Post
Is the iPhone 12 still usable in 2026? Honest reviewA deep dive into how usable the iPhone 12 and 12 mini, released in 2020, are in 2026 with iOS 26. This honest review covers everything from design, display, and camera performance to battery and performance degradation issues, aimed at those considering buying an iPhone 12 right now.
1. 📱 iPhone 12 in 2026: Performance and Software Support Status
· The iPhone 12 and 12 mini still impress with their performance in 2026, running iOS 26, about 6 years after their release.
· They feature modern capabilities like 5G and MagSafe, along with a beautiful OLED display and a sleek design.
· High likelihood of support up to iOS 27, with continued app compatibility and security updates expected for a considerable period afterward.
· However, limited storage (base 64GB) and battery degradation (below 80%) can be major causes of performance issues.
· The iPhone 12 mini, in particular, has a short battery life, potentially making a portable power bank essential.
· Considering the battery replacement cost ($90), buying a new iPhone might be a better option.
· They feature modern capabilities like 5G and MagSafe, along with a beautiful OLED display and a sleek design.
· High likelihood of support up to iOS 27, with continued app compatibility and security updates expected for a considerable period afterward.
· However, limited storage (base 64GB) and battery degradation (below 80%) can be major causes of performance issues.
· The iPhone 12 mini, in particular, has a short battery life, potentially making a portable power bank essential.
· Considering the battery replacement cost ($90), buying a new iPhone might be a better option.
00:00 - 01:25
1. 📱 iPhone 12 in 2026: Performance and Software Support Status
· The iPhone 12 and 12 mini still impress with their performance in 2026, running iOS 26, about 6 years after their release.
· They feature modern capabilities like 5G and MagSafe, along with a beautiful OLED display and a sleek design.
· High likelihood of support up to iOS 27, with continued app compatibility and security updates expected for a considerable period afterward.
· However, limited storage (base 64GB) and battery degradation (below 80%) can be major causes of performance issues.
· The iPhone 12 mini, in particular, has a short battery life, potentially making a portable power bank essential.
· Considering the battery replacement cost ($90), buying a new iPhone might be a better option.
· They feature modern capabilities like 5G and MagSafe, along with a beautiful OLED display and a sleek design.
· High likelihood of support up to iOS 27, with continued app compatibility and security updates expected for a considerable period afterward.
· However, limited storage (base 64GB) and battery degradation (below 80%) can be major causes of performance issues.
· The iPhone 12 mini, in particular, has a short battery life, potentially making a portable power bank essential.
· Considering the battery replacement cost ($90), buying a new iPhone might be a better option.
01:26 - 04:02
2. 🔋 iPhone 12 Battery Performance and Replacement Value
· The biggest drawback of the iPhone 12 series is its battery life. The 12 mini, especially, had poor battery performance even at launch.
· If the battery health drops below 80%, you might experience reduced usage time and unexpected shutdowns.
· Apple's official battery replacement cost is around $90. Even after replacement, carrying a charger or using a power bank is recommended for anything beyond light use.
· At this point, considering a used iPhone 12 or a different device might be more sensible than replacing the battery.
· If the battery health drops below 80%, you might experience reduced usage time and unexpected shutdowns.
· Apple's official battery replacement cost is around $90. Even after replacement, carrying a charger or using a power bank is recommended for anything beyond light use.
· At this point, considering a used iPhone 12 or a different device might be more sensible than replacing the battery.
04:03 - 07:16
3. ✨ iPhone 12 & 12 mini Design and Display: Timeless Beauty
· The iPhone 12 series boasts timeless beauty with its modern flat design, aluminum frame, and glass back.
· The significantly improved OLED display compared to previous models offers sharp and vivid colors.
· The 12 mini, in particular, is attractively compact for one-handed use, appealing to users who prefer smaller smartphones.
· While the notch was somewhat large even for its time, it doesn't detract from the overall design.
· It incorporates the latest technologies of its era, such as MagSafe and IP68 water and dust resistance.
· Even in 2026, the iPhone 12's design remains stylish, holding its own against the latest iPhones.
· The significantly improved OLED display compared to previous models offers sharp and vivid colors.
· The 12 mini, in particular, is attractively compact for one-handed use, appealing to users who prefer smaller smartphones.
· While the notch was somewhat large even for its time, it doesn't detract from the overall design.
· It incorporates the latest technologies of its era, such as MagSafe and IP68 water and dust resistance.
· Even in 2026, the iPhone 12's design remains stylish, holding its own against the latest iPhones.
07:17 - 09:44
4. 📸 iPhone 12 Camera: Still Usable Performance
· The 12MP main wide and ultra-wide lens setup still delivers decent photo quality in 2026.
· Especially in bright conditions, the photo results are comparable to the latest iPhones.
· Night mode support allows for satisfactory results even in low-light environments.
· The lack of a telephoto lens is a downside, but the ultra-wide lens enables various shooting perspectives.
· The 4K 60fps video recording capability remains useful.
· The 12MP front camera provides sufficient quality for social media and video calls.
· Especially in bright conditions, the photo results are comparable to the latest iPhones.
· Night mode support allows for satisfactory results even in low-light environments.
· The lack of a telephoto lens is a downside, but the ultra-wide lens enables various shooting perspectives.
· The 4K 60fps video recording capability remains useful.
· The 12MP front camera provides sufficient quality for social media and video calls.
09:45 - 12:58
5. 🤔 iPhone 12 Value in 2026 and Who Should Buy It
· The iPhone 12 is still a capable device overall, considering its performance, design, and camera.
· However, battery degradation and limited storage can hinder the user experience.
· Available on the used market for under $200, finding a good condition unit around $150 can be a reasonable choice.
· If you're on a tight budget and want a basic iPhone experience, the iPhone 12 could be a good option.
· However, for a better experience, purchasing the iPhone 13 series or a newer model is recommended.
· If you're currently using an iPhone 12, replacing the device might be a better long-term decision than replacing the battery.
· However, battery degradation and limited storage can hinder the user experience.
· Available on the used market for under $200, finding a good condition unit around $150 can be a reasonable choice.
· If you're on a tight budget and want a basic iPhone experience, the iPhone 12 could be a good option.
· However, for a better experience, purchasing the iPhone 13 series or a newer model is recommended.
· If you're currently using an iPhone 12, replacing the device might be a better long-term decision than replacing the battery.