When Apple releases a new iPhone, one of the positive side effects is that older models become cheaper. That’s why the launch of a new flagship model is often the perfect time to buy its predecessor, which drops in price by an average of $100. The older an iPhone gets, the cheaper it usually becomes. Refurbished second-hand iPhones, checked for quality and restored to full working order, provide a trustworthy alternative to taking your chances on a regular used phone.
In September 2023, Christmas came early for diehard Apple enthusiasts as a suite of new iPhones and Apple Watches hit the market at once. Among them were the iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Plus, the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max, along with the Apple Watch Series 9, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch SE. That’s a lot of devices, and you could dedicate pages and pages of articles to the pros, cons, changes, upgrades and performances of each. Some new features, like the Dynamic Island, are consistent across the iPhone 15 line, but as always with multiple models, there are different specs and perks. So when did the iPhone 15 come out in Australia? And should you wait for the iPhone 15 to become refurbished or join the crowds at your closest Apple store?
iPhone 15: Features and Upgrades
Should you invest in the iPhone 15 for the potential upgrades and fresh features? You won’t find a Mini model in this gang of four (it was discontinued with the iPhone 14 line), and those who’ve been optimistically hoping for an iPhone 15 Ultra will probably be waiting until 2024. So what does the iPhone 15 range do differently? Do the iPhone 15’s new features make it worth your while?
While there’s no difference in battery life from the iPhone 14 (which was fortunately an excellent level of quality), there are some new and enticing iPhone 15 features and upgrades:
Cameras
All iPhone 15 models come with camera upgrades. The main cameras on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus have been raised from 12 to 48 MP with a 24 MP default resolution for better clarity and detail. The iPhone 15 Pro Max includes a 120mm focal length and a 5X ‘Tetraprism’ zoom lens.
Dynamic Island
The iPhone 14 Pro’s ‘Dynamic Island’ function is now available across all iPhone 15 models. The Dynamic Island is a feature that makes multi-tasking easy. Replacing the standard notch that had become such a familiar sight to iPhone users, it’s known as a “shape-changing hub” for iPhone alerts and functions. You can keep an eye on your Apple Pay transactions, your Apple Maps directions and the music you’re playing while also focusing on other things in the foreground.
Display
Both the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus have newly updated displays with an increased brightness of 2000 nits. The iPhone 14’s display was 1200 nits.
Design
The iPhone 15 is both strong and comfortable to hold, with a titanium steel frame and soft contoured edges.
Action button
Replacing the standard iPhone ring/silent switch, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max come with a customisable action button. You can take your pick of potential functions for this button, including quickly launching apps or making it a shortcut.
USB-C Port
All iPhone 15 models now come equipped with USB-C ports. Using the USB-C cable, you can charge another device like your AirPods.
You may already be convinced that an iPhone 15 is the perfect phone for you but still wonder, should I wait for the iPhone 15 to become refurbished or snap it up from the store as soon as possible?
The Wait to Buy a Refurbished iPhone 15
The more recent the iPhone 15’s release is, the longer you have to wait to get it refurbished. So, how long are you looking at waiting? How long is the process from when the iPhone 15 comes out in Australia to when it’s available as a refurbished model?
On Friday, 22 September 2023, the iPhone 15 range was released in stores and online Australia-wide. Though there’s no way of knowing exactly when refurbished iPhone 15s will be widely available, it’s likely to be quicker than you’d expect. Some refurbished phones are devices that customers send back, which means a refurbished iPhone 15 can become available only a few months after the release date. However, for popular smartphones like iPhones, it can take six to nine months to see a wider variety of refurbs popping up.
One thing’s for sure: when Apple launches next year’s fresh iPhone model at the company’s Cupertino, California headquarters, many Apple lovers will trade in the iPhone they have as they head out to buy the iPhone 16. As a result, a selection of new refurbished iPhones, including iPhone 15s, will arrive on the market.
The question of whether you should wait for the iPhone 15 to be refurbished is up to you in the end, but either way, you won’t have to wait long to enjoy the iPhone 15’s features.
Why Buy Refurbished?
Refurbished iPhones have several advantages. The major ones are:
Cheaper
When you buy refurbished, you can score a great smartphone in excellent condition for hundreds of dollars less than you’d expect to pay in stores. You can even save a grand or more.
Better for the environment
Mass smartphone production has worsened a range of environmental problems, from e-waste (electronic waste) to deforestation and climate change. A full 85% of a smartphone’s carbon footprint occurs during production. When that phone is thrown in a landfill, it leads to chemicals leaking into the air and soil. When you buy a refurbished iPhone, you save a perfectly good phone from the scrap heap and spare more resources being used to make a new one.
Unlocked phones
Refurbished phones generally aren’t locked to any provider in particular. They’re ready to use immediately – all you have to do is put your SIM card in.
A warranty
Unlike regular used phones, refurbished phones come with warranties as long as you buy from the right company.
Buy Refurbished iPhones at OzMobiles
Should you wait for the iPhone 15 or check out one of the other excellent iPhone models on the market? The choice is yours. Take a look at OzMobiles’ affordable refurbished iPhone range, including our iPhone 14 models.
OzMobiles make sure you get a good deal without having to buy brand new. Every device we sell is 100% fully functional with a 12-month warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
If you find a better deal elsewhere on the same phone, we can beat that price by $10 (terms and conditions apply). And if you’ve found the perfect iPhone but can’t afford to pay all at once, you can pay it off in instalments through ZipPay, AfterPay or PayPal Pay in 4.
If you still need some help deciding whether you should wait for the iPhone 15 or embrace the benefits of another iPhone model, contact the OzMobiles team. We’ll help you find the perfect phone for you.
