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:
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.
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:
The iPhone 12 series introduced several firsts for Apple:
Even in 2025, these cutting-edge features make the iPhone 12 feel modern and competitive.
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.
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:
Compared to the iPhone 11, which may lose support by 2026, the iPhone 12 is a better long-term investment.
The A14 Bionic chip was the first 5nm processor in an iPhone, offering:
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.
Unlike the iPhone 11, which is limited to 4G LTE, the iPhone 12 supports 5G, allowing:
If 5G is important to you, the iPhone 12 is a better choice than the iPhone 11.
Battery life is a crucial factor for buyers in 2025. The iPhone 12 offers:
While battery life is decent, if you prioritize long-lasting power, the iPhone 13 is the better option due to better power efficiency.
The iPhone 12’s dual-lens camera system remains one of the best for its price in 2025:
Compared to the iPhone 11, the iPhone 12’s camera is superior, but the iPhone 13 has Sensor-Shift Stabilization for steadier shots.
One of the biggest reasons to choose the iPhone 12 over the iPhone 11 is the display:
Even in 2025, the iPhone 12’s OLED display is far superior to the iPhone 11’s LCD, making it the better choice.
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.
| 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+ |
One of the biggest differences between the two models is the display technology.
✅ Winner: iPhone 12 – The OLED screen is a massive upgrade over the iPhone 11’s LCD, making it worth the extra $30 alone.
✅ Winner: iPhone 12 – The A14 chip provides better performance and longer software support.
✅ Winner: iPhone 12 – If you want a phone that lasts longer, 5G support makes the iPhone 12 a better investment.
Both models feature a dual 12MP camera system (Wide + Ultra-Wide) with Night Mode and Smart HDR. However:
✅ Winner: iPhone 12 – While both cameras are solid, the iPhone 12’s computational photography is slightly better.
✅ Winner: iPhone 11 – But the difference is minimal and doesn’t outweigh the iPhone 12’s benefits.
💡 Yes, absolutely. For just $30 more, the iPhone 12 offers:
👉 If you want the best long-term value, spend the extra $30 on the iPhone 12 instead of settling for the iPhone 11.
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.
| 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+ |
✅ Winner: Tie – Unless you play demanding games or edit videos, you won’t notice much difference.
✅ 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.
✅ Winner: iPhone 13 – Better battery life, but not a deal-breaker.
👉 Verdict: The iPhone 12 remains the best value for most buyers.
At $180+, the iPhone 12 is an incredible deal in 2025. It offers:
👉 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.
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.
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.
Battery life depends on its condition. A well-maintained iPhone 12 still offers:
If the battery health is below 80%, a battery replacement may be needed, which is affordable and extends the phone’s lifespan.
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.
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.
Absolutely! The iPhone 12 has a dual 12MP camera system (Wide + Ultra-Wide) with:
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.
The iPhone 12 has an IP68 water resistance rating, meaning it can survive:
However, water resistance can degrade over time, so it’s not recommended to intentionally submerge the phone.
For peace of mind, buying a certified refurbished iPhone 12 from a reputable source is the best choice.
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.
Yes, in almost every way:
For only $30 more, the iPhone 12 is a much better choice than the iPhone 11.
The iPhone 13 has small improvements, such as:
However, for $80 less, the iPhone 12 offers nearly the same experience, making it the better value for most people.
You can find the best deals on a certified refurbished or used iPhone 12 from trusted sellers like:
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