The Iphone 12 was released about a year after the Iphone 11 in October 2020, and was instantly a game changer in Apple’s lineup. It came with 5G connectivity and a new flatedge design that gave it a more modern look and feel. Now, 5 years later, with many new versions of the iPhone out, the big question is should you buy the iPhone 12 in 2025?
The iPhone 12 still holds its own in many ways, offering a balanced mix of performance, camera, and display. Let’s dive in and see if it’s worth your money in 2025.
Design
The design of the iPhone 12 is among the best that Apple has ever produced. This iPhone is more durable than the XR and 11 thanks to its sleek flatedge aluminium frame, glass back, and Ceramic Shield front. Because of its thin, light construction and striking resemblance to more recent versions, you won’t feel excluded by an outdated appearance.
Design specs:
- Height: 5.78 inches
- Width: 2.82 inches
- Depth: 0.29 inches
- Weight: 5.78 ounces
- Frame: Aerospace Grade aluminum
- Ceramic Shield front (4x better drop performance)
Available colors:
- Black
- White
- Green
- Blue
- Purple
- Product Red
Additionally, MagSafe was introduced through the iPhone 12, a feature that even more recent iPhone models continue to use, enabling faster wireless charging and magnetic accessories.
Performance
The iPhone 12 is powered by the A14 Bionic chip, which was the first 5nm processor from Apple. This makes it faster and more efficient than the A13 in the iPhone 11.
Even in 2025, the A14 chip is strong enough to handle demanding tasks, from gaming to video editing. Most importantly, it still supports iOS updates, ensuring security and new features.
Performance specs:
- A14 Bionic chip (5nm)
- 4-core GPU
- 6-core CPU
- 4GB RAM
- Storage options: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
So, if you want an iPhone that won’t lag when running all your favorite apps or games, the iPhone 12 is still a solid pick in 2025.
Camera Quality
The iPhone 12’s strong dual camera system, which includes both a wide and ultrawide lens, makes it adaptable to a range of shooting tasks, from portraiture to landscapes.
The iPhone 12 offers a significant improvement for low light photography over the iPhone XR by supporting Night Mode on both the front and back cameras.
Rear Camera specs:
- 12 MP wide lens (f/1.6 aperture) — improved low-light performance
- 12 MP ultrawide lens (f/2.4 aperture, 120° field of view)
- 2x optical zoom out, 5x digital zoom
- Night Mode on both cameras
- Deep Fusion & Smart HDR 3 for detailed and vibrant photos
- Portrait Mode with advanced bokeh & Depth Control
- 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps
- 1080p slow-mo at 120 fps or 240 fps
Front Camera specs:
- 12 MP TrueDepth camera
- ƒ/2.2 aperture
- Night Mode & Deep Fusion
- 4K video and slomo selfies
- Portrait Mode & Lighting effects
The iPhone 12 camera is still amazing for social media content, casual photography, and even entry level video creation.
Battery
The iPhone 12’s 2,815 mAh battery is a little smaller than the iPhone 11’s, but the A14 chip makes it more efficient. If you’re purchasing a used one, you should verify the battery’s condition. Ideally, you’ll find one with a battery that is 85% or better or one whose battery has been changed.
Battery specs:
- 2,815 mAh battery
- Up to 17 hours of video playback
- Up to 11 hours of streaming
- Up to 65 hours of audio playback
- Fast charge capable (50% in 30 minutes with 20W adapter)
- MagSafe and Qi wireless charging
Display
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display on the iPhone 12 is a significant improvement over the XR and 11. It is ideal for browsing, gaming, and watching videos because it uses OLED technology, which produces brighter colors, deeper blacks, and more contrast.
Display specs:
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR OLED display
- 2532 x 1170 resolution (460 PPI)
- HDR10 & Dolby Vision support
- True Tone & Haptic Touch
The iPhone 12’s display is crisper, more colorful, and far better for watching videos than the LCD screens found in prior versions.
Affordability
In the Nigerian market, prices range between ₦370,000 to ₦420,000, depending on condition and storage capacity.
In the US, the iPhone 12 costs around $270 to $320. This makes it a midrange iPhone in terms of affordability.
Conclusion
The iPhone 12 is a fantastic purchase in 2025 if you’re searching for a strong, stylish iPhone that still works well. It is ideal for consumers who need quality without going over budget because of its amazing OLED display, efficient A14 CPU, multipurpose cameras, and 5G connectivity.
The iPhone 12 is currently one of the best value options if you want a future-proof iPhone for the upcoming years but don’t want to spend a fortune on the newest model, the 14 or 15.