When Apple introduced the iPhone 10 in 2017—coinciding with the iPhone’s 10th anniversary—it was more than just a product launch. It was a design statement and a technology pivot that influenced nearly every smartphone that followed. With an edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID, and a seamless gesture-based interface, the iPhone 10 marked a new chapter in Apple’s design philosophy. And in the years since, this device has proven that it wasn’t just a trendsetter for its time—it’s a surprisingly capable phone even today.

Many Australians today are looking for high-performance smartphones without the premium price of the latest flagship models. Whether they are students, young professionals, environmentally conscious consumers, or budget-savvy families, the iPhone 10 delivers on that promise. Its legacy isn’t only historical; it’s practical. With modern capabilities that still meet everyday demands, the iPhone 10 is increasingly popular on the refurbished market in Australia—and Wise Market Australia is making it easier than ever to get one with confidence and support.

Let’s explore how the iPhone 10 revolutionized the smartphone landscape and why it remains a top choice for Australian buyers even in 2025.

Understanding What Australian Consumers Want

Before delving into specs and comparisons, it's crucial to understand what motivates buyers in the Australian market. Consumers here are increasingly practical and sustainability-focused. They want devices that deliver on performance, design, and ecosystem compatibility, without being locked into the endless cycle of annual upgrades.

The iPhone 10 caters directly to this mindset. It provides a premium feel and flagship features while remaining affordable. It supports the latest versions of iOS, integrates perfectly with Apple’s other devices like AirPods and Apple Watch, and still looks and feels like a modern phone. For many Australians, especially those looking at refurbished options, the iPhone 10 offers that ideal sweet spot between functionality and value.

The Design That Changed It All

The iPhone 10 was Apple’s first major redesign in years. Gone were the bezels and home button that had defined previous iPhones. In its place came an all-screen display, a surgical-grade stainless steel frame, and glass on both front and back. The 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED screen offered true blacks, HDR support, and a crispness that outshone the LCDs of previous models.

Holding an iPhone 10 today still feels like handling a premium device. The quality of the materials, the symmetry of the design, and the minimalistic aesthetic remain impressive. It doesn’t look dated next to the iPhone 14 or even the iPhone 15. It might lack a notchless display or the slightly flatter edges of newer models, but in terms of hand-feel and screen quality, it remains undeniably premium.

This is particularly significant in Australia, where mobile usage is among the highest per capita globally. Australians use their phones not just for communication but for content consumption, remote work, mobile banking, and lifestyle apps. A device that’s sleek, comfortable, and visually immersive is more than desirable—it’s essential.

Face ID: Security That Redefined the Standard

Face ID was a gamble at the time of the iPhone 10’s release, replacing the much-loved Touch ID system. But it paid off. By using advanced depth mapping with the TrueDepth camera system, Face ID offered unmatched security for its time. It also introduced a seamless, hands-free experience—something that’s now an industry norm.

Even today, the iPhone 10’s Face ID remains reliable and secure. It’s fast, it works in the dark, and it's used for everything from unlocking the phone to authenticating banking transactions and Apple Pay. Australians are increasingly dependent on mobile payments, with contactless systems becoming standard across retailers, so having a secure and frictionless authentication system is a real-world benefit that adds to the device’s ongoing relevance.

How the iPhone 10 Compares to Other iPhones

Compared to the iPhone 8, the iPhone 10 is a massive upgrade. The iPhone 8 still featured a home button and LCD display. The iPhone 10’s OLED screen offers deeper blacks, more vibrant colours, and better energy efficiency. It also introduced Face ID and gesture navigation, both of which have become core to the Apple experience.

When comparing it to the iPhone 11, the iPhone 10 still holds its ground. The iPhone 11 added an ultra-wide lens and improved low-light performance, but it used an LCD screen. Many users find the iPhone 10’s OLED display more appealing for daily use, especially when streaming content or viewing photos.

Against the iPhone 12 and beyond, there are more noticeable gaps—5G connectivity, MagSafe accessories, and higher-performance chips. However, the iPhone 10’s real-world performance remains more than adequate for 90% of users. And at a substantially lower price point, it's a smarter buy for anyone who doesn’t need bleeding-edge technology.

The A11 Bionic: Engineered for Longevity

When the iPhone 10 debuted with Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, it was a powerhouse. Featuring a six-core CPU, two high-performance cores, four efficiency cores, and Apple’s first neural engine, it set a new benchmark for on-device machine learning. That might sound technical, but for the everyday user, it means smoother multitasking, better app performance, and improved battery management.

Even in 2025, the A11 chip holds up remarkably well. Apps run smoothly, games load quickly, and streaming is seamless. It may not be quite as fast as the A15 or A17 chips in newer models, but unless you're heavily into high-end mobile gaming or editing 4K video on your phone, you're unlikely to notice a significant difference.

