charging – Allowing magnetic wireless charging and accessories.
Even in 2025, these cutting-edge features make the iPhone 12 feel modern and competitive.
When Was iPhone 12 Discontinued?
Apple discontinued the iPhone 12 on September 7, 2022, following the release of the iPhone 14 series. However, the iPhone 12 Mini was discontinued earlier, on September 14, 2021, after poor sales performance.
Although Apple stopped selling new iPhone 12 models, the certified used and refurbished market still offers them at great prices, making it a budget-friendly option for 2025.
iPhone 12 in 2025: Performance, Software, and Hardware
iOS Support & Longevity
A key concern for buyers in 2025 is whether the iPhone 12 will still receive iOS updates. Apple typically provides software updates for around 6-7 years, meaning:
- 📌 The iPhone 12 will likely receive iOS updates until at least 2027 or 2028.
- 📌 It will continue getting security updates, new features, and app compatibility.
Compared to the iPhone 11, which may lose support by 2026, the iPhone 12 is a better long-term investment.
A14 Bionic Performance: Still Fast in 2025?
The A14 Bionic chip was the first 5nm processor in an iPhone, offering:
- 🚀 Faster CPU and GPU performance than previous models.
- 🎮 Smooth gaming and multitasking, even in 2025.
- 🔋 Power efficiency improvements for longer battery life.
While the A15 chip in the iPhone 13 is slightly faster, real-world performance differences are minimal, making the iPhone 12 still a great performer.
5G Connectivity: A Future-Proof Feature
Unlike the iPhone 11, which is limited to 4G LTE, the iPhone 12 supports 5G, allowing:
- ✅ Faster data speeds for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
- ✅ Better network performance in congested areas.
- ✅ Future-proofing as carriers continue expanding 5G coverage.
If 5G is important to you, the iPhone 12 is a better choice than the iPhone 11.
Battery Life: Does the iPhone 12 Hold Up in 2025?
Battery life is a crucial factor for buyers in 2025. The iPhone 12 offers:
- 🔋 Up to 17 hours of video playback – slightly less than the iPhone 11 but better than the iPhone 12 Mini.
- 🔋 MagSafe charging support – for faster and more efficient wireless charging.
- 🔋 Battery replacements are affordable, extending the phone’s lifespan.
While battery life is decent, if you prioritize long-lasting power, the iPhone 13 is the better option due to better power efficiency.
Camera System: Is It Still Competitive?
The iPhone 12’s dual-lens camera system remains one of the best for its price in 2025:
- 📸 12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide – Versatile for capturing different photography styles.
- 🌙 Night Mode & Deep Fusion – Deliver better low-light and sharper images.
- 🎥 4K Dolby Vision HDR video – High-quality video recording still rivals newer models.
Compared to the iPhone 11, the iPhone 12’s camera is superior, but the iPhone 13 has Sensor-Shift Stabilization for steadier shots.
Super Retina XDR OLED Display: A Big Upgrade Over iPhone 11
One of the biggest reasons to choose the iPhone 12 over the iPhone 11 is the display:
- 📱 iPhone 12: Super Retina XDR OLED (2532 x 1170) – Deep blacks, higher contrast, and better colors.
- 📱 iPhone 11: Liquid Retina LCD (1792 x 828) – Lower resolution, not as vibrant.
Even in 2025, the iPhone 12’s OLED display is far superior to the iPhone 11’s LCD, making it the better choice.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 11: Is It Worth Spending $30 More?
With the iPhone 12 priced at $180+ and the iPhone 11 at $150+, the $30 difference raises an important question: Is it worth upgrading to the iPhone 12, or should you save money with the iPhone 11? Short answer: yes. See below for more details.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 11: Specs Comparison
| Feature |
iPhone 12 |
iPhone 11 |
| Release Year |
2020 |
2019 |
| Display |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2532 x 1170) |
6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD (1792 x 828) |
| Chipset |
A14 Bionic (5nm) |
A13 Bionic (7nm) |
| RAM |
4GB |
4GB |
| Camera System |
12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide) |
12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide) |
| Night Mode |
Yes |
Yes |
| Deep Fusion |
Yes (Both Lenses) |
Yes (Wide Lens Only) |
| Optical Zoom |
2x optical zoom out |
2x optical zoom out |
| Video Recording |
4K Dolby Vision HDR |
4K HDR |
| Battery Life |
Up to 17 hours video playback |
Up to 18 hours video playback |
| 5G Support |
Yes |
No (4G LTE only) |
| Face ID |
Yes |
Yes |
| MagSafe |
Yes |
No |
| Storage Options |
64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Frame Material |
Aluminum |
Aluminum |
| Water Resistance |
IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
IP68 (2m for 30 min) |
| Weight |
164g |
194g |
| Starting Price (Certified Used, 2025) |
$180+ |
$150+ |
1. Display: OLED vs. LCD – A Huge Upgrade
One of the biggest differences between the two models is the display technology.
- iPhone 12: Super Retina XDR OLED (2532 x 1170 resolution) – Deeper blacks, better contrast, and higher resolution.
