If you're trying to decide between a refurbished iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, or iPhone 12 Pro Max, the short version is this: all four share the same A14 Bionic chip, the same generation of 5G and MagSafe, and the same Ceramic Shield front glass — so the decision mostly comes down to screen size, camera capability, and how much you want to spend, not raw performance. The iPhone 12 Mini is the smallest 5G iPhone Apple has ever made. The standard iPhone 12 is the best all-rounder for most buyers. The iPhone 12 Pro adds a telephoto lens and LiDAR for better zoom and low-light shots. The iPhone 12 Pro Max adds the biggest screen, the longest battery life, and the best camera sensor in the range. Every model here is sold by The Tech Gadgets as refurbished and unlocked, across four condition grades, with a 12-month warranty and 30-day returns. This guide walks through the real differences, what refurbished actually means, and which model fits your budget and use case.
Shop Refurbished iPhone 12 Series
| Model | Screen Size | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 Mini | 5.4" | See today's price | Check price |
| iPhone 12 | 6.1" | See today's price | Check price |
| iPhone 12 Pro | 6.1" | See today's price | Check price |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 6.7" | See today's price | Check price |
Prices vary by storage capacity and condition grade: Like New costs the most, then Excellent, then Very Good, and Fair is the cheapest. Click through for live pricing and stock.
Comparison: iPhone 12 vs 12 Mini vs 12 Pro vs 12 Pro Max
| Model | Display | Chip | Camera | Battery (video) | 5G | Storage | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 Mini | 5.4" OLED, 60Hz | A14 Bionic | Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide) | Up to 15 hrs | Yes | 64/128/256GB | Check price |
| iPhone 12 | 6.1" OLED, 60Hz | A14 Bionic | Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide) | Up to 17 hrs | Yes | 64/128/256GB | Check price |
| iPhone 12 Pro | 6.1" OLED, 60Hz | A14 Bionic | Triple 12MP + LiDAR, 2x tele | Up to 17 hrs | Yes | 128/256/512GB | Check price |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 6.7" OLED, 60Hz | A14 Bionic | Triple 12MP + LiDAR, 2.5x tele, larger sensor | Up to 20 hrs | Yes | 128/256/512GB | Check price |
The Tech Gadgets currently lists storage and colour options as shown in the variant selectors on each product page — the above reflects what's currently available, not necessarily every configuration Apple originally sold.
Buyer Match: Which iPhone 12 Fits You?
- Want the smallest phone possible? iPhone 12 Mini — one-handed use, fits in any pocket, same core hardware as the standard 12.
- Want the best all-round value? iPhone 12 — good screen, good cameras, 5G, MagSafe, without paying Pro prices.
- Want better zoom and low-light shots without a huge phone? iPhone 12 Pro — telephoto lens, LiDAR, ProRAW, same 6.1" size as the standard 12.
- Want the biggest screen, longest battery, and best camera sensor? iPhone 12 Pro Max — the flagship of this generation, now at a fraction of launch price.
- On a tight budget? iPhone 12 or 12 Mini in Fair or Very Good condition will be the cheapest entry points into this generation.
Which Should You Buy?
For most people, the standard iPhone 12 is the sensible default — it has the OLED screen quality, the 5G connectivity, and the camera performance that most buyers actually use day to day, at a lower price than the Pro models. Step up to the 12 Pro only if you specifically want the telephoto lens and LiDAR-assisted focusing — the core photo quality between the 12 and 12 Pro is closer than the "Pro" name suggests. Step up further to the 12 Pro Max only if screen size and battery life matter as much to you as the camera, since it's a noticeably larger and heavier phone. Go for the 12 Mini only if pocketability is a genuine priority — it's the same hardware generation squeezed into a much smaller body, with a real trade-off in battery life.
iPhone 12: The All-Rounder
The standard iPhone 12 is the model most buyers should start with. Apple specifies a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display at 625 nits typical brightness, Ceramic Shield front glass, and an aluminium frame — a genuine step up in screen quality over the LCD displays used on older standard-tier iPhones. It runs the A14 Bionic chip, has a dual 12MP camera system (Wide and Ultra Wide), and supports 5G, MagSafe, and Qi wireless charging. The Tech Gadgets currently lists the iPhone 12 in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, across all four condition grades, refurbished and unlocked. Check current price and stock.
