The iPhone 12 Pro is the compact Pro from Apple’s first 5G generation — 6.1 inches, stainless steel, a triple-camera system with LiDAR, and the flat-edged design Apple has used ever since.
Six years on it is a certified pre-owned proposition, and it occupies an awkward spot: cheaper than newer Pros, but without the 120Hz ProMotion display that arrived one generation later on the 13 Pro. That single omission is the main reason to consider spending a little more.
If you want a cheap Pro-grade camera system and do not care about refresh rate, it still delivers.
Brand or model deal overview
| Consideration | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED, 60Hz — ProMotion arrived with the 13 Pro |
| Chip | A14 Bionic |
| Cameras | Triple 12MP with LiDAR — wide, ultra-wide, 2x telephoto |
| 5G | Supported — Apple’s first 5G generation |
| Build | Stainless steel and glass; heavy for its size |
| Charging | Lightning, with MagSafe |
| Storage | 128GB up to 512GB, not expandable |
| Availability | Certified pre-owned or second-hand; new stock unlikely |
Older Pro stock and pricing vary considerably. Confirm handset condition, battery health and remaining software support before applying.
Compare by network
Network options
Check which providers run certified pre-owned ranges rather than assuming the model appears in the main line-up. Where listed, compare:
- handset condition and grading;
- battery health, disclosed in writing;
- the warranty period and who honours it;
- storage size;
- remaining software-support period;
- the monthly instalment and the data attached;
- coverage at your usual locations.
Note the 60Hz display specifically. If you have used a 120Hz phone, going back is noticeable, and this is the last Pro generation without it.
Compare by budget
Budget options
Cheapest Pro-grade camera system. The triple camera with LiDAR is the draw, and it remains capable for everyday photography.
Compare against the 13 Pro. One generation newer, adds 120Hz ProMotion and considerably better battery life. Usually worth the difference. See iPhone 13 Pro contract deals.
Compare against the standard iPhone 12. Much cheaper, same 5G, dual camera, no telephoto. See iPhone 12 contract deals.
Compare against a current standard iPhone. Newer chip, USB-C, brighter display and years more support at a similar monthly cost — but no telephoto lens.
Certified pre-owned over private sale. Warranty matters on a six-year-old handset.
Current and older alternatives
Alternative models
iPhone 13 Pro. The direct successor, with ProMotion and better battery. See iPhone 13 Pro contract deals.
iPhone 12 Pro Max. Same generation, larger, with a bigger sensor. See iPhone 12 Pro Max contract deals.
iPhone 12. The standard model, cheaper. See iPhone 12 contract deals.
iPhone 11 Pro. One generation older, no 5G. See iPhone 11 Pro contract deals.
The 12 Pro’s position is genuinely awkward. It is the cheapest 5G Pro, but the 13 Pro fixed its two real weaknesses — refresh rate and battery — for often modest extra cost.
What to check before applying
- Battery health percentage, in writing.
- Remaining iOS support period.
- Handset grading and what the warranty covers.
- Storage capacity — not expandable.
- That 60Hz is acceptable to you — handle one if you have used a 120Hz phone.
- Total contract cost — monthly × term, plus upfront.
- How the price compares to a 13 Pro over the full term.
- Returns policy and cooling-off period.
- Coverage at your home and work addresses.
Contract applications are subject to the provider’s own checks — identification, proof of address, banking details, RICA registration, and generally a credit and affordability assessment. Approval is not guaranteed.
FAQs
Does the iPhone 12 Pro have a 120Hz display?
No. It uses a 60Hz panel. ProMotion arrived with the iPhone 13 Pro the following year, which is the clearest reason to consider that model instead.
Is the 12 Pro or 13 Pro better value?
Usually the 13 Pro, where the monthly difference is modest. It adds ProMotion and meaningfully better battery life on the same body size.
Does the iPhone 12 Pro support 5G?
Yes. The iPhone 12 generation was Apple’s first with 5G, and the Pro is included. It supports the bands used in South Africa, so it will connect where coverage exists.
What does LiDAR do?
It improves autofocus in low light and supports depth-based features and augmented reality. Useful rather than transformative for most photography.
What does a screen repair cost on this model?
Out-of-warranty repairs on a Pro-generation iPhone are expensive relative to what the handset is now worth on the pre-owned market. On a six-year-old device that changes the insurance calculation.
Should I replace the battery before or after buying?
If the seller has not already replaced it, budget for doing so shortly after purchase. A degraded battery on an otherwise capable phone is the single change that most improves day-to-day use.
What is the difference between the 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max?
Size and camera hardware. The Pro Max is 6.7 inches with a larger main sensor and sensor-shift stabilisation the smaller Pro does not have.
Will the 5G work properly on South African networks?
The iPhone 12 generation supports the 5G bands used locally, so it will connect where coverage exists. Actual speeds depend on the network’s rollout in your area rather than on the handset.
Can I still buy cases and accessories for it?
Yes. Cases for popular older iPhones stay widely available from third-party makers long after Apple stops selling its own, and charging accessories are standard Lightning and MagSafe.
Compare your options: see all iPhone contract deals, or browse contract deals South Africa.
Last updated: August 2026 — pricing, stock and availability can change.