- iPhone 11: Liquid Retina LCD (1792 x 828 resolution) – Lower resolution, less vibrant colors.
✅ Winner: iPhone 12 – The OLED screen is a massive upgrade over the iPhone 11’s LCD, making it worth the extra $30 alone.
2. Performance: A14 Bionic vs. A13 Bionic – Faster & More Efficient
- iPhone 12: A14 Bionic (5nm chip) – Faster and more power-efficient, handles demanding apps and games better.
- iPhone 11: A13 Bionic (7nm chip) – Still good, but not as fast or efficient as the A14.
✅ Winner: iPhone 12 – The A14 chip provides better performance and longer software support.
3. 5G Connectivity: Future-Proofing Your iPhone
- iPhone 12: ✅ Supports 5G for faster internet speeds.
- iPhone 11: ❌ Limited to 4G LTE only.
✅ Winner: iPhone 12 – If you want a phone that lasts longer, 5G support makes the iPhone 12 a better investment.
4. Camera System: Night Mode & Deep Fusion Enhancements
Both models feature a dual 12MP camera system (Wide + Ultra-Wide) with Night Mode and Smart HDR. However:
- iPhone 12: Has Deep Fusion on all lenses, improving texture and detail.
- iPhone 12: Also offers Dolby Vision HDR recording, making videos look more professional.
✅ Winner: iPhone 12 – While both cameras are solid, the iPhone 12’s computational photography is slightly better.
5. Battery Life: iPhone 11 Lasts a Bit Longer
- iPhone 12: Up to 17 hours of video playback.
- iPhone 11: Up to 18 hours of video playback (slightly better due to LCD display).
✅ Winner: iPhone 11 – But the difference is minimal and doesn’t outweigh the iPhone 12’s benefits.
Should You Spend $30 More for the iPhone 12?
💡 Yes, absolutely. For just $30 more, the iPhone 12 offers:
- ✔️ A far superior OLED display.
- ✔️ Better performance with the A14 chip.
- ✔️ 5G connectivity for faster speeds and longer support.
- ✔️ Slightly improved camera and video recording.
👉 If you want the best long-term value, spend the extra $30 on the iPhone 12 instead of settling for the iPhone 11.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13: Is It Worth Paying $80 More?
With the iPhone 13 priced at $260+, some buyers may wonder: Should I spend $80 more on the iPhone 13, or is the iPhone 12 good enough? - Maybe not.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13: Specs Comparison
| Feature |
iPhone 12 |
iPhone 13 |
| Release Year |
2020 |
2021 |
| Display |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2532 x 1170) |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2532 x 1170) |
| Chipset |
A14 Bionic (5nm) |
A15 Bionic (5nm) |
| RAM |
4GB |
4GB |
| Camera System |
12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide) |
12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide) |
| Sensor-Shift Stabilization |
No |
Yes |
| Night Mode |
Yes |
Yes |
| Deep Fusion |
Yes (Both Lenses) |
Yes (Both Lenses) |
| Cinematic Mode |
No |
Yes |
| Optical Zoom |
2x optical zoom out |
2x optical zoom out |
| Video Recording |
4K Dolby Vision HDR |
4K Dolby Vision HDR |
| Battery Life |
Up to 17 hours video playback |
Up to 19 hours video playback |
| 5G Support |
Yes |
Yes |
| Face ID |
Yes |
Yes |
| MagSafe |
Yes |
Yes |
| Storage Options |
64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Frame Material |
Aluminum |
Aluminum |
| Water Resistance |
IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Weight |
164g |
174g |
| Starting Price (Certified Used, 2025) |
$180+ |
$260+ |
1. Performance: A14 vs. A15 – Not a Huge Difference
- iPhone 12: A14 Bionic chip – Fast, efficient, and still very capable in 2025.
- iPhone 13: A15 Bionic chip – Slightly faster, but real-world differences are minimal.
✅ Winner: Tie – Unless you play demanding games or edit videos, you won’t notice much difference.
2. Camera: Small Upgrades in iPhone 13
- iPhone 12: Dual 12MP cameras with Night Mode and Deep Fusion.
- iPhone 13: Sensor-Shift Stabilization for sharper photos and smoother videos.
- iPhone 13: Cinematic Mode, which offers professional-style video focus shifts.
✅ Winner: iPhone 13 – If you shoot a lot of videos, the iPhone 13 is worth it. But for casual users, the iPhone 12’s camera is still excellent.
3. Battery Life: iPhone 13 Lasts Longer
- iPhone 12: Up to 17 hours of video playback.
- iPhone 13: Up to 19 hours of video playback – a 2-hour improvement.
✅ Winner: iPhone 13 – Better battery life, but not a deal-breaker.
Should You Pay $80 More for the iPhone 13?
- ✔️ Get the iPhone 13 if you need longer battery life or Cinematic Mode.
- ✔️ Otherwise, the iPhone 12 gives you almost the same experience for $80 less.