iPhone 12 Mini: The Compact Choice
The iPhone 12 Mini packs the same OLED display quality, A14 Bionic chip, and dual-camera system as the standard iPhone 12 into a 5.4-inch body — one of the smallest 5G phones Apple has made. The trade-off is battery life: Apple specifies up to 15 hours of video playback versus 17 hours on the standard 12, roughly 85% of the larger model's capacity in a smaller shell. If one-handed use and pocketability matter more to you than screen real estate or all-day battery, the 12 Mini is worth serious consideration, particularly at refurbished pricing. Check current price and stock.
iPhone 12 Pro: The Camera Upgrade
The iPhone 12 Pro keeps the same 6.1-inch screen size as the standard iPhone 12 but adds a third camera lens — a 2x optical zoom Telephoto — plus a LiDAR Scanner for faster autofocus in low light and better AR performance, and support for Apple ProRAW photo capture. Apple specifies a brighter 800-nit typical display and a surgical-grade stainless steel band rather than aluminium. The chip, battery capacity (up to 17 hours video), and core Wide/Ultra Wide cameras are otherwise very close to the standard 12 — you're paying for genuine extra camera versatility, not a different screen size. The Tech Gadgets lists the 12 Pro in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Check current price and stock.
iPhone 12 Pro Max: The Flagship
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the largest and most capable phone in this generation. Apple specifies a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, the longest battery life of any iPhone 12 model at up to 20 hours of video playback, and a genuinely different main camera sensor from the 12 Pro — larger, with sensor-shift optical image stabilisation, paired with a longer 2.5x optical zoom Telephoto lens (versus 2x on the 12 Pro). It shares the same A14 Bionic chip, LiDAR Scanner, and stainless steel construction as the 12 Pro. If screen size, battery endurance, and camera quality all matter to you and you don't mind a larger, heavier phone, this was the flagship of the range — now available refurbished at a fraction of its launch price. Check current price and stock.
iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone 12
These two are functionally the same phone in different sizes. Both run the A14 Bionic chip, both have the same dual 12MP Wide/Ultra Wide camera system, both support 5G and MagSafe, and both use the same Ceramic Shield glass and aluminium frame construction. The real differences are screen size (5.4" vs 6.1") and battery life (up to 15 hours vs up to 17 hours video playback, per Apple's figures). If you've ever found a 6.1-inch phone awkward to use one-handed, the Mini solves that without asking you to compromise on chip, camera, or 5G — you're trading roughly two hours of video playback battery life for a significantly smaller, lighter device.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro
This is the comparison where buyers most often overpay for features they won't use. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro share the same 6.1-inch display size, the same A14 Bionic chip, and a very similar core camera experience for everyday photos — both have the same Wide and Ultra Wide lenses. What the Pro actually adds is a third Telephoto lens for 2x optical zoom, a LiDAR Scanner that improves autofocus speed in low light and enables better AR and Portrait mode edge detection, and support for ProRAW image capture for buyers who edit photos manually. Unless you specifically want optical zoom or shoot a lot in low light, the standard iPhone 12 will produce very similar day-to-day photo results for less money.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 12 Pro Max
Both Pro models share the same chip, the same LiDAR Scanner, the same stainless steel construction, and the same Telephoto-equipped triple camera layout — but the Pro Max is not simply a bigger-screened Pro. Apple specifies a larger main camera sensor on the Pro Max with sensor-shift optical image stabilisation (versus standard OIS on the 12 Pro), plus a longer 2.5x optical zoom Telephoto lens compared to the 12 Pro's 2x. Combined with the larger 6.7-inch display and the longest battery life in the range (up to 20 hours video vs 17 hours on the 12 Pro), the Pro Max was Apple's genuine flagship, not just a size variant.