For users in Australia, where streaming, social media, and multi-app usage dominate daily phone activity, the A11 Bionic continues to offer more than enough power. And thanks to Apple’s efficient iOS updates, the iPhone 10 remains snappy and reliable even years after its original release.

Camera Technology That Still Impresses

The iPhone 10 introduced dual-lens photography to Apple’s premium segment. With a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP telephoto lens, users could capture sharp, vibrant photos with natural-looking depth and detail. Portrait mode was refined, offering adjustable lighting and blur effects that made amateur photography feel professional.

While it doesn’t include Night Mode or the ultra-wide lens found on newer iPhones, the iPhone X still captures fantastic shots in most lighting conditions. For most Australian users—whether it’s taking photos at the beach, during weekend bushwalks, or snapping food pics at brunch—it absolutely delivers.

Video capabilities are equally impressive. It records in 4K at 60 frames per second, supports optical image stabilization, and offers slow motion at 240fps. For content creators, social media users, or parents filming their kids, the video quality is smooth, vibrant, and more than sufficient.

iOS Compatibility and Future-Proofing

Apple’s software longevity is one of its major selling points, and the iPhone 10 is a testament to that. As of mid-2025, it supports iOS 17 and is expected to receive iOS 18 later in the year. This means access to the latest features, security patches, and software optimizations.

In practical terms, Australian users don’t need to worry about being left behind. The iPhone 10 will continue to run popular apps, integrate with new Apple services, and remain secure for at least another year or two. That’s more than can be said for many Android devices released even in the last couple of years, which often stop receiving updates within 2–3 years.

This software support also ensures better resale value, a critical consideration for Australians who prefer to upgrade their phones periodically and recover some of the original investment.

Battery Life and Charging in the Real World

Battery life has always been a concern for smartphone users, and it's no different in Australia where long commutes and outdoor lifestyles are common. The iPhone 10 was rated for up to 13 hours of video playback when new. In 2025, if you're buying a refurbished unit, battery performance will largely depend on whether the battery has been replaced.

Luckily, Wise Market Australia replaces degraded batteries in their refurbished stock, ensuring that performance is as close to new as possible. For typical usage—messaging, browsing, calls, social media, and streaming—the iPhone 10 can still comfortably last a day on a full charge.

It also supports fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes) and wireless charging through Qi-compatible pads. For Australians embracing wireless workspaces or minimalist setups at home, that’s a big plus.

Eco-Conscious Choice for a Greener Future

One of the strongest reasons Australians are choosing refurbished devices like the iPhone 10 is environmental impact. Every refurbished phone saves valuable resources, prevents e-waste, and reduces carbon emissions. In a world increasingly concerned with sustainability, reusing technology is not just a cost-saving measure—it’s a responsible choice.

Wise Market Australia takes sustainability seriously. Every iPhone 10 sold through their platform goes through rigorous testing, battery replacement if necessary, and thorough quality control. This ensures buyers receive a like-new experience while supporting the circular economy.

For Australians passionate about the environment, choosing refurbished isn’t a compromise—it’s a conscious step toward a more sustainable tech future.

Why Wise Market Australia is the Best Place to Buy

When purchasing refurbished electronics, trust is everything. Wise Market Australia has built a reputation for quality, customer service, and transparency. Every iPhone 10 is tested, verified, and sold with a warranty, giving buyers peace of mind. Unlike peer-to-peer marketplaces, where conditions can vary and support is non-existent, Wise Market offers a reliable alternative.

They also provide excellent value, with competitive pricing across all iPhone models, flexible payment options, and fast shipping across Australia. Whether you're in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or regional areas, your refurbished iPhone 10 arrives promptly and in top condition.

Their Australian-based support team is available to answer questions, assist with returns, and guide customers through the buying process—something that's especially important for less tech-savvy buyers or parents buying phones for their teenagers.

Final Thoughts: Still Worth It? Absolutely.

The iPhone 10 remains one of Apple’s most iconic smartphones, not just for what it introduced, but for how well it has aged. Its combination of modern design, powerful performance, reliable camera, and long-lasting software support makes it a standout option in the 2025 refurbished market.

For Australian buyers looking for value, sustainability, and quality, the iPhone 10 through Wise Market Australia is a clear winner. It offers the perfect mix of affordability and premium experience—without compromising on the essentials that matter most.

Call to Action: Ready to Make a Smart Switch?

If you're ready to experience flagship features without the flagship price, explore the iPhone 10 collection at Wise Market Australia today. Backed by warranty, expert refurbishment, and unbeatable customer service, it’s the smartest way to upgrade your smartphone without downgrading your wallet.