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iPhone 12 in 2026, is it really worth buying? Honest review after 5 years of useIs the iPhone 12 still an attractive option in 2026? This review deeply analyzes its purchase value based on real-world usage, including performance, battery life, gaming, and camera, for an iPhone 12 that's over five years old. We'll cover what to consider when buying used and detail which users this older device is suitable for today.
1. 📱 iPhone 12 Purchase Value in 2026 & Used Buying Tips
· I bought an iPhone 12 in 2026 for 16,800 rupees (approx. $270 USD), which is a very low price compared to its launch price of 79,900 rupees (approx. $1300 USD).
· This device is 5 years and 5 months old since its release, but there's still high demand for iPhones.
· When buying a used iPhone 12, you need to carefully check for scratches or replaced parts. Using an app like 'Dr. Phone' for testing is also a good method.
· While 5G support and a good camera are positives, I also found a few drawbacks after a few days of use.
· The physical condition was very good, with almost no scratches because the previous user handled it carefully.
· It has an IP68 water resistance rating, but for used phones, water resistance might be weakened due to battery replacement or other factors, so exposure to water is not recommended.
· The battery health of this device is 95%, and it has been replaced once at an Apple authorized service center.
· This device is 5 years and 5 months old since its release, but there's still high demand for iPhones.
· When buying a used iPhone 12, you need to carefully check for scratches or replaced parts. Using an app like 'Dr. Phone' for testing is also a good method.
· While 5G support and a good camera are positives, I also found a few drawbacks after a few days of use.
· The physical condition was very good, with almost no scratches because the previous user handled it carefully.
· It has an IP68 water resistance rating, but for used phones, water resistance might be weakened due to battery replacement or other factors, so exposure to water is not recommended.
· The battery health of this device is 95%, and it has been replaced once at an Apple authorized service center.
00:00 - 01:26
1. 📱 iPhone 12 Purchase Value in 2026 & Used Buying Tips
· I bought an iPhone 12 in 2026 for 16,800 rupees (approx. $270 USD), which is a very low price compared to its launch price of 79,900 rupees (approx. $1300 USD).
· This device is 5 years and 5 months old since its release, but there's still high demand for iPhones.
· When buying a used iPhone 12, you need to carefully check for scratches or replaced parts. Using an app like 'Dr. Phone' for testing is also a good method.
· While 5G support and a good camera are positives, I also found a few drawbacks after a few days of use.
· The physical condition was very good, with almost no scratches because the previous user handled it carefully.
· It has an IP68 water resistance rating, but for used phones, water resistance might be weakened due to battery replacement or other factors, so exposure to water is not recommended.
· The battery health of this device is 95%, and it has been replaced once at an Apple authorized service center.
· This device is 5 years and 5 months old since its release, but there's still high demand for iPhones.
· When buying a used iPhone 12, you need to carefully check for scratches or replaced parts. Using an app like 'Dr. Phone' for testing is also a good method.
· While 5G support and a good camera are positives, I also found a few drawbacks after a few days of use.
· The physical condition was very good, with almost no scratches because the previous user handled it carefully.
· It has an IP68 water resistance rating, but for used phones, water resistance might be weakened due to battery replacement or other factors, so exposure to water is not recommended.
· The battery health of this device is 95%, and it has been replaced once at an Apple authorized service center.
03:56 - 04:33
2. ⚡ Performance & Gaming Test: Heating and Frame Drops
· For everyday tasks, the iPhone 12's performance is still smooth and satisfactory.
· However, when playing high-spec games like 'Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)' or doing video editing continuously for over 2 hours, the device heats up, experiences frame drops, and the UI becomes slightly sluggish.
· There are no heating issues during general use, but performance degradation can occur during high-spec tasks.
· However, when playing high-spec games like 'Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)' or doing video editing continuously for over 2 hours, the device heats up, experiences frame drops, and the UI becomes slightly sluggish.
· There are no heating issues during general use, but performance degradation can occur during high-spec tasks.
04:34 - 05:15
3. ✨ Display: 60Hz Refresh Rate and Brightness
· The iPhone 12's notch is noticeable at first, but you get used to it after about two days of use.
· The brightness felt somewhat lower compared to newer iPhones, which was a bit disappointing when watching content.
