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iPhone 12 Refurbished: Complete UK Buying Guide 2025
The iPhone 12 was Apple's first 5G iPhone and introduced the stunning OLED display to the standard iPhone line. Released October 2020, it brought a new flat-edge design that continues through to iPhone 16. At current refurbished prices, it's an excellent budget-friendly option that still delivers a modern smartphone experience.
Key Specifications
- Chip: A14 Bionic (first 5nm chip in a smartphone)
- Display: 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, 2532 x 1170 pixels
- Camera: 12MP main + 12MP Ultra Wide, Night Mode
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
- Battery: Up to 17 hours video playback
- Connectivity: Lightning port
- 5G: Yes - Apple's first 5G iPhone
- Water Resistance: IP68 (6 metres for 30 minutes)
- Design: Flat edges (new design language)
Refurbished Pricing by Condition (UK - 2025)
| Condition | 64GB | 128GB | 256GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pristine/Like New | £260-280 | £280-295 | £295-305 |
| Excellent | £220-260 | £240-280 | £260-295 |
| Good | £180-220 | £200-240 | £225-260 |
| Fair | £140-180 | £160-200 | £190-225 |
iPhone 12 - Still Worth Buying in 2025?
Absolutely, with caveats. The iPhone 12 still receives iOS updates, has 5G connectivity, and the A14 Bionic handles everyday tasks smoothly. The OLED display is gorgeous. However, battery life is shorter than newer models, and iOS support will end sooner than more recent iPhones. It's perfect for users who want a capable smartphone at rock-bottom prices and aren't heavy power users.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Mini
The iPhone 12 Mini offers the same internals in a compact 5.4" form factor. Great for one-handed use, but battery life suffers significantly. Refurbished Mini models are often cheaper but harder to find in good condition. Choose based on your screen size and battery life priorities.
Storage Considerations
The 64GB base storage may feel tight in 2025 with larger app sizes and photo libraries. We recommend 128GB minimum for most users. The price difference in refurbished market is typically only £20-40 between storage tiers.
What to Check Before Buying
- Battery Health: Critical at this age - insist on 80%+ minimum, 85%+ preferred
- 5G Bands: Ensure UK 5G bands are supported (should be standard)
- Screen: OLED can develop burn-in - check carefully
- Face ID: Test multiple times in different lighting
- Warranty: Very important for older devices - 12+ months preferred
