iPhone 12: Still good in 2025?

The iPhone 12 and the handy iPhone 12 mini were introduced in 2020 and brought a breath of fresh air to the series with 5G support and the angular design in the style of the iPhone 4 and 5 models. But are they still a good choice in 2025? We'll show you what strengths and weaknesses the two models have and whether they can still keep up with current devices.

What can the iPhone 12 (mini) do? The most important features at a glance

What inspires us and what is missing

👍 5G support: Fast mobile connections, more future-proof than predecessors.

👍 Brilliant OLED display: Sharp colors and high contrast (6.1 inches on the iPhone 12, 5.4 inches on the mini).

👍 Performance: A14 Bionic chip will continue to deliver smooth performance in 2025.

👎 battery life: Solid on the iPhone 12, but weaker on the mini – often only sufficient for moderate use.

👎 camera: No modern features like periscope zoom or AI-assisted modes of the newer models.

👎 USB-C is missing: Still has a Lightning connector, while newer models since the iPhone 15 offer USB-C.

How long will the iPhone 12 continue to receive updates?

The iPhone 12 and 12 mini will remain attractive in 2025 thanks to long software support. They run smoothly with iOS 18 and are expected to receive iOS 19, including security updates and new features. This keeps them relevant and compatible with modern apps and services.

➡ For 2025, the iPhone 12 will still be usable thanks to iOS 18 and probably iOS 19.

Powercheck: What can the A14 Bionic chip do?

The A14 Bionic was a technological milestone in 2020 and still offers solid performance in 2025. Apps start quickly, games run smoothly, and multitasking is no problem. Newer chips like the A17 or A18 are more efficient, but the A14 is sufficient for everyday use and many demanding tasks.

➡ If you don't need high-end performance, the A14 will still work well in 2025.

These values ​​come from Geekbench 6, a popular benchmark tool for measuring processor performance. The scores provide an initial orientation to the raw performance of a chip, but do not always reflect everyday performance - factors such as software optimization, battery status and background processes influence the result.

📌 You can learn more about the significance of Geekbench scores in our blog article.

How good is the iPhone 12 camera compared to newer models?

The iPhone 12 delivers solid photo and video quality, but shows weaknesses compared to newer devices - especially when it comes to zoom, portraits and night videos. A test by Irina Tech confirms:

📸 daylight photos: Hardly any differences to iPhone 13 & 14 – all three models deliver good quality.

🔍 zoom: The iPhone 12 does not have optical zoom, but the iPhone 14 performs better when it comes to digital zoom.

👤 portraits: The iPhone 12 often has problems with edge detection, especially with hair.

🤳 selfies: Without autofocus, selfies on the iPhone 12 are less sharp than on the iPhone 14.

🎥 video stabilization: The iPhone 14's Action Mode stabilization is noticeably better, but iPhone 12 videos appear shakier.

🌙 night shots: The differences are small in photos, but the iPhone 12 has significantly more noise in night videos.

➡ Conclusion: The iPhone 12's camera is still perfectly adequate for everyday use, especially in daylight. However, if you want better night videos, more stable shots, or autofocus for selfies, you should consider a newer model.

How long does the battery last?

The iPhone 12's battery life is solid, lasting around 6-7 hours of screen time with normal use. A test by tech YouTuber TickTech showed that an iPhone 12 with 87% battery capacity lasted almost 6 hours with intensive use - a good value for a device of this generation. So the runtime is easily enough for a typical workday without having to recharge in between.

The iPhone 12 mini has a shorter battery life due to its compact design and can reach its limits sooner with heavy use. If you only use apps moderately, you'll get through the day just fine.

➡ The iPhone 12's battery is sufficient for many users, but those who value maximum battery life are better off with a newer model.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfhFf5N85sI

📱TechDaily: “Still a top iPhone – with small compromises”

Tech YouTuber Wade from TechDaily has taken another look at the iPhone 12 2024 and comes to a clear conclusion: It remains a strong choice – especially in terms of price – but there are more modern alternatives.

What convinces:

✔ High-quality XDR OLED display – significantly better than the LCD panels of older models

✔ Solid performance with A14 Bionic – still fast and suitable for everyday use in 2025

✔ 5G & MagSafe – modern standards for connectivity and accessories

Where it is weak:

❌ Battery life – slightly shorter compared to iPhone 13/14

❌ Camera good, but no longer top - no new AI features or periscope zoom

❌ New price at Apple too high – refurbished models for under $400 are the better deal

➡ Conclusion from TechDaily: The iPhone 12 offers a lot for its price and remains a strong choice. However, those who value camera features or longer battery life should consider a newer model.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wd8rXiSMqc8

Conclusion: Who still benefits from the iPhone 12?

The iPhone 12 is a good choice in 2025 for anyone looking for a solid iPhone with a modern design, OLED display and 5G without spending a lot of money. It is perfect for everyday use, social media, streaming and occasional gaming. The camera also continues to deliver good results - especially for snapshots and videos in 4K.

However, if you value a long battery life, the latest camera features or maximum future security, you should consider a newer model.