· While it supports HDR, the 60Hz refresh rate feels lacking compared to modern smartphones.
· Considering the price point of under 20,000 rupees (approx. $320 USD), the display quality isn't bad, but the refresh rate is a drawback.
· Touch response is good, so there are no issues during gameplay.
· The brightness felt somewhat lower compared to newer iPhones, which was a bit disappointing when watching content.
· While it supports HDR, the 60Hz refresh rate feels lacking compared to modern smartphones.
· Considering the price point of under 20,000 rupees (approx. $320 USD), the display quality isn't bad, but the refresh rate is a drawback.
· Touch response is good, so there are no issues during gameplay.
05:16 - 05:40
4. 🔄 Software Updates and Network Connectivity
· It currently has iOS 17 installed and is still receiving the latest updates.
· It's uncertain if updates will be provided next year; Apple usually provides updates for 5 years, but it could be longer.
· Important apps like banking apps will likely work for another 2-3 years, but usage might become difficult once updates stop.
· There were no issues with network and connectivity (5G, Wi-Fi, call quality). Network connectivity issues that occurred on the iPhone 11 did not appear on the iPhone 12.
· Wi-Fi speeds are slightly slower than newer iPhones, but Airtel and Jio networks worked well.
· It's uncertain if updates will be provided next year; Apple usually provides updates for 5 years, but it could be longer.
· Important apps like banking apps will likely work for another 2-3 years, but usage might become difficult once updates stop.
· There were no issues with network and connectivity (5G, Wi-Fi, call quality). Network connectivity issues that occurred on the iPhone 11 did not appear on the iPhone 12.
· Wi-Fi speeds are slightly slower than newer iPhones, but Airtel and Jio networks worked well.
06:11 - 08:09
5. 📸 Camera Performance: Suitable for Content Creators?
· The biggest advantage of the iPhone 12 is its camera. Despite its age, it offers excellent photo and video quality.
· It performs well in low-light conditions and can shoot 4K 60fps video.
· It has less lens flare than the iPhone 11 and superior detail and lighting representation.
· It delivers results comparable to a DSLR camera, and it's especially hard to find a phone that offers this level of video recording performance at a price point under 20,000 rupees (approx. $320 USD).
· While it lacks newer iPhone features like Cinematic Mode or Action Mode, it's an excellent choice for those looking to start content creation.
· It performs well in low-light conditions and can shoot 4K 60fps video.
· It has less lens flare than the iPhone 11 and superior detail and lighting representation.
· It delivers results comparable to a DSLR camera, and it's especially hard to find a phone that offers this level of video recording performance at a price point under 20,000 rupees (approx. $320 USD).
· While it lacks newer iPhone features like Cinematic Mode or Action Mode, it's an excellent choice for those looking to start content creation.
08:10 - 08:45
6. 🔋 Battery Life: Replaced Battery Still Disappointing
· Battery life is one of the iPhone 12's weaknesses.
· Even with a replaced battery at 95% health, it provides about 6-7 hours of usage for light games (Clash of Clans) and about 3-4 hours for high-spec games (Call of Duty, Battlegrounds Mobile India).
· If the battery has been replaced, it's a decent level, but devices with low battery health might be difficult to use.
· Even with a replaced battery at 95% health, it provides about 6-7 hours of usage for light games (Clash of Clans) and about 3-4 hours for high-spec games (Call of Duty, Battlegrounds Mobile India).
· If the battery has been replaced, it's a decent level, but devices with low battery health might be difficult to use.
08:46 - 09:18
7. ✅ Final Verdict: iPhone 12 in 2026, Who Is It For?
· If you can buy an iPhone 12 for under 20,000 rupees (approx. $320 USD) in 2026, I recommend using it with a portable power bank.
· Overall, the device works well, and the design is still decent.
· However, it might not be suitable for users who primarily play high-spec games due to its 60fps and 60Hz display.
· It will be a very good choice for users looking for a cost-effective camera phone for content creation.
· Overall, the device works well, and the design is still decent.
· However, it might not be suitable for users who primarily play high-spec games due to its 60fps and 60Hz display.
· It will be a very good choice for users looking for a cost-effective camera phone for content creation.