Best iPhone 12 deals for January 2024

iPhone 12 deals
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Cheap iPhone 12 deals are getting harder to find as stock of Apple's previous-gen phones is almost extinguished. That said, some retailers still have iPhone 12 phones you can get at a fraction of their original cost. Plus, now that iPhone 15 deals are stealing the spotlight, iPhone 12 deals are at their lowest price ever. 

Currently, the best iPhone 12 deals are on refurbished models. For instance, Verizon has the Pre-Owned iPhone 12 Pro or the Pre-Owned iPhone 12 Pro Max for free. Both devices are described as being in "very good" condition, which means they might have light scuff or scratch marks. 

Generally speaking, wireless carriers remain your best option for cheap iPhone 12 deals — particularly if you're ready to switch networks. (Also, make sure to read our guide to the best Apple Store coupons for more deals on Apple gear).

Today's best iPhone 12 deals 

Best iPhone 12 deals 

iPhone 12 deals

iPhone 12: 6 months free data @ Mint

iPhone 12: <a href="https://mint-mobile.pxf.io/c/221109/444520/7915?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mintmobile.com%2Fapple-iphone-offers%2F" data-link-merchant="mintmobile.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">6 months free data @ Mint
Mint Mobile has one of the best cheap iPhone 12 deals we've seen. New customers who port their number to Mint and buy a new iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 mini with a 6-month data plan will get 6 months of data for free. All Mint Mobile plans include unlimited talk, text, and 5G for free. Mint Mobile operates on T-Mobile's 5G network. 

iPhone 12: up to $800 off w/ trade-in Magenta Max @ T-Mobile

iPhone 12: <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1584493&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Foffers%2Fapple-iphone-deals&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - t-mobile.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">up to $800 off w/ trade-in Magenta Max @ T-Mobile
The Magenta network is offering select iPhone 12 models for free when you trade in an eligible device. The sale includes the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. It's one of the biggest iPhone 12 deals we've seen from T-Mobile. You'll need to trade-in your old phone and activate a new line on T-Mobile's Magenta Max plan to qualify. 

Best iPhone 12 Pro Max deals 

iPhone 12 Pro Max deals

Refurb iPhone 12 Pro Max:&nbsp;50% off w/ new line @ Verizon

Refurb iPhone 12 Pro Max: <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8900245-15733793?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.verizon.com/smartphones/apple-iphone-12-pro-max-certified-pre-owned/" data-link-merchant="verizon.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">50% off w/ new line @ Verizon
Verizon is taking 50% off the refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max when you open a new Unlimited line. It's one of the best iPhone 12 deals we've seen from Verizon. 

Best iPhone 12 mini deals 

iPhone 12 mini deals

iPhone 12 mini w/ unlimited data: $60/month @ Mint

iPhone 12 mini w/ unlimited data: <a href="https://mint-mobile.pxf.io/c/221109/444520/7915?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mintmobile.com%2Fapple-iphone-offers%2F" data-link-merchant="mintmobile.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$60/month @ Mint
Mint Mobile is offering the iPhone 12 mini bundled with unlimited 5G data for $60/month over a 24-month span. That's one of the best iPhone 12 deals we've seen from Mint, which operates on T-Mobile's network. You'll wind up paying just $30/month for the iPhone 12 mini and $30/month for the unlimited data. By comparison, most carriers will charge you $70/month for just their data plan.

iPhone 12 mini Purple: 50% off w/ any unlimited plan @ AT&amp;T

iPhone 12 mini Purple: <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8900245-15735111?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.att.com/buy/phones/apple-iphone-12-mini-64gb-purple.html" data-link-merchant="att.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">50% off w/ any unlimited plan @ AT&T
AT&T is knocking 50% off the iPhone 12 mini (64GB). Best of all, no trade-in is required. New and existing customers can get 50% off the iPhone 12 mini when they sign up for any unlimited AT&T plan. It's one of the best iPhone 12 deals we've seen. 

iPhone 12 mini: free with trade-in @ Verizon

iPhone 12 mini: <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8900245-15733793?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.verizon.com/smartphones/apple-iphone-12-mini/" data-link-merchant="verizon.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">free with trade-in @ Verizon
Verizon will knock up to $700 off your iPhone 12 mini when you trade-in an eligible device and sign up for an Unlimited data plan. After discount, you can get the iPhone 12 mini for free. (The credits are spread out over 24 months). Alternatively, you can apply the $700 credit to reduce the cost of other iPhone mini models.

iPhone 12 mini: free with trade-in @ AT&amp;T

iPhone 12 mini: <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8900245-15735111?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.att.com/buy/phones/apple-iphone-12-mini-64gb-blue.html" data-link-merchant="att.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">free with trade-in @ AT&T
AT&T is offering $700 in bill credits when you trade-in an eligible device and sign up for an unlimited data plan. After discount, you can get the iPhone 12 mini for free. (The credits are spread out over 30 months). Best of all, this deal is open to both new and existing AT&T subscribers. Alternatively, you can apply the $700 credit to reduce the cost of other iPhones.

iPhone 12 mini: was $729 now $529 @ Metro by T-Mobile

iPhone 12 mini: <a href="https://www.metrobyt-mobile.com/shop/phones/details/iPhone-12-Mini-Black-64GB/194252012291" data-link-merchant="metrobyt-mobile.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">was $729 now $529 @ Metro by T-Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile is taking $200 off both the iPhone 12 mini and the regular iPhone 12 when you switch your wireless service to the T-Mobile-owned discount carrier. You'll be able to access T-Mobile's cellular network including its nationwide 5G network via Metro. This is an in-store deal, and availability may vary by location.

