When the Apple iPhone 12 launched in October 2020, it caught my attention with its sleek flat edges, brilliant Super Retina XDR display, and that promise of 5G speed. Three years later, I’ve carried it through every sunrise in the Blue Mountains, every lunch break flat white in Melbourne, and every beach walk at Bondi. I’m hoping to share what still thrills me, what now feels dated, and whether it’s still a smart pick Apple iPhone 12—especially if you’re eyeing a deal from Wise Market Australia in 2025.
The First Six Months: Apple iPhone 12 Joy
I remember unboxing it like any other new toy— it felt fresh, angled, and modern. That crisp Ceramic Shield screen held up after a few near misses. The screen? Still gorgeous—deep blacks, crisp text, crisp streaming, photos, and FOMO-fueled TikTok scrolling. From day one I loved taking it out to snap spontaneous shots—its dual 12MP lenses let me switch between wider scenes and tighter compositions on the fly.
Back then, Night mode felt magical. Streetlights at night now glowed warmly—no flash, no fuss—just rich shots that looked like they’d been edited. Videos in Dolby Vision HDR were next level. Compared to older phones, it was a smooth, vibrant upgrade.
Year Two: Performance Still Strong
By mid-2022, as the iPhone 13 and 14 were already selling, I wondered if my phone would feel slow. Turns out it hasn’t. The A14 chip still runs everything smoothly—apps, content creation tools, even mobile gaming at decent frame rates. iOS 17 (launched late 2023) arrived without hesitation, keeping the phone feeling fresh with extra privacy features and lock screen tweaks.
Battery life dipped a touch—it rarely lasted two full busy days like it used to, but a quick replacement at a local Aussie repair shop fixed that in a flash. If you buy from Wise Market Australia, battery health is part of the checklist, so your phone arrives ready to go.
Camera performance didn’t fade, either. Whether capturing autumn colours in Canberra or night lights in Perth, the Apple iPhone 12 still delivers vivid, sharp results. Sure, it lacks sensor-shift stabilization found in iPhone 13 Pro models, but in everyday scenarios, the results are excellent—people rarely notice the difference without pixel-by-pixel comparison.
Year Three: Real-World Longevity
Fast-forward to 2024–25: moving between Australia and family in NZ, I needed a device that handles everything without fail. And guess what? The Apple iPhone 12 still does. It has become more than just a camera or phone—it’s a dependable companion. Weatherproof in the rain, reliable in the surf, and stable enough during travel days.
Yes, it no longer has the absolute bleeding-edge features. Compared to the iPhone 14 or 15, the Apple iPhone 12 doesn’t have sensor-shift or Action mode, and no USB‑C port yet. Dynamic Island and 120Hz ProMotion are absent. But unless you’re filming professional videos or using advanced photography tools, you’ll struggle to feel left out.
Does Buying an Apple iPhone 12 Still Make Sense?
If you’re choosing your next phone in 2025, you’ll quickly realize how much the iPhone 12 has dropped in price. Whether you’re after brand-new, certified refurbished, or pre-owned devices, the model offers premium features for a great price, especially when sourced through Wise Market Australia. And because its support lifecycle still runs strong, you’re not sacrificing security or longevity.
Refurbished models in particular are compelling. They come fully tested, often with a refreshed battery and a warranty included. Buying local means faster delivery, easy returns, and support you can actually phone up. It’s a win for your wallet and the environment—a stronger choice in more ways than one.
Head-to-Head: iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 13/14/15
People ask, “Shouldn’t I just get the latest model?” Here’s what you get relative to the 12:
iPhone 13 brought sensor-shift stabilization and bumped battery life.
iPhone 14 added Action mode for video and improved low-light autofocus.
iPhone 15 has USB‑C and Dynamic Island (Pro models).
But here’s the real deal: in everyday use—social media sharing, travel snaps, video calls, banking—the iPhone 12 still keeps pace. Daylight photos? Just as sharp and colourful. Night shots? Still strong with Night mode’s help. Unless you need cinematic recording or professional photo features, it’s hard to justify the extra cost.
Australian Life, Australian Value
Use-cases matter. Here in Australia, we’re outdoors often—sunny living rooms, beach trips, coastal hikes. The Apple iPhone 12 shines in natural light. It’s rugged and dust-resistant enough for trips to the outback or camping weekends.
Plus, phone theft or damage is real life. Getting a well-priced replacement model from Wise Market Australia means fast access—no long shipping from overseas or voided warranties. You might even snag a bundle deal on accessories that matter: tempered glass, rugged case, portable charger.
Real Tips from Real Use
If you’ve got an Apple iPhone 12 or planning to buy one, here are simple tricks that continue to improve your experience:
- Use the Ultra-Wide lens for bigger scenes. Just be mindful of edge distortion—keep the subject centered.
- Adjust exposure by sliding after focus. A tiny tweak brightens mood or deepens shadow depending on the atmosphere.
- Night mode is your low-light friend. Let the phone shoot steady—it usually knows what it’s doing.
- Portrait mode still works magic. Use it for pets, food, flowers and catch those creamy bokeh effects.
- Keep the original when editing. That extra Apple iPhone 12 detail lets you revert if you over-edit in Photos or Lightroom.
Buying Through Wise Market Australia
Here’s why you should go local:
- Fully tested devices. Phones are refurbished, batteries verified, cameras checked.
- Australian warranty and customer support. No global call-centers.
- Fast shipping and easy exchanges. Need a replacement? It arrives within days.
- Accessory bundles. Smart extras at a better price.
- Environmentally friendly. You’re reusing tech, not just buying new.
Final Thoughts: Is it Still Worth It?
After three years using the Apple iPhone 12, I’m still impressed. It still takes beautiful photos, runs smoothly, and continues receiving updates. Unless you absolutely need the latest camera tricks or pro video features, it’s a smart pick that balances performance and value.
Buying one in 2025 makes even more sense—year-old flagship quality, at a sensible price. And when you choose Wise Market Australia, you’re getting support, trust, and confidence built in. That’s what makes this model more than just a phone—it’s still a trusted companion.
Make your next device decision a smart one: choose the iPhone 12, backed by local care and value. Capture your story—inside or out, near or far—and enjoy the ride.
