Apple iPhone 12 iPhone 12 Review
The iPhone 12 is a budget Apple paradox in 2025. It has a stunning screen and snappy performance, but the 64GB storage and dated cameras hold it back. Here's who should actually buy it.
The 30-Second Version
A surprisingly capable Apple phone for under $200, but the 64GB storage is a hard pill to swallow. Buy it for the screen and iOS, not the camera or future-proofing.
Overview
The iPhone 12 is a weirdly compelling phone in 2025, but only if you find it at the right price. It's not the newest, fastest, or flashiest, but our data shows it's still punching way above its weight class in a few key areas. The one thing to know? This is a rock-solid, no-frills daily driver that gets the basics right, but you're buying it for the Apple ecosystem and a great screen, not for cutting-edge specs.
Performance
Honestly, the performance surprised us. The A14 Bionic chip lands in the 88th percentile, which means it's still faster than a huge chunk of phones out there. It won't beat the latest flagships in raw benchmarks, but for everyday stuff—scrolling, apps, social media—it feels snappy and modern. The battery life is decent, sitting in the 85th percentile, so you'll likely get through a day without panic.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- That OLED screen is gorgeous and ranks in the 97th percentile. It's a major step up from older LCD iPhones. 98th
- The A14 chip holds up incredibly well. You're not getting a slow phone here. 97th
- Being fully unlocked is a huge plus for flexibility and value. 85th
- The social proof score is off the charts (98th percentile). People still love and trust this model. 70th
Cons
- The 64GB base storage is a trap. It fills up fast and feels stingy in 2025.
- The camera system, at the 37th percentile, is the clear weak spot. It's fine, but don't expect Pixel-level magic.
- You're stuck on 4G/LTE while the world moves to 5G. It's a dated connectivity spec.
- The build quality percentile is low (41st), which might reflect the 'Renewed' nature of many units.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Screen Size | 6.1 |
| Display Type | OLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
Performance
| Processor | 1.2GHz Cortex A8 Processor |
| Processor Model | 1.2GHz Cortex A8 Processor |
| CPU Speed | 1.2 |
| RAM | 8 MB |
| Storage | 64 GB |
Battery & Charging
| Battery | 2815 Wh |
Connectivity
| Bluetooth | Yes |
Design & Build
| Form Factor | Standard |
| Weight | 0.2 kg / 0.4 lbs |
| OS | iPadOS 16 |
Value & Pricing
At around $190-$200 for a renewed model, the value is actually pretty good. You're getting a premium-feeling Apple phone with a fantastic screen for budget Android money. But the 64GB storage is a deal-breaker for many. If you can find a 128GB model for a similar price, jump on it.
Price History
vs Competition
The most direct competitor is the Google Pixel 'a' series (like a Pixel 7a). You'll get a much better camera and likely newer software for a similar price, but you lose the iOS ecosystem and that premium Apple build. Against a newer budget phone like a Moto G, the iPhone 12 feels more polished and faster, but the Moto might offer a bigger battery or higher refresh rate screen. It really comes down to iOS vs. Android at this price point.
| Spec | Apple iPhone 12 iPhone 12 | Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26 SM-S948UZKAXAA | Motorola Moto G PB6V0014US | Google Google Pixel 10 GA09899-US | OnePlus OnePlus 15 5011116281 | Apple Unlocked iPhone 15/15 Plus MTLY3LL/A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.1 | 6.9 | 6.7 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 6.1 |
| Display Type | OLED | OLED | AMOLED | OLED | OLED | OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 60 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 60 |
| Processor | 1.2GHz Cortex A8 Processor | Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy | Snapdragon® 6 Gen 3 Mobile Platform | 3.78 GHz | 8 Elite Gen 5 | A16 |
| RAM (GB) | 8 | 12 | 8 | 16 | - | - |
| Storage (GB) | 64 | 256 | 1024 | 256 | 512 | 128 |
| Rear Camera Mp | - | 200 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 48 |
| Front Camera Mp | - | 12 | 32 | 42 | 32 | - |
| Battery Capacity Mah | 2815 | 5000 | 5000 | 4870 | 7300 | - |
| Charging Wattage | - | 60 | 68 | - | - | - |
| Wireless Charging | - | true | true | false | - | - |
| Five (g) | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Water Resistance | - | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 | IP69 | - |
| Operating System | iPadOS 16 | Android 16 | Android 15 | Android 16 | Android 16 | iPadOS 17 |
Common Questions
Q: Is the 64GB storage enough?
Not really. For most people, it'll feel cramped. If you take lots of photos, download music, or play a few big games, you'll be constantly managing storage. Spring for 128GB if you can.
Q: How many years of software updates does it have left?
It's getting tight. The iPhone 12 launched in 2020. Apple typically supports phones for about 6-7 years, so you might only get another major update or two before security patches only.
Q: Is the 'Renewed' version a gamble?
Less than you'd think. Our data shows a 4.1/5 rating from over 11,000 reviews. Most people get a great device, but check the return policy just in case you get a dud.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a mobile photographer, skip this. The camera is its weakest link. Go get a Google Pixel instead. Also, if you need 5G speeds or want to keep a phone for 4+ more years, this isn't it. Look at a newer budget model.
Verdict
We recommend the iPhone 12, but with major caveats. If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem, need a reliable secondary phone, or just want a great screen on a tight budget, it's a smart buy. But you must be okay with 64GB of storage, 4G speeds, and average cameras. For everyone else, a modern budget Android phone offers more features for the money.