Refurbished iPhone 12 in 2026: still a smart buy?
The iPhone 12 is six years old and still one of our most searched-for models. Here is an honest look at what you get in 2026, what you miss, and when you should step up to an iPhone 13.
Door The Phone Shopper
Gepubliceerd: 2026-09-07
The iPhone 12 launched in autumn 2020 and is still one of the most viewed models in our shop in 2026. No surprise: it is the first iPhone with 5G, an OLED display and MagSafe, at a price that is now far below that of a new device. But six years is a long time in phones. Below you will read honestly what you get, where the limits are and for whom the refurbished iPhone 12 is still the best buy.
In short: for calls, messaging, banking, navigation and daytime photos, the iPhone 12 is more than enough in 2026. It still received iOS 26 in 2025. If you want to look five years ahead, shoot a lot of video or need longer battery life, look at the iPhone 13, which costs only a few tens of euros more.
What the iPhone 12 still does well in 2026
The 6.1-inch OLED display is still sharp and rich in contrast, far better than the LCD on the iPhone 11. The A14 chip opens apps without waiting and runs iOS 26 smoothly. You get 5G, Face ID, MagSafe charging and the flat edges Apple still uses today. The two 12-megapixel cameras take daylight photos that give no hint the phone is six years old.
Important if you want to keep a phone for a long time: the iPhone 12 received iOS 26 in September 2025. Apple does not usually stop updates abruptly; after the last major iOS version, security updates typically continue for a while. Banking apps keep working.
Where you do notice its age
- Battery. The iPhone 12 battery was not the largest even at launch. Every unit we sell has at least 85% capacity, and you can choose a new battery for a small surcharge when ordering. For heavy users that is the best money you can spend.
- Night photos and video. The iPhone 13 has sensor-shift stabilisation and a larger sensor; in the dark you see the difference. In daylight you do not.
- Storage. The base model has 64GB. If you keep lots of photos and apps, 128GB is the sensible minimum.
- Lightning. No USB-C. If you already have USB-C cables for your laptop or earbuds, you will keep one extra cable around.
iPhone 12 or iPhone 13: the honest difference
The iPhone 13 is the same phone in a slightly better suit: the A15 chip, roughly one and a half to two hours more battery life, a better low-light camera and 128GB as the base. Refurbished, the price gap with us is usually between €60 and €80. If you plan to use the phone for three years or more, you earn that difference back in battery life and longer support. If you mainly want a reliable, affordable iPhone for everyday use, the 12 is the sharper buy.
Looking for a small phone? The iPhone 12 mini has the same technology in a 5.4-inch body and is often even cheaper.
What does a refurbished iPhone 12 cost with us?
The price depends on storage, colour and condition. Right now the iPhone 12 starts with us at around €230 for 64GB in Used condition; 128GB and the As new condition sit a little above that. Current prices and stock are on the iPhone 12 model page. If a version is sold out, leave your e-mail address and we will let you know as soon as it is back.
What to check before you buy
- Battery capacity. Ask for the percentage. With us at least 85%, or new on request.
- Warranty. A refurbished phone without a warranty is a gamble. We give 2 years, battery included.
- Condition. The condition describes scratches, not function. Every phone goes through our 50-point check.
- Unlocked and not blacklisted. A given in a shop; not always with a private seller.
- Cooling-off period. With us you have 30 days to try the phone at home.
Who is the iPhone 12 the right choice for in 2026?
Anyone who wants a good, secure iPhone without spending much: a first iPhone for a child, a second phone for work, or a replacement for an older iPhone that is giving up. If you want to use it as your main phone for years or shoot a lot of video, put the iPhone 13 next to the 12. Not sure? Our overview of all refurbished iPhones lets you compare models and prices on one page.
Frequently asked questions
Does the iPhone 12 still get updates?
Yes, the iPhone 12 received iOS 26 in September 2025. After the last major iOS version, Apple usually keeps delivering security updates for a while.
Can I have the battery replaced?
Yes. When ordering you can choose a new battery for a surcharge, and later on you can have it replaced in our workshop in Nijverdal.
Is 64GB enough?
For calls, messaging, banking and an average number of photos, yes. If you keep a lot of video or install many apps, choose 128GB.
Refurbished iPhones, Samsung and iPads
Save up to 50% on a refurbished iPhone. Every device goes through our 50-point inspection and comes with a 2-year warranty.
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Why The Phone Shopper?
- 2-year warranty on all refurbished phones
- 30 days to change your mind on devices and accessories (spare parts: 14 days) and free returns
- Free shipping within the Netherlands from €50 (accessories and parts) or €150 (phones)
- Professional 50-point inspection
- Pay securely with iDEAL, credit card, Bancontact, Apple Pay and Klarna
- Customer service available on working days, 10:00 - 18:00
Device condition
Every refurbished phone is sold in one of four conditions:
- New — Unused, in original packaging
- As good as new — No visible signs of use
- Lightly used — Minimal signs of use
- Used — Visible signs of use, technically fully sound
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