Is it worth buying Apple iPhone 12 in 2024?
Is the Apple iPhone 12 still a good choice in 2024? Find out the advantages and disadvantages of buying the iPhone 12 in 2024, and how it compares to the newer models.
The Apple iPhone 12 was launched in October 2021 as the company’s first 5G-enabled smartphone. It features a 6.1-inch OLED display, a dual-camera system, a powerful A14 Bionic chip, and a new design with flat edges and a ceramic shield front. The iPhone 12 also supports MagSafe, a magnetic accessory system that allows for easy attachment of wireless chargers, cases, wallets, and more.
But is the iPhone 12 still worth buying in 2024, when newer models like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 are available? The answer depends on several factors, such as your budget, your preferences, and your needs. Here are some pros and cons of buying the iPhone 12 in 2024.
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Pros of buying the Apple iPhone 12 in 2024
Lower price: The iPhone 12 starts at $799 for the 64GB model, but you can expect to find it at a lower price in 2024, especially if you buy it refurbished or second-hand. You can also trade in your old phone or use Apple Card Monthly Installments to reduce the cost further. Compared to the newer models, the iPhone 12 offers a great value for money, especially if you don’t need the latest features or the best performance.
5G support: The iPhone 12 is compatible with both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks, which means you can enjoy faster speeds, lower latency, and better coverage in 5G areas. 5G is expected to become more widespread and reliable in the next few years, so having a 5G-ready phone can future-proof your device and enhance your mobile experience.
OLED display: The iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which delivers crisp colors, deep blacks, and high contrast. The display also supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, which enhance the quality of videos and photos. The OLED display is a significant upgrade from the LCD displays of previous iPhone models, and it is comparable to the displays of the newer models, except for the lack of a high refresh rate.
Dual-camera system: The iPhone 12 has a 12MP wide-angle camera and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera on the back, and a 12MP selfie camera on the front. The cameras are capable of taking stunning photos and videos in various lighting conditions, thanks to features like Smart HDR 3, Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and optical image stabilization. The iPhone 12 can also record 4K videos at 60fps, and supports Dolby Vision HDR video recording and editing. The cameras of the iPhone 12 are not as versatile or advanced as the ones of the newer models, which have telephoto lenses, LiDAR scanners, and ProRAW support, but they are still very impressive and sufficient for most users.
MagSafe: The iPhone 12 is the first iPhone to support MagSafe, a magnetic system that allows you to attach and detach accessories to the back of the phone. MagSafe accessories include wireless chargers, cases, wallets, car mounts, and more. MagSafe makes it easier and faster to charge your phone, protect it from scratches and drops, and personalize it with different colors and styles. MagSafe is also compatible with the newer iPhone models, so you can use the same accessories with them.
Cons of buying the iPhone 12 in 2024
Outdated processor: The iPhone 12 runs on the A14 Bionic chip, which is a 5nm processor with six cores and a 16-core neural engine. The A14 Bionic chip is still very fast and efficient, and it can handle most tasks and apps smoothly. However, it is not as powerful or advanced as the newer processors, such as the A15 Bionic or the A16 Bionic, which have more cores, more transistors, and more AI capabilities. The newer processors can also offer better performance, battery life, and graphics, especially for gaming, AR, and VR applications.
Limited storage: The iPhone 12 comes in three storage options: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. These storage options may not be enough for some users, especially if they take a lot of photos and videos, download a lot of apps and games, or stream a lot of content. The iPhone 12 does not have a microSD card slot, so you cannot expand the storage externally. You can use iCloud or other cloud services to store your data online, but that may incur additional costs and require a stable internet connection. The newer iPhone models offer more storage options, such as 512GB or 1TB, which can accommodate more data and files.
60Hz display: The iPhone 12 has a 60Hz display, which means it refreshes 60 times per second. This is the standard refresh rate for most smartphones, and it is fine for most activities, such as browsing, texting, and watching videos. However, some users may prefer a higher refresh rate, such as 90Hz or 120Hz, which can make the display more responsive, smooth, and fluid. A higher refresh rate can also improve the gaming experience, as it can reduce motion blur and input lag. The newer iPhone models have a ProMotion display, which can adjust the refresh rate dynamically from 10Hz to 120Hz, depending on the content and the battery level.
No charger or earbuds in the box: The iPhone 12 does not come with a charger or earbuds in the box, as Apple claims this is an environmental decision to reduce e-waste and carbon emissions. However, this also means that you have to buy these accessories separately, which can add to the cost and inconvenience of buying the phone. You can use your existing charger or earbuds, but they may not be compatible or optimal for the iPhone 12. For example, the iPhone 12 comes with a USB-C to Lightning cable, which requires a USB-C power adapter to charge the phone. If you have an older power adapter with a USB-A port, you will need to buy a new one or use a different cable. Similarly, if you have wired earbuds with a 3.5mm jack, you will need to buy an adapter or use wireless earbuds to listen to music on the iPhone 12.
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Apple iPhone 12 OS Update Policy
The iPhone 12 is expected to receive software updates and upgrades for several years, as Apple usually supports its devices for a long time. Based on the previous update cycles of older iPhone models, the iPhone 12 could get updates to iOS 18 or iOS 19, or maybe even iOS 20. This means that the iPhone 12 could get updates until 2024 or 2025, or possibly even longer. However, this is not a guarantee, as Apple may change its update policy in the future. Therefore, users who want to keep their iPhone 12 up to date should always install the latest version of iOS when it is available.
