Introduction
In 2025, the Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro has dropped to just $200+, making it one of the best premium-value phones you can buy today. Despite being released in 2020, it still delivers flagship-level performance, a beautiful OLED display, and an advanced camera system that competes with many newer models. Even better, Apple continues to support the iPhone 12 Pro with the latest iOS 26, ensuring it remains secure, fast, and compatible with modern apps. If you’re looking for an affordable upgrade without compromising on quality, the iPhone 12 Pro should be at the top of your list.
Specs: iPhone 12 Pro at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 12 Pro |
|---|
| Release Year | 2020 |
| Chipset | A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Display | 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Camera System | Triple 12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide, Telephoto) + LiDAR |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Face ID | Yes |
| 5G Support | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 17 hours video playback |
| iOS Compatibility | Supports iOS 26 (2025) |
| Starting Price (Certified Used/Refurbished) | $200+ |
Why the iPhone 12 Pro Is a Great Deal in 2025
The iPhone 12 Pro is one of the few smartphones that manages to strike the perfect balance between performance, features, and price—even five years after its original launch. Priced at just $200+ on UpTrade from certified sellers, it delivers a premium iPhone experience without the flagship price tag.
The phone features a stainless steel frame, Ceramic Shield front, and IP68 water resistance, offering durability that still feels premium. Its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display provides deep contrast and vibrant colors, while the triple-camera system with LiDAR remains powerful for photography, night mode portraits, and AR apps.
Compared to newer models like the iPhone 13 or 14, the 12 Pro holds up incredibly well in day-to-day use—especially when you consider you're saving $100 or more by choosing it.
Ongoing iOS Support and Longevity
One of the most important factors when buying a used iPhone is how long it will continue to receive software updates—and the iPhone 12 Pro passes with flying colors. As of 2025, it fully supports iOS 26, giving it access to the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches.
Historically, Apple supports iPhones for about 5–6 years, and since the iPhone 12 Pro launched in 2020, it’s expected to receive updates through at least 2026 or 2027. That means buyers can expect another 1–2+ years of full functionality, making it a reliable, future-proof option—especially at its current price.
Performance, Display, and Camera Capabilities
Powerful A14 Bionic Performance
The iPhone 12 Pro is powered by the A14 Bionic chip—the same processor that debuted with the iPad Air 4 and iPhone 12 lineup. In 2025, it still performs exceptionally well, handling iOS 26, multitasking, gaming, and photo/video editing with ease. Combined with 6GB of RAM, it provides a smooth experience across apps and daily tasks, rivaling many mid-tier Android phones released in 2024–2025.
Stunning OLED Display
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display continues to be one of Apple’s best. It features HDR10 and Dolby Vision support, deep blacks, accurate colors, and a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content. Whether you're streaming Netflix, editing photos, or browsing the web, the display quality still feels flagship-level in 2025.
Triple-Lens Camera with LiDAR
The iPhone 12 Pro features a versatile triple-camera setup: 12MP Wide, Ultra-Wide, and Telephoto lenses. It also includes a LiDAR scanner, which enhances low-light autofocus and enables Night Mode portraits—something missing from the regular iPhone 12. The phone supports 4K video recording at 60 fps, Smart HDR 3, and Deep Fusion, making it ideal for users who care about mobile photography and content creation.
Even five years after release, the iPhone 12 Pro still competes with newer models when it comes to capturing sharp, vibrant images and smooth cinematic videos.
Comparison with Other Models
In 2025, the iPhone 12 Pro sits in the sweet spot between the older iPhone 11 Pro and the newer iPhone 13 Pro. At around $200+, it offers many of the same premium features found in the 13 Pro—at a significantly lower price. If you're debating between these three models, here's how they compare:
iPhone 12 Pro ($200+) vs. iPhone 11 Pro ($150+)
Specs Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 11 Pro | iPhone 12 Pro |
|---|
| Release Year | 2019 | 2020 |
| Chipset | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Display | 5.8" Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED |
| 5G Support | No | Yes |
| Ceramic Shield | No | Yes |
| Camera System | Triple 12MP | Triple 12MP + LiDAR |
| iOS Support | Up to iOS 26 | Supports iOS 26 |
| Estimated Price | $150+ | $200+ |
Key Feature Comparison
The iPhone 11 Pro is a great option if you're on a strict budget. At around $150+, it offers flagship-level build quality, an OLED display, and a triple-camera system. However, there are a few trade-offs:
- No 5G support, which limits future network compatibility
- Smaller display (5.8") and lower RAM (4GB vs. 6GB)
- Lacks Ceramic Shield and LiDAR, which improves low-light photography and AR features
The iPhone 12 Pro is just $50 more in 2025 but adds better durability, faster performance, and longer support life. It’s the better choice if your budget can stretch slightly higher.
iPhone 12 Pro ($200+) vs. iPhone 13 Pro ($300+)
Specs Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 12 Pro | iPhone 13 Pro |
|---|
| Release Year | 2020 | 2021 |
| Chipset | A14 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 6GB | 6GB |
| Display | 6.1" OLED (60Hz) | 6.1" OLED ProMotion (120Hz) |
| Battery Life | ~17 hours video playback | ~22 hours video playback |
| Camera System | Triple 12MP + LiDAR | Triple 12MP + LiDAR |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| iOS Support | Supports iOS 26 | Supports iOS 26+ |
| Estimated Price | $200+ | $300+ |
Key Feature Comparison
The iPhone 13 Pro is an excellent upgrade—if you're willing to pay about $100 more. It brings a smoother 120Hz ProMotion display, better battery life, and slightly improved GPU and camera processing with the A15 Bionic chip.
