2021
Illustrative only: does not show the exact colour or condition of each unit.
AppleReleased in 2020
iPhone 12: new or refurbished
The iPhone that introduced the flat-edged design, 5G and MagSafe. An affordable way into the Apple ecosystem.
New or refurbished?
Approximate prices: the new price is the UK launch price and the refurbished one is an example. Check the current price in each shop. Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Who is it for?
For anyone who wants an iPhone with an OLED screen at a modest price and uses it moderately.
Key specs
- Display
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, 60 Hz
- Chip
- Apple A14 Bionic
- Rear cameras
- 12 MP main + 12 MP ultra wide
- Port
- Lightning
- Battery life (manufacturer)
- Up to 17 hours of video playback
- Extras
- MagSafe, 5G
- Storage options
- 64 GB · 128 GB · 256 GB
Pros and cons
The best
- Very affordable
- High-quality OLED display
- Design that hasn't aged
Worth knowing
- 64 GB version falls short
- Battery could be better: check its health
Refurbished grades, explained
The grade only describes how the outside looks. In every case the device should work perfectly.
Fair
Visible signs of use (scratches or small dents) on the body and sometimes the screen. Works 100%.
e.g. £180
Good
Light marks only visible up close. The most common balance between price and looks.
e.g. £200
Excellent
Practically no marks to the naked eye. The closest look to new.
e.g. £230
Example prices, not live. The real price depends on the seller, storage and timing.
Before you buy, check this
Battery health
Check the guaranteed minimum and whether a new battery is an option.
Warranty
Check how long the warranty lasts on each listing and what it covers.
Seller
Look at the refurbisher's rating and their returns policy.
Recommended accessories
Many refurbished devices arrive without a case or charger. These are the basics we recommend.
- Case for iPhone 12Protect your refurbished phone from day one.See on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
- Screen protectorTempered glass: cheap and saves screens.See on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
- Fast USB-C chargerMany refurbished phones arrive without a plug.See on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
- MFi-certified Lightning cableBest with Apple's MFi certification.See on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Alternatives we also reviewed
- 2021
Apple
iPhone 13 mini
- Genuinely compact
- Same chip as the iPhone 13
Refurbished from£230example
See priceAffiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
- 2022