The iPhone 10, also known as the iPhone X, wasn’t just another iteration in Apple’s smartphone lineup. It was a pivotal release that marked a bold new chapter in design and user experience. When Apple released the iPhone 10 in November 2017, it celebrated a decade since the original iPhone's launch—and in doing so, it redefined what users expected from a smartphone.

For Australians, the iPhone 10 resonated immediately. It brought the high-end tech lifestyle to the palm of your hand, while integrating features that would shape the future of Apple’s mobile ecosystem. Even today, years later, the iPhone 10 remains a significant player in the second-hand and refurbished markets—especially through trusted platforms like Wise Market Australia.

Whether you're considering a pre-owned iPhone 10 or simply looking to understand its place in the Apple timeline, this article provides a complete overview with clear insights tailored to Australian users.

A Game-Changer: The iPhone 10’s Design Evolution

The iPhone 10 introduced a dramatic shift in Apple’s design philosophy. For the first time, Apple removed the physical home button that had been iconic since the original iPhone. This paved the way for a new, immersive display and a fresh way of interacting with the device.

The 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display offered a nearly edge-to-edge screen experience, something that competitors were only just starting to explore. In Australia, where people rely heavily on their phones for everything from navigation to streaming and banking, this design gave users more screen real estate in a compact frame, perfect for both personal and professional use.

The stainless steel frame, paired with a glass back, gave the phone a premium feel. Face ID, enabled by the new TrueDepth camera system, replaced Touch ID and quickly became the new standard for secure authentication.

Face ID: Privacy, Security and a New Way to Unlock

One of the defining features of the iPhone 10 was the introduction of Face ID. Unlike Touch ID, which relied on fingerprint sensors, Face ID used a detailed 3D map of your face to unlock the device. This wasn’t just a gimmick; it was a complete overhaul in how users engaged with their phones.

In terms of privacy and security, Face ID was a leap forward. Australians using digital wallets, mobile banking, and password managers found it a fast and reliable way to authenticate, even in bright sunlight or dark environments. Apple’s commitment to storing biometric data securely in the device's Secure Enclave helped instill trust—a crucial factor in an age where personal data is increasingly vulnerable.

OLED Display: Visual Excellence That Raised the Bar

Before the iPhone 10, Apple had relied on LCD panels for all of its devices. The move to an OLED Super Retina display was a major improvement. With deeper blacks, more vibrant colours, and higher contrast ratios, the screen was not only more attractive but also more power-efficient.

For Australians who stream Netflix, play mobile games, or spend hours scrolling through high-res photos and social media content, the OLED display provided a noticeable upgrade in visual quality. The screen was also HDR10 and Dolby Vision compatible, meaning content from Apple TV+, YouTube, and other platforms looked better than ever before.

iPhone 10 vs Other iPhone Models: Then and Now

iPhone 10 vs iPhone 8 Plus

When it launched, the iPhone 10 was sold alongside the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. Though the 8 Plus had a larger screen in raw size (5.5 inches), it lacked the modern design and OLED screen of the iPhone 10. It also retained the physical home button and Touch ID, making it feel more traditional than revolutionary.

Where the iPhone 8 Plus was an evolution, the iPhone 10 was a revolution.

iPhone 10 vs iPhone 11

The iPhone 11 improved on battery life and camera capabilities, especially with its dual-lens setup and Night Mode. However, it reverted to an LCD screen, which many viewed as a downgrade in visual quality compared to the iPhone 10’s OLED panel.

For users who prioritise display sharpness and build quality, the iPhone 10 still holds a strong edge. Price-wise, both sit comfortably in the mid-range refurbished category on Wise Market Australia.

iPhone 10 vs iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 introduced 5G connectivity, the A14 chip, and a refreshed flat-edge design. While it clearly surpassed the iPhone 10 in performance, battery life, and connectivity, the core experience—gesture-based navigation, Face ID, and an OLED display—was rooted in the groundwork laid by the iPhone 10.

Today, the iPhone 12 is more expensive, but unless 5G is a priority, the iPhone 10 still delivers premium features at a lower cost.

iPhone 10 vs iPhone 13 and Beyond

As you move into the iPhone 13, 14, and 15 series, the leap becomes more evident in terms of camera performance, battery optimisation, and raw power. However, for many everyday users in Australia, these enhancements may not be necessary. The iPhone 10 remains a highly capable device for those who don’t need pro-level video editing or the absolute best night photography iPhone 10 remains a smart choice in 2025, especially if you're purchasing through a trusted retailer like Wise Market Australia. Despite being several generations old, the iPhone 10 still provides an excellent user experience, with its sleek design, OLED display, powerful A11 Bionic chip, and secure Face ID technology. It continues to deliver the core Apple experience at a fraction of the price of newer models.