Which Has the Best Camera?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has the best camera in the iPhone 12 range, and the gap is real rather than marketing spin. Its larger main sensor gathers more light per pixel than the 12 Pro's sensor, which Apple and independent reviewers have noted produces a genuine improvement in low-light photography, and the sensor-shift stabilisation (a feature that later became standard across Apple's Pro line) reduces blur in handheld low-light and video shots. The longer 2.5x telephoto also gets you closer without digital cropping compared to the 12 Pro's 2x lens. If photography is your main reason for choosing a Pro model, the Pro Max is the one to budget for — the 12 Pro is a strong step up from the standard 12, but the Pro Max is a further, genuine step up again, not just a bigger screen wrapped around the same camera.
What Storage Size Should You Choose?
The iPhone 12 series did not offer storage tiers as high as later iPhone generations — none of the four models in this range were sold with 1TB storage, so don't assume that capacity exists here. The Tech Gadgets currently lists the standard iPhone 12 and 12 Mini in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, and the 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB (the Pro models were never sold in 64GB).
Storage Match Framework
- 64GB (12 / Mini only): Fine for light users who stream everything and rely on cloud storage for photos — but with no room for a large offline media library.
- 128GB: A comfortable minimum for most people — apps, a few hundred photos, some offline music or shows.
- 256GB: A sensible mid-point for anyone who takes a lot of photos/video or keeps a larger app library without thinking about space.
- 512GB (Pro / Pro Max only): Best for buyers who shoot a lot of 4K video, use ProRAW regularly, or want years of headroom without ever managing storage.
What Does Refurbished Mean?
Every iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max sold by The Tech Gadgets is a refurbished, previously owned device that has been function-tested before being listed for sale. Refurbished is not the same as new — these are pre-owned units that have been inspected and graded for cosmetic condition. None of the four models in this range are sold as new by The Tech Gadgets or, at this point, by Apple.
Conditions Explained
The Tech Gadgets grades each device into one of four condition categories: Like New, Excellent, Very Good, or Fair. Exact grading criteria for each tier are not published on this page — check the product photos for the specific listing and condition you're considering, and contact The Tech Gadgets directly if you want more detail on what a particular grade looks like before you buy.
Are They Unlocked?
Yes — every iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max listed by The Tech Gadgets is sold fully unlocked and is not tied to any specific network. All four models support 5G using band n78, which is the band deployed by EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three for their UK 5G networks, so you shouldn't run into 5G compatibility issues switching networks with these devices. They should work with EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, and most other UK and international networks with a compatible SIM, and all support both physical Nano-SIM and eSIM.
What's Included in the Box?
Box contents are not confirmed on the product pages for any of the four models. If what's included matters to you — for example whether a cable is provided — contact The Tech Gadgets at info@thetechgadgets.co.uk or WhatsApp +44 7563 734444 before ordering to confirm.
What About Battery Health?
Exact battery health percentages are not published on any of the four product listings — check with The Tech Gadgets directly before ordering if this matters to you. It's worth being candid here: these are now 5-to-6-year-old batteries, so battery condition matters more on an iPhone 12-series device than it would on a more recent refurbished iPhone. Lithium-ion batteries degrade with age and charge cycles regardless of how well a phone was looked after, and it's reasonable to expect more noticeable battery wear on a 2020-era device than on something from the last two or three years. Also note that battery issues are specifically excluded from The Tech Gadgets' 12-month warranty, so if battery longevity is a priority, ask about health percentage before you buy rather than after.
Is the iPhone 12 Series Still Worth Buying in 2026?
It depends what you need from the phone. On hardware, the iPhone 12 series is now three generations behind Apple's current lineup, and it's approaching the end of its major iOS update cycle — Apple has historically supported iPhones with major iOS updates for around 6 to 7 years from release, and the iPhone 12 launched in autumn 2020, so it is realistically nearing the tail end of that window. None of the four models support Apple Intelligence, since that requires the A17 Pro chip or newer — the A14 Bionic in every iPhone 12 falls short of that requirement. What you do still get is a genuinely good OLED display, capable everyday performance, 5G, and MagSafe, at a fraction of the original launch price. For buyers who want a reliable, well-built iPhone for calls, messaging, browsing, and photos, and who don't need the newest AI features or the longest possible runway of future updates, the iPhone 12 series remains a reasonable buy in 2026 — just go in with realistic expectations about how many more years of major software updates it has left, and budget for battery wear.
