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Reading Time: 8 minutesThe iPhone 12 has been around for a while, which means its a great time to score a big discount on a new device. There are four models available for purchase, all 5G-Capable and ranging from the more affordable iPhone 12 mini to the incredibly powerful iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max have been discontinued, but you can still find a couple at select retailers.
Pretty much every carrier has its own unique offer for the iPhone 12, so you’ll have to decide what deal works best for you if you’re planning on picking up a new phone. For your shopping convenience, we have detailed the best iPhone 12 deals currently available.
Apple iPhone 12 Deals
Credit: Apple
iPhone 12
Main Takeaway: Save up to $700 with eligible trade-in.
Details: If you don’t want to go through a specific carrier, you can get a credit worth $100 to $700 by trading in your old phone to Apple. Apple is accepting trade-ins on the iPhone 7 or newer. It’s a good idea to first check this deal against your current iPhone: If you’re trading in an older phone (like an iPhone XS) you may get a better trade-in value at a different retailer.
iPhone 12 mini
Main Takeaway: Earn an extra $700 off with an eligible trade-in.
Details: The same promo described for the iPhone 12 also applies to the 12 mini. Depending on your trade-in device and service provider, you can earn an extra $100-$700 in trade credits — some of which may be sent back to you in the form of an Apple Gift Card.
Verizon iPhone 12 Deals
Main Takeaway: Verizon is offering a straightforward $700 trade-in credit for the iPhone 12 series, but you can earn as much as $1,000 if you’re also switching carriers.
Details:
- Save Up to $1,000 with Eligible Trade-In and Carrier Switch: Buy an iPhone 12 on an Unlimited plan and trade-in an eligible phone to receive up to $700 credited to your account. Trade in your old device within 30 days of purchase. You can also receive up to $1,000 in credit if you trade in an eligible phone and switch carriers.
Credit: Apple
AT&T iPhone 12 Deals
iPhone 12
Main Takeaway: AT&T is offering up to $200 trade-in for eligible phones, or pay $5 for 36 months.
Right now you can pick up an iPhone 12 for $5 a month over 36 months. Without additional fees, that’s a total of $180, which is a really solid discount even for a slightly older phone. If you’d rather trade-in a device, eligible devices can get you up to $200 in credit. You can read more about these deals at AT&T.
If you just love new things and have a habit of upgrading your iPhone with every new generation, then AT&T’s Next Up program may be worth it. For an additional $5 a month, you get the option to upgrade early once you have paid off 50% of your current device or, in this case, 15 months. When you do the math, it is just another $75 to get a brand new phone when the time comes.
iPhone 12 mini
Main Takeaway: Pay $1 for 36 months, or get up to $200 trade-in credit for eligible phones.
Similar to the iPhone 12 deal, AT&T is currently offering new iPhone 12 minis for $1 a month with 0% APR over 36 months. Alternatively, you can get up to $200 in credit with an eligible trade-in.
When purchasing this device, you can also enroll in AT&T Next Up. For $5/month, you get the option to upgrade early by turning in your device for a new one after paying off 50% of the device cost. Restrictions apply.
iPhone 12 Pro
Main Takeaway: Get up to $200 trade-in credit for eligible phones.
Details: When it comes to the iPhone 12 Pro, AT&T’s deal isn’t as sweet as other providers, but it still saves you a chunk of change. You can get up to $200 off with eligible trade devices after signing up for an unlimited plan with monthly payments. But that means that there will still be a portion of the phone’s balance recurring on your phone bill.
Credit: Apple
T-Mobile iPhone 12 Deals
iPhone 12
Main Takeaway: T-Mobile is offering up to $800 in savings with trade-in and new line, or $400 for just a trade-in. You can also get a BOGO deal and receive $700 off second device.
New phones and a new line can get you up to $800 in trade-in credit, effectively giving you a new iPhone 12 for free. If you’re not looking to pick up a new line, you can get a maximum of $400 with an eligible trade-in. Alternatively, you can get a $700 discount on a second device when buying two iPhone 12 units.
These offers are available for all iPhone 12 models at T-Mobile.
iPhone 12 mini
Main Takeaway: Up to $800 in savings with trade-in and new line, $400 for just trade-in. Save $700 on second device in BOGO deal.
- $800 trade-in with new line and eligible phone trade-in.
- $400 trade-in credit with eligible trade-in.
- $700 discount on second device when buying 2 iPhone 12 devices.
iPhone 12 Pro
Main Takeaway: Save $800 with eligible trade-in and new line. Save $400 with eligible trade-in. Get $700 in credit toward second device with BOGO deal.
- $800 trade-in with new line and eligible phone trade-in.
- $400 trade-in credit with eligible trade-in.
- $700 discount on second device when buying 2 iPhone 12 devices.
Best Buy iPhone 12 Deals
Credit: Apple
The only active deal Best Buy is currently offering is specific to T-Mobile. Save up to $445 on an iPhone 12 with qualified activation and eligible trade-in. This offer is available to both new and current T-Mobile customers.
