iPhone 12 Pro in 2025: Still Worth Buying or Time to Upgrade?

When the iPhone 12 Pro arrived in 2020, it felt like a huge leap forward; the new design, 5G, MagSafe, and a frosted glass finish made it stand out from its predecessors. Fast forward to 2025, and this device has officially hit the five-year mark. The question many users still ask is simple: does it still hold up today?

Design and Build Quality

Even after all these years, the iPhone 12 Pro remains one of Apple’s most premium-looking phones. Its flat stainless-steel frame, frosted glass back, and squared-off design still feel sturdy and elegant. The phone continues to look and feel expensive, especially compared to newer mid-range devices.

Apple’s decision to use a matte glass back paid off; it resists fingerprints and gives the phone a classy texture. The triple-camera layout, though now familiar, was quite distinctive when it first launched. The device also supports MagSafe, which makes wireless charging and magnetic accessories convenient even today.

In hand, the 12 Pro feels well-balanced. It’s not too heavy, and its 6.1-inch size makes it manageable for most users. Even the IP68 water resistance and overall durability have held up surprisingly well.

Display and Visual Experience

The iPhone 12 Pro sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel, and even in 2025, it looks excellent. The colors are vibrant, the blacks are deep, and the brightness levels remain strong enough for outdoor use. It may not have the 120Hz ProMotion display that newer iPhones feature, but for most users, the 60Hz refresh rate still feels smooth for everyday use.

What’s impressive is how this panel continues to compete against modern mid-tier phones. The sharpness, accuracy, and contrast ratio are top-notch, even compared to newer displays. Apple’s calibration from that era still holds its own against many 2025 devices.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the A14 Bionic chip was ahead of its time when it launched. Paired with 6GB of RAM, the performance remains surprisingly capable in 2025. Day-to-day tasks like browsing, streaming, and messaging run smoothly. Even heavier apps and casual gaming work well, though you’ll notice a difference compared to newer models with the latest Apple chips.

Apple’s long software support gives this phone a big advantage. It still runs the latest iOS version, and Apple is likely to continue updating it for at least another year or two. However, you won’t find the newer “Apple Intelligence” AI features that are exclusive to recent devices. That’s one area where the 12 Pro shows its age.

Camera Quality

When it comes to photography, the iPhone 12 Pro still delivers impressive results for a five-year-old device. It features a triple-lens setup wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto all 12 megapixels. Images are sharp, colors are balanced, and dynamic range remains excellent in good lighting.

The main sensor continues to perform well in most situations, although it struggles a bit in low light compared to newer models with larger sensors. Portrait shots still look great, and video performance is solid, offering 4K recording at 60fps on both the front and rear cameras.

If you’re upgrading from something older like an iPhone XR or 11, you’ll still be impressed. But against modern iPhones with larger sensors and advanced computational photography, the 12 Pro feels just a step behind.

Battery Life and Charging

This is where age becomes noticeable. The iPhone 12 Pro originally shipped with a 2815mAh battery fine for 2020, but modest by 2025 standards. After years of use, many units may have seen some battery degradation. While it still gets through a light day of use, power users might find themselves reaching for a charger by evening.

MagSafe wireless charging remains a handy feature, and wired charging through the Lightning port is fast enough, though not as quick as the newer USB-C models.

If you’re considering buying one secondhand, it’s worth checking the battery health or replacing it. That single upgrade can make the phone feel noticeably fresher.

Price and Value in 2025

On the used market, the iPhone 12 Pro now averages around $300, depending on condition and storage. That’s still a decent deal for a phone with flagship build quality and Apple’s software support. However, it competes with newer options like the iPhone 13 or 14, which offer better cameras, longer battery life, and the same software features for slightly higher prices.

If your budget is limited and you want a premium-feeling iPhone that still runs smoothly, the 12 Pro is worth considering. But if you can stretch your budget, the 13 Pro or 14 Pro offers a more future-proof experience.

Where It Still Shines

What makes the iPhone 12 Pro stand out in 2025 is how balanced it still feels. The design remains timeless, the display quality rivals many modern phones, and the performance hasn’t slowed down dramatically. It’s reliable, stylish, and capable of handling most daily tasks without breaking a sweat.

Where It Shows Its Age

However, there are areas where its age shows. The 60Hz refresh rate, smaller battery, and absence of newer AI-driven features make it feel slightly dated. Its camera, while capable, no longer leads the pack. For users who rely heavily on photography or long battery life, newer iPhones are clearly better options.

Final Verdict

In 2025, the iPhone 12 Pro stands as a reminder of Apple’s strong hardware and design philosophy. It’s not perfect, no five-year-old phone is but it continues to perform admirably for its age. The combination of its solid build, sharp display, and capable cameras make it a reliable everyday phone.

For those who already own it, there’s no urgent reason to upgrade unless you need better battery life or want the latest features. For those considering buying it, it’s still a dependable option at the right price though if you can find an iPhone 13 Pro or 14 Pro for a small difference, that might be the smarter move.

The iPhone 12 Pro may be five years old, but it’s far from forgotten. In a world where smartphones evolve quickly, this one still stands tall, a classic blend of design, performance, and durability that continues to impress even in 2025.

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