IPhone 12 Pro: Still Worth It In 2022?

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 39 views

Hey everyone, let's dive into the iPhone 12 Pro! It’s been a minute since its release, and you might be wondering, is it still a good buy in 2022? Well, buckle up, because we're about to break down everything you need to know. We'll be looking at the design, performance, camera, battery life, and overall value to help you decide if this phone is still the right choice for you. Considering the rapid evolution of smartphones, the question of whether the iPhone 12 Pro holds up is a valid one. With newer models like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 already out, the 12 Pro has to prove it can still compete in today's market. Whether you're a long-time Apple enthusiast or a newcomer to the iPhone world, this review aims to provide a comprehensive look at the iPhone 12 Pro in the context of 2022, helping you make a well-informed decision. So, let’s get started and see if the iPhone 12 Pro still shines!

Design and Build Quality

Alright, first things first, let's talk about the look and feel of the iPhone 12 Pro. The design is one of the things that still makes it a head-turner. It features a flat-edged design, a major departure from the rounded edges of previous generations, giving it a modern and sleek appearance. This design language has since been adopted by the newer iPhone models, so the 12 Pro doesn't feel outdated in terms of aesthetics. The build quality is top-notch, as you'd expect from an iPhone. It's made with premium materials, including a stainless steel frame and a Ceramic Shield front cover, which is designed to be more durable than previous iPhone displays. This means it's pretty resistant to scratches and drops, though you should still consider using a case, just to be safe. The matte glass back feels great in the hand and resists fingerprints relatively well. The iPhone 12 Pro is available in several stylish colors, including silver, graphite, gold, and Pacific Blue. The Pacific Blue, in particular, was a favorite when it first launched, and it still looks fantastic today. The overall feel of the phone is incredibly premium, with a satisfying weight that makes it feel substantial without being overly bulky. It's a phone that feels good to hold and use. The button placement is standard Apple, easy to reach, and offers a nice tactile click. Overall, the design of the iPhone 12 Pro is still very appealing in 2022, offering a premium look and feel that holds its own against newer models.

Durability and Build Materials

Let’s dig a bit deeper into the durability of the iPhone 12 Pro. As mentioned earlier, the Ceramic Shield front cover is a significant upgrade in terms of drop resistance. Apple claims it offers up to four times better drop performance compared to the previous generation. While no phone is completely indestructible, the iPhone 12 Pro is certainly built to withstand daily wear and tear. The stainless steel frame not only looks great but also adds to the phone's overall sturdiness. It’s more resistant to bending and warping compared to the aluminum frames found on some other phones. The matte glass back is also pretty tough, though it can still potentially crack if dropped from a significant height onto a hard surface. The iPhone 12 Pro also boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. This means it can withstand being submerged in up to six meters of water for up to 30 minutes. This level of protection gives you peace of mind if you accidentally spill water on your phone or drop it in a puddle. However, it's still best to avoid intentionally exposing your phone to water. The combination of premium materials and thoughtful design makes the iPhone 12 Pro a durable phone that can handle the rigors of everyday use. But as always, using a protective case and screen protector is a wise investment to further safeguard your device from potential damage, extending its lifespan and maintaining its resale value.

Performance and Software

Okay, let's talk about the heart of the iPhone 12 Pro: its performance and the software experience. Inside, you'll find the A14 Bionic chip, which was a powerhouse when it was released, and it still holds its own in 2022. The A14 Bionic chip, combined with iOS optimization, ensures that the iPhone 12 Pro can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is smooth, and graphically intensive games run without a hitch. The overall experience is fluid and responsive, which is what we've come to expect from Apple's iPhones. iOS is another key factor in the phone's performance. The software is well-optimized for the hardware, resulting in a seamless user experience. Apple is known for providing timely software updates, and the iPhone 12 Pro continues to receive the latest versions of iOS, ensuring you have access to the newest features and security enhancements. This ongoing support is a significant advantage, as it keeps your phone running smoothly and securely for years to come. The iPhone 12 Pro also features a fast and reliable Face ID, which allows for secure and convenient unlocking of your device and authentication for apps and payments. The phone also supports 5G connectivity, meaning you can take advantage of faster download and upload speeds if you’re in an area with 5G coverage. Overall, the performance of the iPhone 12 Pro remains impressive in 2022, thanks to the powerful A14 Bionic chip and the optimized iOS software. The phone delivers a smooth, responsive, and enjoyable user experience, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and high-performing smartphone.

