The number of megapixels alone does not determine the quality of a camera. The iPhone's 12-megapixel camera features advanced technology, such as optical image stabilization, fast autofocus, and advanced color accuracy, that results in high-quality images. Additionally, the modest pixel count allows for a smaller camera module, which fits within the slim design of the phone. Furthermore, higher megapixels can result in larger image sizes, taking up more storage and potentially slowing down the processing speed. Ultimately, Apple has made a deliberate choice to balance image quality and practicality in the design of the iPhone's camera.