The Apple iPhone 12 is Apple's 2020 iPhone, the model that brought 5G, a flat-edged design and an OLED screen to the standard line. Now very cheap, it still runs current iOS, though its small battery and age are the main points to weigh… Read more >
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Zero-upfront plans are widely available for this model.
Last updated: 21 Jul 2026 from 18 live offers
The Apple iPhone 12 is Apple's 2020 iPhone, the model that brought 5G, a flat-edged design and an OLED screen to the standard line. Now very cheap, it still runs current iOS, though its small battery and age are the main points to weigh.
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED has a 1170 x 2532 resolution and quotes 625 nits in high-brightness mode, with a 1,200-nit peak for HDR, protected by Ceramic Shield.
The panel is sharp and contrasty, but it runs at 60Hz and is dimmer than newer iPhones, so it looks less fluid and bright than current models.
The dual camera pairs a 12MP main sensor with OIS and a 12MP ultrawide, with a 12MP selfie camera. The main sensor still produces reliable, natural photos helped by Apple's processing.
Video is a strength, up to 4K at 60fps with Dolby Vision, though there is no telephoto lens.
The 2,815mAh battery is small and earned only a modest endurance rating in GSMArena's test, the phone's clearest weak point, with wired charging at 50% in 30 minutes plus 15W MagSafe wireless.
Heavier users will likely need a midday top-up, and a worn battery on a used unit is worth checking.
At 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm and 164g with a Ceramic Shield front, an aluminium frame and IP68 sealing, the iPhone 12 is compact, light and well built, in colours including Blue, Green and Purple.
It uses the older Lightning port rather than USB-C, and there is no microSD slot or headphone jack.
The A14 Bionic with 4GB of RAM remains fast for everyday use, launched on iOS 14 and still receiving iOS updates several years on.
The chip is older than current models but still handles day-to-day tasks smoothly.
Buy the iPhone 12 at a low price if you want a compact, still-supported 5G iPhone for the short term and can accept a small battery and 60Hz screen. Buyers who want better battery life and a newer platform should compare the iPhone 13. Buyers comparing contract terms will find current network pricing in the table above.
Specifications are provided by the manufacturer and may vary by region.
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