Refurbished iPhone 12

Buy a refurbished iPhone 12 SIM-free with 85%+ battery, 12-month warranty, 45-day returns and free UK delivery.

Learn about refurbished conditions
Overview

Buy a Refurbished iPhone 12 SIM-Free

The iPhone 12 marked a genuine turning point for Apple, with 5G connectivity that future-proofed it well beyond what anyone expected at the time, and a camera system that took a meaningful step forward in ways you actually notice day to day. It was the iPhone that reminded everyone why they fell in love with iPhone in the first place.

Yes, it's been around for a few years now. But it's still covered by Apple's software updates and security patches, still quick and responsive in everyday use, and still looks and feels like a phone worth owning

Every iPhone 12 we sell at The Big Phone Store is tested, graded and dispatched in-house β€” data-wiped, battery checked, SIM-free, unlocked and backed by a 12-month warranty. Honest about its age, confident in its quality.

What you get, at a glance

  • Network: SIM-free and unlocked for compatible UK networks

  • Testing: 90+ point quality check before dispatch

  • Battery health: Minimum 85% as standard

  • Like New battery: 100% guaranteed battery health

  • Warranty: 12 months included

  • Warranty upgrades: 2 years, 5 years or lifetime where available

  • Returns: 45-day returns process

  • Delivery: Free UK delivery over Β£30, free fast delivery over Β£150

  • Preparation: Data-wiped, checked, graded and dispatched in-house

Direct answer: Is a reconditioned iPhone 12 worth it?

Yes. A reconditioned iPhone 12 is worth buying if you want an affordable iPhone with 5G, a sharp OLED screen, MagSafe and smooth everyday performance. It is a good choice for calls, browsing, maps, photos, streaming and social apps, especially when professionally tested and sold with warranty cover.

Why Buy from The Big Phone Store?

The iPhone 12 still has the design many people recognise as a modern iPhone, but the safest value comes from how it has been checked. The Big Phone Store has specialised in refurbished, recycled and reused electronics since 1999, helping UK shoppers avoid private-seller risk and unclear device history.

Every refurbished iPhone 12 is tested and graded in-house before dispatch. Testing may use tools such as PhoneCheck and CheckMEND where relevant. Where parts are used, we use OEM-quality parts or higher. We are also a WEEE-certified recycler, helping keep reliable phones in use for longer.

What Matters

How We Help

Why It Matters to You

Experience

Refurbished electronics specialist since 1999

You buy from a long-running UK business

Trust

4.8 Trustpilot rating with 80,000+ reviews

Real social proof before you buy

Security

Data-wiped and network/history checked

Lower risk than buying privately

Quality

90+ point quality check

Important functions are checked before dispatch

Support

UK-based customer support

Help from real people if needed

Sustainability

WEEE-certified recycler

Less e-waste and more reuse

Stock

Website stock means actual stock

No false listings or seller delays

Device quality

Tested, graded and dispatched in-house

Clear condition before checkout

Key Features That Matter Day to Day

The refurbished iPhone 12 is a great step up from older iPhones because it brings together three useful upgrades: 5G, OLED and MagSafe. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display gives you crisp text, deep contrast and better video viewing than older LCD iPhones. Apple lists the resolution at 2532 x 1170 pixels with 460 ppi.

The A14 Bionic chip keeps everyday use smooth across messages, banking apps, streaming, web browsing, maps, camera use and light gaming. The iPhone 12 also supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, giving you modern connection options at a lower refurbished price.

The dual 12MP camera system gives you wide and ultra-wide shots, Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3 and 4K Dolby Vision HDR video recording. It is a solid choice for holidays, family photos, pets, social posts and everyday video.

Refurbished vs Used iPhone 12

A refurbished iPhone 12 is not the same as a typical second hand iPhone 12. A private seller may offer a low price, but you may not know the battery health, repair history, network status or whether the phone has been properly wiped.

Professionally Refurbished

Typical Used Phone

Tested across 90+ points

Usually not fully tested

Minimum 85% battery health

Battery may be weak or unknown

Data-wiped before sale

Data removal depends on the seller

12-month warranty included

Often no warranty

Clear condition grading

Condition can be vague

Network/history checks completed, including CheckMEND where relevant

Risk depends on seller honesty

Direct answer: Is refurbished safer than buying used privately?

Yes. A refurbished iPhone 12 is usually safer than buying used privately because it has been tested, graded, data-wiped and sold with warranty cover. You also reduce the risk of blocked devices, weak batteries, hidden repair issues and difficult returns.

Condition Grades Explained

Every refurbished iPhone 12 we sell is fully functional. The grade describes cosmetic condition, not performance.

  • Like New is the cleanest cosmetic option and includes 100% guaranteed battery health. Choose it if you want the best condition available.

  • Pristine has very light signs of use and suits buyers who want a cleaner-looking phone for less.

  • Very Good may show light marks, but still gives you full iPhone 12 performance.

  • Good shows more visible wear and is best if you want the lowest price on a fully working iPhone.

"People forget that the iPhone 12 was actually a landmark release β€” 5G, OLED across the entire lineup for the first time, and that flat-edge redesign that Apple has stuck with ever since. It wasn't just a good phone, it was a genuinely influential one.” - The Big Phone Store Technical Team

Battery Health and Everyday Use

Every refurbished iPhone 12 comes with at least 85% battery health as standard. That supports normal daily use across calls, messages, maps, browsing, social apps, streaming, photos and video.

Like New phones include 100% guaranteed battery health. Consider this option if you use maps often, stream on the go, rely on your phone for work, take lots of photos or simply want the strongest battery option from day one.

