Is it still reasonable to buy last year's model now, with the new iPhone, rumored to be called the iPhone 13, on its way for Apple's next event?
The iPhone 12 may be a good option depending on the features you need and your budget. However, you won't have to wait long for the iPhone 13, which could be released as soon as September, if that's the better option for you.
Reasons to Wait for iPhone 13
Camera improvements
Photographers will appreciate the upgraded rear ultrawide camera lens on the iPhone 13, as well as new astrophotography and video portrait modes. Furthermore, it's rumored that all iPhone 13s, including the entry-level models, will include Apple's LiDAR depth sensor this year, an auxiliary camera that aids in picture effects and AR applications.
120Hz refresh rate
At least for the Pro models, the iPhone 13's display is said to have a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate. This will make compatible games and scrolling feel incredibly smooth.
Bigger batteries
According to a leak spotted on Twitter, all iPhone 13 models will have larger battery capacity. The iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max are all included. The iPhone 12 series battery life results were disappointing, except for the iPhone 12 Pro Max, so more juice would be welcome.
New colors
The iPhone 12 lineup already has a plethora of options, including the recently launched purple iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini. If none of these alternatives appeal to you, a new round of hues for the iPhone 13 will be available, including a potential orange and matte black.
Reasons You Should Still Buy iPhone 12
Still really good cameras
The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro continue to have superb cameras. The Pro models have telephoto lenses (2x for the Pro and 2.5x for the Pro Max), but all four phones have a great primary shooter with one of the best night modes available.
iPhone 12 already has 5G
The iPhone 13 should include a faster 5G Qualcomm chip that can combine mmWave and sub-6GHz bands, but we don't think 5G is a compelling reason to wait for the iPhone 13.
Lower prices
Apple routinely lowers the price of the previous generation iPhones as soon as the new models are released. Reports say the iPhone 12 will cost $599 once the iPhone 13 is unveiled, which would be $200 less. It's difficult to predict how much the other iPhone 12 models will cost, but we'd expect a significant reduction across the board.
Depending on how the iPhone 13 turns out, a drastically priced iPhone 12 may be a better deal.