If you’re wondering which iPhone 12 is best for you, here’s a brief rundown of each device:
iPhone 12 – Welcome to the World of 5G
At launch, the iPhone 12 featured an all-new design that packed everything that worked in previous generations together with a shiny new exterior. Like the iPhone 11, it sports a beautiful 6.1-inch screen even though the phone itself is 15% smaller.
In addition to cosmetic upgrades, the iPhone 12 is much more durable than past generations, using a new Ceramic Shield technology to boost “drop performance” by 400%. That means you’re less likely to break your fancy new phone when it inevitably slips through your fingers.
Here’s a quick rundown of the iPhone 12’s specs:
- Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR, OLED
- Chip: A14 Bionic
- Camera: Dual 12MP camera system (Ultra Wide – f/2.4; Wide – f/1.6; TrueDepth Camera – f/2.2)
- Operating System: iOS 14
Beyond the fantastic new design and durability features, the iPhone 12 brought 5G to Apple users in a big way. With more 5G bands present in the iPhone 12 than any other smartphone at the time of release, the phone still runs at incredible speeds not seen in most phones on the market. It’s all powered by the A14 Bionic chip, which Apple claimed at launch was the fastest chip ever used in a smartphone.
Then there’s the MagSafe system, which allows you to magnetically attach a variety of accessories to the back of your phone, including a wallet clip or even a wireless charger.
iPhone 12 mini – The World’s Smallest 5G Smartphone
Smaller than the iPhone 8 but with a larger display, the iPhone 12 mini was the smallest 5G phone in the world at launch. More impressive, it includes many of the same internal components as its larger sibling — including the powerful A14 Bionic chip, MagSafe technology and camera system. Here’s a quick rundown of its specs:
- Display: 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR, OLED
- Chip: A14 Bionic
- Camera: Dual 12MP camera system (Ultra Wide – f/2.4; Wide – f/1.6; TrueDepth Camera – f/2.2)
- Operating System: iOS 14
The iPhone 12 mini is $100 cheaper than the iPhone 12, starting at $699 for the 64GB model.
iPhone 12 Pro – Premium Materials for a Premium Product
Not content with all the power packed into the iPhone 12? The 12 Pro pushes the Apple lineup even further, using surgical grade stainless steel to provide a premium-looking product and sold in four beautiful colors. The 6.1-inch display uses Super Retina XDR technology, providing you with one of the best viewing experiences ever seen on a smartphone. Here’s a full rundown of the iPhone 12 Pro’s specs:
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- Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR, OLED
- Chip: A14 Bionic
- Camera: Pro 12MP camera system (Ultra Wide – f/2.4; Wide – f/1.6; Telephoto – f/2.0)
- Operating System: iOS 14
All these upgrades don’t come cheap, with the iPhone 12 Pro starting at $999 before trade-ins. Like the iPhone 12, the Pro started shipping out on October 23rd, with various retailers offering bonus incentives and discounts. With the launch of the iPhone 13, the iPhone 12 Pro was discontinued.
Credit: Apple
iPhone 12 Pro Max – A Photographer’s Best Friend
If you love everything about the iPhone 12 Pro, but wish it had a more powerful camera, say hello to the iPhone 12 Pro Max. It boasts one of the best camera systems ever seen in an Apple device, including a faster aperture that improves snapping photos in low-light environments and impressive HDR video-recording prowess. Here’s a full rundown of the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s specs:
- Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR, OLED
- Chip: A14 Bionic
- Camera: Pro 12MP camera system (Ultra Wide – f/2.4; Wide – f/1.6; Telephoto – f/2.2; improved optical and digital zoom compared to iPhone Pro)
- Operating System: iOS 14
The Pro Max starts at $1,099 and comes in four colors: Graphite, Silver, Gold or Pacific Blue. Like the iPhone 12 Pro, the Pro Max has been discontinued.
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Should I Buy the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13?
Credit: Apple
Not everyone needs the latest iPhone model, especially if you can get a good price for the previous generation. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 released only a year apart, and the two phones share a lot of similarities. Still, there are some differences to hash out if you’re not sure which phone is right for you.
The biggest differences between the two phones is the chip and cameras, with the iPhone 13 sporting some significant hardware upgrades in those departments. The iPhone 13 also has a slightly longer battery life than its older relative, but it’s still comparable to the iPhone 12.
While the iPhone 13 is certainly an upgrade, the truth is that the iPhone 12 is still one of the most impressive phones on the market. It’s more than enough phone for the casual user, and it’s cheaper than the latest model. That said, there are already plenty of deals on the iPhone 13 that you can take advantage of. It all comes down to whether you want to spend a little extra on the latest tech, or if you’re satisfied with saving money by getting a phone that’s only slightly outdated.
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Jon Bitner
Jon is a freelance writer who primarily focuses on topics related to video games, science, medicine and technology. Before starting his career as a writer he worked in the Biotechnology industry. He has a degree in Biology, and when he isn't writing he can usually be found traveling, playing video games or hunting down the latest deals.