But in practical use, the iPhone 12 Pro offers 90–95% of the 13 Pro’s experience at a significantly lower cost. If you don’t need the highest refresh rate display or an extra few hours of battery, the 12 Pro is clearly the better value.
Who Should Buy the iPhone 12 Pro in 2025?
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Budget-Conscious Upgraders
If you’re coming from an older iPhone like the iPhone 8, XR, or X, the 12 Pro will feel like a massive leap forward in speed, camera quality, and screen technology—without needing to spend $300+ on newer models.
-
Students and Young Professionals
The 12 Pro’s modern performance and camera system make it ideal for video calls, schoolwork, content creation, and everyday multitasking. It also has 5G support, which helps future-proof your connectivity.
-
Business and Power Users on a Budget
Thanks to the A14 chip and 6GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 Pro handles productivity apps, multitasking, and media creation smoothly. If you need serious performance but don’t want to pay flagship prices, this is a strong choice.
-
Buyers Who Prioritize Display and Camera
If screen quality and photography are high priorities, the Super Retina XDR OLED display and triple-camera system with LiDAR deliver a better experience than any non-Pro iPhone at a similar price.
In short, the iPhone 12 Pro is for anyone who wants a balanced, powerful, and future-proof iPhone in 2025—without spending a fortune.
Final Verdict: iPhone 12 Pro Is Still Worth It in 2025
In 2025, the iPhone 12 Pro stands out as one of the best value smartphones you can buy. Priced at just $200+ for a Certified Used or Refurbished unit, it offers flagship performance, a top-tier OLED display, pro-level camera system, and full support for iOS 26—features that are typically reserved for much more expensive phones.
While the iPhone 11 Pro is slightly cheaper, it lacks 5G and other future-ready features. The iPhone 13 Pro is a nice upgrade, but for many buyers, the added cost doesn’t justify the incremental gains. That’s why the 12 Pro hits the sweet spot—it balances power, performance, and price better than any other model currently available.
If you want a secure, smooth, and long-lasting iPhone experience in 2025, the iPhone 12 Pro is a purchase you can feel confident about.
FAQ: iPhone 12 Pro in 2025
1. Is the iPhone 12 Pro still supported in 2025?
Yes. The iPhone 12 Pro fully supports iOS 26 and is expected to receive updates for at least another 2–3 years.
2. How much does an iPhone 12 Pro cost in 2025?
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro starts at around $200, depending on condition and storage size.
3. Is the iPhone 12 Pro still fast enough for modern apps?
Absolutely. With the A14 Bionic chip and 6GB of RAM, it runs iOS 26 smoothly and can handle everything from gaming to video editing.
4. Does the iPhone 12 Pro support 5G?
Yes. It was the first Pro iPhone model to include full 5G support for faster data speeds and better network longevity.
5. Is the iPhone 12 Pro better than the iPhone 11 Pro?
Yes. The 12 Pro has 5G, a larger display, more RAM, better durability with Ceramic Shield, and a LiDAR scanner for improved photography and AR features.
6. Should I get the iPhone 13 Pro instead?
If your budget allows for $100 more, the iPhone 13 Pro offers a 120Hz ProMotion display and longer battery life. But for most users, the iPhone 12 Pro provides nearly the same experience at a significantly lower price.
7. How old is the iPhone 12 Pro?
The iPhone 12 Pro was released in October 2020, so it is 5 years old as of 2025.
8. Is the iPhone 12 Pro still selling?
Yes, while Apple no longer sells it directly, the iPhone 12 Pro is widely available as a Certified Used or Refurbished model through trusted resellers and platforms like UpTrade.
9. Is a refurbished iPhone 12 Pro worth buying?
Definitely. A refurbished iPhone 12 Pro offers great value in 2025. It supports iOS 26, has excellent cameras, strong performance, and 5G—making it one of the best deals at the $200+ price point.
10. Is an iPhone 12 Pro considered old?
Technically, it’s 5 years old, but thanks to its flagship specs and ongoing iOS support, it doesn't feel outdated. It's still very capable compared to many newer mid-range phones.
11. What year will the iPhone 12 Pro be obsolete?
Based on Apple’s typical support cycle, the iPhone 12 Pro is expected to receive iOS and security updates through at least 2027 or 2028, so it won’t be considered obsolete until then.
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