Looking at iPhone 12 storage options and not sure which one to go for?
Whether you’re choosing the iPhone 12 Mini, the standard iPhone 12, or stepping up to the 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max, storage is a key decision. Too little and you’ll constantly be deleting things. Too much and you might be paying for space you’ll never use.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what storage sizes are available, who each one is best for, and why bigger isn’t always better.
📱 iPhone 12 & iPhone 12 Mini: Storage Sizes
- 64GB
- 128GB
- 256GB
📱 iPhone 12 Pro & Pro Max: Storage Sizes
- 128GB
- 256GB
- 512GB
No expandable memory here — what you choose is what you live with. But iCloud can help with backup and storage flexibility, so you’re not entirely locked in.
Who should go for 64GB?
The smallest size (only available on the standard 12 and 12 Mini) often gets overlooked. But it’s not useless — far from it.
Best for:
- Light users (calls, messages, social media, Spotify)
- People who stream everything instead of downloading
- Anyone who regularly backs up to iCloud
- Kids, teens, or as a second/backup phone
Why it works:
- It’s the cheapest option
- Encourages you to keep your phone clutter-free
- Perfect for using alongside cloud-based apps like Google Photos or iCloud Drive
🔍 Reality check: If you’re taking loads of high-res videos or downloading offline Netflix episodes, you’ll probably fill it quickly. But for everyday use? 64GB is more than manageable.
Who should choose 128GB?
This is the sweet spot for most users and the base storage for the Pro models. It offers breathing room without overkill.
Best for:
- Everyday users with a decent app library
- People who take regular photos/videos
- Occasional offline content (Spotify, Netflix)
- Casual mobile gamers
Why it works:
- It strikes a balance — enough storage to be flexible, without being expensive
- Most users will sit comfortably under 100GB if they’re syncing photos to the cloud
⚖️ Verdict: If you want peace of mind and don’t want to overthink storage, 128GB is a smart, balanced choice.
Who needs 256GB?
This size is ideal for heavier phone use. If your phone is your main camera, entertainment hub, and office all in one, 256GB gives you plenty of headroom.
Best for:
- Content creators (photos, 4K video, editing apps)
- People who don’t use cloud storage
- Gamers with multiple large titles installed
- Users who record and save lots of voice notes, call recordings, or long video clips
Why it works:
- You rarely need to delete things
- Apps load quicker when storage isn’t constantly maxed out
- Better resale value down the line
💡 Tip: Even if you’re not a power user right now, 256GB gives you future-proofing — especially if you plan to hold onto your phone for 3+ years.
When does 512GB make sense?
Only available on the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max, this is the storage size for people who seriously use their phone like a mini workstation.
Best for:
- Professionals who shoot/edit 4K video regularly
- People travelling without regular access to Wi-Fi/cloud backup
- Anyone using their phone for large local file storage (e.g. work documents, client media, large apps)
Why it works:
- You can shoot hours of 4K footage without flinching
- No stress about space for massive apps like Adobe Lightroom, GarageBand, or CAD tools
- You’re covered for anything — even if you forget to clean up for a year
🚫 Downside: It’s expensive. If you’re not actively filling that space, it’s probably overkill.
So… how much storage do you need?
Here’s a quick summary:
- 64GB: Light users, cloud-firs people, budget buyers
- 128GB: Most users, a solid middle ground that isn’t expensive
- 256GB: Creators, gamers, long-term users
- 512GB: Professionals, heavy file users, zero cloud reliance
More storage isn’t automatically better.
If you’re using the cloud and don’t hoard apps or videos, smaller sizes still make sense — especially on the iPhone 12 Mini, which suits light, stylish users who don’t need 500GB of space.
If you’re going all in on photos, editing, or want a phone that can handle years of use without clearing space, bigger is safer.
Whatever your pick, buy refurbished from The Big Phone Store and save money without compromising on performance. Every phone we sell is professionally tested, has at least 85% battery health, and comes with a 12-month warranty.
Ready to choose?
Check out our full range of iPhone 12 storage options — all refurbished, all priced to save you money, and all delivered next day (for free).
