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Why I'm Still Loving My iPhone 12 in 2025 - A Five-Year Review
EthanParker
Technology•
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Apple iPhone 12 Smartphone
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Apple iPhone 12 Smartphone

I've had my iPhone 12 for a few weeks now, and I'm seriously impressed with the build quality - it's solid and feels like it'll last. The battery life is another story - it's lasted me a full day and then some, which is perfect for my busy schedule. Plus, the interface is ridiculously easy to use, even for a tech newbie like me. All in all, it's a great value for money.
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Why I'm Still Loving My iPhone 12 in 2025 - A Five-Year Review

summarizeEditor's Summary

I've been rocking my iPhone 12 for five years now, and I'm still loving it. I picked it up in 2025 for a steal at 35,000 rubles - it's hard to beat the value for money. But is it still worth it? Let's dive in and find out. I'll share my honest thoughts on the pros and cons, and whether this phone is still a great choice in 2025. From the display to the camera, battery life to build quality, I'll cover it all. The iPhone 12's OLED display is still a stunner, with vibrant colors and deep blacks. I love the big and bright screen - it's perfect for watching videos or browsing the web. The sound quality is top-notch, with clear and crisp audio that's perfect for music or video calls. The camera is still one of the best around, with great low-light performance and features like Portrait mode. The iPhone 12's style is timeless - it looks just as sleek and modern today as it did when it first came out. I'm impressed by the battery life, which easily lasts a day and a half with moderate use.

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settingsSpecifications

Kalite9/10
Kamera9/10
cameraDual 12MP camera with Portrait mode
Batarya7/10
VerdictPerfect
batteryNon-removable Li-ion battery
display6.1-inch OLED display
storage64GB, 128GB, or 256GB
processorA14 Bionic chip
Performans8/10
Hello everyone!
I'm still using my iPhone 12, a 2020 phone that I bought in 2025, and I'm not regretting it. I'll share with you all the pros and cons of using this device five years after its release.
Why I chose the iPhone 12?
I picked this phone because it's relatively affordable - I bought it for 35,000 rubles, which is quite reasonable for a flagship device. Considering the prices at launch, it's actually a steal. I mean, it's a 2020 phone, but it's still a top-notch device with great features.
I didn't see a significant difference between the iPhone 12 and the subsequent models: everything Apple released after the 12 and 13 series just felt like minor tweaks with a 10,000-ruble price hike. I didn't want to break the bank, so I went with the iPhone 12.
I didn't opt for older models like the iPhone 11 or X because Apple would soon stop supporting them, which means no more updates or bug fixes. I wanted a phone that would get regular software updates and support.
I purchased this phone from an authorized Apple store. I placed my order, and the next day, I picked it up. But as soon as I got home, I had some questions.
Where's the charger?
There was nothing in the box but the phone itself. Apple's really been nickel-and-diming us, and now they don't even include a charger. It's annoying: prices keep rising, but we get less and less - and original chargers are expensive! I had to buy a separate charger, which was an extra expense.
It's like Apple wants to spare us the 'extra' accessories that used to come with our devices, but they've taken it too far by leaving out the charger. I mean, it's not a huge deal, but it's one of those little things that adds up.
For comparison, check out how different the iPhone 12 box (left) is from the iPhone 8 box (right). It's clear how well Apple used to package their phones and how poorly they're doing it now:
First two months were a breeze: my iPhone worked flawlessly, and I had no complaints whatsoever. The battery life was great, the camera was excellent, and the performance was smooth.
I was checking the 'Battery' tab when I noticed my battery had dropped to 90% after just two months. But why, right? This phone was barely a year old. I mean, our model was released in 2020, but it was produced in 2021 or 2022. And I bought it in 2025. So, it's possible it sat on a shelf for a while.
This is a common issue with iPhone 11 and 12 models - their batteries tend to degrade over time. And it makes sense that a phone that's been sitting on a shelf for three years would have a slightly worn-out battery. But mine still holds its charge well, even though I always carry a portable charger with me.
My battery, however, dropped to 90% and then stabilized. I'm not sure what happened, but it's possible that the battery just needed to break in. Anyway, it's not a huge issue, and I'm still getting great battery life.
And then there's the camera.
Apple cameras are renowned for their quality, and in my opinion, they're far better than what you'd find on an Android device. Even older iPhone models (7, 8, X, 10) take better photos than a Xiaomi phone, if you ask me. The iPhone 12's primary camera is 12 megapixels, which is not the highest resolution, but the photos still turn out great, especially with the ultra-wide-angle lens - the quality remains intact.
It's all about the aesthetics, isn't it?
Software updates are rolled out promptly. The upcoming iOS 26 will be available for the iPhone 12, and as far as I know, Apple will continue to support this model for at least two or three years - that's reassuring... but there's a catch. One thing that's been bugging me about the iPhone 12 is that its processor, while decent, struggles to handle new iOS updates. I'm talking about the latest betas - they're still a bit of a stretch for this phone. So, if you're an iPhone 12 owner or thinking of buying one, be aware that you shouldn't rush to update to the latest software until Apple sorts out the bugs. Otherwise, your phone might start to slow down and overheat.
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What iOS 26 looks likexa0
As for overheating, I've been trying to avoid overloading the system - I make sure to clear the memory, and I don't leave the phone charging for too long. And, by following these simple rules, I haven't encountered any major bugs or lag. I mean, it's not perfect, but it's not a deal-breaker either.
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Compared to the iPhone 11 and earlier models, I really like the design of this one. It's sleek, minimalist, and feels premium. It looks stylish, minimalist, and expensive, but in a good way.
It's a great-looking phone that's sure to turn heads.
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I'd strongly recommend wearing a case with this phone, though. The glass back looks great, but it's prone to cracking randomly - I've experienced it myself, and it's not exactly the most pleasant thing to deal with. Even with impact-resistant cases, there's still an element of luck involved - it's not a guarantee that your phone will be protected.
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The sound quality on this phone, though, is top-notch! It's like listening to music on a high-end speaker - the sound is so clear and loud in stereo format.
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The million-dollar question: is it worth buying an iPhone 12 in 2025? I couldn't give you a straightforward answer: for those who aren't too picky, yes, it's worth it; for others, I'd say consider getting a newer model.
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Thanks for reading, everyone! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the iPhone in the comments! Are you using one right now? Share your experience with me!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is the iPhone 12 still a good choice in 2025?

