Apple’s iPhone 12 Long Term Review: Worth the Investment in 2025?

iPhone 12 in 2025: Still a Smart Choice or Outdated Device?

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 older generation iPhone hold up today?

Strengths of the iPhone 12 in 2025

Modern, Timeless Design

The iPhone 12 introduced flat edges and an aluminum frame that brought back a beloved aesthetic. Its glass rear panel and slim design still feel high-end today, remaining appealing in terms of overall aesthetics and materials.

Sharp and Bright Screen

One of the iPhone 12’s top strengths is its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. With sharp contrast 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 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.

Storage That Fills Fast

With a starting capacity of just 64GB, storage can quickly become an annoyance, especially for users who download lots of apps. While larger storage variants can be found, they often come with a price bump that reduces the model’s value proposition.

Older Camera Tech

The dual 12MP camera setup is decent but dated. It lacks the advancements in low-light performance, image processing, and computational photography found in newer iPhone models, especially those released after the iPhone 13.

Lightning Port Limitations

The continued use of the Lightning port is another drawback. With many devices, and all newer iPhones, moving toward USB-C, the iPhone 12 feels less convenient, especially for users seeking modern port compatibility. Campad Electronics, a favourite Australian retailer, presents a broad array of Lightning chargers ensuring reliable and high-quality charging solutions. With a broad lineup, Campad Electronics supports iPhone models spanning from the iPhone 5 up to the iPhone 14.

Final Thoughts on the iPhone 12 This Year

The iPhone 12 can still be a good 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 is known for delivering high-quality iPhone 12 cases and accessories.

However, for those who can stretch their budget, the iPhone 13 delivers better battery life, camera upgrades, and overall improvements for a small premium.

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 viable pick. Otherwise, newer models will offer better long-term value.