The best iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro deals for September 2024
Here are this week's recommendations for iPhone 12 deals
While there are newer devices on the market now, iPhone 12 deals can still offer fantastic value for those who don't mind opting for an older device. As you'd imagine with a device several generations old, there are fewer options out there versus the latest models as the device is now officially discontinued. There are, however, still a few iPhone 12 deals available at select retailers while stocks last.
iPhone 12:
1. This week's best deals
2. Mini-review
iPhone 12 Pro:
1. This week's best deals
2. Mini-review
We're covering all devices in the iPhone 12 range on this page but it's generally only the standard model that's still available at most retailers. The Pro models and the mini are all long-discontinued so it's pretty difficult to find one new. Note that Apple does have an official certified refurbished program that's great for picking up older devices.
Inside, all iPhone 12 models utilize the Apple A14 Bionic chip, an upgraded screen, plus a rather old-school angular design that harkens back to the squared-off corners featured on the now ancient iPhone 4 and 5 designs. It's also the first iPhone to feature what Apple calls its 'Ceramic Shield' - a new glass technology that apparently makes the display up to four times tougher than previous iterations.
The more premium iPhone 12 Pro starts at $999 and boasts a few key upgrades over the standard 12 model. Firstly is the inclusion of the new LiDAR scanner - a feature we've only seen on the recent iPad Pro's so far, plus an upgraded camera system and stainless steel chassis. In our eyes, this one's very much intended for those users who value those quality snaps from their smartphone, and it seems Apple is really gunning for that top spot among Google, Samsung, and other leading manufacturers to offer the best smartphone camera ever.
Note that you can see this week's iPhone 15 deals for the latest model or our main iPhone deals page for a direct comparison between all available models.
iPhone 12 deals
Apple iPhone 12 series (refurbished): up to $370 off at Apple
Now the iPhone 15 series has shuffled along, Apple has finally discontinued the iPhone 12 from its official lineup of devices you can buy new via its store. The good news, however, is that the official certified refurbished store is now absolutely full of great bargains on the iPhone 12 series. Prices start at $409 for an iPhone 12 mini right now and you can get savings all the way up to $370 off on the pricier Pro Max models.
Apple iPhone 12: $599.99 $199.99 at Boost Mobile
Probably the cheapest way to get yourself an iPhone 12 right now is over at Boost Mobile. The prepaid carrier is currently offering devices for just $199 for new customers, which is pretty great considering the range of cheap cell phone plans that are available via Boost. This is likely a while-stocks-last kind of deal, so we wouldn't hang around if you're interested.
Apple iPhone 12: $729 $379 at PureTalk
And, if you're considering pairing up your device with a cheap prepaid plan, PureTalk is currently offering a decent $400 price cut on the iPhone 12. This prepaid carrier operates on the wider AT&T network so it's a fantastic option if you're looking for a prepaid alternative to that carrier in particular.
iPhone 12 deals: what you need to know
OS: iOS 14 | Screen size: 6.1-inch Retina (60Hz)| Resolution: 2532 x 1170 | CPU: Apple A14 | Memory: N/A | Weight: 164g |Storage: 64 / 128 / 256GB | Battery: N/A | Rear camera: 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide| Front camera: 12MP
The iPhone 12 was Apple's big flagship release of 2020. While originally retailing at $799 for the 64GB version, it's now a (relatively) reasonable $599 upfront post-iPhone 14 launch. Considering the device had a ton of very juicy upgrades over the iPhone 11 and a whole new design, that's a great price.
Key upgrades include the brand new Apple A14 chipset, which the company itself claims is 40% faster than the A13 on the previous range. Apple also claims that the new Ceramic Shield glass on the front display and rear panel too is significantly tougher than any glass it's previously used on any iPhone. There's also a new MagSafe charging system that's intended to make wireless charging a lot less finicky - it's essentially an in-built magnet within the phone that'll make your device stick to the pad.
Other upgrades include the new Smart HDR 3 camera tech, which supposedly gives a 27% improvement in low-light performance, and some pivotal screen updates too which give much higher pixel density and brightness over previous iPhone generations. All-in-all, there are some definite hefty improvements under the hood here and the brand new sales price of $599 (thanks to the subsequent releases of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14) has made it a very, very good value option in 2022.
iPhone 12 Pro deals
Apple iPhone 12 Pro (refurbished): from $759 at Apple
Now the iPhone 12 Pro is officially discontinued and stocks are very much dried up at most vendors, the best option on this device is to go via the official Apple refurbished program. Considering you can get up to $180 off a device, depending on what storage you go for, we'd say it's still a pretty good option. For trade-ins, we'd very much recommend going for the 13 Pro or a later device, however.
iPhone 12 Pro deals: what you need to know
OS: iOS 14 | Screen size: 6.1-inch Retina (60Hz)| Resolution: 2532 x 1170 | CPU: Apple A14 | Memory: N/A | Weight: 190g |Storage: 128 / 256 / 512GB | Battery: N/A | Rear camera: 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto| Front camera: 12MP
The more premium sibling of the two initial 2020 Apple phones, the iPhone 12 Pro, looks to carry on the flagship pedigree of last year's iPhone 11 Pro by offering a few key upgrades for Apple fanatics who want the most cutting-edge tech in their handset.
Retailing at an introductory price of $999 for the 126GB storage variant, the iPhone 12 Pro mainly features a plethora of significant camera upgrades that are sure to please avid photographers the world over. Wider aperture lens', and improved 2x optical zoom, and new sensor-shift image stabilization tech means you're getting the most advanced snapper yet on an Apple device. It's in fact the first phone in the world capable of capturing 4K HDR footage thanks to its native support of Dolby Vision HDR - which you can also edit in on-device too. The inclusion of the new LiDAR scanner too, a feature we've previously only seen on the new iPad Pros, also enables much faster autofocus and better support on augmented reality apps.
The other key difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and the standard iPhone 12 is that the Pro model has a stainless steel frame, as opposed to just aluminum. That, as well as the upgraded camera internals equates to a slightly weightier device, even though it's in fact the same size in-hand. Is that worth the significant upcharge? It's a tough ask in our eyes, but if you're into snapping incredible photos and videos, the iPhone 12 Pro will be on your radar no doubt.
- Alternatively, See the best cell phone deals available this week for Android devices
Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox
Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.
Alex is TechRadar's deals editor, specializing in getting our readers the bang bang for the buck on the tech that we know and love. He's a dab hand at covering retailer events like Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day having over seven years of e-commerce experience at Future PLC; including bylines at our sister sites T3 and GamesRadar. Alex's expertise touches on most areas of TechRadar but he has a particular love for phones, laptops, and cameras, being an avid photographer. Outside of work, you'll find him indulging his love for street and travel photography, at home working on music, or down at the local climbing gym.