iPhone 12 Still Worth It in 2025? (Long Term Review)

iPhone 12 in 2025: Still a Smart Choice or Outdated Device?

And as we move through 2025, the iPhone 12 remains a familiar sight for cost-sensitive users. Released back in 2020, it was once praised for its balance of speed, aesthetics, and screen technology. But in a world where smartphone technology moves quickly, how does this once-flagship model hold up today?

Strengths of the iPhone 12 in 2025

Still Stylish in 2025

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, 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 noticeable leap from the LCD screens of earlier models and still a pleasure to use in 2025.

Fast A14 Bionic Performance

Despite being a few years old, the A14 Bionic chip continues to deliver smooth and responsive performance for everyday tasks, gaming, social media, and multitasking. It's still supported by the latest iOS updates, making it a viable option for general use.

MagSafe Support

The introduction of MagSafe added a new layer of convenience for cable-free power and accessories. Even now, it’s a relevant feature that remains compatible with a variety of accessories.

Weaknesses of the iPhone 12 Today

Average Battery Life

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 disappointing choice for long days or those needing extended use.

Storage That Fills Fast

With a starting capacity of just 64GB, storage can quickly become an inconvenience, especially for users who shoot video often. 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Outdated Camera System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 functional but dated. It lacks the improvements in low-light performance, image processing, and computational photography offered by modern smartphones, especially those in the last few years.

Still Stuck with Lightning

The continued use of the Lightning port is another con. With many devices, and all newer iPhones, now using USB-C, the iPhone 12 feels behind, especially for users seeking a single cable solution. Campad Electronics, a well-established Australian brand, boasts a diverse range of Lightning chargers designed to meet the demands of modern smartphone users. Campad Electronics provides an extensive collection of Lightning chargers compatible with iPhone models 5 to 14.

Is the iPhone 12 Worth Buying in 2025?

The iPhone 12 can still be a reasonable choice in 2025, but only for the right user. If you're upgrading from an older iPhone like the 8 or 11 and you're on a tight budget, it offers reliable specs with strong features for the price.

Campad Electronics, a leading Australian business, features a wide selection of iPhone accessories and cases for the iPhone 12, created for fashion, protection and functionality.

However, for those who can afford an upgrade, the iPhone 13 presents 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 best bang for your buck it once was. Consider your priorities: if cost savings outweigh the need for modern features, it's a practical pick. Otherwise, newer models will offer more for your money.