iPhone 12 Review: The Ultimate Guide for 2021 and Beyond
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The iPhone 12 was Apple’s flagship smartphone in 2020, marking “a new era for iPhone” with features like 5G and a faster A14 Bionic chipmacrumors.com. This guide provides an in-depth review of the iPhone 12 – covering its design, display, performance, camera, and real-world usage – and helps answer whether it’s still worth buying in 2025. We’ll break down the key features step by step and cite industry facts to back them up.
- Design and Build: Flat-edge aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front (4× tougher), and IP68 water resistanceapple.com
- Display: 6.1‑inch Super Retina XDR OLED with HDR and 2,000,000:1 contrastapple.com (about twice the peak brightness of iPhone 11)
- Processor & Connectivity: Apple’s 5nm A14 Bionic chip (50% faster CPU/GPU vs competitors) and full 5G support (widest 5G band coverage, mmWave in US)apple.com
- Battery & Charging: Full-day battery (rated up to 17h video playbacksupport.apple.com), MagSafe 15W wireless chargingapple.com, Qi 7.5W wireless, 20W fast-charge
- Camera System: Dual 12MP cameras (Wide f/1.6, Ultra Wide) with Night mode on all lenses and the world’s first smartphone Dolby Vision HDR videoapple.com
- Software: Launched on iOS 14 and still runs the latest iOS 18 as of 2024support.apple.com (Apple typically updates iPhones 5–6 years)
- Value: Launched at $799, now offers flagship features at a budget price; great for buyers looking for performance and longevity.
Read on for the full review, and see FAQ below for quick answers to common questions. For more Apple device guides and iPhone news, visit FrediTech’s [Apple Devices]freditech.com and [iPhone]freditech.com sections. You can also compare it with other models (for example, our [iPhone 13 Mini Review]freditech.com covers a similar device in a compact form factor).
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 12 brought back the beloved flat-edge design reminiscent of the iPhone 4/5 era. It uses an aerospace-grade aluminum frame and Ceramic Shield front cover – Apple’s toughest smartphone glass yet. Apple states this Ceramic Shield front “increases drop performance by 4x” compared to previous glassapple.com. The phone is 7.4 mm thin and weighs 164 g (iPhone 12 mini is even smaller at 135 g).
Key design points:
- Flat-edged aluminum frame: Sleek new look with squared edges, replacing the rounded design of older iPhonesapple.com.
- Colorful finishes: Available in five aluminum finishes (blue, green, black, white, and (PRODUCT)RED)apple.com.
- Ceramic Shield front: Toughened glass front that is 4× more drop-resistant than iPhone 11apple.com.
- IP68 water/dust resistance: Rated to withstand submersion (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes) and spillsapple.com.
In practice, the iPhone 12 feels sturdy and premium. Its flat sides offer a secure grip and modern aesthetic. The Ceramic Shield really does add durability – drops and scratches are much less likely to crack the screen. Overall, the design holds up well in 2025: it still looks modern and feels robust. check out our in-depth analysis on smartphone durability.
Display and Visuals
The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display – a big upgrade over the LCD on its predecessor. Apple’s OLED panel offers incredibly sharp and vibrant visuals: it supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision content, with a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio for true deep blacksapple.com. In bright daylight the screen can reach up to ~1200 nits peak (almost twice as bright as the iPhone 11), improving outdoor visibilityapple.com.
- Display tech: 6.1″ OLED (2532×1170 resolution, 460 ppi), Super Retina XDR. HDR10, Dolby Vision, and True Tone support provide cinema‑like image quality.
- Brightness & color: Roughly twice the peak brightness of iPhone 11apple.com, with wide color (P3) and excellent color accuracy.
- Protection: Covered by the Ceramic Shield glass (front), which is very scratch‑resistant and drop‑toughapple.comapple.com.
- Bezels: Thinner than older models, giving a more immersive edge-to-edge feel (except for the notch at the top housing Face ID).
In everyday use, the display is bright and colorful. Apps, videos, and games look crisp and detailed. The OLED’s high contrast means rich visuals in both photos and video. Whether watching HDR Netflix or playing games, the screen quality remains excellent in 2025 standards.
Performance and Connectivity
The iPhone 12 is powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic chipset – a 5‑nanometer, 6‑core CPU with a 4‑core GPU and a 16‑core Neural Engine. At launch, Apple claimed the A14 had the “fastest CPU and GPU by up to 50%” over any other smartphone chipapple.com. In real-world terms, the iPhone 12 handles everything smoothly: apps launch instantly, games run at high frame rates, and AI tasks (like photo processing) are lightning-fast. Even in 2025, the A14 is still more than capable for virtually any task.
- A14 Bionic chip: 6‑core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores) and 4‑core GPU. Built on 5nm process, it delivers top-tier performance while remaining power-efficientapple.com.
