The Apple iPhone 12 is a top-rated smartphone known for its sleek design, fast performance, and excellent features. It has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display that is bright and colorful. iPhone Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, the iPhone offers fast speeds and smooth multitasking. With its two 12MP cameras, the system can produce high-quality images and 4K video even in dim lighting.
With 5G support, the iPhone provides super-fast internet speeds. It also features MagSafe technology for easy wireless charging. This smartphone is water- and dust-resistant, making it a durable and reliable choice for smartphone users.
In this comprehensive review. We will try to understand if it is worth buying an Apple phone while there is an iPhone 15 on the market.
Table of Contents
Apple iPhone 12 Key Specifications
Unboxing Apple iPhone 12
You will find the following accessories upon unboxing a brand-new iPhone:
- iPhone with iOS 15 pre-installed
- USB-C to Lightning Charging Cable
- Documentation guide
Release Date and Price
The Apple iPhone 12 was released on October 13, 2020. The release date was officially announced when it became available in stores and online. The iPhone 12 is available in three storage capacities, each with a different price. 64GB is $799; other models are 128GB and 256GB, and the prices are $849 and $949. The iPhone 12 quickly became popular due to its advanced features.
Compact Design
The Apple iPhone 12 has a sleek, modern design with flat edges that make me think of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5, providing not only a modern look but also greater security. The phone features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with vibrant colors and sharp details.
The front and back are made of glass, with the front protected by ceramic, which has four times the loss of previous models, and the back being glass. Considering its good value, the frame has aircraft-grade aluminum edges.
The iPhone 12 is available in five colors:
- Black
- White
- Red
- Green
- Blue
It is also up to 1200 nits (HDR) thinner and lighter than its predecessor. The iPhone 11 weighs just 164 grams (5.78 ounces), and the dimensions are 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm (5.78 x 2.82 x 0.29 in) thick.
IP68 rating, which allows the device to remain undamaged in water up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes. The iPhone protects the glass from Water and Dust Resistance.
iPhone 12 Display: Stunning from Every Angle
The Apple iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels and a pixel density of 460 ppi. The 19.5:9 aspect ratio delivers immersive visuals.
Offering peak brightness of up to 1200 nits in HDR content and a typical brightness of 625 nits the display is exceptionally vivid. Its 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio ensures deep blacks and vibrant colors’ wide color gamut (P3) and True Tone technology delivers accurate life-like colors adjusted to ambient lighting.
For enhanced video experience, the display supports HDR 10 and Dolby Vision showcasing stunning detail and contrast. Haptic Touch adds responsiveness through tactile feedback.
5G vs MagSafe – which is the best new feature?
5G Connectivity
Apple 5G technology will change how we use our smartphones.5G to offer faster speeds and better performance.
The benefits of 5G offer fast download speeds of up to 10 Gbps making it 100 times faster than 4G LTE. Sharply reduced latency of around 1 millisecond enhances real-time applications, such as gaming and video calls, and the ability to connect more devices per square kilometer.
Significantly improving performance in crowded areas like stadiums and concerts. Although the current 5G coverage is limited it is rapidly expanding with major carriers investing heavily in infrastructure.
MagSafe Support
Apple iPhone 12 is another great feature of MagSafe. It uses magnets for better wireless charging and offers various new accessories.
MagSafe, another groundbreaking feature of the smartphone, introduces magnetic technology for wireless charging and a new ecosystem of accessories. The MagSafe offers convenient and efficient wireless charging with faster speeds compared to traditional Qi chargers.
Apple MagSafe chargers can deliver up to 15W of power, which is faster than regular wireless chargers. Additionally, the versatility of MagSafe accessories includes wallets, and mounts allowing for more customization. This innovative technology could lead to fewer ports and a more seamless accessory experience in the future.
Camera
The iPhone 12 has an amazing camera system that makes taking photos and videos easier and more fun.
Dual Cameras for Amazing Shots
Apple iPhone 12 comes with two powerful cameras, one a wide camera that captures more light for better low-light photos, and an ultra-wide camera perfect for group shoots and landscapes.
12MP Wide Camera: This main camera has an f/1.6 aperture, which allows more light for better photos in low-light conditions.
12MP Ultra-Wide Camera: This camera has a 120-degree field of view, perfect for capturing wide landscapes or fitting more people into a group shot.
Night Mode
Improved Night Mode: Available on both cameras, Night Mode allows you to take bright, detailed photos even in very low light. This is great for night scenes or indoor shots in dim lighting.
Deep Fusion and Smart HDR 3
iPhone 12 Deep Fusion and Smart HDR 3 are intelligent technologies that enhance your photos. The Deep Fusion improves detail and reduces noise while Smart HDR 3 gives you better contrast and color.
Smart HDR 3: Automatically adjusts the dynamic range for better highlights and shadows, making your photos look more natural and balanced.
4K Dolby Vision HDR Recording
High-Quality Video: The Smartphone can record 4K HDR video with Dolby Vision at up to 60 frames per second. This means you can capture cinema-quality videos with stunning color and detail.
Front Camera Features
12MP True Depth Front Camera: The front camera also supports Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3, making your selfies look great in any lighting.
4K Video Recording: You can also record 4K videos with the front camera, perfect for vlogging or video calls.
Battery Life
The SmartPhone is built to last all day without needing a recharge. You can enjoy up to 17 hours of watching videos and shows. The iPhone 12 offers up to 65 hours of audio playback. It supports fast charging, getting to 50% in just 30 minutes with a 20W adapter (sold separately).