The iPhone 12 is still a solid choice in 2025, especially if you're on a budget. While it may not have all the latest features, it's a reliable and well-built device that's perfect for everyday use.

How's the battery life on the iPhone 12?

The battery life on the iPhone 12 is impressive, easily lasting a day and a half with moderate use. You can expect around 8-10 hours of screen time, depending on your usage.

Is the iPhone 12's camera still one of the best?

Yes, the iPhone 12's camera is still one of the best around, with great low-light performance and features like Portrait mode. It's perfect for capturing high-quality photos and videos.

Can I expand the storage on the iPhone 12?

Unfortunately, the iPhone 12 doesn't have expandable storage options like some other phones. However, you can always opt for a cloud storage plan to expand your storage capacity.

Is the iPhone 12's display still good?

The iPhone 12's OLED display is still a stunner, with vibrant colors and deep blacks. It's perfect for watching videos or browsing the web.

How's the build quality on the iPhone 12?

The build quality on the iPhone 12 is still solid, but the back glass is a bit prone to scratches. It's not a major issue, but it's something to be aware of.

Can I use the iPhone 12 with a headphone jack?

Unfortunately, the iPhone 12 doesn't have a headphone jack. You'll need to use wireless headphones or an adapter to use your existing headphones.

Is the iPhone 12 still worth the money?

The iPhone 12 is still worth the money, especially if you're on a budget. While it may not have all the latest features, it's a reliable and well-built device that's perfect for everyday use.

What's the value for money like on the iPhone 12?

The iPhone 12 offers great value for money, especially considering its price point of 35,000 rubles. You get a solid device with a great display, camera, and battery life.

check_circlePros

  • •The iPhone 12's OLED display is still a stunner, with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
  • •I love the big and bright screen - it's perfect for watching videos or browsing the web.
  • •The sound quality is top-notch, with clear and crisp audio that's perfect for music or video calls.
  • •The camera is still one of the best around, with great low-light performance and features like Portrait mode.
  • •The iPhone 12's style is timeless - it looks just as sleek and modern today as it did when it first came out.
  • •I'm impressed by the battery life, which easily lasts a day and a half with moderate use.
  • •The build quality is still solid, with a premium feel that's hard to find in budget phones.
  • •The iPhone 12 is still a great choice for everyday use, with a user-friendly interface that's easy to navigate.

cancelCons

  • •The build quality is still solid, but the back glass is a bit prone to scratches.
  • •I wish the iPhone 12 had a more comprehensive software package, but it's not a deal-breaker.
  • •The phone can get a bit hot during intense use, but it's not a major issue.
  • •I'm not a fan of the lack of a headphone jack, but that's a common complaint for modern phones.
  • •The iPhone 12's storage options are limited, but you can always expand with a cloud storage plan.
  • •I've noticed some minor lag when switching between apps, but it's not a major issue.
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