Is the iPhone 12 worth buying in 2021? To Upgrade to the 13 or Not To.
Published by Maaz at Turtleback on Aug 9th 2021
Stick to the iPhone 12 or upgrade to the iPhone 13? Here’s an answer according to your current scenario!
Apple announced its much-awaited flagship, the iPhone 12, last year. While we are still amazed at the high quality this series had to offer, it is speculated that the company is going to launch another iPhone soon. This iPhone 13 is rumored to be released September 2021.
If you are confused about whether to buy or stick with an iPhone 12 or upgrade to the iPhone 13, that’s understandable. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Read on to find out what option is suitable for you so you can feel confident you've made the right call.
Snap a new iPhone now if you are using an old phone
If you are using an iPhone X or even an older version, now is the time to switch to an iPhone 12. Just the A14 Bionic CPU and an OLED screen will give you an immersive experience over phones from just a few years ago.
However, the calculus is much different if you own an iPhone 11 right now. You won’t feel much of a difference if you switch to an iPhone 12. But if you wait until September, you are more likely to be amazed.
Feel the need for 5G speed?
Then, grab an iPhone 12! That said, you won’t find 5G everywhere. At the same time, you won’t experience the advertised speeds soon.
But the bottom line is that the iPhone 12 is the first and currently only iPhone compatible with 5G. So if you have access to 5G cellular networks and have a burning desire to connect to them, grab an iPhone 12. But if you wait a little while, iPhone 13 will also have 5G capability.
Damaged screen and key performance issues are two solid reasons to get the iPhone 12 immediately
A damaged screen is never a pretty sight. Also, using your phone with a damaged screen becomes difficult.
The same goes for major issues like a failing battery that can’t hold even 3 hours. So upgrading to the iPhone 12 is a smart move if you have these types of issues.
iPhone 12’s special feature that deserves your attention
With the iPhone 12, Apple introduced a new display material called "ceramic shield" glass. This glass covers the display and is said to be harder than most metals. CNET also confirms that it held up well during their torture tests.
Read More: The Top 10 Phones to Consider Upgrading to in 2021
So if you are someone who slips and drops their phone a lot, grabbing an iPhone 12 is a good move. Also, waiting for the iPhone 13 is fine because it will most likely come with a ceramic shield.
That said, the iPhone 12 is not unbreakable. More on that later!
Surprise features of the iPhone 13
Apple has a habit of being secretive. Each time they come up with a product, it comes with some special features that no one knew about before. The same will most likely be true for the iPhone 13.
If rumors are true, it will be the first iPhone to have a 120Hz display. That means the refresh rate will be faster than the iPhone 12’s screen and give a smoother scrolling experience.
Like each new iPhone, the camera will have more and better features. Apple is likely to come up with other unique features as well. So waiting for the new iPhone is worth it if you are a sucker for unboxing and using the latest technology.
In the end, it all comes down to the budget for most people
You have to consider your budget as well. Getting a hot deal on the iPhone 12 will make it worth buying immediately.
Also, consider the fact if you are planning to switch carriers. Your new wireless provider may offer you trade-in specials. Again, this will decrease the cost of a new phone.
You can also wait until the iPhone 13 is announced. This will most likely plummet the price of the iPhone 12. Depending on the features of the iPhone 13, you may get a heavily discounted iPhone 12.
The iPhone 11 started at $699, and now, Apple sells it for $599. The same is likely to happen for the iPhone 12.
The price of the new iPhone 13 will most likely follow a similar breakdown to what the iPhone 12 did. However, it’s only a guess because the prices are not officially announced yet.
iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 12: What rumors say about Apple’s next phone?
Keep in mind that none of the following information is confirmed by Apple. So make a buying decision based only on confirmed information.
The first couple of rumors are that Apple's next phone will be called iPhone 13 and is expected to be released in September. We are likely to see 4 models of this latest flagship.
Two of these models, the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro, are expected to be thicker than their predecessors. These models may also see a change to the camera bump.
The price won’t be much different than the iPhone 12 because 5G was a selling point in the 12’s launch. Talking about the technical aspects, the iPhone 13 is likely to have a 120 Hz refresh rate (for the first time in any iPhone.)
Conclusion: So is the iPhone 12 worth buying in 2021?