👉 Verdict: The iPhone 12 remains the best value for most buyers.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the iPhone 12 in 2025?
At $180+, the iPhone 12 is an incredible deal in 2025. It offers:
- ✅ 5G connectivity for future-proofing.
- ✅ A Super Retina OLED display that’s far better than iPhone 11’s LCD.
- ✅ A powerful A14 Bionic chip that still handles modern apps and gaming.
- ✅ A great dual-camera system with Night Mode and Deep Fusion.
💡 Who Should Buy the iPhone 12?
- ✔️ If you want the best balance of price and performance.
- ✔️ If you want 5G without paying extra for newer models.
- ✔️ If you want an OLED display instead of LCD.
❌ Who Should Skip the iPhone 12?
- If you need even longer battery life and Cinematic Mode, get the iPhone 13.
- If you just need the cheapest iPhone, the iPhone 11 saves you $30, but it’s not as future-proof.
👉 Final Verdict: The iPhone 12 at $180+ is the best mid-range iPhone for 2025. It balances performance, display quality, and affordability, making it a smart buy for budget-conscious shoppers.
FAQs: Buying a Used iPhone 12 in 2025
1. Is the iPhone 12 still getting iOS updates in 2025?
Yes, the iPhone 12 still supports the latest iOS version in 2025 and is expected to receive major updates for at least another 3-4 years. Apple typically provides iOS updates for around 6-7 years, meaning the iPhone 12 will likely be supported until at least 2027 or 2028.
2. How much should I pay for a used iPhone 12 in 2025?
As of 2025, certified used and refurbished iPhone 12 models start at $180+, depending on the storage size, condition, and seller. Higher storage options (128GB and 256GB) will cost more.
3. Is the iPhone 12 battery still good in 2025?
Battery life depends on its condition. A well-maintained iPhone 12 still offers:
- Up to 17 hours of video playback.
- All-day usage for most users.
If the battery health is below 80%, a battery replacement may be needed, which is affordable and extends the phone’s lifespan.
4. Can the iPhone 12 handle gaming in 2025?
Yes! The A14 Bionic chip is still very powerful in 2025. It can handle most modern mobile games, including high-frame-rate games, with smooth performance. While the A15 and A16 chips in newer iPhones are faster, the real-world difference for gaming is minimal.
5. Does the iPhone 12 support 5G?
Yes, the iPhone 12 was the first iPhone model to introduce 5G connectivity, making it a future-proof choice for faster network speeds compared to older models like the iPhone 11, which only supports 4G LTE.
6. Is the iPhone 12 camera still good in 2025?
Absolutely! The iPhone 12 has a dual 12MP camera system (Wide + Ultra-Wide) with:
- Night Mode for better low-light photos.
- Deep Fusion for improved texture and detail.
- 4K Dolby Vision HDR video recording for professional-quality videos.
While the iPhone 13 and newer models offer Sensor-Shift Stabilization and Cinematic Mode, the iPhone 12’s camera is still excellent for most users.
7. Is the iPhone 12 waterproof?
The iPhone 12 has an IP68 water resistance rating, meaning it can survive:
- Up to 6 meters (20 feet) underwater for 30 minutes.
- Protection against spills, rain, and accidental drops in water.
However, water resistance can degrade over time, so it’s not recommended to intentionally submerge the phone.
8. Should I buy a used or refurbished iPhone 12?
- Certified refurbished iPhone 12: Tested, repaired, and comes with a warranty, making it the safest option.
- Used iPhone 12: Cheaper but may not include a warranty. Make sure to buy from a trusted seller.
For peace of mind, buying a certified refurbished iPhone 12 from a reputable source is the best choice.
9. How long will the iPhone 12 last?
The iPhone 12 is expected to receive iOS updates until at least 2027 or 2028. Even after it stops receiving major updates, it will still work well for several more years with security updates.
10. Is the iPhone 12 better than the iPhone 11?
Yes, in almost every way:
- iPhone 12 has an OLED display, while iPhone 11 has an LCD.
- iPhone 12 has 5G, while iPhone 11 is limited to 4G.
- iPhone 12 is faster with the A14 chip compared to the A13 in iPhone 11.
- iPhone 12 supports MagSafe charging, while iPhone 11 does not.
For only $30 more, the iPhone 12 is a much better choice than the iPhone 11.
11. Is the iPhone 12 worth it compared to the iPhone 13?
The iPhone 13 has small improvements, such as:
- Slightly better battery life.
- Sensor-Shift Stabilization for steadier photos.
- Cinematic Mode for professional video recording.
However, for $80 less, the iPhone 12 offers nearly the same experience, making it the better value for most people.
12. Where can I buy a certified used iPhone 12?
You can find the best deals on a certified refurbished or used iPhone 12 from trusted sellers like:
- Apple Certified Refurbished – Includes a 1-year Apple warranty.
- Amazon Renewed & Best Buy – Offers return policies and limited warranties.
- UpTrade Price Tracker – Compares certified used and refurbished prices from multiple sellers to find the best deal.