Features Comparison Between Apple iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14 And iPhone 15
Model | Apple iPhone 12 | Apple iPhone 13 | Apple iPhone 14 | Apple iPhone 15 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
Screen Size (diagonal) | 6.1″ | 6.1″ | 6.1″ | 6.1″ |
Resolution | 2532×1170 | 2532×1170 | 2556×1179 | 2556×1179 |
OLED Screen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
HDR Screen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
True Tone Screen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
ProMotion Screen Refresh | No | No | No | Yes |
Processor | A14 Bionic | A15 Bionic | A16 Bionic | A16 Bionic |
5G | Sub-6 GHz and mmWave | Sub-6 GHz and mmWave | Sub-6 GHz and mmWave | Sub-6 GHz and mmWave |
Camera | Front: 12MP Back: 12 MP main | Front: 12MP Back: 12 MP main | Front: 12MP Back: 48MP main | Front: 12MP Back: 48MP main |
Optical Zoom | 2x (in/out) | 2x (in/out) | 3x in 2x out | 3x in 2x out |
Digital Zoom | 5x (still) 3x (video) | 5x (still) 3x (video) | 15x (still) 9x (video) | 15x (still) 9x (video) |
Ultra wide-angle & Wide-angle & Telephoto | 12MP ultrawide | 12MP ultrawide | 12MP ultrawide/telephoto | 12MP ultrawide/telephoto |
Records Video | Front: 4K HDR, 1080p, 720p Back: 4K HDR, 1080p | Front: 4K HDR, 1080p, 720p Back: 4K HDR, 1080p, HDR | Front: 4K HDR, 1080p, 720p Back: 4K HDR, 1080p, HDR | Front: 4K HDR, 1080p, 720p Back: 4K HDR, 1080p, HDR |
Cinematic Mode | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
ProRes | No | No | Up to 4K | Up to 4K |
LiDAR | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Apple ProRAW | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Portrait Mode | Both cameras | Both cameras | Both cameras | Both cameras |
Night Portraits | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Face ID | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Water & Dust Resistant | IP68: up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes | IP68: up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes | IP68: up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes | IP68: up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes |
Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Weight (ounces) | 5.78 | 6.14 | 6.03 | 6.03 |
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Conclusion
The iPhone 12 is still a great smartphone in 2024, as it offers a lot of features and benefits that can satisfy most users. It has a lower price, a 5G support, an OLED display, a dual-camera system, and a MagSafe support. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as an outdated processor, a limited storage, a 60Hz display, and a lack of charger or earbuds in the box. These drawbacks may not be deal-breakers for some users, but they may make the phone less appealing or competitive compared to the newer models. Ultimately, the decision to buy the iPhone 12 in 2024 depends on your personal preferences, needs, and budget. If you want the latest and greatest features and performance, you may want to opt for the newer models, such as the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16. But if you want a reliable and affordable phone that can do most things well, you may want to consider the iPhone 12.
What is the iPhone 12?
The iPhone 12 is a smartphone from Apple that was launched in October 2021. It is the first iPhone to support 5G networks and has a new design with flat edges and a ceramic shield front. It also has a 6.1-inch OLED display, a dual-camera system, and a MagSafe accessory system.
Is the iPhone 12 still worth buying in 2024?
The answer depends on your budget, preferences, and needs. The iPhone 12 has some advantages, such as a lower price, a 5G support, an OLED display, a dual-camera system, and a MagSafe support. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as an outdated processor, a limited storage, a 60Hz display, and a lack of charger or earbuds in the box. You may want to compare it with the newer models, such as the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16, before making a decision.
What are the main differences between the iPhone 12 and the newer models?
The main differences between the iPhone 12 and the newer models are the processor, the storage, the display, and the camera. The newer models have more powerful and advanced processors, such as the A15 Bionic or the A16 Bionic, which can offer better performance, battery life, and graphics. They also have more storage options, such as 512GB or 1TB, which can accommodate more data and files. The newer models have a ProMotion display, which can adjust the refresh rate dynamically from 10Hz to 120Hz, depending on the content and the battery level. This can make the display more responsive, smooth, and fluid. The newer models also have more versatile and advanced cameras, such as telephoto lenses, LiDAR scanners, and ProRAW support, which can enhance the quality and functionality of photos and videos.
How can I charge the iPhone 12 without a charger in the box?
The iPhone 12 comes with a USB-C to Lightning cable, which requires a USB-C power adapter to charge the phone. You can use your existing power adapter, if it has a USB-C port, or buy a new one from Apple or other brands. You can also use a wireless charger, such as the MagSafe charger, which can attach magnetically to the back of the phone. Alternatively, you can use a power bank, a car charger, or a computer to charge the phone via the USB-C to Lightning cable.
How can I listen to music on the iPhone 12 without earbuds in the box?
The iPhone 12 does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you cannot use wired earbuds with a 3.5mm plug to listen to music on the phone. You can use wireless earbuds, such as the AirPods, which can connect to the phone via Bluetooth. You can also use wired earbuds with a Lightning connector, which can plug into the Lightning port of the phone. Alternatively, you can buy an adapter, such as the Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter, which can allow you to use your existing earbuds with a 3.5mm plug.
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