Apple has long been a leader in the smartphone industry, and the release of the iPhone 12 series solidified that position even further. Since its debut, the iPhone 12 has been one of the most popular smartphones worldwide, offering an appealing balance between cutting-edge features and a more affordable price compared to its more recent counterparts.

For Australian consumers, the iPhone 12 continues to be a standout choice for those looking for a premium smartphone experience without breaking the bank. But, as with any purchase, the key question is always: "What am I really getting for the price?" In this article, we'll break down the iPhone 12 price, its features, and how it compares to newer models to help you decide if it truly offers the value you're looking for.

Whether you're looking to upgrade from an older model or you're new to the iPhone ecosystem, this guide will give you everything you need to make an informed decision. Plus, by purchasing through Wise Market Australia, you’ll enjoy reliable service, competitive prices, and a shopping experience you can trust.

1. Understanding the iPhone 12 Price: What Are You Really Paying For?

The iPhone 12 was launched with several variants, ranging from the base model to the more advanced iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. However, in this article, we will focus primarily on the standard iPhone 12, which is the most popular choice for Australian buyers.

The iPhone 12's price varies depending on where you purchase it and which storage capacity you choose. At the time of launch, the iPhone 12 started at around $1,349 AUD for the 64GB version, with the price increasing for higher storage configurations. As of 2025, the price has adjusted downward, but it still remains a premium smartphone compared to budget options.

For many users, especially in Australia, it’s essential to consider what you're getting in return for that investment. So, let’s break down the value proposition of the iPhone 12 by examining its features and how they compare to other models on the market today.

How Does the iPhone 12 Price Compare to Other Models?

When considering the iPhone 12 price, it’s important to compare it against other iPhone models, especially the more recent iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. These models bring updated features, such as improved cameras, faster processors, and better displays. However, the iPhone 12 still holds its ground in terms of performance and functionality.

The iPhone 12 is priced more affordably compared to newer models. While the iPhone 13 may come with advanced camera features and a more powerful chip, the iPhone 12 offers a solid experience at a lower cost. If you're looking for a balance of price and performance, the iPhone 12 presents great value for money, especially when purchased from Wise Market Australia.

2. Premium Design and Build: Is the iPhone 12 Worth Its Price Tag?

Apple has always been known for its attention to design and craftsmanship, and the iPhone 12 is no exception. The device boasts a sleek, modern look with flat edges, reminiscent of the iPhone 4's design but with a more refined and polished feel. The iPhone 12’s front and back are made of Ceramic Shield glass, providing superior durability compared to traditional glass used in smartphones.

In Australia, where the climate can be harsh, having a durable device is crucial, and the iPhone 12's build quality makes it resilient to everyday wear and tear. Additionally, the iPhone 12 is rated with an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, which means you can submerge it in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes. This level of durability ensures that your iPhone 12 stays protected against accidental drops or spills, making it an ideal choice for those who are always on the move.

How Does the iPhone 12 Design Compare to iPhone 13 and iPhone 14?

While the iPhone 12’s design was a major step forward, it does show its age when compared to newer models. The iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 both feature slightly smaller notches, offering more screen real estate for a more immersive experience. In terms of durability, however, the iPhone 12 still holds up with its Ceramic Shield front cover and robust glass back. For users who don’t mind a slightly older design, the iPhone 12 still offers a premium feel at a much more affordable price.

3. The Display: True-to-Life Colours and Superb Quality at a Reasonable Price

One of the key highlights of the iPhone 12 is its Super Retina XDR display. With OLED technology, the iPhone 12 offers vibrant colours, deep blacks, and sharp contrasts that make it ideal for streaming content, viewing photos, or playing games. The 6.1-inch display ensures that the iPhone 12 feels compact and comfortable in the hand, without sacrificing the viewing experience.

For Australians who love watching Netflix or YouTube while on the go, the iPhone 12 provides an excellent screen that’s bright and crisp, even in outdoor conditions. The device also offers HDR10 and Dolby Vision support, allowing users to enjoy high-quality video content with rich colours and impressive details.

iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 Display

While the iPhone 12's display is excellent, newer models like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 offer enhanced brightness, with the iPhone 14 being noticeably brighter in outdoor settings. Additionally, the iPhone 13 and 14 feature a ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and a more responsive experience. While the iPhone 12’s 60Hz refresh rate may seem like a step back by comparison, it’s still more than sufficient for day-to-day use and offers fantastic value for the price.

