Is the iPhone 12 Still Worth Buying in 2025?

iPhone 12 Pro Max Performance in 2025:

Performance on the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 2025 is still impressive more than enough for most users. Powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5nm), it handles resource-intensive tasks like high-graphics gaming and 4K video editing without noticeable lag or slowdown.

On Geekbench 6, it scores 2122 (single-core) and 4963 (multi-core). Surprisingly, it still outperforms Google’s latest Pixel 10 Pro XL in single-core speed, though newer flagships like the Samsung S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max lead in multi-core performance.

iPhone 12 Pro Max Camera in 2025:

The cameras of the iPhone 12 Pro Max are one of the areas you should be least concerned about because of how well they perform even in 2025.

Even when compared to the current best phones, the iPhone 12 Pro Max can still hold its own.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 MP main, a 12 MP ultrawide, and a 12 MP 2x telephoto, so it’s a well-rounded setup.

Videos on the iPhone 12 Pro Max still look impressive and can shoot at 4K 60fps. So if you take a lot of them or you’re a content creator looking to get an affordable iPhone for making videos, the iPhone 12 Pro Max won’t disappoint you.

iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Life in 2025:

When the iPhone 12 Pro Max was released 5 years ago, it had what could be described as all-day battery life, but as you can imagine, that’s no longer the case today. In the last half a decade, apps/resources have gotten better but also more power hungry.

That’s not to say the battery life on the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 2025 is bad; just don’t expect it to last all day on a single charge, especially with heavy usage. Of course, make sure to check the battery health of the device before you pay for it; anything below 80% is bad. And if you can, I’d highly recommend you get a battery replacement and possibly a power bank.

iPhone 12 Pro Max Charging Speed in 2025:

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is capped at 20W wired and 15W wireless charging speed. It takes over 2 hours for the device to go from 0% to 100%, which is very slow by today’s standards.

iPhone 12 Pro Max Display & Design

There isn’t much to say about the display and design of the iPhone 12 Pro Max, just because of how premium it still looks and feels even after 5 years.

The design of iPhones hasn’t changed much in the past 6 years, so the iPhone 12 Pro Max still looks modern. The only major change is Dynamic Island replacing the notch and the shift from stainless steel to titanium.

There are other changes in newer iPhones, like the mute button being replaced with an action button, the new camera control button, slimmer bezels, slightly larger screens, etc. Overall, the look and feel of the iPhone 12 Pro Max isn’t that different from the current iPhones.

So if you’re okay with a 60Hz display and the notch, the iPhone 12 Pro Max still delivers sharp visuals, though it feels dated next to newer models.

iPhone 12 Pro Max Software Longevity

Apple has a history of long support, so based on that, the iPhone 12 Pro Max should still get at least 2 additional years of support beyond the already confirmed iOS 26; that is iOS 27 & iOS 28.

iPhone 12 Pro Max Price in 2025

If you already own an iPhone 12 Pro Max, its resale value in 2025 is still strong. On platforms like SellMyCellphone.com, you can instantly check how much cash your iPhone 12 Pro Max is worth and sell it hassle-free.

Who Should Still Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 2025?

The iPhone 12 Pro Max in 2025 isn’t for everyone, but it still has a clear audience. If you’re a casual user who just wants a reliable iPhone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, streaming, and even heavier tasks like video editing or occasional gaming, it’s more than capable.

It’s also a smart pick if you can find it at a good price, especially unlocked, since that gives flexibility with carriers and improves resale value. For budget-conscious buyers who want a premium Apple device without paying flagship prices, it’s a solid deal.