IPhone 12 Pro 64GB: Is It Still Worth Buying In 2024?
So, you're thinking about snagging an iPhone 12 Pro with 64GB of storage, huh? That's cool! It was a top-of-the-line device back in the day, but the tech world moves fast. Let's break down whether it's still a good buy in 2024. We'll look at everything from performance to camera quality to see if it holds up against newer models and what you can realistically expect from it.
iPhone 12 Pro 64GB: Overview
Let's dive into the core of what the iPhone 12 Pro 64GB offers. This phone was a major player when it first hit the scene, boasting a powerful processor, a stunning display, and a camera system that could rival many professional setups. However, in the ever-evolving world of smartphones, time changes everything. The A14 Bionic chip, while still capable, isn't the latest and greatest anymore. The 64GB storage option might feel a bit cramped, especially if you're someone who loves taking photos, shooting videos, or downloading a bunch of apps. Think about how you use your phone daily. Are you constantly snapping pics of your adventures? Do you have a massive music library or a collection of your favorite shows downloaded for offline viewing? If so, that 64GB might fill up faster than you think. Cloud storage is an option, but it requires a stable internet connection and can sometimes be a hassle to manage. The iPhone 12 Pro also brought 5G connectivity to the table, which is great if you live in an area with good 5G coverage. It also features a Super Retina XDR display, which is still vibrant and sharp, making everything from browsing the web to watching videos a pleasant experience. However, keep in mind that battery life might not be as stellar as newer models, especially if you're a heavy user. Ultimately, deciding whether the iPhone 12 Pro 64GB is right for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider what's most important to you in a smartphone and weigh the pros and cons accordingly.
Performance and Speed
When we talk about performance, the iPhone 12 Pro 64GB is powered by the A14 Bionic chip. This chip was a beast when it was released, and it still holds its own for many tasks. Everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking social media, and sending emails are a breeze. You won't notice any lag or slowdowns. Even more demanding tasks like playing graphics-intensive games or editing photos and videos are still quite doable. However, keep in mind that newer iPhones have more advanced chips, so you might notice a slight difference in performance if you're coming from a newer device. For example, the A15 Bionic and A16 Bionic chips found in the iPhone 13 and 14 series offer significant performance improvements. This means they can handle even more demanding tasks with greater ease and efficiency. So, while the A14 Bionic is still capable, it's not quite as cutting-edge as it used to be. One area where you might notice a difference is in multitasking. If you tend to have a lot of apps open at the same time, the older chip might start to feel a bit strained. This is because the A14 Bionic has less RAM than newer iPhones, which can limit its ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Overall, the performance of the iPhone 12 Pro 64GB is still quite good for most users. However, if you're a power user who demands the absolute best performance, you might want to consider a newer model. Also consider long-term iOS updates, as older models lose support over time. This means your phone will no longer receive the latest software updates, which can include performance improvements and security patches.
Camera Capabilities
Alright, let's get into the camera! The iPhone 12 Pro's camera system was a big deal, and honestly, it still takes pretty awesome photos. You've got a triple-lens setup with a wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lens. This gives you a lot of flexibility when it comes to capturing different types of shots. Whether you're snapping landscapes, portraits, or close-ups, the iPhone 12 Pro can handle it all. The image quality is generally excellent, with good detail, accurate colors, and decent dynamic range. In good lighting conditions, the photos look crisp and vibrant. Even in low-light situations, the iPhone 12 Pro does a pretty good job of capturing usable images. Night mode helps brighten up the scene and reduce noise, although it's not quite as advanced as the night modes on newer iPhones. One of the standout features of the iPhone 12 Pro's camera is its video recording capabilities. It can shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, which is impressive. The video quality is excellent, with good detail and smooth motion. The iPhone 12 Pro also supports Dolby Vision HDR recording, which gives your videos a wider dynamic range and more vibrant colors. This can make your videos look more cinematic and professional. Compared to newer iPhones, the iPhone 12 Pro's camera might not be quite as advanced in some areas. For example, the iPhone 13 and 14 series have larger sensors and more advanced image processing, which can result in better low-light performance and more natural-looking photos. However, the iPhone 12 Pro's camera is still very capable, and most users will be more than happy with the results.
