Is the iPhone 12 still worth buying in [year]?

Yes, the iPhone 12 is still worth buying. The A14 Bionic chip handles everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking comfortably, and the 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display delivers premium screen quality for the price. All iPhone 12 models support 5G and are confirmed on Apple's iOS 26 compatibility list, ensuring continued software updates and security patches. With Ceramic Shield, Face ID, and MagSafe support built in, the range is available refurbished from £156, well below the £649 new RRP.

Does the iPhone 12 support 5G?

All four iPhone 12 models (iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max) support 5G. The iPhone 12 series was Apple's first 5G-compatible iPhone range, launched in 2020, and works across UK 5G networks. It also supports dual SIM via a physical SIM and eSIM, enabling faster downloads, lower latency, and improved network performance wherever 5G coverage is available.

What is MagSafe, and how does it work on the iPhone 12?

MagSafe is a ring of built-in magnets embedded in all four iPhone 12 models, allowing compatible accessories to snap precisely onto the back of the phone. MagSafe wireless charging delivers up to 15W, nearly double the speed of standard Qi wireless charging (7.5W). It also works with standard Qi chargers. The MagSafe ecosystem includes cases, wallets, stands, and battery packs that attach instantly and securely.

What are the main differences between the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 11?

Here's how the iPhone 12 compares to the iPhone 11: Feature iPhone 12 iPhone 11 Display OLED Super Retina XDR LCD Liquid Retina Connectivity 5G 4G only Front cover Ceramic Shield Standard glass MagSafe Yes No Chip A14 Bionic A13 Bionic Frame Flat-edge aluminium Rounded edges Water resistance (IP68) Up to 6 metres (30 min) Up to 2 metres If budget is your main consideration, a refurbished iPhone 11 is also available on Back Market.

Is it worth upgrading from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 12 Pro?

The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro share the same A14 Bionic chip, 5G support, MagSafe, OLED display, Ceramic Shield, and Face ID, so everyday performance is identical. The iPhone 12 Pro is worth considering if photography matters to you. It adds: 2x optical zoom telephoto lens (4x total range) LiDAR Scanner for better Night Mode portraits and augmented reality Apple ProRAW photo format support Stainless steel frame (vs aluminium on the iPhone 12) Brighter display: 800 nits typical vs 625 nits on the iPhone 12 For everyday tasks, the standard iPhone 12 delivers equivalent performance at a lower price.

What battery life can I expect from a refurbished iPhone 12?

Every refurbished iPhone 12 on Back Market undergoes battery health testing as part of the up-to-100-point professional inspection across 21 categories. At checkout, you can choose between a standard battery ("Good for average daily use") or a new battery ("Best for heavy daily use"), ideal for power users or anyone who wants maximum longevity. Either way, you're guaranteed a functional battery — you won't receive a depleted or failing one.

What do the condition grades mean for a refurbished iPhone 12?

All four iPhone 12 condition grades are 100% functional. Cosmetic appearance is the only difference between them: Fair: Visible signs of use on body and screen; verified parts; battery suitable for daily use Good: Light signs of use; all parts verified and functional Excellent: Minimal cosmetic marks; near-new appearance Premium: Best cosmetic condition available, closest to new appearance Use the Compare conditions tool on the product page to see them side by side.

Where can I buy a refurbished iPhone 12 safely in the UK?

Back Market is a trusted UK marketplace for refurbished iPhones. Every refurbished iPhone 12 listed on the platform comes with: 12-month commercial warranty as standard 30 days to change your mind, with free returns Up to 100-point professional inspection across 21 categories (battery, cameras, IMEI verification, data deletion, and more) The Back Market Promise quality charter applied to every purchase Browse all refurbished iPhones on Back Market.

iPhone 12

Name: iPhone 12
Brand: Apple
Price: 158.00 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.26 (98788 reviews)

(98,788 reviews)

£158.00

before trade-in

Save £491.00

Deals available

See limited deals and price drops

Free delivery by 15 - 16 Sept

Express delivery by 14-15 Sept from £5.00

Restored professionally

Based on up to 100-points of inspection

Often bought together

iPhone 12

Black • 64 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM

Refurbished price:£158.00

Versus £649.00 new

Case iPhone 12/iPhone 12 Pro and 2 protective screens - Silicone - Black

Refurbished price:£22.99

Total price: £180.99

These items might be sold and delivered by different sellers.