Best iPhone 12 deals — accessories

iPhone 12 accessories deals

ZAGG screen protectors: up to 50% off @ Amazon

ZAGG screen protectors: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=45724&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fstores%2Fpage%2F932A5F48-1334-4330-8031-F5CC30E25B46%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">up to 50% off @ Amazon
For a limited time, Amazon is taking up to 50% off select ZAGG InvisibleShield screen protecters. After discount, prices start as low as $19. ZAGG makes screen protectors for all models of the iPhone 12. 

Otterbox iPhone 12 cases: up to 25% off @ Amazon

Otterbox iPhone 12 cases: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=45724&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fstores%2Fpage%2F8F6293BE-AA3C-4CAF-A43E-D40D67E6BDA5%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">up to 25% off @ Amazon
Amazon is taking up to 25% off select Otterbox iPhone 12 cases. After discount, prices start as low as $29. (Otterbox cases normally cost twice that amount). Otterbox makes durable cases for all models of the iPhone 12. 

Case-Mate Tough Plus: was $29 now $7 @ Amazon

Case-Mate Tough Plus: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=45724&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FCase-Mate-Tough-iPhone-Protection-Clear%2Fdp%2FB08FQPLFC8%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">was $29 now $7 @ Amazon
The Case-Mate Tough Plus can protect your iPhone or iPhone Pro from falls as high as 15 feet. Made from plant-based materials, the case is designed to work with wireless chargers and Case-Mate claims it won't turn yellow over time. 

Incipio Duo Case iPhone 12: was $29 now $18 @ Amazon

Incipio Duo Case iPhone 12: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=45724&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FIncipio-Duo-Case-Compatible-iPhone%2Fdp%2FB08HJPGL2M%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">was $29 now $18 @ Amazon
Incipio makes a range of cases for the iPhone 12. The Duo Case (for iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro) can protect your iPhone from drops as high as 12 feet. Its raised-edge bezel can also protect your screen from cracks. The case is compatible with MagSafe and wireless charging. 

iPhone 12 deals — Which model should you get?

The iPhone 12 sports a fast A14 Bionic processor, 5G connectivity, and updated cameras. It also has a new Ceramic Shield glass display that Apple claims is the toughest in the industry. There's also a new MagSafe charging system. 

The iPhone 12 features a 12MP wide lens with a f/1.6 aperture and a 12MP ultra-wide lens with a f/2.4 aperture and 120-degree field of view. It's the first iPhone to include Apple's new 7-element lens, which delivers low light performance. Apple has also added a new Night Mode Time-lapse feature. 

Meanwhile, the iPhone 12 mini is a compact version of the iPhone 12. It sports a 5.4-inch OLED display and the same A14 Bionic CPU found inside the standard iPhone 12. However, its costs $699, which is $100 less than the 6.1-inch iPhone 12. 

The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max are the successors to the iPhone 11 Pro models. They feature larger screens — 6.1 inches for the Pro and 6.7 inches for the Pro Max — plus triple camera arrays aided by a LiDAR sensor. Otherwise, they share the same processor, 5G connectivity, and charging features as the iPhone 12. 

Tips for finding the best iPhone 12 deals

  • Carriers offer the biggest discounts: Switching carriers remains the best way to find iPhone 12 deals. This is especially true when new iPhone models are announced. That said, AT&T iPhone 12 deals are worth tracking because sometimes its deals apply to both new and existing users. Otherwise, most carriers will require that you port your number to their service to get the best deals. 
  • Keep your old iPhone in top condition: In addition to switching carriers, trading in your old phone is another way to save on the purchase of a new iPhone. As a result, you'll want to keep your current phone in the best shape possible and make sure to save all the boxes, cables, and documentation that originally came with it. That way should you want an iPhone 13, you'll be able to get it without having to pay full retail.
  • Don't forget about refurbs: We normally wouldn't recommend shopping for refurbished smartphones, but Apple's refurbs are the exception. They're refurbished by Apple to work and look like new. More importantly, they're backed by the same 1-year warranty that comes with new Apple devices. 
  • Wait for the next Apple keynote: Apple's next September keynote is a year away. So if the iPhone 13 isn't you thing, here's what we know about the iPhone 14
Louis Ramirez

As deals editor at Tom’s Guide, Louis is constantly looking for ways to avoid paying full price for the latest gadgets. With over 10 years of deals-hunting experience, Louis price checks against multiple retailers and searches high and low for the best deals to bring readers. A born-and-bred New Yorker, Louis is also an avid swimmer and marathoner. His work has appeared on Gizmodo, CNET, and Time Out New York.