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If you’re after a more budget alternative to the most recent Apple smartphone releases, you might be wondering whether the iPhone 12 is still worth buying. The answer depends on what you need from a mobile device. However, given the cheaper price of the model compared to new Apple iPhones, and the great features which still stand up, this is a great value choice if you’re looking for an affordable iPhone.
Is the iPhone 12 still worth buying? Introduction
Prices start for the iPhone 12 at around $599/£649 direct, making it far more affordable than the newer iOS mobile devices.
Plus, online retailers like Amazon also offer the model, and may have good deals on it at certain points of the year.
We know that the iPhone 12 is cheaper than the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, but in order to work out whether it’s right for you, it’s best to take a deep dive into the specs.
Features and Specification
| Specification | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|
| Size | 5.78 x 2.81 x 0.29 inches |
| Weight | 5.78 ounces |
| Battery life | 8:25 (5G), 10:23 (4G) |
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED (2532×1170) |
| CPU | A14 Bionic processor |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP wide lens (ƒ/1.6 aperture), 12MP ultrawide lens (ƒ/2.4 aperture) |
| Front Camera | 12MP (ƒ/2.2 aperture) |
As you can see, the basic specifications are not super far removed from the latest releases. Although the iPhone 12 lacks the impressive 120Hz refresh rate of the new iPhone 14, it has some other fantastic features that still stand up.
There’s 5G connectivity, a stellar OLED display with 1200 nits peak brightness, and MagSafe Wireless Charging. The phone has a degree of water resistance, thanks to a ceramic shield. There’s a usb-c port which allows for a usb c cable charger or headphones. The A14 bionic chip is a great processor which is used across the iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The camera is fab, with great low-light action in Night Mode and Deep Fusion, which analyzes multiple exposures on a pixel level to boost detail. The ultrawide camera allows for greater, bigger images, and Dolby Vision HDR video recording is also supported on both rear camera and front-facing camera.
There is a proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, GPS and NFC support too.
How long will the iPhone 12 last?
The iPhone 12’s lifespan depends on how long it has been in use. If you brought it new, it should last 5-7 years. However, this depends on the rate at which new iOS upgrades are made available.
Is the iPhone 12 still worth buying? Gloria’s Thoughts
Okay, so the iPhone 12 isn’t the flashiest, latest model of iPhone. However, if you aren’t bothered about a mega refresh rate, even more detailed cameras or the bigger, cleaner displays of the newer models, it might very well be a good option. This is especially true if you are on a budget. Overall, the iPhone 12 is still a very decent bit of tech.