- Machine learning: 16‑core Neural Engine (11 trillion ops/sec) accelerates camera features (Smart HDR 3, Deep Fusion) and apps that use AIapple.com.
- Real-world speed: Apps open instantly, multitasking is fluid, and gaming is excellent. Even Apple’s 2024 model (iPhone 15) is only modestly faster, so the 12 remains very fast.
5G and Other Connectivity
One of iPhone 12’s headline features was 5G support across its lineup. It supports both sub-6 GHz 5G worldwide and mmWave 5G (in the US) for blazing-fast speeds. Apple notes iPhone 12 has the “most 5G bands on any smartphone”apple.com, giving it the widest 5G coverage. In good 5G areas, users see multi-gigabit download speeds (the Apple spec sheet boasts up to ~4 Gbps)apple.com. For most users today, 5G means faster streaming and downloads where available, though its battery hit is mitigated by the phone’s Smart Data mode, which switches off 5G when not needed.
- 5G support: All iPhone 12 models support sub-6GHz 5G worldwide; US models also support mmWave 5G for very high speedsapple.com.
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Includes Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0. In practice, wireless connectivity is modern and fast (the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards).
- Other radios: Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip for spatial awareness, NFC, GPS/GLONASS, etc. Standard iPhone connectivity features.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 12’s battery life holds up well. Apple’s official testing gives up to 17 hours of video playback (up to 11 hours streaming) and up to 65 hours of audio playbacksupport.apple.com. In real-world mixed usage, most users can easily get a full day of moderate use (social media, video, browsing). The efficient A14 chip and OLED display help stretch battery. It doesn’t quite match the very best endurance phones (some Android flagships last longer), but it’s competitive among iPhones.
- Charging: Supports wired fast-charge (up to 50% in 30 min with a 20W adapter) and wireless charging. Introduced MagSafe – magnetic wireless charging up to 15Wapple.com (faster than previous iPhones). Also supports standard Qi at 7.5Wapple.com.
- Charger: Apple no longer includes the wall charger in the box (as of 2020), so you’ll need your own USB-C charger for fast charging. But all charging standards are supported.
- Battery in 2025: Given normal wear, a 2020 iPhone 12’s battery health might have declined (typical after 4+ years). Apple’s performance management and battery health features help maintain performance. If needed, the battery is user-replaceable at service centers.
Overall, battery life is solid for an older phone. For heavier users (gaming or 5G streaming all day), you might get one day and need a top-up. For typical users, the phone easily lasts through the day.
Camera System
The iPhone 12 uses a dual‑camera setup on the back: a 12 MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.4) and a 12 MP Wide (ƒ/1.6) lens. Notably, Apple widened the aperture on the main wide lens to ƒ/1.6 (previously ƒ/1.8), which lets in 27% more light for better low-light shotsapple.com. The second Ultra Wide lens gives a 120° field of view. In practice, photos are crisp and color-accurate, with excellent detail and low noise. The camera excels in good lighting and performs very well in low light, thanks to improved Night Mode.
- Photo features: Night Mode (low-light photography) now works on all three cameras (wide, ultra-wide, and even the front camera). Deep Fusion (enhanced detail) and Smart HDR 3 (improved dynamic range) are also present. These combine to make daytime and nighttime shots look great.
- Video features: The iPhone 12 was the first phone to offer HDR video recording with Dolby Visionapple.com. That means you can shoot 4K video at up to 60 fps with HDR that’s color-graded in real time. Apple calls it “cinema-grade” video captureapple.com. This was a unique feature in 2020 – even now in 2025 it’s impressive. The iPhone can also shoot 4K/60fps, slow-motion 1080p, time-lapse with stabilization, and more.
- Selfie camera: The front TrueDepth camera is 12 MP (ƒ/2.2) and also gets Night Mode and 4K video. Selfies and FaceTime video are sharp and well-exposed. The Face ID system uses infrared 3D mapping for secure face unlocking.
In real-world use, the camera is one of the iPhone 12’s highlights. Daytime photos have vibrant colors, sharp details, and accurate exposure. Portrait mode works well with good subject separation. At night, the camera produces much clearer shots than older iPhones, thanks to the faster lens and Night Mode. Video recording is very strong – the Dolby Vision HDR videos look exceptionally polished (though you need an Apple TV or compatible display to view that HDR properly). Overall, the iPhone 12’s cameras remain excellent and competitive even against newer phones.
Software and Ecosystem
The iPhone 12 launched with iOS 14 and supports the latest iOS 18 (released 2024)support.apple.com. Apple’s official compatibility list shows the iPhone 12 is fully supported on iOS 18support.apple.com, meaning it will continue receiving updates and security patches for at least a few more years. Apple generally updates devices for about 6 years, so an iPhone 12 (2020 launch) is on track to get updates into ~2026. This long support life adds to the phone’s value.