Why Buy Refurbished Instead of New?
The main reason is straightforward: Apple no longer sells the iPhone 12 series new. Buying refurbished is effectively the only way to get this specific generation of iPhone today, at a price that reflects its age rather than its original 2020 launch pricing. Beyond availability, refurbished devices from The Tech Gadgets are function-tested before dispatch, come with a 12-month warranty covering manufacturing defects and functional faults, and a 30-day return window — giving you some of the same reassurance as a new purchase, without the new-device price tag.
How Much Does It Cost?
Pricing depends on model, storage capacity, and condition grade. As a general pattern across this range, the iPhone 12 Mini is the cheapest entry point, the standard iPhone 12 sits slightly above it, the 12 Pro costs more again for the added camera hardware, and the 12 Pro Max is the most expensive due to its larger screen and camera sensor. Exact current pricing changes with stock, so check each product page directly:
- iPhone 12 Mini — check price
- iPhone 12 — check price
- iPhone 12 Pro — check price
- iPhone 12 Pro Max — check price
Where to Buy Refurbished iPhone 12 in the UK
The Tech Gadgets is a Manchester-based UK retailer (01 Broughton Lane, Manchester, M8 9TY) selling refurbished, unlocked iPhones with same-day dispatch on orders placed before 3pm Monday to Friday. You can browse the full refurbished iPhone range on the Apple iPhone collection page, or see every phone in stock — including other brands — on the full mobile phones collection.
Buying Check: Before You Order
- Confirm which model fits your priorities: size (Mini), value (12), camera zoom/LiDAR (Pro), or screen/battery/camera sensor (Pro Max).
- Pick a storage size based on how you actually use your phone — remember, no model in this range goes above 512GB.
- Decide how much cosmetic wear you're comfortable with and choose a condition grade accordingly — Like New costs more than Fair.
- If battery health matters to you, contact The Tech Gadgets before ordering to ask for the specific unit's battery percentage.
- Check what's included in the box if that matters to you — it isn't published on the listing.
- Confirm your network (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, or other) — all four models are unlocked and 5G-compatible with UK networks.
- Review the 12-month warranty terms, noting battery, physical, water, and electrical damage are excluded.
- Know the 30-day return window and contact The Tech Gadgets before sending anything back.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Refurbished iPhone 12
- Assuming any iPhone 12 model has a ProMotion (120Hz) display — none do; that arrived with the iPhone 13 Pro.
- Assuming any iPhone 12 model has a USB-C port — all four use Lightning, not USB-C.
- Assuming the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max have identical cameras just because both are "Pro" — the Pro Max has a larger sensor, sensor-shift OIS, and longer zoom.
- Assuming the 12 and 12 Pro take dramatically different everyday photos — the core Wide/Ultra Wide performance is similar; the Pro's real advantage is zoom and low light.
- Assuming a 1TB storage option exists anywhere in this range — the maximum is 512GB, and only on the Pro models.
- Buying the Mini without checking the battery life trade-off versus the standard 12.
- Assuming all condition grades are priced the same as Like New — check the specific variant price before ordering.
- Not checking battery health before buying, despite battery issues being excluded from the warranty.
- Assuming the phone ships with a charger or cable without confirming box contents first.
- Expecting Apple Intelligence support — no iPhone 12 model qualifies; that requires an A17 Pro chip or newer.
- Assuming refurbished means faulty or low quality — these units are function-tested and carry a 12-month warranty.
- Sending a return without contacting The Tech Gadgets first, which can delay processing.
- Assuming 5G on the iPhone 12 series is limited or unreliable in the UK — UK carriers use band n78, which all four models support.
- Overlooking that these devices are approaching the end of major iOS update support given their 2020 release.
- Choosing based on screen size alone without factoring in the real camera and battery differences between models.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini?
Mainly screen size (6.1" vs 5.4") and battery life (up to 17 hours vs up to 15 hours video playback). The chip, cameras, and 5G/MagSafe support are the same.