4. Performance: iPhone 12’s A14 Bionic Chip Still Holds Its Own

The iPhone 12 is powered by the A14 Bionic chip, which was the first 5nm chip in the smartphone world at its release. It offers exceptional performance, whether you're multitasking, gaming, or editing photos and videos. The A14 chip, coupled with iOS 15 (and future updates), ensures that the iPhone 12 continues to deliver fast, fluid performance for years to come.

For Australian users who enjoy gaming, the A14 Bionic ensures that demanding games like "Call of Duty Mobile" or "PUBG" run smoothly. It also supports machine learning and AI applications, such as improved photo processing and on-device privacy features.

iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 Performance

The A14 Bionic in the iPhone 12 is still a powerful chip, but the newer iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 come with the A15 and A16 Bionic chips, respectively. These chips offer a performance boost, particularly in graphics and power efficiency. However, unless you’re a power user who needs the fastest possible performance for tasks like video editing or augmented reality, the A14 chip in the iPhone 12 is still more than capable of handling everything most users need.

5. Camera Capabilities: A Premium Photography Experience

The iPhone 12 comes with a dual-camera setup, featuring a 12MP wide and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. While it doesn’t have the advanced zoom or LiDAR sensor found in the Pro models, the iPhone 12’s camera system still delivers exceptional results, particularly in good lighting. The wide camera features Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3, which help enhance photo quality in low light and improve details in bright scenes.

For Australians who love capturing moments in their daily life—whether it's taking stunning pictures of the Sydney Opera House, capturing beach sunsets in Queensland, or snapping photos during a barbecue—the iPhone 12 delivers great results. The camera system also offers 4K video recording, which is perfect for creating high-quality video content.

iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 Camera System

When compared to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, the iPhone 12 camera system holds up well, but the newer models offer significant improvements. The iPhone 13 introduces sensor-shift optical image stabilization, which helps reduce blurriness in photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions. The iPhone 14 offers further improvements, including better low-light performance and enhanced computational photography features. However, for everyday users, the iPhone 12’s camera is still excellent and provides fantastic value for the price.

6. Battery Life: Power That Lasts All Day

Battery life is always a top consideration when buying a new smartphone. With the iPhone 12, Apple has improved battery performance, ensuring that users can get through a full day of use without worrying about charging. The iPhone 12 provides up to 17 hours of video playback, which is a significant improvement over older iPhones.

For Australians who rely on their phones for a variety of tasks—whether it's navigating through traffic, keeping up with work emails, or staying connected with friends and family—the iPhone 12’s battery will easily last throughout the day.

iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 Battery Life

The iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 offer slightly better battery performance, with the iPhone 13 lasting about 2.5 hours longer than the iPhone 12 in video playback tests. The iPhone 14 takes this even further with improved efficiency. However, unless you're someone who needs the absolute best in battery life, the iPhone 12’s battery is more than sufficient for most users.

7. iPhone 12 Price at Wise Market Australia: Why It’s the Best Option for You

At Wise Market Australia, you’ll find competitive pricing on the iPhone 12, along with exceptional customer service and fast delivery options. We ensure that you get the best value for your money, with the added benefit of reliable warranties and customer support. If you’re looking to make a smart, budget-conscious decision without compromising on quality, purchasing the iPhone 12 from Wise Market Australia is a great option.

Conclusion: Is the iPhone 12 Worth the Price?

In conclusion, the iPhone 12 offers incredible value for the price. While newer models like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 bring improvements in certain areas such as camera quality, performance, and battery life, the iPhone 12 remains an excellent choice for users who want a premium smartphone experience without the high price tag. The iPhone 12’s design, display, performance, and camera system still rival that of many current smartphones, making it a solid investment for Australian consumers.

If you're looking for a reliable and affordable iPhone, the iPhone 12 available at Wise Market Australia is a smart choice that won’t disappoint.