Display Quality
Regarding display quality, the iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. It's sharp, vibrant, and offers excellent color accuracy. Watching videos, browsing photos, and playing games are all enjoyable experiences on this screen. The OLED technology ensures deep blacks and high contrast, which makes everything look more immersive. The resolution is also high enough that you won't notice any pixelation. Whether you're reading text or viewing images, everything looks crisp and clear. The display also supports HDR content, which gives you a wider dynamic range and more vibrant colors. This means that HDR movies and TV shows will look more realistic and engaging. The brightness of the display is also good, making it easy to see in most lighting conditions. However, in direct sunlight, you might have to crank up the brightness to maximum to see clearly. Compared to newer iPhones, the iPhone 12 Pro's display is still excellent. However, there are a few differences to keep in mind. For example, the iPhone 13 Pro and 14 Pro feature ProMotion technology, which allows the display to refresh at up to 120Hz. This makes scrolling and animations look smoother and more responsive. The newer iPhones also have slightly brighter displays, which can be helpful in direct sunlight. Overall, the display on the iPhone 12 Pro is still a pleasure to use. It's sharp, vibrant, and offers excellent color accuracy. While it might not have all the latest features of newer iPhones, it's still a top-notch display that will satisfy most users. If you are looking for a great visual experience, the iPhone 12 Pro still delivers.
Storage Considerations
Now, let's talk about storage. The iPhone 12 Pro with 64GB... well, that's where things get a bit tricky in 2024. Honestly, 64GB can feel pretty cramped these days, especially if you're a heavy user. Think about all the photos, videos, apps, and games you have on your phone. They all take up storage space, and it adds up quickly. If you're someone who likes to download a lot of movies and TV shows for offline viewing, 64GB will likely not be enough. You'll constantly be deleting things to make room for new content. Even if you don't download a lot of media, 64GB can still be limiting. Apps are getting bigger and bigger, and games can take up several gigabytes of storage space. Plus, the operating system itself takes up a significant chunk of storage. If you're considering the iPhone 12 Pro 64GB, you'll need to be very mindful of your storage usage. You'll need to regularly delete photos, videos, and apps that you don't use. You might also want to consider using cloud storage services like iCloud or Google Photos to store your photos and videos. This can free up a lot of space on your phone. Another option is to stream your media instead of downloading it. Services like Netflix and Spotify allow you to stream movies, TV shows, and music without taking up any storage space on your phone. If you're a light user who doesn't take a lot of photos or download a lot of media, 64GB might be enough for you. However, for most users, it's probably worth it to spend a little extra money to get a model with more storage.
Battery Life
Okay, let's chat about battery life on the iPhone 12 Pro 64GB. When it was new, the battery life was decent, but batteries degrade over time, especially with frequent use. So, in 2024, you might find yourself reaching for the charger more often than you'd like. On a full charge, you can probably expect to get through a day of moderate use, but if you're a heavy user, you might need to top up your battery in the afternoon. Things that drain the battery quickly include playing games, watching videos, and using GPS navigation. If you're planning on using your iPhone 12 Pro for any of these activities, be sure to bring a portable charger with you. There are a few things you can do to extend the battery life of your iPhone 12 Pro. One is to turn down the screen brightness. The brighter your screen is, the more battery it will use. Another is to disable background app refresh. This prevents apps from updating in the background, which can save a significant amount of battery life. You can also turn off location services for apps that don't need to know your location. This can also help to save battery life. Compared to newer iPhones, the iPhone 12 Pro's battery life isn't quite as good. The iPhone 13 and 14 series have larger batteries and more efficient processors, which results in longer battery life. However, with a few tweaks, you can still get decent battery life out of your iPhone 12 Pro. Just be prepared to charge it more often than you would a newer iPhone. If you're concerned about battery life, you might want to consider replacing the battery on your iPhone 12 Pro. Apple offers battery replacement services, and it can significantly improve the battery life of your phone.