Direct answer: What battery health will I get?

You will get at least 85% battery health as standard. If you choose a Like New refurbished iPhone 12, you get 100% guaranteed battery health.Β 

How We Test Each Device

A cheap iPhone 12 should still feel clean, quick and ready for daily use. A lower price usually reflects cosmetic grade, storage size or a current offer, not reduced functionality.

Each device is checked before dispatch across key areas, including:

  • Battery health and Lightning charging

  • MagSafe and wireless charging response

  • Display brightness, colour and touch response

  • Face ID

  • Wide and ultra-wide cameras

  • Speakers, microphones and haptics

  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile signal

  • Buttons, sensors and other checks

Three quality checks buyers rarely see anywhere else

  1. OLED screen review: We check brightness, touch response and visible screen marks because the OLED display is one of the best upgrades from older iPhones.

  2. MagSafe response: We test magnetic charging behaviour and wireless charging response, as MagSafe is a key iPhone 12 feature.

  3. Network and history checks: We complete network and history checks, including CheckMEND where relevant.

Technical Specifications

Specification

iPhone 12 Detail

Benefit

Display

6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED

Sharp, modern screen for everyday use

Resolution

2532 x 1170 pixels, 460 ppi

Crisp text, photos and video

Chip

A14 Bionic

Smooth performance for apps and browsing

Storage

64GB, 128GB, 256GB

Choose space for apps, photos and files

Rear camera

Dual 12MP wide and ultra-wide

Reliable photos and wider shots

Front camera

12MP TrueDepth

Clear selfies, video calls and Face ID

Video

4K Dolby Vision HDR recording

High-quality everyday video

Charging / port

Lightning, MagSafe and Qi wireless

Flexible charging and accessories

SIM

Nano-SIM and eSIM

Flexible UK network setup

Connectivity

5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0

Modern everyday connections

Battery

Up to 17 hours video playback

Reliable power for normal daily use

What Comes in the Box?

Your order includes the refurbished iPhone 12 handset, a charging cable, sustainable packaging, warranty support and a SIM tool where applicable.

A plug is only included if stated on the listing. This keeps the order practical while helping reduce unnecessary electronic waste.

Reconditioned iPhone 12 vs iPhone 11

The iPhone 12 is the better choice if you want 5G, an OLED display, MagSafe and Apple’s newer flat-edge design. It feels more modern than the iPhone 11, especially when watching video, browsing and using accessories.

The iPhone 11 is still a good option if you want a lower price and do not need 5G or OLED. Choose the refurbished iPhone 12 for a sharper screen and more modern feel. Choose the refurbished iPhone 11 if budget matters most.

Warranty, Delivery and Returns

Your refurbished iPhone 12 includes a 12-month warranty as standard. Where available, you can upgrade cover to 2 years, 5 years or lifetime warranty.

You also get a 45-day returns process, free UK delivery over Β£30 and free fast delivery over Β£150. If you need help before or after your order, our UK-based customer support team is here to help.

iPhone 12 Refurbished Review

Customer Reviews

We value the opinions of all of our customers, and we're sure that you do too! If you're still unsure about buying the iPhone 12 you want, take a look at the reviews our customers have left for us.

4.9 stars 4.9/5
Based on 165 customer reviews
D
David 6 months ago
5 stars

I bought two iPhones for me and my partner. One was good, and the other was very good. They both arrived in great condition! The new batteries work perfectly. I'm really happy with both covers and can’t beat the prices. Excellent service, quick delivery, definitely would buy again!

Value for money

5 stars

Overall performance

5 stars

Phone condition

5 stars

Battery

5 stars

Delivery speed

5 stars

Recycled packaging

5 stars
D
David 6 months ago
5 stars

I bought two iPhones for me and my partner. One was good, and the other was very good. They both arrived in great condition! The new batteries work perfectly. I'm really happy with both covers and can’t beat the prices. Excellent service, quick delivery, definitely would buy again!

Value for money

5 stars

Overall performance

5 stars

Phone condition

5 stars

Battery

5 stars

Delivery speed

5 stars

Recycled packaging

5 stars
T
Thomas 6 months ago
5 stars

I'm super happy with my refurbished iPhone 12! It feels brand new and the black color is sleek. I got it for such a good price too. Took no time for delivery, and they made sure everything was in great condition. Awesome service!

Value for money

5 stars

Overall performance

5 stars

Phone condition

4 stars

Battery

5 stars

Delivery speed

5 stars

Recycled packaging

5 stars

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Our refurbished iPhone 12 devices are SIM-free and unlocked for compatible UK networks.

No. A used phone is usually sold as-is by a private seller. A refurbished iPhone 12 is professionally tested, data-wiped, graded and sold with warranty cover.

Yes. It has a dual 12MP camera system with wide and ultra-wide lenses, Night mode, Deep Fusion and 4K Dolby Vision HDR video recording.

Yes. The iPhone 12 supports 5G, so you can use faster mobile data where your UK network and coverage allow it.

You get at least 85% battery health as standard. Like New phones include 100% guaranteed battery health.

That depends on the grade. Like New and Pristine look cleaner, while Very Good and Good may show more signs of previous use. All grades are fully functional.

Yes. Every refurbished iPhone 12 includes a 12-month warranty as standard, with upgrade options where available.

Buy the refurbished iPhone 12 if you want a modern-looking iPhone with 5G, OLED, MagSafe and strong everyday performance, without paying for newer iPhone 13, iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 models.