Apple iPhone 12 in 2025: Still Worth It or Time to Move On?

You’ll have a clear understanding of the iPhone 12’s advantages, potential drawbacks, and why buying a refurbished model through Wise Market Australia could be the best decision you’ll make in 2025.

Jun 25, 2025 - 21:09
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Apple iPhone 12 in 2025: Still Worth It or Time to Move On?

The Apple iPhone 12, released in 2020, made waves in the smartphone world by introducing 5G connectivity, a stunning OLED Super Retina display, and Apples advanced A14 Bionic chip. Fast forward to 2025, and the iPhone 12 is now a few generations behind the latest releases. For Australians who are either considering upgrading from an older model or buying their first iPhone, the question arises: Is the Apple iPhone 12 still worth it in 2025, or has it already been outpaced by newer models?

In this guide, well take a closer look at whether the Apple iPhone 12 still holds value in 2025 and if it is the right device for you. Well also compare it to the latest iPhone models, such as the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and the newer iPhone 15, all while considering the needs of Australian buyers.

Why Consider the iPhone 12 in 2025?

When Apple introduced the iPhone 12 in 2020, it was a major leap forward for the company in terms of design, performance, and functionality. For Australians who are now exploring whether to buy this model in 2025, there are several key factors that still make the iPhone 12 an attractive choice.

  1. 5G Connectivity: While 5G is now commonplace in newer models, the iPhone 12 was one of the first devices to offer 5G support. In Australia, where 5G networks are expanding rapidly, the iPhone 12 allows you to future-proof your device with this high-speed connectivity without spending top dollar on the latest models.

  2. Premium Display: The 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina display is still exceptional in 2025. Whether youre watching videos, browsing, or gaming, the colours are vibrant, and the black levels are deep, providing an immersive experience thats difficult to beat at its price point.

  3. Long-Lasting Performance: The iPhone 12 features Apples A14 Bionic chip, which was the most powerful mobile processor at the time of release. Even in 2025, this chip is still capable of handling everything from basic tasks to demanding applications, making it a great option for those who want a reliable device without upgrading to the latest iPhone.

  4. iOS Updates: Apples commitment to providing software updates for several years means that the iPhone 12 will continue to receive the latest features, security updates, and bug fixes for at least a few more years. This ensures that even in 2025, the iPhone 12 remains a viable option in the ever-evolving iOS ecosystem.

By choosing to buy the Apple iPhone 12 through Wise Market Australia, you get a refurbished model that looks and works like new, giving you the latest features at a fraction of the cost of a new device. Plus, all our refurbished iPhones come with a 12-month warranty, so you can buy with confidence knowing you're covered.

The iPhone 12s Design: Modern Yet Timeless

One of the defining features of the iPhone 12 is its sleek, flat-edged design, which harkens back to the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5. The stainless steel edges and ceramic shield front cover give the iPhone 12 a premium feel that rivals even the newest models. While the glass back and aluminum frame provide a lighter, more durable design, the iPhone 12 still feels as sophisticated as any modern iPhone.

When compared to its successors like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, the iPhone 12 design has aged remarkably well. The iPhone 13 and 14 introduced some incremental design changes, but they don't offer much more in terms of physical aesthetics than the iPhone 12. Therefore, if youre buying a refurbished iPhone 12 through Wise Market Australia, youre getting a device with a design thats as modern and stylish as it was when it first launched.

iPhone 12 vs. Other iPhone Models

iPhone 13:

The iPhone 13 features the A15 Bionic chip, a better camera system with sensor-shift optical image stabilization, and a brighter display. While the iPhone 13 is a significant upgrade over the iPhone 12 in terms of performance and camera quality, it comes with a higher price tag. If you dont need the latest features, the iPhone 12 offers an excellent value at a more affordable price.

iPhone 14:

The iPhone 14 introduced several improvements, such as better low-light photography, an upgraded display, and emergency satellite connectivity. However, the iPhone 12 is still a solid option for those who dont need the latest and greatest features. Plus, the iPhone 12 is more affordable when purchased refurbished from Wise Market Australia.

iPhone 15:

The iPhone 15 offers even more advanced features, such as the A16 Bionic chip, better cameras, and a USB-C port for faster charging. However, it comes with a significantly higher price tag. If youre on a budget or simply dont need the absolute latest features, the iPhone 12 provides a fantastic balance of price and performance.

iPhone 12 Display: Still a Leader in its Class

One of the standout features of the iPhone 12 is its 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina display. OLED technology offers more vibrant colours, deeper blacks, and superior contrast compared to older LCD screens. Whether youre streaming your favourite shows, playing games, or browsing the web, the iPhone 12s screen still provides an incredibly immersive experience, even in 2025.