Performance: The A11 Bionic Chip and Everyday Power

The iPhone 10 was powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, a 64-bit architecture system that introduced a neural engine for machine learning. This chip was a clear improvement over the A10 Fusion found in the iPhone 7 series, offering better energy efficiency, higher speeds, and smoother performance overall.

For daily users in Australia, this meant seamless multitasking, faster app load times, and support for emerging technologies such as AR (augmented reality). Whether it was used for running business applications or casual mobile gaming, the iPhone 10 held its own with ease.

Even by today’s standards, the A11 Bionic chip allows the iPhone 10 to perform reliably. This is one of the reasons the device remains so popular in the refurbished market through retailers like Wise Market Australia.

iOS Updates and Longevity

One of the benefits of being in the Apple ecosystem is the extended software support. The iPhone 10 shipped with iOS 11 and has received regular updates up to iOS 16, with limited features from iOS 17 still accessible. This kind of long-term support means the device remains secure, functional, and relevant—especially for Australians who want value without constantly upgrading their phones.

The user interface continues to be smooth, and security patches keep it viable for mobile banking, health apps, and corporate usage. The device’s longevity makes it an appealing choice for both first-time iPhone users and those upgrading from older models like the iPhone 6s or 7.

Ideal Buyers for the iPhone 10: Who Should Consider It?

While the iPhone 10 may no longer be Apple’s latest model, it continues to cater to a wide range of users, particularly those in Australia who seek value without compromising on the Apple experience. Let’s explore who might benefit the most from choosing an iPhone 10 in 2025:

Budget-Conscious Buyers

For many people in Australia, the iPhone 10 remains an attractive option due to its competitive pricing in the refurbished market. By purchasing from a reputable platform like Wise Market, you can get a top-tier smartphone that still offers cutting-edge features—without paying the premium price for newer models.

If you’re looking for a device that performs well across basic to moderate tasks—like browsing the web, using social media, or watching videos—then the iPhone 10 will still provide more than enough power.

Students

In a world where students rely on smartphones for everything from research to socialising, the iPhone 10 is an excellent option for those looking for a well-rounded device that doesn’t break the bank. With its reliable performance, Face ID, and solid battery life, it can handle university-related tasks with ease, while still offering great entertainment options for downtime.

For students in Australia, Wise Market Australia’s trade-in program makes upgrading or buying a refurbished iPhone 10 easy and affordable, allowing you to stay within budget without compromising on quality.

People Upgrading from Older Devices

If you're using an older iPhone model (such as the iPhone 7 or 8) and you’re not interested in splurging on the latest iPhone 14 or 15, the iPhone 10 provides an excellent middle ground. It offers a more modern design, improved screen quality, and faster performance without the steep learning curve or financial commitment of newer models.

For Australians looking to upgrade from older devices, the iPhone 10 offers excellent value and a noticeable improvement in usability.

People Who Value Simple Functionality

Some users prefer simplicity over the complexity of newer devices, and that’s where the iPhone 10 shines. It may not have the bells and whistles of newer iPhones like the iPhone 12 or 13, but it offers solid performance, a good camera, and the stability of Apple’s ecosystem. For those who value straightforward functionality without the need for cutting-edge features, the iPhone 10 remains a fantastic choice.

Final Words: The Lasting Legacy of the iPhone 10

In many ways, the iPhone 10 is one of the most important iPhones Apple has ever released. It laid the foundation for the modern iPhone design we see today and introduced features—like Face ID, an edge-to-edge OLED display, and the A11 Bionic chip—that are still relevant and functional in 2025.

For Australians looking to own a piece of Apple history or simply find a high-quality smartphone at a more affordable price, the iPhone 10 continues to be a top contender. Whether it’s for daily tasks, social media, photography, or streaming, the iPhone 10 still performs at a high level—especially when bought through trusted retailers like Wise Market Australia.

If you’re in the market for an affordable, high-quality, and reliable smartphone, the iPhone 10 offers tremendous value. It’s the perfect blend of Apple’s iconic design, performance, and value that fits a wide variety of lifestyles in Australia.

Choose the iPhone 10 from Wise Market Australia and experience what it means to own an iconic device that still holds strong today.