iPhone 12 came out in 2020. Every iPhone Apple sells today gives you USB-C, Apple Intelligence and a newer chip, and all but iPhone 17e and iPhone 16 add a 120 Hz screen. For most owners the natural step is iPhone 17 ($899): up to 30 hours of video against 17, the A19 against the A14 Bionic, 8 GB of RAM against 4, and 48MP cameras against 12MP.
By chaogetalks · Updated · Figures from Apple's technical specifications
Worked out from Apple's technical specifications for each model; battery is Apple's video playback rating when new (an old battery will do less). RAM from Apple's Xcode data as reported by MacRumors, or Wikipedia's list of iPhone models for older phones. US prices from apple.com, checked October 2026.
Our pick
Which upgrade makes sense?
Most people: iPhone 17 ($899). 5 big gains over iPhone 12, and it is about the same size.
Lowest price: iPhone 17e ($699), if you can live with one rear camera instead of two.
Same feel in the hand: iPhone 17e, the current model closest to iPhone 12's 146.7 × 71.5 mm.
Most gains: iPhone 18 Pro Max ($1,299), with 6 big improvements.
What reviewers say
On upgrading from older iPhones
Their conclusions, in our words. Written for the iPhone 17 launch in 2025; follow the links for the full pieces.
Tom's Guide · Oct 2025
A long-time iPhone 12 owner found the biggest differences were storage (256 GB base against 64 GB), a battery that lasts the day without Low Power Mode, and the 120 Hz screen. The Camera Control button took getting used to.
Is it worth upgrading from iPhone 12 to iPhone 17?
For most people, yes. Display: 120 Hz ProMotion instead of 60 Hz: scrolling and animation look twice as smooth. Battery: up to 30 hours of video against 17 (76% more, on Apple's own test). Chip: A19 against A14 Bionic, 5 generations newer, so it should get iOS updates for years longer. Apple Intelligence: runs Apple Intelligence, which iPhone 12 cannot. iPhone 17 starts at $899 in the US.
Which new iPhone is the same size as iPhone 12?
iPhone 17e is the closest: 146.7 × 71.5 mm against 146.7 × 71.5 mm for iPhone 12, and 169 g against 164 g.
What is the cheapest upgrade from iPhone 12?
iPhone 17e at $699. Over iPhone 12 it adds battery, chip, Apple Intelligence, but note: one rear camera instead of two, so no separate ultra wide lens.
Will my iPhone 12 accessories work with a new iPhone?
Lightning cables and accessories won't plug in: every iPhone Apple sells today uses USB-C. Cases won't fit either, because the size and camera layout differ.
Can iPhone 12 run Apple Intelligence?
No. iPhone 12 has 4 GB of RAM and Apple supports Apple Intelligence only on iPhone 15 Pro and later. Every iPhone Apple sells today runs it.