Pairs well with

Case iPhone 12/iPhone 12 Pro and 2 protective screens - Silicone - BlackBrand new
(289)
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AirPods Pro 1 (2021)Excellent
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AirPods Pro 3 (2025)Excellent
(224)
Refurbished price:£181.99
AirPods Pro 1 (2019)Excellent
(7,903)
Refurbished price:£95.00

Customer reviews for iPhone 12

Overall rating

98,788 verified reviews

Rating details

Accessories
4.2/5
Appearance
4.4/5
Battery
4/5
Lens & Camera
4.5/5
Overall performance
4.2/5
Packaging
4.4/5
Shipping
4.5/5

Reviews

David A.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 21/08/2026, United Kingdom.
I am very pleased with the outcome of my purchase. The phone was in better condition than stated (good), the item was delivered on the date agreed. Also the trade in offer was honoured for my phone. Overall I would use the company again to obtain refurbished Smart Phone or other tech.
iPhone 12 128GB - Black - Unlocked
iPhone 12 128GB - Black - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Good
Light signs of wear. The body may have light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
12/08/2026
Tristan T.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 09/01/2026, United Kingdom.
Back Market Turned a “Refurbished” iPhone 12 Into My Daily Driver—And I’m Genuinely Blown Away I’ll be honest: when people hear “refurbished,” they usually expect compromises. Scuffs. Battery anxiety. That one annoying flaw you can’t unsee. This iPhone 12 from Back Market completely shattered that stereotype. I ordered a Product (RED) iPhone 12, 128GB, and what arrived felt less like a secondhand phone and more like Apple quietly sent me a brand-new unit on the side. Condition: The phone arrived in exceptional condition. The glass is clean, the frame is flawless, and if you told me this device had never been used before, I’d believe you without hesitation. No scratches, no dents, no “refurbished tells.” It looks premium because it is premium. Performance: This is where the iPhone 12 still flexes hard. The A14 Bionic chip is absurdly smooth—apps open instantly, multitasking is effortless, and everything from social media to photo editing runs without a hiccup. This phone doesn’t feel like it’s “keeping up.” It feels like it’s leading. Display & Design: The OLED display is gorgeous. Deep blacks, vibrant colors, and razor-sharp clarity that makes content pop. The flat-edge design still looks modern and feels solid in the hand. And the Product (RED) finish? Stunning. It’s bold, clean, and turns heads without trying. Battery & Reliability: Battery life has been excellent for daily use—calls, streaming, browsing, and content creation. This is the kind of phone you trust to get you through the day without babysitting a charger. The Back Market Experience: This is where the real magic happens. Back Market didn’t just sell me a phone—they delivered confidence. Clear grading, fast shipping, eco-friendly impact, and a device that exceeded expectations in every way. It’s rare to feel like you got more than you paid for, but that’s exactly what happened here. Final Thoughts: If you’re on the fence about refurbished tech, let this be the review that pushes you over. This iPhone 12 proves that smart buying doesn’t mean settling—it means winning. Back Market has officially earned my trust, and this phone has earned its place as my go-to device. This isn’t just a good deal. It’s proof that premium tech, sustainability, and performance can coexist—and absolutely thrive. Highly recommended. No hesitation. No regrets.
iPhone 12 128GB - Red - Unlocked
iPhone 12 128GB - Red - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
06/12/2025
Kay A.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 18/02/2026, United Kingdom.
Overall, extremely happy with my purchase . I ordered a fair condition iPhone 12 with New battery option . The phone was immaculate. It had a clear phone case , usb lead and the pin included free .. really impressed.
iPhone 12 64GB - Purple - Unlocked
iPhone 12 64GB - Purple - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Fair
Signs of wear. The body may have a few visible scratches and dents. Items with screens may have light scratches.
Purchased
07/02/2026
Habeeb A.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 07/08/2026, United Kingdom.
When I finally got the phone even with the fair condition, the phone comes flawless with the unnoticeable dent at the top which can be covered with a case. I recommend using BackMarket to get your devices
iPhone 12 128GB - Black - Unlocked
iPhone 12 128GB - Black - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Fair
Signs of wear. The body may have a few visible scratches and dents. Items with screens may have light scratches.
Purchased
04/08/2026
Sophie F.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 02/07/2026, United Kingdom.
Really pleased with my order. The phone was in fantastic condition, barely any signs of use! I purchased 'good ' condition but the phone could pass as new. Been using it now for nearly a week and no problems at all. It's functioning brilliantly! I would highly recommend getting a phone from BackMarket!
iPhone 12 128GB - Purple - Unlocked
iPhone 12 128GB - Purple - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Good
Light signs of wear. The body may have light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
18/06/2026
Jodie R.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 27/11/2024, United Kingdom.
fantastic deal even better service bought my son a iPhone 12 64gb excellent condition not only did it arrive a day early than expected there was a hand written note saying we sent you a 128gb instead the phone is like it's brand new I will definitely be shopping here again ty london
iPhone 12 64GB - Black - Unlocked
iPhone 12 64GB - Black - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
26/11/2024
Oluwatosin O.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 20/05/2026, United Kingdom.
I bought an iPhone 12 256GB- White - Excellent condition - unlocked from Back Market and I’m really impressed with the quality. The phone arrived in excellent condition, looks almost brand new, and works perfectly. The battery performance is great and everything functions smoothly. Delivery was quick and the whole buying process was easy and reliable. I’m very happy with my purchase and would definitely recommend Back Market to anyone looking for a quality refurbished phone at a good price.
iPhone 12 256GB - White - Unlocked
iPhone 12 256GB - White - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
06/05/2026

