When Apple launched the iPhone 12 lineup in October 2020, it wasn't just about speed, it was about style. This generation marked two major shifts: the introduction of 5G across the entire lineup and the return of the beloved flat-edge design first seen in the iPhone 4 and 5.
Currently, the iPhone 12 series still holds up well — but how does it compare to what came before and after?
Models Released:
| Model | Display | Cameras | Battery | Chip | Starting Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 mini | 5.4" OLED (Super Retina XDR) | Dual 12MP | ~2,227 mAh | A14 Bionic | 64GB |
| iPhone 12 | 6.1" OLED | Dual 12MP | ~2,815 mAh | A14 Bionic | 64GB |
| iPhone 12 Pro | 6.1" OLED | Triple 12MP + LiDAR | ~2,815 mAh | A14 Bionic | 128GB |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 6.7" OLED | Triple 12MP + LiDAR | ~3,687 mAh | A14 Bionic | 128GB |
Key Features at the Time:
First 5G support on any iPhone
Return of flat-edge aluminum/stainless steel design
Ceramic Shield front glass for 4x better drop resistance
MagSafe introduced — magnetic accessories and wireless charging
A14 Bionic chip – first 5nm chip in a smartphone
LiDAR scanner (Pro models only) for better low-light focus & AR
Performance :
The A14 Bionic is still very capable in 2025, powering daily apps, multitasking, and gaming smoothly on iOS 17/18.
Versus iPhone 11 (A13):
~16% faster CPU and ~8% faster GPU
Much more efficient for battery life with 5G
Better long-term support (will likely get iOS 19)
Compared to iPhone 13/14:
Slightly slower, especially in multitasking and background tasks
Lacks ProMotion (120Hz), which came in iPhone 13 Pro
Battery Life Comparison (Real World)
| Model | Avg Screen-On Time (w/ iOS 17) |
|---|---|
| iPhone 12 mini | 4.5–5 hrs (weakest) |
| iPhone 12 | ~6–6.5 hrs |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | ~7.5 hrs |
Battery wear after 4–5 years is a concern, especially for the 12 mini, which has the weakest battery Apple ever shipped in a modern iPhone.
iPhone 12/12 Pro still perform decently, especially after battery replacement.
Camera Breakdown
Dual-camera system on 12/12 mini — same setup as iPhone 11, but with better low-light and Smart HDR 3.
Pro models:
Triple camera + LiDAR
Better Night Mode portraits
2.5x optical zoom (Pro Max only)
Dolby Vision video recording
Compared to iPhone 11 Pro:
Improved HDR processing
Dolby Vision HDR video was a big leap for creators
LiDAR adds real benefit in Night Portrait Mode
Compared to iPhone 15:
No sensor-shift OIS, smaller sensors overall
Still takes great photos, just not as sharp or detailed in low light
What's Still Relevant
✅ 5G support
✅ MagSafe ecosystem
✅ OLED display on all models
✅ Strong performance with iOS 17/18
✅ Still gets iOS updates (at least until 2026–27)
What’s Missing Now
❌ 120Hz ProMotion display (introduced with iPhone 13 Pro)
❌ Long battery life, especially on 12 mini
❌ USB-C charging (introduced in iPhone 15)
❌ Camera tech improvements like Photonic Engine (iPhone 14+) and larger sensors
Should You Still Buy an iPhone 12 ?
✅ YES, if you're upgrading from an iPhone 8, X, or XR and want 5G + OLED + MagSafe on a budget.
❌ NO, if you want great battery life, 120Hz, or long-term iOS support — consider iPhone 13 or newer.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 12 series aged gracefully. It brought 5G, MagSafe, and a modern flat-edge design to the iPhone lineup. In 2025, it's still a viable phone — especially the Pro models — but the battery, camera, and display are clearly behind newer iPhones.
Still using a 12? You’ve got at least another year of solid performance. Thinking of buying one? Make sure you check battery health and go for a Pro model if possible.
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