Introduced in October 2020, the iPhone 12 is the first genuinely 5G-ready mainstream Apple smartphone, combine flagship performance with an articulated industrial design. It was discontinued in 2012 due to its own Super Retina XDR display being similarly priced when compared to the 5.5 inch iPhone 4.
Table of Contents
iPhone 12 Overview
The iPhone 12, the latest smartphone released by the Apple company in October 2020, represented a major change in the smartphone sector. It introduced flagship-like features at a lower price point and also introduced support of 5G networks, the first of its kind in the mainstream team at Apple. The iPhone 12 has managed to even the performance, design, and value to make it one of the most popular iPhones ever to be launched.
The device will be housed in the medium of the smaller iPhones 12 mini and the better iPhone 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max which provide an exciting blend of power and service to the everyday users.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor | A14 Bionic Chip |
| Operating System (Launch) | iOS 14 |
| Cameras | Dual 12MP rear cameras Wide + Ultra-Wide |
| Front Camera | 12MP True Depth |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Storage Options | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB |
| Colors | Black, White, Blue, Green, Red, Purple |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (up to 6m depth) |
iPhone 12: Performance and Features (2020 vs 2026)
| Feature | iPhone 12 (Launch 2020) | iPhone 12 (Current 2026) |
| Operating System | iOS 14 | Supports up to iOS 18+ |
| Performance | A14 Bionic | Still competitive for everyday tasks |
| Display | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR | Same quality |
| 5G | Supported | Still relevant |
| Cameras | Dual 12MP | Good low-light & analytical photography |
| Resale Value | High but dropping | Stable in renovate market |
Pricing Breakdown: Launch vs Current (Global)
Below is a regional snapshot of iPhone 12 pricing — balance the original launch prices with current 2026 market values.
| Region | Approx. Launch Price | Notes |
| USA | ~$799 (base) | Typical Apple MSRP |
| Europe | ~€800–€900 | Higher due to VAT & duties |
| UK | ~£799 | Exchange rates affected price |
| India | ~₹79,900 | Premium due to import taxes |
Current Pricing in 2026
| Region | Variant | Approx. Price (2026) | Condition |
| India | 128GB | ₹43,999–₹54,900 | Retail & online offers (Price Keeda) |
| USA | Refurbished | ~$229–$499 | Often $230 for grade-A renovate |
| UK | Renewed | ~£200–£350 | Renewed Amazon deals |
| Global | Used | Varies widely | Local reseller & exchange markets |
Battery Health Over Time
Battery Health %
100 |████████████████████|
90 |█████████████████
85 |███████████████
80 |█████████████
75 |███████████
70 |█████████
Year →
2020 2022 2024 2026
| Condition | Screen-On Time |
| New (2020) | 10–12 hours |
| 80% health | 7–8 hours |
| 75% health | 6–7 hours |
iPhone 12 — The Best-Selling Smartphone in History (2020–2026)
In early 2026, industry data confirmed that the iPhone 12 family has exceed102.3 million units sold globally — making it the highest-selling smartphone model ever. It beat last record holders like the iPhone 6 series.
What Drove This Success?
- 5G Availability During Rapid Adoption – Released when 5G was becoming mainstream.
- Strategic Global Rollouts – reel launches helped manage supply and demand.
- Refurbished Market Growth – Apple’s certified renovate program made the 12 more accessible at lower price points.
- Enterprise Adoption – Many businesses systematize on the 12 due to secure iOS and long update support.
Competitive Analysis Table
| Metric | iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S21 | iPhone 13 |
| Software Support | 7+ years | ~5 years | ~6 years |
| Resale Value @ 24mo | ~58% | ~42% | ~63% |
| Active User Base (2026) | ~71M | ~28M | ~95M |
| App Optimization | ~99% | ~83% | ~99% |
Geographical Trends & Adoption
🇮🇳 India
In India, renovate demand for iPhones remains strong, with 62.9% of all refurbished smartphone purchases being Apple models specify strong brand trust in the resale ecosystem.
USA & Europe
Refurbished deals frequently drop prices below $300 in the US and similarly in Europe under certified second-hand programs — attractive to value-conscious buyers.
Emerging Markets
In countries in Africa, LATAM, and Southeast Asia, iPhone 12 sales (new or renovate) remain competitive due to value, after-sales support, and Apple’s warranty programs.
Refurbished & Second-Hand Market Growth
Apple’s design philosophy and resale value have resulted in iPhones retaining 60–70% of their original worth after years, far outperforming many Android counterparts.
| Original Price | Refurbished Price (2025) | Retained Value |
| iPhone 12 | ~₹69,900 | ~₹40,000 (~57%) |
| iPhone 13 | ~₹79,900 | ~₹52,000 (~65%) |
| iPhone 14 Pro | ~₹1,29,900 | ~₹88,000 (~68%) |
This retention fosters an active after-market wealth with abundant options for budget buyers.
Software Support & Future Prospects
One key strength of iPhones is longevity in software support. Apple typically provides 6–7 years of major iOS updates. Many industry viewers expect the iPhone 12 to remain getting updates through iOS 19 and hopefully iOS 20, potentially increase support into 2027 or 2028.
Pros and Cons (2026 Perspective)
Pros
Solid build and display
Long software support
Great camera for daily use
Strong resale value
Good performance even in 2026
Cons
Battery capacity can degrade over years
No MagSafe improvements found in later models
Not as advanced as newer iPhones (16 series)
Conclusion
From a game-changing 5G readiness device in 2020 to a past best-seller in 2026, the iPhone 12’s journey reflects strategic product design, permanent user attract, and wonderful lifecycle value. Its presence in the refurbished market — often now under ₹50,000 in India or under $300 in the US — gives it ongoing relevance for millions of users globally.