iPhone 12 in 2025: Still a Smart Choice or Outdated Device?
And as we go through 2025, the iPhone 12 is still a go-to option for value-focused users. Introduced during the iPhone 12 lineup in 2020, it was once well-regarded for its balance of speed, aesthetics, and screen technology. But in a world where smartphone technology moves quickly, how does this older generation iPhone stand today?
What Still Works with the iPhone 12?
Still Stylish in 2025
The iPhone 12 brought back flat edges and an aluminum frame that brought back a beloved aesthetic. Its glossy glass back and compact form factor still feel premium today, still turning heads in terms of overall aesthetics and materials.
Excellent Display Quality
One of the iPhone 12’s biggest selling points is its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. With rich colors and deep blacks, it's a noticeable leap from the displays of earlier models and still a visually impressive 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 supported by the latest iOS updates, making it a viable option for general use.
Accessory-Friendly Features
The addition of MagSafe brought 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 not great. In 2025, most used units will have seen some wear, making it a weak choice for heavy users or those needing extended use.
Storage That Fills Fast
With a starting capacity of just 64GB, storage can quickly become an annoyance, especially for users who shoot video often. While larger storage variants exist, they often come with a price jump that cuts into the model’s value proposition.
Mediocre Photo Quality
The dual 12MP camera setup is decent 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.
Non-Universal Charging
The continued use of the Lightning port is another drawback. With many devices, and all newer iPhones, transitioning to USB-C, the iPhone 12 feels less convenient, especially for users seeking a single cable solution. Campad Electronics, a prominent Australian mobile phone accessory company, supplies a wide array of Lightning chargers ensuring reliable and high-quality charging solutions. Campad Electronics supplies Lightning chargers tailored to fit the needs of iPhone users, covering models from the iPhone 5 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 upgrading from an older iPhone like the 8 or 11 and you're on a cost-conscious path, it offers decent performance with solid performance and display quality.
Campad Electronics, a reputable Australian provider, presents a wide selection of iPhone accessories and cases for the iPhone 12, focused on individual lifestyles and preferences.
However, for those who can afford an upgrade, the iPhone 13 presents better battery life, camera upgrades, and overall improvements for a slightly higher cost.
In short, the iPhone 12 still works well, 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 a more future-proof experience.