What's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro?
The 12 Pro adds a Telephoto lens for 2x optical zoom, a LiDAR Scanner, ProRAW support, and a stainless steel frame. Screen size and chip are the same as the standard 12.
What's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The Pro Max has a larger 6.7" screen, a larger main camera sensor with sensor-shift optical image stabilisation, a longer 2.5x optical zoom (vs 2x on the Pro), and longer battery life (up to 20 hours vs 17 hours video).
Do any iPhone 12 models support Apple Intelligence?
No. Apple Intelligence requires an A17 Pro chip or newer. Every iPhone 12 model uses the older A14 Bionic chip, so none of them qualify.
Do all iPhone 12 models support 5G?
Yes, all four models — Mini, standard, Pro, and Pro Max — support 5G, and they were the first iPhone generation to do so.
Do iPhone 12 models support MagSafe?
Yes, MagSafe was introduced with this generation and is supported across the Mini, 12, Pro, and Pro Max.
Does the iPhone 12 series have a USB-C port?
No. All iPhone 12 models use a Lightning port, not USB-C.
Does the iPhone 12 series have a ProMotion (120Hz) display?
No. All four models use a 60Hz OLED display. ProMotion was introduced with the iPhone 13 Pro the following year.
Is the iPhone 12 series water resistant?
Apple specifies an IP68 rating for the iPhone 12 range, tested to a maximum depth of 6 metres for up to 30 minutes under controlled lab conditions. Water resistance is not a permanent condition and water damage is excluded from The Tech Gadgets' warranty.
What is Ceramic Shield?
Ceramic Shield is the front glass technology Apple introduced with the iPhone 12 range, described by Apple as offering significantly better drop performance than the glass used on earlier iPhones.
Are these iPhones unlocked?
Yes, every model is sold fully unlocked and should work with EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, and most other UK and international networks with a compatible SIM.
What condition grades are available?
Like New, Excellent, Very Good, and Fair. Exact grading criteria per tier are not published — check product photos for the specific listing or contact The Tech Gadgets for more detail.
What's the maximum storage available?
256GB on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini; 512GB on the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. No model in this range was sold with 1TB storage.
Is there a warranty?
Yes, a 12-month warranty covering manufacturing defects and functional faults. Battery, physical, water, and electrical/short-circuit damage are excluded.
What's the return policy?
30 days from delivery. Contact The Tech Gadgets before sending any return.
How fast is dispatch?
Orders placed before 3pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same day.
Is battery health disclosed before I buy?
Not on the product page. Battery health percentage is not confirmed publicly — contact The Tech Gadgets directly if this matters to you before ordering.
How many more years of iOS updates will an iPhone 12 get?
Apple has historically supported iPhones with major iOS updates for roughly 6 to 7 years from release. The iPhone 12 launched in autumn 2020, so it is realistically approaching the end of that major-update window, though Apple typically continues security patches for some time after major updates stop.
Which iPhone 12 model has the best camera?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max, due to its larger main sensor, sensor-shift stabilisation, and longer optical zoom compared to the other three models.
Which iPhone 12 model is cheapest?
The iPhone 12 Mini typically has the lowest starting price in the range, followed by the standard iPhone 12.
Can I use these on EE, O2, Vodafone, or Three with 5G?
Yes. All four models support 5G band n78, which is the band used by all major UK carriers for their 5G networks.
Should I buy the iPhone 12 or wait for a newer model?
If budget is the priority and you don't need Apple Intelligence or the latest camera features, the iPhone 12 series remains a capable, well-built option. If you want a longer runway of future software support, consider a newer refurbished generation such as the iPhone 13 series or iPhone 15 series.
Ready to Buy?
All four iPhone 12 models are in stock at The Tech Gadgets, refurbished, unlocked, and covered by a 12-month warranty:
Browse the full range on the refurbished iPhone collection or see every device on the mobile phones collection. Read more buying guides: iPhone 13 Series and iPhone 15 Series. Have questions before you order? Check our warranty policy, refund policy, or contact us directly.
