Refurbished iPhone 12: Which Storage and Color to Pick?

Quick answer

For most people, the 128GB refurbished iPhone 12 is the sweet spot, offering enough room for apps, photos, and daily use without overspending. If you're on a tight budget or use minimal storage, the 64GB model works, but expect to manage your space carefully. Color is personal—pick what you like, but Black and White are easiest to resell.

64GB vs 128GB: What's the real difference?

The iPhone 12 was released with two main storage options: 64GB and 128GB. On a refurbished model, the price gap between them is often small—usually around $15–$25 depending on condition and color. That difference can save you a lot of hassle down the road.

64GB fills up fast. After iOS, system data, and a few apps, you're left with roughly 40–45GB. If you shoot 4K video, download music, or install games, you'll hit the limit within months. 128GB doubles that headroom, giving you breathing room for photos, apps, and occasional videos without constantly offloading files.

The trade-off: 64GB is cheaper upfront and fine if you stream most content and use cloud storage. But if you ever need to transfer files or install a large app, you'll feel the pinch.

Color choices: More than just looks

The iPhone 12 comes in several colors, but the refurbished market typically offers Green, Black, White, and Red. Color doesn't affect performance, but it can impact resale value and how easily you find a case or accessories.

Black and White are classic, neutral tones that appeal to the widest audience. If you plan to sell or trade in the phone later, these colors tend to hold value better. Green and Red are more distinctive and can be harder to match with cases, but they stand out and feel more personal.

Grade A refurbished units (like the Green 64GB or Black 128GB) show minimal wear and come in a generic box—no original packaging. Grade B units (like the Red 64GB) may have minor cosmetic marks but cost less. If appearance matters, stick with Grade A.

Budget vs. future-proofing

A refurbished iPhone 12 is already a few years old, so storage planning matters more than with a new phone. You can't expand it later, so choose based on how you'll use the phone for the next 1–2 years.

If you're a light user—mostly calls, messaging, email, and a few apps—64GB can work. Heavy users who take lots of photos, record video, or play games should go 128GB. The extra cost is small compared to the frustration of running out of space.

How to decide: storage and color

• Choose 64GB if: You primarily stream music and video, use cloud storage for photos, and rarely install large apps or games. You're comfortable occasionally cleaning up files.
• Choose 128GB if: You take lots of photos and videos, download music or podcasts for offline use, install several games, or want to avoid running out of space for the next two years. The small price jump from 64GB to 128GB is worth it for most users.
• Pick a color based on: Black or White if you plan to resell or trade in later. Green or Red if you want a unique look and don't mind potentially lower resale demand. Color is personal, but neutral shades are easier to sell.

Product facts

• iPhone 12 – 64GB – Green – Grade A: iPhone 12 – 64GB – Green – Grade A, priced at USD 117.29 (catalog comparison price USD 169.99). Comes in a generic box. This is the most affordable option if you're on a strict budget and don't mind managing storage carefully.

  

• iPhone 12 – 128GB – Black – Grade A: iPhone 12 – 128GB – Black – Grade A, priced at USD 132.99 (catalog comparison price USD 189.99). Comes in a generic box. The 128GB Black model offers the best balance of storage and neutral color, making it a solid long-term choice.

  

Which model fits you?

Best for

• Budget-conscious buyers who want a capable iPhone without paying for unused storage
• Light users who stream content and use cloud services

Not ideal for

• Heavy media creators or gamers who need more than 128GB (consider a refurbished iPhone 13 or higher)