iPhone 12, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max: Which One to Buy in Kenya

The iPhone 12 range was a major redesign. It introduced flat edges, OLED screens across the line and 5G. Those changes are why the 12 remains a popular middle ground for Kenyan buyers who want a modern iPhone without paying for the latest generation.

What every iPhone 12 shares

All iPhone 12 models use the A14 Bionic chip, a Super Retina XDR OLED display, Face ID, IP68 water resistance, a Ceramic Shield front and MagSafe magnets on the back. MagSafe makes wireless chargers and magnetic power banks snap into the right position.

Compared with the iPhone 11, the jump to OLED is the change you will notice first. Blacks are truly black, contrast is higher, and video looks noticeably better.

The four sizes and what separates them

• iPhone 12 mini: 5.4 inches. Very compact, but its battery is the smallest in the range.
• iPhone 12: 6.1 inches, with main and ultra-wide cameras.
• iPhone 12 Pro: 6.1 inches, adds a 2x telephoto camera, a LiDAR sensor and a stainless steel frame.
• iPhone 12 Pro Max: 6.7 inches, with a longer 2.5x telephoto, larger main sensor and the biggest battery.

The LiDAR scanner helps with focus in dim conditions and with augmented reality apps. Unless you use those, the main reason to buy a Pro is the telephoto camera. For more on this choice across generations, read Pro versus standard iPhone.

What to watch for on a used iPhone 12

Batteries on this generation are not large by current standards. The 12 and 12 Pro are all-day phones for moderate users but can struggle with heavy gaming, hotspot use or long video sessions, especially with an older battery. Check health before buying, and see our battery health guide.

Storage is another decision. Base models with 64GB fill up fast with WhatsApp media and video. If you can, choose 128GB or more, and note that iPhones do not take memory cards. The storage you buy is the storage you keep.

The charging port on all iPhone 12 models is Lightning, so your cables will not match newer USB-C iPhones or most Android phones. Budget for a fast charger too, because a charger is not included with new iPhones of this era. A 20W or stronger USB-C charger charges the phone far faster than an old 5W brick.

iPhone 12 or iPhone 13?

The iPhone 13 looks similar but offers noticeably better battery life, a brighter screen and, on the Pro models, a smoother 120Hz display. If the price gap in the shop is small, the 13 is usually the better purchase. If the gap is large, the 12 gives you most of the experience for less.

Is the 5G useful?

The iPhone 12 supports 5G, but real-world benefit depends on where you live and on your carrier. Safaricom's 5G network covers selected areas. Ex-UK phones may also have band differences that are worth asking about if 5G is your main reason for buying. See what to know about 5G in Kenya.

Our recommendation

For most people the standard iPhone 12 with 128GB is the sensible pick. Photographers who want optical zoom should look at the 12 Pro. Anyone who wants a large screen and the best battery life in this range should choose the 12 Pro Max.

Before you pay for an Ex-UK unit, follow the Ex-UK iPhone checklist. Listings below show the models currently in the shop, with condition and storage options on each product page.