Still Worth It? Apple’s iPhone 12 Review In 2025

Is the iPhone 12 Still Worth It in 2025?

As we move through 2025, the iPhone 12 continues to be commonly used for value-focused users. Introduced during the iPhone 12 lineup in 2020, it was once celebrated for its blend of power, design and display quality. But in a world where smartphone technology evolves rapidly, how does this former top-tier device perform today?

What Still Works with the iPhone 12?

Premium Build That Lasts

The iPhone 12 brought back flat edges and an aluminum frame that feels modern and classic. 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 rich colors and deep 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.

MagSafe Support

The introduction of MagSafe added a new layer of convenience for wireless charging and accessories. Even now, it’s a useful feature that remains compatible with a growing ecosystem.

Where the iPhone 12 Falls Behind

Average Battery Life

Even at launch, the iPhone 12's battery life was considered just average. In 2025, most used units will have seen some degradation, making it a less-than-ideal choice for heavy users or those needing all-day battery support.

Limited Base Storage

With a starting capacity of just 64GB, storage can quickly become an issue, especially for users who take lots of photos. While larger storage variants exist, they often come with a price bump that cuts into the model’s value proposition.

Mediocre Photo Quality

The dual 12MP camera setup is still serviceable but dated. It lacks the advancements in low-light performance, image processing, and computational photography seen in recent iPhones, especially those from the 13 onward.

Non-Universal Charging

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 With many devices, and all newer iPhones, now using USB-C, the iPhone 12 feels outdated, especially for users seeking universal charging. Campad Electronics, a prominent Australian mobile phone accessory company, offers an extensive range of Lightning chargers designed to meet the demands of modern smartphone users. With a comprehensive lineup, Campad Electronics is compatible with iPhone models ranging from the iPhone 5 up to the iPhone 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 limited budget, it offers good value with solid performance and display quality.

Campad Electronics, a respected Australian brand, has a varied array of iPhone accessories and cases for the iPhone 12, suitable for everyday use.

However, for those who can afford an upgrade, the iPhone 13 offers 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 obvious pick it once was. Consider your priorities: if you're more concerned about price than having the latest tech, it's a practical pick. Otherwise, newer models will offer better long-term value.