As part of Apple’s ecosystem, the iPhone 12 works seamlessly with other Apple products (AirPods, Apple Watch, Mac, iPad, etc.). Features like iMessage, FaceTime, AirDrop, and Continuity (Handoff, Universal Clipboard) work out of the box. It supports Apple’s security features (Face ID, encryption) and privacy protections. In short, it gets all the latest iOS features – Dark Mode, home screen widgets, App Clips, and so on – just like Apple’s newest phones.
Pricing and Value
When released, the iPhone 12 (64 GB) started at $799macrumors.com. In 2025, it’s no longer sold new by Apple, but many retailers and carriers offer it at a discount or as a used/refurbished model. The price has dropped significantly compared to launch. This makes the iPhone 12 an attractive value if you want a high-end iPhone without paying flagship prices. You get a powerful A14 chip, OLED screen, and 5G – features that are only in more expensive models (like the iPhone 14/15) today.
When considering value, also remember:
- iPhone 12 still gets software updates and has a premium build, so it ages well.
- Its main shortcomings vs newer models: no 120 Hz ProMotion display (only 60 Hz), no Cinematic video mode, and a slightly shorter battery life than, say, the iPhone 13/14/15 models.
- If you already have an iPhone 11 or older, upgrading to a 12 is a big leap (OLED + 5G + better camera + faster chip). If you have an iPhone 13 or newer, the 12 is a downgrade in some areas.
Conclusion: Is iPhone 12 Worth It in 2025?
Yes – for many buyers, the iPhone 12 is still worth buying in 2025. It ticks almost all the boxes of a modern smartphone: fast performance (A14 Bionic is still very capable), a gorgeous OLED display, very good cameras, and the latest software. Its durable build and water-resistance make it reliable for everyday use. With 100 million+ units sold, it’s proven itself popularmacrumors.com.
For someone needing a powerful smartphone on a budget, the iPhone 12 offers flagship features (OLED screen, 5G, fast chip) at a reduced price. It’s especially compelling if you find a good deal or don’t need the bleeding-edge tech of the newest iPhones. Just be aware that some newer iPhone models have incremental improvements (better battery life, faster charging, extra camera features). But unless you must have the absolute latest, the iPhone 12 remains a solid choice.
For those undecided, consider: Performance and longevity – the iPhone 12 will handle future apps and games well. Software – it will keep getting iOS updates for years. Comparison to newer models – if those extras aren’t crucial, you save money by opting for the 12. In short, the iPhone 12’s blend of performance, durability, and price makes it “worth buying” in 2025 for most users.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is the iPhone 12 still worth buying in 2025?
Yes. The iPhone 12 remains a powerful phone, even by 2025 standards. It has a fast A14 chip, excellent OLED display, and up-to-date software support (iOS 18)support.apple.com. Its cameras and 5G connectivity keep it on par with newer mid-range phones. If you can find it at a good price, it’s a great value. As one source notes, the iPhone 12 was part of Apple’s first “super-cycle” of sales, underscoring its popularitymacrumors.com.
How does the iPhone 12 compare to newer iPhones (13/14/15)?
The iPhone 13 and later models have some improvements: slightly better battery life, camera stabilization (sensor-shift in 13/14 Pro), and (on Pro models) higher refresh-rate screens. However, for everyday use, the iPhone 12 is still very fast and its camera remains excellent. You won’t get 120Hz unless you choose an iPhone 13 Pro or above, but you will save money. In many cases, upgrading from 12 to 13/14 yields only modest benefits.
What iOS versions will the iPhone 12 support?
Apple officially lists the iPhone 12 as compatible with iOS 18 (2024)support.apple.com. Apple generally supports an iPhone for about 5–6 years. Since iOS 18 runs on the iPhone 12, you can expect iOS 19 (2025/26) support too, so it should remain updated into the mid-2020s. Regular updates mean you get new features and security patches.
What accessories and wireless tech does iPhone 12 have?
It supports MagSafe accessories – you can snap on magnetic chargers (up to 15W) and walletsapple.com. Standard Qi wireless charging (7.5W) also works. It has Bluetooth 5.0, Wi‑Fi 6, NFC, and even Ultra Wideband (for AirTags and short-range spatial apps)support.apple.com. For wired charging, it uses Lightning (20W adapter for fast charge, not included). In short, it has the full set of modern connectivity options Apple offers.
Where can I find more iPhone reviews on FrediTech?
Check FrediTech’s iPhone category and Apple devices pages for more guides. For example, see our [iPhone 13 Mini review]freditech.com or browse the [Apple Devices]freditech.com section. These pages list all our iPhone and Apple hardware articles, keeping you up to date on the latest models and comparisons.
Author: Wiredu Fred is a Senior Technology Editor at FrediTech with over a decade of experience reviewing smartphones and consumer electronics.
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