iPhone 12 questions, answered

Yes, the iPhone 12 is still worth buying. The A14 Bionic chip handles everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking comfortably, and the 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display delivers premium screen quality for the price. All iPhone 12 models support 5G and are confirmed on Apple's iOS 26 compatibility list, ensuring continued software updates and security patches. With Ceramic Shield, Face ID, and MagSafe support built in, the range is available refurbished from £156, well below the £649 new RRP.
All four iPhone 12 models (iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max) support 5G. The iPhone 12 series was Apple's first 5G-compatible iPhone range, launched in 2020, and works across UK 5G networks. It also supports dual SIM via a physical SIM and eSIM, enabling faster downloads, lower latency, and improved network performance wherever 5G coverage is available.
MagSafe is a ring of built-in magnets embedded in all four iPhone 12 models, allowing compatible accessories to snap precisely onto the back of the phone. MagSafe wireless charging delivers up to 15W, nearly double the speed of standard Qi wireless charging (7.5W). It also works with standard Qi chargers. The MagSafe ecosystem includes cases, wallets, stands, and battery packs that attach instantly and securely.

The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro share the same A14 Bionic chip, 5G support, MagSafe, OLED display, Ceramic Shield, and Face ID, so everyday performance is identical. The iPhone 12 Pro is worth considering if photography matters to you. It adds:
2x optical zoom telephoto lens (4x total range)
LiDAR Scanner for better Night Mode portraits and augmented reality
Apple ProRAW photo format support
Stainless steel frame (vs aluminium on the iPhone 12)
Brighter display: 800 nits typical vs 625 nits

on the iPhone 12
For everyday tasks, the standard iPhone 12 delivers equivalent performance at a lower price.
Every refurbished iPhone 12 on Back Market undergoes battery health testing as part of the up-to-100-point professional inspection across 21 categories. At checkout, you can choose between a standard battery ("Good for average daily use") or a new battery ("Best for heavy daily use"), ideal for power users or anyone who wants maximum longevity. Either way, you're guaranteed a functional battery — you won't receive a depleted or failing one.
All four iPhone 12 condition grades are 100% functional. Cosmetic appearance is the only difference between them:
Fair: Visible signs of use on body and screen; verified parts; battery suitable for daily use
Good: Light signs of use; all parts verified and functional
Excellent: Minimal cosmetic marks; near-new appearance
Premium: Best cosmetic condition available, closest to new appearance
Use the Compare conditions tool on the product page to see them side by side.
Back Market is a trusted UK marketplace for refurbished iPhones. Every refurbished iPhone 12 listed on the platform comes with:
12-month commercial warranty as standard
30 days to change your mind, with free returns
Up to 100-point professional inspection across 21 categories (battery, cameras, IMEI verification, data deletion, and more)
The Back Market Promise quality charter applied to every purchase
Browse all refurbished iPhones on Back Market.

