Is iPhone 12 (128GB) Still Worth Buying in 2025? An Honest Review with Pros and Cons

Sep 30, 2025

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The iPhone 12 was a landmark device for Apple when it launched in 2020, introducing a fresh design with flat edges, 5G connectivity, and the powerful A14 Bionic chip. Now, in 2025, many smartphone enthusiasts and buyers wonder: is the iPhone 12 (128GB) still relevant today? With Apple continuing to roll out new models, and with rapidly evolving features in the smartphone market, this question is more important than ever.

In this article, we’ll explore the iPhone 12’s strengths, weaknesses, performance in 2025, and whether it’s still a smart choice. We’ll also provide detailed tables and comparisons to make it easier for you to evaluate the device.

Specifications of iPhone 12 (128GB)

Feature	Details
Display	6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
Processor	A14 Bionic Chip
Storage	128GB
Camera	Dual 12MP (wide + ultra-wide)
Front Camera	12MP TrueDepth
Connectivity	5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
Battery Life	Up to 17 hours video playback (original)
Operating System	iOS 26 (in 2025)
Build	Ceramic Shield, IP68 water and dust resistance
Weight	162g

Strengths of iPhone 12 in 2025

Despite being five years old, the iPhone 12 remains a capable device for most users.

1. Performance

The A14 Bionic chip still delivers smooth performance in 2025. Everyday tasks like social media, video streaming, emails, and even moderate gaming work without hiccups. Apple’s long-term iOS support ensures continued relevance.

2. 128GB Storage Advantage

Unlike the 64GB base version, the 128GB variant provides enough room for apps, media, and photos without running into frequent storage issues.

3. 5G Connectivity

5G has become mainstream in 2025, and the iPhone 12 supports it fully. This ensures users aren’t left behind in terms of network capabilities.

4. Design & Build Quality

Its flat-edged design is still modern, durable, and stylish. The Ceramic Shield and IP68 resistance provide strong protection against accidental damage.

5. Display Quality

The Super Retina XDR OLED display continues to impress with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good brightness levels. It holds up well against many mid-range smartphones in 2025.

Weaknesses of iPhone 12 in 2025

Even though it remains usable, the iPhone 12 shows its age in certain areas.

1. Battery Performance

Battery life is the biggest drawback today. Over years of use, the battery degrades significantly, leading to shorter screen-on times. Heavy users may find themselves charging more than once a day unless the battery is replaced.

2. Camera Limitations

While the dual-lens camera system is good, it lacks advanced features like telephoto zoom, improved night mode, and AI-based computational photography found in newer iPhones.

3. No High Refresh Rate Display

Unlike modern phones with 120Hz displays, the iPhone 12 is limited to 60Hz, making scrolling and animations less fluid compared to newer devices.

4. Aging Hardware

The A14 chip is still strong, but as apps and iOS updates become more demanding, occasional performance slowdowns may appear.

5. Lightning Port Instead of USB-C

With Apple transitioning to USB-C, the Lightning port feels outdated in 2025, creating compatibility issues with newer accessories.

Who Should Still Buy iPhone 12 (128GB)?

User Type	Recommendation
Students and Casual Users	Great option for everyday tasks, browsing, and media consumption.
Budget iPhone Seekers	A solid choice if priced lower than newer models.
Camera Enthusiasts	Better to consider newer iPhones with enhanced photography capabilities.
Heavy Gamers or Power Users	Not ideal—newer models offer smoother performance and battery endurance.
Secondary Phone Users	Excellent as a backup or secondary device.

Relevance of iPhone 12 in 2025

The iPhone 12 (128GB) is still relevant in 2025 because:

It receives iOS 26 and will likely continue to get updates for another couple of years.
It handles day-to-day tasks comfortably.
It supports 5G networks, ensuring compatibility with modern connectivity standards.

However, it is no longer the best option for power users who demand cutting-edge features, long-term future-proofing, or the best possible cameras.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re thinking about buying the iPhone 12 in 2025, here are some alternatives:

Option	Why Consider It?
iPhone 13	Improved battery, A15 chip, better cameras.
iPhone 14	Enhanced photography, safety features, longer support.
Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro	Offers better camera system and performance while staying budget-friendly.
Newer Mid-Range Androids	Offer high refresh rate displays, larger batteries, and more modern features at similar prices.

Final Verdict

The iPhone 12 (128GB) remains a good mid-range iPhone in 2025 for those who want a reliable device without spending heavily on newer models. It’s stylish, still powerful, and perfectly capable of handling essential tasks. But for users who want advanced photography, better battery life, and longer-term support, moving up to a newer model makes more sense.

If you already own an iPhone 12, there’s no urgent need to upgrade unless battery life or performance becomes a major issue. If you’re considering buying one second-hand or refurbished, ensure the battery health is good and the price is reasonable.

Disclaimer

This article is based on available information and general performance trends. Individual device performance may vary depending on usage, battery health, and condition.

About the author

I’m Himanshu Dhar, a dedicated MIS trainer proudly associated with I Turn Institute. My journey in the realm of data management and automation spans over 14 enriching years. My passion for this field extends to freelancing projects, where I bring real-world practicality into my teaching. My impact in education is marked by the success of over 25,000 students I’ve had the privilege of mentoring, hailing from diverse backgrounds. Beyond the classroom, I’ve had the honor of conducting corporate training sessions and seminars, catering to the unique needs of businesses. Let’s unlock your potential together in the realm of data analysis and automation.