The iPhone 12 was released in October 2020 to much fanfare, ushering in Apple’s first 5G-enabled smartphones. Over a year later, how does this device hold up on the used market? Should you consider purchasing a pre-owned iPhone 12 rather than opting for the latest model? The first question you need to check in the market is –How much is the iPhone 12?
In this post, we’ll provide a brief review of the iPhone 12 and make the case for going the used route.
Key iPhone 12 Specs and Features
Let’s start with a refresher on some of the iPhone 12’s core specs and features:
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display
- Rear Camera: Dual 12MP camera system (wide and ultra-wide)
- Front Camera: 12MP TrueDepth front camera
- Chip: A14 Bionic, the fastest chip in a smartphone when launched
- 5G Connectivity: The first iPhone models to support high-speed 5G networks
- Design: An all-new flat-edge industrial design reminiscent of the iPhone 5
- Durability: Ceramic Shield front glass for 4x better drop performance
- Battery Life: Up to 17 hours of video playback
- Storage Options: 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB
It’s easy to see why the iPhone 12 has been one of Apple’s most popular phones. Its winning combination of performance, camera quality, and future-proofed 5G support hit the major wish list items for many smartphone shoppers.
Not to mention, its slick new (yet familiar) design aesthetics and range of colors appealed to buyers wanting both style and substance from their device upgrade.
Why Consider Buying a Used or Refurbished iPhone 12?
Now the obvious question: if the iPhone 12 has so much going for it, why buy used one? Wouldn’t you be better off purchasing the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 brand new?
Here are some compelling reasons why a pre-owned iPhone 12 deserves strong consideration:
How much is the iPhone 12 – Significant Savings
For many buyers, how much is the iPhone 12, when purchased used or refurbished, is quite a bit less than a brand new model – we’re talking $100+ savings easily. Whether you opt for a direct used purchase or a carrier refurb, you stand to keep more cash in your wallet compared to buying new.
Every dollar saved can go towards a case, screen protector, or other accessory that will keep your used device looking its best. And if you’re buying unlocked, those savings mean you could upgrade to a higher storage tier for less overall spend.
Still Speedy and Capable
While the latest A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 13 line provides a performance boost, the A14 chip inside the iPhone 12 is no slouch either. It handily outpaces the vast majority of Android device processors and handles iOS fluidly.
Casual and even power users will be happy with the iPhone 12’s zippy responsiveness for social media, web browsing, gaming, content creation, and productivity. Unless you need the fastest speeds for intensive creative workloads, an iPhone 12 will tackle most tasks without issue.
Excellent, Versatile Camera System
The iPhone 12 also delivers fantastic photographic capabilities thanks to its dual 12MP camera array. You’ll be able to capture crisp, detailed shots in bright and low-light environments. The standard wide lens is great for landscapes and portraits while the ultra-wide lens lets you fit more of a scene into each shot.
Between Apple’s continually updated camera processing and the iPhone 12’s native tools like Night Mode, you’ll have pro-level controls right at your fingertips. Photo and video lovers can rest assured that buying used does not mean settling for lackluster imaging.
Long Software Support
One massive incentive to buy an iPhone 12 used is that you can expect at least 4 more years of software support from Apple. Used Android devices often have uncertain futures regarding major OS and security updates from Google and manufacturers. With the iPhone 12 bought now, you would still qualify for updates up through iOS 18 or 19 down the road. By these details, you get to know how much is the iPhone 12.
This exceptional level of extended software support adds tremendous long-term value compared to Android handsets. It ensures your used iPhone will stay current, capable, and protected against vulnerabilities for years to come.
Carrier Flexibility
Whether shopping for an unlocked iPhone 12 or aiming to use an existing carrier, going the used route opens up flexibility. Those with a tight budget can opt for more affordable prepaid or no-contract plans compared to financing a new phone.
Alternatively, if you want to retain unlimited data or legacy plan perks, you may only need to swap the SIM from your previous iPhone into your “new” used one. Either way, buying used frees you to choose your carrier terms rather than being locked in from the get-go.
What to Look for When Buying a Used iPhone 12
Clearly the used and refurbished market has loads of great iPhone 12 deals up for grabs. But how do you go about picking the right pre-owned device? Here are key factors to evaluate:
Battery Health
A used phone’s battery capacity diminishes over time so checking its battery health is essential. Apple provides this metric for iPhones indicating maximum capacity and if servicing is recommended. Look for 90% or higher for decent longevity.
Physical Condition
Inspect any cosmetic flaws closely– small scratches are typical but major cracking or unresponsive buttons warrant caution. Confirm things like rear cameras, mics, and speakers function properly.
Screen Condition
Scratches, chips or cracked screens on OLED displays can be costly fixes. Carefully check for any display damage, distortion, dead pixels, or touch sensitivity issues.
Storage Capacity
Evaluate if the device storage space meets your needs. A 64GB iPhone 12 in good shape offers solid value. But pay a small premium if you require more than base storage for apps, photos and offline media.