As we talked about in the beginning, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Buying the iPhone 12 is worth it if you:
- Are using an old phone
- Have a damaged screen or other key performance drawbacks like failing battery
- Want to get a discount on a great phone (For that, you’ll have to wait until the iPhone 13 is out.)
If you can’t wait for the iPhone 13, you can’t go wrong with any of the iPhone 12’s models.
And you should wait for the new iPhone 13 if you want to enjoy the latest features like a 120 Hz display and an improved camera.
And finally, if you can’t decide anything, just wait for the new iPhone. Once it’s out, you’ll know what features it offers and what does it cost. You’ll also know how much discount you can get on the iPhone 12. So you’ll make a decision with peace of mind.
Safety Comes First!
Even though iPhone 12 is a tough phone, it’s not unbreakable. There’s still a high chance that you can break its screen during accidental falls. So in order to protect it,you need to cover it with a holster.
With Turtleback holsters, your phone will be safe from dirt, dust, and accidental falls. A heavy-duty metal clip allows you to attach the phone to your side, so you can pick up calls immediately. Plus, it’s extremely stylish!
Whether you’re a Blue-Collar worker or a stay-at-home parent, the Turtleback Holster is the perfect protective gear for your cellphone.
Shop Holsters By Your Phone’s Model Now!
FAQ
How much is the iPhone 12?
The iPhone 12 costs $829. However, if you go with a 128GB iPhone, it costs $879, which is only $120 less than the $999 iPhone 12 Pro. The iPhone 12 mini is the cheapest of all models starting at $649.99. While the iPhone 12 Pro Max costs $1,099 making it the most expensive of the lot.
Is the iPhone 12 waterproof?
No! The iPhone 12 is not waterproof. However, it is water-resistant with a rating of IP68, which is better than any other iPhone model. That means all iPhone 12 models can be submerged in 6 meters of water for up to 30 minutes without being damaged.
How does iPhone 12’s size compare to other models?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the biggest iPhone ever, leaving behind iPhone 11 Pro Max. On the other hand, the iPhone 12 mini wins the spot for the tiniest phone in the series, with a size fraction larger than the iPhone SE.
How long does iPhone 12’s battery last?
According to Tom’s Guides test results, the battery life for each iPhone 12 model is:
(1) iPhone 12 mini: 7 hours 28 minutes
(2) iPhone 12: 8 hours 25 minutes
(3) iPhone 12 Pro: 9 hours 06 minutes
(4) iPhone 12 Pro Max: 10 hours 53 minutes
What are the best iPhone 12 deals right now?
These are the hottest iPhone 12 deals right now:
(1) Mint Mobile: iPhone 12 mini for $30/mo. + unlimited 5G for $30/mo.
(2) AT&T: up to $700 off iPhone 12 Pro Max w/ trade-in
(3) Verizon: up to $1,000 off iPhone 12 w/ port + trade-in
(4) Visible: $100 prepaid Mastercard + fast charger w/ port
(5) iPhone 12 mini: free w/ eligible trade-in @ AT&T
(6) Cricket/Amazon: up to $100 back w/ purchase @ Amazon
(7) T-Mobile: up to $830 off all iPhone 12 models
Please reference some iPhone 12 reviews.
With a whopping 9.2-star rating, it’s one of Cnet’s highest-rated phones of all time. The same goes for The Verge that gives it 9 stars. If you think these reviews can be biased, check out Amazon’s 4.4-star rating of the iPhone 12.
How good is iPhone 12’s camera?
With two rear 12-Megapixel cameras called wide-angle and an ultra-wide-angle, the iPhone 12 becomes any photographer’s dream. The phone also offers a remarkable night mode that works across all cameras, including the front one, and gives the quality as good as in daylight. Overall, the details are clearer, and the shots are brighter and more vibrant.
Should I wait for the iPhone 13?
You should wait for the iPhone 13 if you want to enjoy the latest features any iPhone has to offer. If you can’t decide between buying an iPhone 12 or waiting for the iPhone 13, waiting is much better.
Does iPhone 12 have an in-display fingerprint sensor?
No. So far, Apple has not released a phone with an in-display fingerprint sensor.
References
CNET: How to decide which Apple flagship is best for you?