Is the iPhone 12 still worth it in 2025?

Released in October 2020 , the iPhone 12 marked a major evolution for Apple with its design inspired by the iPhone 5, 5G, OLED screen and the A14 Bionic chip . Five years later, in 2025 , is the iPhone 12 still a good choice or is it better to invest in a newer model?

If you're considering buying a new or refurbished iPhone 12, or you already own this model and are unsure about keeping it , this article will help you make the right choice in 2025 .

1. The iPhone 12 in 2025: A Smartphone That Still Performs?

1.1. The Power of the A14 Bionic Chip

The iPhone 12 is equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, the first engraved in 5 nm , offering excellent performance even today.

✅ Fluidity always present for daily use (social networks, multitasking, streaming, games, etc.).
✅ Compatible with iOS 18 and probably iOS 19 , guaranteeing updates and security patches until 2027 or 2028 .
✅ Solid graphics performance with a 4-core GPU, enough for demanding mobile games.

💡 Verdict: In 2025, the A14 Bionic is still powerful enough for most uses, although the latest models (iPhone 14, 15 or 16) are logically more efficient.

1.2. A Consistently High-Quality OLED Screen

The iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels and a peak brightness of 1200 nits in HDR.

✅ Very good display quality , perfect for multimedia and reading.
✅ Deep blacks and vibrant colors thanks to OLED technology.
❌ No ProMotion (120 Hz) like on recent models (iPhone 13 Pro, 14 Pro and 15 Pro).

💡 Verdict: The iPhone 12's screen remains excellent , but the 120Hz of the recent Pro models offers superior fluidity .

2. iPhone 12 Battery Life in 2025: Sufficient or Limited?

One of the weak points of the iPhone 12 has always been its battery life , which is inferior to that of subsequent models. With a 2815 mAh battery, here is what we can expect in 2025:

🔋 Average autonomy in 2025:

• Standard use (social networks, calls, web browsing) → Up to 12 hours .
• Streaming video playback → About 6-7 hours .
• Games and intensive use → 4-5 hours maximum .

If your iPhone 12 is more than 3 years old , battery life may be significantly reduced . A battery replacement can be a good solution to extend its lifespan.

💡 Verdict: If your battery is worn out , consider replacing it to restore proper battery life. Otherwise, opt for a newer model like the iPhone 13 or 14 , which offer much better battery life.

3. Camera: Still Performing in 2025?

The iPhone 12 is equipped with a dual 12 MP sensor with:
📸 A wide-angle (f/1.6) to capture more light.
📸 An ultra wide-angle (f/2.4, 120°) for landscape or group photos.

👍 Positive points:

• Very good in daylight , with faithful color rendering.
• Compatible with Night mode and Deep Fusion .
• 4K video at 60 fps with Dolby Vision HDR , providing very good quality for vlogging or content creation.

👎 Negative points:

• No optical zoom , unlike the Pro models.
• Night mode less efficient than more recent generations (iPhone 14 and 15).
• Less detail in low light compared to iPhone 14 and 15.

💡 Verdict: The iPhone 12 remains a good camera phone , but if photo and video are essential for you , prefer an iPhone 14 or 15 for better low-light management and a more powerful sensor.

4. 5G and Connectivity: Always Up to Date?

The iPhone 12 was the first 5G-enabled iPhone , giving it an advantage over older models (iPhone 11 and earlier).

✅ 5G compatible, useful for very fast networks in 2025.
✅ Compatible with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
❌ No Wi-Fi 6E or Bluetooth 5.3, present on newer models.

💡 Verdict: Still up to date in terms of connectivity, even if the latest iPhones are slightly more advanced.

5. iPhone 12 in 2025: Buy or Avoid?

5.1. Is the iPhone 12 Still a Good Buy in 2025?

Buying a refurbished iPhone 12 can be a good option if you're looking for a high-performance iPhone at a lower cost.

💰 Estimated price in 2025:

• Refurbished : around €300-350 (depending on condition and capacity).
• Used : around €250-300 .

📌 Good choice if:
✅ You want a 5G iPhone at a low price .
✅ You have a limited budget but want an OLED screen .
✅ You're not looking for the latest new features (120 Hz, better camera, improved battery life).

🚫 Avoid if:
❌ Looking for longer battery life → Prefer an iPhone 13 or 14 .
❌ You take a lot of photos in low light → Choose an iPhone 14 or 15 .
❌ You want a smoother screen (120 Hz) → A Pro model (iPhone 13 Pro or 14 Pro) is a better choice.

Conclusion: The iPhone 12 in 2025, A Good Plan?

👉 Final Verdict: The iPhone 12 remains a compelling option in 2025 , especially if refurbished or if you replace its battery. However, if your budget allows, an iPhone 13 or 14 will offer better battery life and improved camera performance.