Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Black — Fully Unlocked (Renewed): Specs, Pros, Cons, and Buying Guide
Love the idea of an iPhone but not the brand-new price tag? You’re not alone. With top models often costing over a thousand dollars, many people are searching for a way to save money without buying a risky, as-is used device. This is where the “renewed” category offers a smart middle ground, promising premium quality for a fraction of the cost.
Terms like “Renewed” and “Fully Unlocked” can feel confusing, but this guide will translate the technical jargon into simple, practical advice. We’ll demystify the process so you can understand exactly what you’re getting, determine if an iPhone 12 is still a great choice today, and know whether 64GB is enough storage for your needs.
Summary
A renewed, fully unlocked iPhone 12 offers flagship-level performance (A14 chip), an excellent OLED display, and capable cameras at a lower price, with warranty-backed peace of mind versus typical used devices. “Fully Unlocked” means carrier flexibility and potential monthly savings, while cosmetic grading clarifies expected wear. For most people, 64GB is sufficient—especially if you stream media and use iCloud—though heavy video shooters or gamers may want more storage. A quick post-delivery checklist (battery health, cameras, speakers, screen, body) ensures the phone meets the renewal guarantee, making this a strong value buy.
What “Renewed” Really Means (And Why It’s Safer Than “Used”)
You’ve seen the word “Renewed,” but you’re probably wondering: isn’t that just a fancy word for “used”? Not quite. Think of a renewed phone like a certified pre-owned car. While it has had a previous owner, it has been professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned to ensure it works perfectly, including a guaranteed minimum battery life.
The main difference you might notice is in its appearance. Renewed phones are graded on their cosmetic condition, which tells you how much wear—like faint scratches or scuffs—is visible. This allows you to pick a level you’re comfortable with, often saving more money for a phone with minor blemishes that don’t affect performance at all.
These conditions are straightforward:
- Excellent: Looks practically new.
- Good: Might have light, barely-there scratches.
- Acceptable: Shows visible signs of use.
Perhaps most importantly, renewed products come with a safety net. This iPhone is backed by a limited warranty, such as the Amazon Renewed 90-day Guarantee. If it doesn’t work as expected, you can get a replacement or refund. That peace of mind is the key difference between buying “renewed” and simply buying “used” from a stranger online.
The Freedom of a “Fully Unlocked” Phone: How It Can Save You Money
Beyond the phone’s condition, one of the most important terms you’ll see is “Fully Unlocked.” Many phones bought directly from a carrier like Verizon or AT&T are “locked,” meaning they can only be used with that one company’s service. An unlocked phone, however, is not tied to any carrier. It’s like owning your car outright versus leasing it—you have the freedom to choose your provider and change whenever you want.
This freedom is where the real savings can kick in. Because you own the phone, you aren’t trapped in an expensive, long-term contract. You can take this phone to virtually any carrier you choose, including many lower-cost providers that can significantly cut your monthly bill. This unlocked iPhone 12 carrier compatibility gives you the power to shop around for the best deal on a phone plan, not just on the phone itself.
Getting started is also incredibly simple. In most cases, you just take the small SIM card from your old phone and pop it into your new iPhone. Your number and service will transfer over automatically.
Is the iPhone 12 Still a Great Phone Today? A Simple Performance Check
Is a renewed iPhone 12 worth it when newer models exist? The answer is a resounding yes. Inside this phone is Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, which is really just a technical name for its powerful “engine.” For you, this means apps open instantly, scrolling through social media is perfectly smooth, and you won’t experience frustrating lag when switching between tasks. It’s more than fast enough for everything you’ll do today and for years to come.
A major advantage of the iPhone 12 is its screen technology. It uses an OLED display, a feature previously found only on Apple’s most expensive “Pro” models. This might not sound exciting, but the difference is easy to see. Colors are more vibrant and blacks are deeper, which makes everything from watching Netflix to looking at your own photos a much richer experience.
You might wonder if a brand-new, cheaper iPhone model would be a better choice. However, a renewed iPhone 12 often provides more value than a new iPhone 11. You get that superior OLED screen (the iPhone 11 uses an older screen technology) and a faster processor. This is a perfect example of how buying renewed lets you get better features for your money.