Everything you ever wanted to know about the iPhone 12

Durability
Overall performance
Camera
Screen quality

YesCompatible with latest Update
BlackColour (official name)
AppleBrand
BlackColour
12 megapixelsFront camera
164 gWeight
LightningConnector
0.74 cmDepth
6.1Screen size (in)

The iPhone 12 remains a solid choice for users seeking a reliable smartphone experience. Released in October 2020, this model features a sleek design and powerful performance, making it an enduring option in the smartphone market.

Key features:

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR
Processor: A14 Bionic chip
Camera: Dual 12MP cameras with Night mode
Connectivity: 5G compatible for faster downloads
Operating System: Ships with iOS 14, upgradable to the latest version

Who is this for?

The iPhone 12 is ideal for users who want a capable smartphone without the need for the latest features. It suits students, professionals, and families looking for a dependable device for everyday tasks, social media, and photography.

Pros & Cons:

Pros	Cons
Compact and lightweight design.	Lacks telephoto camera for advanced zooming.
Durable Ceramic Shield protection.	No USB-C port, the iPhone 12 retains the Lightning port.

Why refurbished?

Opting for a refurbished iPhone 12 allows you to enjoy a quality smartphone while being environmentally conscious. Each device undergoes rigorous testing to ensure reliability and top-notch condition. Learn more about our quality standards.

Compatible with latest Update: Yes
Colour (official name): Black
Brand: Apple
Colour: Black
Front camera: 12 megapixels
Weight: 164 g
Connector: Lightning
Depth: 0.74 cm
Screen size (in): 6.1
Height: 14.67 cm
Mobile network: 5G
Width: 7.15 cm
Camera Type: Double (2x)
Foldable: No
SAR head: 0.99
Carrier compatibility: Unlocked
Manufacturer Ref: A2172, A2402,A2403, A2404
Memory (GB): 4 GB
Model: iPhone 12
Resolution: 1170 x 2532
OS: iOS
SIM card: Physical SIM + eSIM
SD Card Slot: No
SAR body: 0.99
Serie: Apple iPhone 12
Year of Release: 2020
Storage: 64 GB
Main camera: 12 megapixels
Screen type: Super Retina XDR OLED

Welcome to Back Market

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Feature	iPhone 12	iPhone 11
Display	OLED Super Retina XDR	LCD Liquid Retina
Connectivity	5G	4G only
Front cover	Ceramic Shield	Standard glass
MagSafe	Yes	No
Chip	A14 Bionic	A13 Bionic
Frame	Flat-edge aluminium	Rounded edges
Water resistance (IP68)	Up to 6 metres (30 min)	Up to 2 metres

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iPhone 12

Restored professionally

Comes with

Often bought together

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Pairs well with

Customer reviews for iPhone 12

Overall rating

Rating details

Reviews

Reviews

David A.

Tristan T.

Kay A.

Habeeb A.

Sophie F.

Jodie R.

Oluwatosin O.

Popular searches

iPhone 12 questions, answered

Is the iPhone 12 still worth buying in 2026?

Does the iPhone 12 support 5G?

What is MagSafe, and how does it work on the iPhone 12?

What are the main differences between the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 11?

Is it worth upgrading from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 12 Pro?

What battery life can I expect from a refurbished iPhone 12?

What do the condition grades mean for a refurbished iPhone 12?

Where can I buy a refurbished iPhone 12 safely in the UK?

Everything you ever wanted to know about the iPhone 12

Durability

Overall performance

Camera

Screen quality

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