Price and Value
Let's break down the price and value of the iPhone 12 Pro 64GB in today's market. When it first came out, it was a premium device with a premium price tag. But now, a few years later, you can find it at a much lower price. The question is: is it still a good value for the money? Well, that depends on your budget and your needs. If you're looking for an affordable iPhone that can still handle most tasks, the iPhone 12 Pro 64GB might be a good option. You can often find it for a few hundred dollars, which is significantly less than the price of a new iPhone. However, keep in mind that you're getting an older device with limited storage. If you're a heavy user who needs a lot of storage or the latest features, you might be better off spending a little more money on a newer iPhone. The iPhone 13 and 14 series offer significant improvements in performance, camera quality, and battery life. They also have more storage options, so you won't have to worry about running out of space. Another thing to consider is the resale value of the iPhone 12 Pro 64GB. Since it's an older device, it's not going to hold its value as well as a newer iPhone. If you're planning on upgrading to a new iPhone in the future, you might not get as much money for your iPhone 12 Pro. Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro 64GB can be a good value for the money if you're on a tight budget and don't need a lot of storage or the latest features. However, if you're willing to spend a little more money, you can get a newer iPhone that will offer a better overall experience.
Who is it for?
So, who is the iPhone 12 Pro 64GB actually for in 2024? Well, it's probably best suited for a few specific types of users. First, if you're someone who doesn't use your phone a ton and mostly sticks to basic tasks like calls, texts, emails, and social media, it could be a decent option. If you're not a heavy app user or someone who takes a million photos and videos, the 64GB of storage might be enough to get by. Second, it could be a good choice if you're on a tight budget and just need a reliable iPhone without breaking the bank. You can often find these used or refurbished for a reasonable price, making it an accessible entry point into the Apple ecosystem. Third, maybe you're buying a phone for a child or an elderly relative who doesn't need all the bells and whistles of the latest models. The iPhone 12 Pro is still a capable device that's easy to use, and it can handle the basic tasks they need it for. However, if you're a power user, a photographer, a gamer, or someone who just likes having the latest and greatest technology, the iPhone 12 Pro 64GB is probably not the right choice for you. You'll likely find the storage too limiting, the performance not quite up to par, and the features lacking compared to newer models. In that case, it's worth considering spending a bit more to get a newer iPhone that will better meet your needs.
Alternatives to Consider
If you're not completely sold on the iPhone 12 Pro 64GB, don't worry! There are plenty of other options out there to consider. One obvious alternative is to look at newer iPhones. The iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and even the newer iPhone 15 offer significant improvements in performance, camera quality, and battery life. They also come with more storage options, so you won't have to worry about running out of space. Of course, these newer iPhones will also be more expensive than the iPhone 12 Pro. Another option is to consider a used or refurbished iPhone with more storage. You might be able to find an iPhone 12 Pro with 128GB or 256GB of storage for a similar price to a new iPhone 12 Pro 64GB. This would give you more storage space without breaking the bank. You could also consider an iPhone SE. The iPhone SE is Apple's budget-friendly iPhone, and it offers a lot of value for the money. It has a fast processor and a decent camera, and it's much more affordable than the iPhone 12 Pro. However, the iPhone SE has a smaller screen and a less advanced camera system. If you're open to switching to Android, there are also many great Android phones to consider. The Samsung Galaxy series, the Google Pixel series, and the OnePlus series all offer excellent performance, cameras, and features. Android phones also tend to be more affordable than iPhones. Ultimately, the best alternative for you will depend on your budget, your needs, and your preferences. Take some time to research different options and compare them side-by-side to see which one is the best fit for you.
Final Verdict
So, what's the final word on the iPhone 12 Pro 64GB in 2024? It's a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest. On one hand, it's still a capable phone with a great camera, a beautiful display, and decent performance. You can often find it at a good price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. On the other hand, the 64GB of storage is a major limitation, and the battery life might not be as good as you'd like. Newer iPhones offer significant improvements in performance, camera quality, and battery life, and they come with more storage options. Ultimately, whether or not the iPhone 12 Pro 64GB is right for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're a light user who doesn't need a lot of storage or the latest features, it could be a decent option. But if you're a power user, a photographer, a gamer, or someone who just wants the best possible experience, you're probably better off spending a little more money on a newer iPhone. Before making a decision, take some time to consider your needs and weigh the pros and cons of the iPhone 12 Pro 64GB against other options. That way, you can be sure you're making the right choice for you.
