Since its release in October 2020, the iPhone 12 series has garnered significant attention. As one of Apple’s most popular smartphones, it marked a transition in design, performance, and overall user experience. But if you’re wondering, “How much is an iPhone 12?” you’re not alone. Apple’s pricing for their devices can sometimes be a bit tricky to navigate, especially with the introduction of different models, storage options, and the occasional drop in price due to newer models entering the market.
In this article, we’ll break down the original price of the iPhone 12, how its price has evolved over time, factors influencing its price, and current purchasing options. Whether you’re looking to buy a new iPhone 12, or perhaps a refurbished model, this guide will help you get a clearer understanding of the iPhone 12’s pricing.
The Original Price of the iPhone 12
When the iPhone 12 was first released in October 2020, it was positioned as the middle-tier option in Apple’s iPhone lineup. At that time, Apple had also introduced the iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12 came in at a starting price of $799 in the United States for the base model, which offered:
- Storage: 64GB
- Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
- Processor: A14 Bionic chip
- Cameras: Dual 12 MP system (wide and ultra-wide)
- Battery Life: Up to 17 hours of video playback
- 5G Capabilities: Yes, supporting both Sub-6GHz and mmWave bands
Alongside the standard iPhone 12, Apple also released the iPhone 12 Mini ($699), iPhone 12 Pro ($999), and iPhone 12 Pro Max ($1,099). The iPhone 12 provided a good balance of performance and features for those who didn’t want to pay for the more premium Pro models.
The base model price of $799 was relatively affordable for the high-quality features that the iPhone 12 brought to the table, particularly considering that previous iPhone models like the iPhone 11 and iPhone XS had a starting price that was often higher.
Price Changes Over Time
Since its release, the price of the iPhone 12 has been subject to adjustments for several reasons. Here’s a breakdown of how the price has changed over time:
iPhone 12 Launch Price:
- Base Model (64GB): $799
- 128GB: $849
- 256GB: $949
Current Price:
As of 2025, Apple no longer directly sells the iPhone 12 through their website. However, the device is still available through authorized resellers, carriers, and in the refurbished section of Apple’s website. The prices for these devices have decreased somewhat from the original launch price.
- Refurbished iPhone 12 (64GB): Around $549 – $599
- Refurbished iPhone 12 (128GB): Around $599 – $649
- Refurbished iPhone 12 (256GB): Around $699 – $749
You’ll also find new or near-new models sold by third-party retailers, such as Best Buy, Amazon, or Walmart. Depending on the condition and any ongoing sales or discounts, the price can fluctuate.
Factors Affecting iPhone 12 Pricing
Several factors affect the price of the iPhone 12, and understanding these factors will help you make a more informed purchase.
1. Storage Capacity
One of the primary ways Apple differentiates the iPhone 12 is through storage options. While the base model starts at 64GB, there are other variants with 128GB and 256GB of internal storage. Naturally, the higher the storage capacity, the more expensive the device.
With apps and media becoming larger over time, many users prefer to upgrade to the 128GB or 256GB model to avoid running out of storage. However, this does add to the overall cost.
2. Condition of the Device
New iPhones will generally cost more than refurbished ones. However, refurbished iPhones—particularly those sold through Apple’s official refurbishment program—offer the same performance as new devices. They come with a warranty and have undergone rigorous testing.
If you’re open to buying a used or refurbished iPhone 12, you can save a significant amount of money. These are often certified and come with a guarantee of working condition.
3. Carrier Deals and Discounts
If you’re buying through a mobile carrier, prices for the iPhone 12 may vary based on your plan. Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile often offer promotional deals where you can get an iPhone 12 for a reduced price or even for free if you sign up for a specific data plan or trade in an old device.
You might also find seasonal sales, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or back-to-school promotions, where you can purchase the iPhone 12 at a discounted price.
4. Geographical Location
Prices for the iPhone 12 may vary slightly based on where you are purchasing it. This can be due to different taxes, import duties, and regional pricing strategies. For example, the iPhone 12 might cost more in some countries outside of the United States due to shipping costs and import taxes.
5. Refurbished vs. New
Another important consideration is whether you want to buy a new, refurbished, or used device. As mentioned earlier, Apple offers official refurbished iPhones that are like new but at a lower price. Third-party sellers may also offer used iPhones, which are typically even cheaper than refurbished models, though these come with some risks.
iPhone 12 Features That Influence Pricing
The iPhone 12 series was a significant release for Apple for several reasons. Here are some of the key features that continue to contribute to the device’s value, even years after its launch.
1. Design
The iPhone 12 features a flat-edged design that echoes the look of older iPhone models, like the iPhone 4. It features a Ceramic Shield front cover, which Apple claims is tougher than any other smartphone glass, reducing the likelihood of damage from drops.
The iPhone 12 also comes in a sleek variety of colors—blue, green, red, white, and black—allowing for a bit of personalization.
2. Display Quality
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display is one of the standout features of the iPhone 12. The OLED panel offers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and HDR10 support, making it perfect for watching high-definition video or playing graphically intense games.
The iPhone 12 also supports Dolby Vision, an advanced form of HDR, which gives you an enhanced viewing experience for supported content.
3. 5G Connectivity
Another important factor that helps maintain the iPhone 12’s value is its support for 5G. As 5G networks expand globally, having a 5G-capable phone allows you to take advantage of faster internet speeds, lower latency, and a more future-proof device.
4. Performance
With the A14 Bionic chip, the iPhone 12 offers exceptional performance, whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or using demanding applications. The chip provides superior processing power, ensuring that the iPhone 12 remains competitive with other phones released in the years since its launch.
5. Camera System
The iPhone 12 features a dual 12 MP camera system with wide and ultra-wide lenses. This setup delivers sharp, detailed photos with great color accuracy. It’s capable of shooting HDR video with Dolby Vision, and the Night Mode feature allows users to take impressive low-light photos. For many, the iPhone’s camera system remains a primary draw.
6. Battery Life
Despite the thinner design, the iPhone 12 offers a solid battery life, with up to 17 hours of video playback. The battery life is generally sufficient for most users, though heavy users may want to charge their phones throughout the day.
Alternatives to the iPhone 12
While the iPhone 12 is still a great device, there are several newer models available, such as the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15. These devices come with incremental improvements in camera quality, battery life, and processing power.
If the iPhone 12 is still too expensive for your budget, or you’re looking for a more recent device, you might consider purchasing an iPhone 11, iPhone SE, or even one of the iPhone 13 models, which often come with discounts as newer models hit the market.
Conclusion
In summary, the price of the iPhone 12 has come down since its original release, with refurbished models offering the best value. If you’re looking to purchase an iPhone 12, you can expect to pay between $549 and $749 for a refurbished device, depending on the storage capacity and condition. While the iPhone 12 may no longer be available for direct purchase from Apple, it remains a highly capable and relevant device, offering a fantastic balance of performance, design, and camera quality.
Whether you decide to purchase a new, refurbished,