When Apple launched the iPhone 12 Pro in October 2020, it wasn’t just another smartphone; it was a bold statement. With its stainless-steel frame, premium flat-edge design, and pro-level triple camera system, the iPhone 12 Pro quickly became a fan favourite worldwide.
Fast forward to 2025, Apple’s flagship lineup now includes the iPhone 16 and 17 series. Yet, in Nigeria, the iPhone 12 Pro continues to be in high demand. But the big question is: is the iPhone 12 Pro still worth buying in 2025? Let’s break it down.
Design & Durability
One of the major reasons Nigerians still love the iPhone 12 Pro is its timeless design. Apple moved away from the rounded edges of the iPhone 11 and returned to flat stainless-steel sides, giving the device a premium, boxy look.
The Ceramic Shield glass protection ensures durability, while the stainless steel frame still feels luxurious in 2025. Although the iPhone 16 Pro now features titanium, the iPhone 12 Pro’s design still looks modern and elegant, easily passing as a current flagship.
Display Experience
The iPhone 12 Pro sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering vibrant colours and deep blacks. Its 60Hz refresh rate may feel outdated compared to the 120Hz ProMotion displays on newer iPhones, but for most users, scrolling through social media, browsing, and streaming Netflix feels smooth and enjoyable.
Performance with A14 Bionic
Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, the iPhone 12 Pro was the world’s first smartphone with a 5nm processor back in 2020. In 2025, it still performs impressively for daily use:
- Social apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and Gmail run seamlessly.
- Video calls and meetings on Zoom remain smooth.
- Content creation on apps like CapCut works fine for light editing.
- Gaming is solid, though demanding titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile may require lower graphics settings.
The main drawback? The iPhone 12 Pro doesn’t support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new AI-driven suite available only on iPhone 15 Pro and newer. Still, for non-AI users, the A14 Bionic is more than capable in 2025.
Camera System
The iPhone 12 Pro features a triple 12MP camera system: wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. Despite being five years old, it still holds up:
- Night Mode, Smart HDR, and Deep Fusion enhance photo quality.
- Video recording at 4K 60fps remains excellent.
- Photos look natural, sharp, and social-media-ready.
It lacks Cinematic Mode and Spatial Video found in newer iPhones, but for influencers, photographers, and content creators in Nigeria, the iPhone 12 Pro is still a reliable camera phone in 2025.
Battery Life & Charging
With a 2,815 mAh battery, the iPhone 12 Pro delivers about 17 hours of video playback when new. By 2025, medium users can still get a full day’s use, but heavy users will need a power bank, especially in Nigeria where electricity supply isn’t always consistent.
By comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro offers up to 27 hours of usage, a significant upgrade.
Software & iOS 18 Support
The iPhone 12 Pro runs on iOS 18 in 2025, meaning users still enjoy Apple’s latest features, improved security, widgets, and customisation.
However, Apple Intelligence AI features are not supported, as they require iPhone 15 Pro or newer. That said, the iPhone 12 Pro remains secure, smooth, and highly functional for most Nigerians.
Price of iPhone 12 Pro in Nigeria (2025)
Though Apple no longer officially sells the iPhone 12 Pro, it’s widely available in Nigeria through retailers like Slot, Jumia, Pointek, and Computer Village (Lagos).
- Brand New (rare in Nigeria): ₦799,000 – ₦880,000
- UK-Used / Refurbished: ₦450,000 – ₦490,000 (depending on condition and storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB)
Tip: Always check battery health (preferably above 85%) when buying UK-used iPhones.
Should You Buy the iPhone 12 Pro in 2025?
The iPhone 12 Pro is still worth it — depending on your needs and budget.
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro if:
- You want a premium Apple phone without spending ₦1M+.
- You prioritise design, smooth iOS experience, and great cameras.
- You don’t care about AI features.
Skip the iPhone 12 Pro if:
- You want Apple Intelligence AI and the newest features.
- You need long-lasting battery life.
- You plan to keep your phone for another 4–5 years (since iOS support may end by 2027).
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 Pro in 2025 remains a smart buy in Nigeria for users who want premium Apple quality at a mid-range price. With its stainless-steel build, strong cameras, A14 Bionic performance, and iOS 18 support, it’s still one of the best budget-flagship iPhones available in the Nigerian market.