A14 Bionic Chip and Real-World Use

Now, let's delve a bit more into the A14 Bionic chip's capabilities in real-world scenarios. This chip is designed to handle demanding tasks with ease. Whether you're editing photos and videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or running multiple apps simultaneously, the A14 Bionic chip delivers consistent, top-tier performance. One of the key strengths of the A14 Bionic is its efficiency. Despite its power, it’s designed to manage power consumption effectively, contributing to the iPhone 12 Pro's overall battery life. When it comes to gaming, the iPhone 12 Pro offers a fantastic experience. The high-resolution display and powerful graphics capabilities of the A14 Bionic chip ensure that games look stunning and run smoothly, even with demanding titles. In terms of everyday tasks, such as web browsing, social media, and email, the iPhone 12 Pro excels. Apps open instantly, scrolling is smooth, and the overall experience is fast and responsive. The A14 Bionic chip isn’t just about raw power; it also incorporates advanced machine learning capabilities. This allows the iPhone to perform tasks like image processing and voice recognition more efficiently. The iPhone 12 Pro can adapt to your usage patterns, optimizing performance and extending battery life. The A14 Bionic's performance has aged gracefully, and it remains a capable chip for various tasks in 2022, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable user experience.

Camera Capabilities

Alright, let's get into one of the most important aspects of any smartphone: the camera. The iPhone 12 Pro has a triple-camera system that still delivers excellent results in 2022. It includes a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens. This combination provides you with versatility for various shooting scenarios. The wide-angle lens captures stunning photos with great detail and dynamic range. The ultra-wide-angle lens allows you to capture more of the scene, which is great for landscapes or group shots. The telephoto lens offers optical zoom, allowing you to get closer to your subject without sacrificing image quality. One of the standout features of the iPhone 12 Pro camera is its computational photography capabilities. Features like Smart HDR 3 enhance the detail and dynamic range in your photos, making them look vibrant and realistic. Night mode is another impressive feature, enabling you to capture stunning photos in low-light conditions. The phone automatically detects when you're in a low-light environment and activates Night mode, allowing you to capture bright, detailed photos even in the dark. The iPhone 12 Pro also records video in Dolby Vision HDR, which produces incredibly vivid and detailed videos. You can edit these videos directly on your phone, providing a professional-level editing experience. Overall, the camera system on the iPhone 12 Pro is still very capable in 2022. It offers excellent image quality, versatility, and advanced features, making it a great choice for photography enthusiasts and casual users alike. You will be able to capture some amazing photos and videos with this phone.

Photo and Video Quality

Let’s dive a bit deeper into the photo and video quality of the iPhone 12 Pro. In terms of photo quality, the iPhone 12 Pro excels in various lighting conditions. In daylight, photos are sharp, detailed, and have excellent color accuracy. The dynamic range is impressive, with the phone able to capture a wide range of tones from highlights to shadows. In low-light conditions, the iPhone 12 Pro's Night mode truly shines. It allows you to capture bright, detailed photos with minimal noise. The resulting images are often far better than what you'd expect from a smartphone camera. The ultra-wide-angle lens also performs well, capturing a wider field of view without significant distortion. The telephoto lens provides a good level of optical zoom, allowing you to get closer to your subjects without sacrificing image quality. When it comes to video quality, the iPhone 12 Pro is exceptional. It can record videos in 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second, providing incredibly smooth and detailed footage. The Dolby Vision HDR capabilities further enhance the video quality, producing vibrant and realistic colors. The phone also features excellent video stabilization, ensuring that your videos are steady even when you're moving. The iPhone 12 Pro also offers a range of video editing tools, allowing you to edit your videos directly on your phone. Overall, the photo and video quality of the iPhone 12 Pro remains impressive in 2022. It delivers excellent results in various conditions, making it a great choice for photography and videography enthusiasts.