While the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models improved upon the display in terms of brightness and ProMotion technology (120Hz refresh rate), the iPhone 12s display is still excellent for the vast majority of users. For Australians looking for a vibrant screen for everyday tasks, the iPhone 12 remains an excellent choice, especially when purchasing refurbished through Wise Market Australia, where each unit undergoes extensive quality checks.

Performance: A14 Bionic Chip Still Powers Through in 2025

The iPhone 12 is powered by the A14 Bionic chip, which was the first chip built on a 5-nanometer process, making it highly efficient and powerful. Even in 2025, the A14 chip is more than capable of handling modern apps, multitasking, gaming, and augmented reality (AR) experiences. The chip, combined with iOS optimizations, ensures that the iPhone 12 remains fast and responsive, even as new apps and software updates roll out.

When compared to newer models like the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and the iPhone 15, the A14 Bionic chip may not be as powerful as the newer A15, A16, or A17 chips. However, for most users, the A14 chip provides more than enough processing power. Whether youre checking emails, streaming content, or playing graphics-intensive games like Call of Duty Mobile, the iPhone 12 still delivers excellent performance at a much lower price point than the latest iPhones.

When purchasing a refurbished Apple iPhone 12 from Wise Market Australia, youre getting a tested and certified device, ensuring that it runs just like new. Refurbished iPhones go through extensive performance testing, making them a great option for anyone looking to save money without compromising on quality or performance.

Camera System: Great Photos, Even in 2025

The iPhone 12 features a dual-camera system: a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The wide lens has an f/1.6 aperture, which allows for more light to reach the sensor, resulting in brighter photos in low-light situations. In 2025, the camera system on the iPhone 12 still performs admirably, with sharp details, vibrant colours, and accurate skin tones.

While newer models like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 feature improvements like Night Mode on both lenses, Cinematic Mode, and better low-light performance, the iPhone 12 camera system still holds up well for most users. If youre into casual photography, social media, or even video creation, the iPhone 12 provides excellent value without the need to upgrade to the latest models.

For Australians looking for a capable camera without the premium cost, the iPhone 12 is a great choice. When purchased through Wise Market Australia, youre assured that your refurbished iPhone 12s camera is thoroughly tested to ensure it works perfectly, offering you high-quality photos and videos for years to come.

Battery Life: Get Through the Day with Ease

The iPhone 12 offers solid battery life, thanks to its efficient A14 Bionic chip and a moderately sized battery. Apple claims that the iPhone 12 can last up to 17 hours of video playback, which is more than enough for a full day of usage. Whether youre using your phone for work, school, or entertainment, the iPhone 12s battery life should be sufficient for most Australians looking for a reliable device.

When compared to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, the iPhone 12 may have slightly shorter battery life, but it still provides more than enough power to get through the day. For Australians who dont mind charging their phone once a day, the iPhone 12 remains a very capable device.

One of the added benefits of purchasing a refurbished iPhone 12 from Wise Market Australia is that all our devices are tested to ensure battery health is optimal. This means that even with a used device, youre still getting great battery performance.

Why Buy the iPhone 12 Through Wise Market Australia?

When you buy the Apple iPhone 12 through Wise Market Australia, youre not just getting a great price; youre also getting a fully tested, certified refurbished device. All our refurbished iPhones undergo rigorous quality checks to ensure they meet the highest standards of performance and appearance. Plus, every iPhone comes with a 12-month warranty, so you can buy with confidence.

Our commitment to providing affordable, high-quality iPhones means that you can enjoy all the benefits of owning a premium Apple device without paying the full price. With fast shipping across Australia and excellent customer support, buying from Wise Market Australia ensures that you get the best possible experience when purchasing an iPhone.

Conclusion: Should You Choose the iPhone 12 in 2025?

In conclusion, the Apple iPhone 12 remains a solid, reliable choice for Australian consumers in 2025. With its excellent design, powerful performance, and impressive camera system, the iPhone 12 continues to hold its own against newer models. If youre looking for a more affordable iPhone that still offers great value, the iPhone 12 is an excellent option.

By purchasing a refurbished iPhone 12 from Wise Market Australia, you get the best of both worlds: a high-quality device at a lower price, backed by a 12-month warranty and customer support. Whether youre upgrading from an older iPhone or making the switch to Apple for the first time, the iPhone 12 is still a great choice in 2025.

Head over to Wise Market Australia today to browse our selection of refurbished iPhone 12 models and experience the perfect balance of performance, design, and value!