Following these guidelines will help surface the best valued iPhone 12 unit for your budget and needs. Be sure to buy only from reputable sellers for further purchase protection and assurance.
iPhone 12 Used Pricing – How much is the iPhone 12
So what can you expect to actually pay if buying a pre-owned iPhone 12 unit? Pricing will vary somewhat based on exact model, storage capacity, condition and whether the device is locked, unlocked or refurbished.
But here is an overview of current fair market used pricing as of early 2024:
- Used 64 GB iPhone 12: $420 – $520
- Used 128 GB iPhone 12: $470 – $570
- Used 256 GB iPhone 12: $550 – $650
Meanwhile, refurbished units tend to command 10-15% higher premiums, given their restored condition and often better warranties.
For the budget-focused, even an older generation, such as the iPhone 11, offers incredible performance and camera abilities at lower use rates:
- Used 64 GB iPhone 11: $320 – $380
- Used 128 GB iPhone 11: $370 – $430
At these affordable pre-owned prices for late model iPhones, there are phenomenal deals to be had compared to paying $800+ for the newest releases. Therefore, make sure to know how much is the iPhone 12.
Just remember to thoroughly vet any secondhand iPhone and ensure it works properly before parting with your hard-earned cash. Pay via buyer-protected payment methods for additional peace of mind with major purchases.
Recap – Why Buying a Pre-Owned iPhone 12 Shines
To recap, here are the most compelling reasons why purchasing a used or refurbished iPhone 12 is a savvy move:
How much is the iPhone 12 – Exceptional value pricing compared to the new
- Still lightning-fast A14 Bionic chip performance
- Top-notch OLED display for visuals and media
- Dual camera versatility supporting photography pros and novices alike
- Confidence in longer-term iOS support direct from Apple
- Carrier flexibility when the device is unlocked
- Environmentally friendly and sustainable choice
- Ability to maximize storage needs within budget
- Noticeable savings that can offset accessories or plan costs
- It is a fantastic way to finally enjoy a late-model iPhone upgrade at a lower cost.
For these reasons and more, don’t hesitate to consider going the pre-owned route if you have your eye on an iPhone 12 for your next device.
The Best Place to Buy a Used iPhone 12
At Gizmogo, we make it easy to score spectacular deals on used and refurbished tech like the iPhone 12. Our online marketplace connects you with gently used devices from premium brands that are rigorously tested and backed by warranty protection.
Whether you choose to buy, sell or trade-in, Gizmogo offers the very best secondhand shopping experience. We stand behind every purchase with a risk-free returns policy and round the clock customer support.
Ready to browse iPhone 12 inventory or list your own device for cash? Click here to visit Gizmogo and get started!
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iPhone 12 Mini:
- The smallest, most lightweight model in the lineup, featuring a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display.
- Despite its compact size, it shares the same advanced A14 Bionic chip and dual-camera system as the standard iPhone 12, making it a powerful choice for users who prefer a smaller device without compromising on performance. https://www.gizmogo.com/sell-phones/apple/sell-iphone-12-mini
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iPhone 12:
- Offers a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, providing a larger screen for multimedia consumption and gaming.
- Equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, it delivers excellent performance, and its advanced dual-camera system supports Night mode and Deep Fusion on both cameras. https://www.gizmogo.com/sell-phones/apple/sell-iphone-12
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iPhone 12 Pro:
- Also features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display but with added premium materials, including a stainless steel frame and matte glass back.
- Includes a triple-camera system with a LiDAR scanner for better depth sensing, advanced AR capabilities, and improved low-light photography. The A14 Bionic chip ensures top-tier performance for every task. https://www.gizmogo.com/sell-phones/apple/sell-iphone-12-pro
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iPhone 12 Pro Max:
- The largest and most feature-packed model boasts a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display for an immersive viewing experience.
- Enhances the Pro’s camera system with a larger sensor and sensor-shift optical image stabilization for the best photo and video quality in the lineup. It also benefits from the same A14 Bionic chip and premium materials as the iPhone 12 Pro. https://www.gizmogo.com/sell-phones/apple/sell-iphone-12-pro-max
Sell Your Used iPhone Hassle-Free.
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We make it fast and convenient to sell your used iPhone without dealing with sketchy buyers or PayPal/shipping hassles. No matter what iPhone model you have, from the 6S to the 12 Pro Max, we’ll provide a fair, competitive value sight unseen. There’s no obligation to trade in, either!
Click here to get an instant price quote on your iPhone and see how much cash Gizmogo will pay!
Selling or trading your used iPhone with Gizmogo guarantees you the most cash return for your gadget. Partnering with us means ditching frustrating user experiences and embracing exceptional service at every step.
Reach out now with any used iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Android device. Gizmogo handles the rest with transparency, efficiency, and some of the industry’s highest payout rates!