Battery Life

Now, let's talk about battery life. The iPhone 12 Pro has a decent battery, but it’s not necessarily a standout performer in this area. You can typically expect a full day of use with moderate to heavy usage. This means you should be able to get through a full day of web browsing, social media, taking photos, and making calls without needing to recharge. However, if you are a heavy user who spends a lot of time gaming or streaming videos, you may need to recharge your phone before the end of the day. The battery life is influenced by various factors, including the type of apps you use, your screen brightness, and your network connectivity. The iPhone 12 Pro supports fast charging, so you can quickly top up your battery when needed. However, you will need to purchase a separate 20W charger, as one is not included in the box. Wireless charging is also supported, allowing you to conveniently charge your phone using a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad. Overall, the battery life of the iPhone 12 Pro is satisfactory, but it's not the best in its class. It’s important to manage your usage and consider your individual needs. You might want to consider carrying a portable charger if you're a heavy user who is often away from a power outlet. The battery performance is often adequate for most people.

Charging and Power Efficiency

Let’s explore the charging capabilities and power efficiency of the iPhone 12 Pro in more detail. As mentioned, the iPhone 12 Pro supports fast charging. With a 20W charger, you can charge your phone from 0% to around 50% in approximately 30 minutes. This is a significant advantage, especially if you need a quick top-up before heading out. However, the iPhone 12 Pro does not include a charger in the box. You will need to purchase one separately. The phone also supports wireless charging, using the Qi standard. This allows you to charge your phone wirelessly using compatible charging pads. Wireless charging is convenient for overnight charging or for keeping your desk clutter-free. In terms of power efficiency, the A14 Bionic chip is designed to manage power consumption effectively. The iPhone 12 Pro also features an adaptive refresh rate, which adjusts the display's refresh rate based on your activity, further optimizing battery life. Although the iPhone 12 Pro doesn’t have the longest battery life on the market, Apple has optimized the hardware and software to extend the battery's lifespan. By using features like optimized battery charging, the phone learns from your charging habits to reduce battery aging. Overall, while the battery life of the iPhone 12 Pro isn’t a standout feature, the fast-charging and wireless charging capabilities, combined with power-efficient hardware, make it a convenient and user-friendly phone. Careful management of usage and taking advantage of the charging features can help you get the most out of your battery.

Value and Conclusion

So, is the iPhone 12 Pro still worth buying in 2022? That depends on your individual needs and priorities. The iPhone 12 Pro offers a premium design, excellent performance, a versatile camera system, and the benefits of the iOS ecosystem. It's still a very capable phone. However, it's also important to consider the competition. Newer models, like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, offer improvements in areas like camera quality, battery life, and processing power. The price of the iPhone 12 Pro has also come down since its release, making it more affordable than it was initially. If you’re looking for a high-end iPhone without spending a fortune, the iPhone 12 Pro could be a good choice. If you value the latest features and the best performance, you might want to consider the newer models. Ultimately, the value proposition comes down to your personal preferences. The iPhone 12 Pro provides a great balance of features, performance, and price. But is it right for you? It depends! Weigh the pros and cons, consider your budget, and decide what matters most to you in a smartphone. If you're coming from an older iPhone or an Android phone, the iPhone 12 Pro could be a significant upgrade. If you're already an iPhone user, the decision will depend on how much you value the upgrades offered by newer models. The iPhone 12 Pro offers a compelling package, making it a viable option in 2022, especially if you can find it at a discounted price.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the pros and cons of the iPhone 12 Pro to help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

Premium Design: The stainless steel frame and Ceramic Shield front cover give it a sleek and durable look.
Excellent Performance: The A14 Bionic chip is still very powerful and handles demanding tasks with ease.
Versatile Camera System: The triple-camera system captures stunning photos and videos in various conditions.
iOS Ecosystem: Access to a user-friendly operating system, regular software updates, and a vast app library.
5G Connectivity: Enables faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage.
Price: You can find it at a lower price than the newer models.

Cons:

Battery Life: Battery life is decent, but not exceptional, particularly for heavy users.
No Charger in the Box: You have to purchase a charger separately.
Older Model: Lacks some of the newer features found in the iPhone 13 and 14.
Competition: Newer phones offer slight improvements in certain areas, such as camera and battery.

By carefully considering these pros and cons, you can decide whether the iPhone 12 Pro is the right choice for your needs. It continues to be a great phone even in 2022.