Beyond the immediate performance, this phone is built to last. Apple is known for providing software updates for many years, which keeps your phone secure and compatible with the latest apps. So while the speed and display handle your daily needs with ease, another critical piece of the puzzle is the camera.
A Closer Look at the iPhone 12 Camera: Still Amazing for Your Photos?
When you get a renewed iPhone 12, the camera quality is a top concern, and thankfully, it delivers beautifully. The main camera system captures sharp, colorful photos that look fantastic on social media or printed out. It performs surprisingly well even when the light isn’t perfect, so your pictures from a dimly lit restaurant or a sunset gathering will still look clear and vibrant. For everyday snaps of family, pets, and special moments, this camera system is more than up to the task, easily competing with many newer phones.
Beyond great standard shots, the iPhone 12 offers creative tools that are simple to use. One of the best is Portrait Mode, which cleverly blurs the background to make your subject stand out, giving your photos a professional look. It’s perfect for capturing stunning pictures of people or pets. The camera system also includes an Ultrawide lens, which is like being able to “zoom out” to fit more into the frame—ideal for big group shots or capturing the full scale of a beautiful landscape.
This quality extends to video, too. The iPhone 12 can record in stunning 4K, which is a technical way of saying your videos will be incredibly sharp and clear, perfect for watching back on a big screen. All these great photos and high-quality videos, however, do take up space.
Is 64GB of Storage Enough for You? A Realistic Guide
The “64GB” on this iPhone refers to its storage, measured in gigabytes. Think of it like a digital filing cabinet where you keep all your apps, photos, and videos. For many people, the answer is a definite yes. This space can comfortably hold thousands of photos (often over 15,000) plus all your essential apps without any issue. This simple iPhone storage guide will help you see if it fits your needs.
You’ll find 64GB is a great fit if you:
- Primarily stream your music and movies (from apps like Spotify or Netflix).
- Spend most of your time on social media, texting, and browsing the web.
- Store a few thousand photos on your device.
- Don’t download dozens of large, graphic-intensive games.
But what happens if you’re a photo enthusiast and start running low on space? Apple has an easy solution: iCloud. For just a few dollars a month, you can automatically save your full-resolution photos and videos to Apple’s secure online storage, freeing up a ton of space on your phone. It’s like getting a bigger photo album without buying a new phone, making 64GB a smart and flexible choice for almost everyone.
Your 5-Minute Checklist: What to Test After Your Renewed iPhone Arrives
Your renewed iPhone has just arrived—congratulations! Before you start downloading apps, take five minutes for a quick inspection. This simple process is the best way to confirm your phone is in great shape and gives you total peace of mind. Here’s what to test after buying a renewed iPhone to ensure it meets the high standards of the Amazon Renewed guarantee.
Running through this list takes less time than making a cup of coffee:
- Check Battery Health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. Look for the “Maximum Capacity” percentage.
- Test Speakers and Microphone: Make a quick call to a friend or record a short voice memo.
- Test Cameras: Snap a picture with both the front and back cameras to ensure they’re clear.
- Check the Screen: Open a white background (like a new note) and look for any discolored spots.
- Inspect the Body: Check for any cosmetic damage that wasn’t described in the listing.
That “Maximum Capacity” figure you found is the key to checking battery health on a refurbished iPhone. The renewed guarantee promises this will be 80% or higher, ensuring the battery still holds more than enough power to get you through a full day of use. If anything on this checklist doesn’t seem right, you’re fully covered and can easily get a replacement or refund.
Is This Renewed iPhone 12 the Right Choice For You?
Navigating phone listings filled with terms like ‘renewed’ and ‘unlocked’ can feel overwhelming. But now you can see past the jargon to focus on what truly matters: whether a phone fits your life and your budget. You’re no longer just guessing if it’s a good deal; you’re equipped to make an informed choice based on your personal needs.
So, is the renewed iPhone 12 worth it? If you want a modern Apple experience for daily tasks—photos, browsing, and staying connected—while saving money and enjoying carrier freedom, the answer is a resounding yes. However, if you’re a power user who shoots hours of 4K video or downloads dozens of large games, you’ll be happier with a model that offers more storage.
Ultimately, the question ‘should I buy a renewed iPhone?’ comes down to seeing it not as a compromise, but as a smart decision. When you find the best place to buy a pre-owned iPhone that offers clear guarantees, you’re making a confident investment in a device that will serve you well for years to come.