The MagSafe wireless charging (up to 15W) and standard Qi wireless charging (up to 7.5W) are supported. MagSafe chargers snap into place easily, ensuring efficient charging. This Smartphone features the A14 Bionic chip, which is not only powerful but also energy efficient.
This chip helps extend battery life by effectively managing power usage. iOS includes features to maintain battery health over time, like reducing peak performance to prevent aging. This feature slows down battery aging by learning your charging routine and only charging past 80% when you need it.
Comparison: iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max vs, and iPhone 15 Pro
Here’s a clear, SEO-optimized, and human-friendly comparison table for the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro Max, and iPhone 15 Pro based on your provided details:
| Feature | iPhone 12 | iPhone 12 Pro Max | iPhone 15 Pro |
| Display | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR (2532×1170, 460 ppi) | 6.7″ Super Retina XDR (2778×1284, 458 ppi) | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR (2532×1170, 460 ppi) |
| Material | Aluminum with glass back | Stainless steel with textured matte glass back | Aluminum with glass back |
| Processor | A14 Bionic (6-core CPU, 4-core GPU) | A14 Bionic (6-core CPU, 4-core GPU) | A15 Bionic (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU) |
| Camera (Rear) | Dual: 12MP Main, Ultra-Wide | Triple: 12MP Main, Ultra-Wide, Telephoto | Dual: 12MP Main, Ultra-Wide |
| Camera Features | Smart HDR 3, Night mode | Smart HDR 3, Night mode, ProRAW | Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, Macro |
| Video Recording | Dolby Vision 4K @ 30 fps | Dolby Vision 4K @ 60 fps | Dolby Vision 4K @ 60 fps |
| Crash Detection | Not available | Not available | Available |
| Battery Life | Up to 17 hours of video playback | Up to 20 hours of video playback | Up to 20 hours of video playback |
| Charging | Lightning (USB 2) | Lightning (USB 2) | Lightning (USB 2) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (6m up to 30 mins) | IP68 (6m up to 30 mins) | IP68 (6m up to 30 mins) |
| Weight | 162g | 228g | 172g |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| LiDAR Scanner | Not available | Available | Available |
| Face ID | Available | Available | Available |
| Price (Base Model) | From ₱39,990 | Not available | From ₱46,990 |
Key Highlights
- Display: While all models feature an impressive Super Retina XDR display, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers the largest screen size (6.7 inches), whereas the iPhone 12 and 15 Pro remain at 6.1 inches.
- Performance: The iPhone 15 Pro, with its A15 Bionic chip, surpasses the older A14 processor, ensuring faster GPU performance.
- Camera: The iPhone 15 Pro introduces Photographic Styles and Macro mode, perfect for creative photography enthusiasts.
- Crash Detection: Exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro, this lifesaving feature makes it a significant upgrade for safety-conscious users.
- Weight and Build: The iPhone 12 Pro Max’s stainless-steel build makes it heavier, while the iPhone 12 and 15 Pro opt for lightweight aluminum.
Conclusion
Apple iPhone 12 remains a strong contender in 2025, offering exceptional value with its sleek design, impressive performance, and advanced features like 5G connectivity and MagSafe support. While newer models like the iPhone 15 Pro boast cutting-edge technology and enhanced capabilities, the smartphone still delivers a premium experience at a more accessible price.
Whether you’re looking for a dependable everyday device or exploring Apple’s ecosystem for the first time, the iPhone 12 is a versatile choice that balances performance, design, and affordability.
FAQs: Apple iPhone 12 Review: Features and Performance
Is the iPhone 12 still worth buying now?
Yes, the iPhone 12 is still worth buying in 2025, especially if you're looking for a well-rounded smartphone at a more affordable price than the latest models. With its powerful A14 Bionic chip, 5G connectivity, and sleek flat-edge design, the iPhone 12 offers great performance, impressive camera capabilities, and long-term software support.
While newer models like the iPhone 14 come with upgraded features such as a better chip and camera improvements, the iPhone 12 remains an excellent choice for those who don’t need the absolute latest tech but want solid performance and value.
Does the iPhone 12 have 256GB?
Yes, the iPhone 12 is available in 256GB storage capacity. Along with 64GB and 128GB options, the 256GB model gives users ample storage for apps, photos, videos, and other data. This is perfect for users who need more space for media or prefer not to rely on cloud storage.
Is the iPhone 12 or 13 better?
While both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 are excellent smartphones, the iPhone 13 is slightly better in several areas. It features a more powerful A15 Bionic chip, improved battery life, and enhanced camera performance with sensor-shift optical image stabilization.
The iPhone 13 also has a smaller notch and slightly brighter display, making it a better option for users who want the latest tech. However, if you're on a budget, the iPhone 12 still offers fantastic value with many similar features at a more affordable price point.
Is the iPhone 12 okay in 2025?
Yes, the iPhone 12 is still a solid option in 2025 for users who don't necessarily need the latest features but still want a reliable, well-performing device. With 5G support, the powerful A14 Bionic chip, and the high-quality Super Retina XDR display, it can handle most apps and tasks easily. Though newer models like the iPhone 14 offer enhancements in terms of performance, camera, and battery life, the iPhone 12 remains a great choice for those who prioritize value and longevity.
Is the iPhone 12 waterproof?
Yes, the iPhone 12 is water-resistant with an IP68 rating, meaning it can be submerged in water up to a depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes. This makes the iPhone 12 highly resistant to water damage from accidental spills, rain, or drops in water, offering peace of mind for everyday use. However, it's still advisable to avoid intentional exposure to water for extended periods.
