Buying a refurbished iPhone has never been easier, which makes smartphone shopping harder for Apple lovers. Instead of simply purchasing the latest iPhone on the market, you can now take your pick from just about every model that Apple has ever released. Since there have been 26 different iPhone generations since the release of the original iPhone in 2007, you face a tough choice when you buy your iPhone refurbished.
Still, the choice is worthwhile. Refurbishing is a sustainable option that provides a fully functional iPhone at a fraction of the cost of a new model. Refurbished iPhones are professionally inspected and tested to ensure they meet the high standards of quality you expect in Australia. When you buy refurbished, all the things you love about iPhones remain intact: their security, their performance, their exceptional camera quality and their seamless integration with the rest of the Apple ecosystem.
If you’re trying to decide between the large selection of iPhones already available on the refurbished market, OzMobiles can help. Here is our guide to the top 10 iPhone releases based on important factors such as performance, camera quality and affordability.
1. Best Performance iPhone: iPhone 17 Pro
The iPhone 17 Pro delivers Apple’s fastest performance ever, with the A19 Pro chip operating at lightning-fast speed. The 17 Pro features a 20% faster CPU than the 16 Pro and a vapour cooling system that helps prevent overheating during sustained use.
In fact, the iPhone 17 Pro is a leader in several respects. Its camera set-up has the longest iPhone Telephoto ever, offering a 16x total optical zoom range. It takes battery life to an all-time high, and charges up to 50% in 20 minutes.
2. iPhone With the Best Features: Apple iPhone 17 Pro
There’s no doubt about it, the iPhone 17 Pro is definitely a winner. Tech Radar calls it “the best phone money can buy right now” and the best phone if you want the latest state-of-the-art specs. Its camera set-up is truly impressive, and it comes with a 3000-nit display, a customisable Action Button and 12GB of RAM for enhanced Apple Intelligence.
While the iPhone 17 Pro is certainly impressive in every way, the iPhone 17 remains a strong all-rounder for those looking for a quality flagship.
3. Most Durable iPhone: iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone Air | iPhone 13
The most durable iPhones are recent models such as the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone Air, thanks to their aerospace-grade titanium frames and Ceramic Shield 2 glass. The titanium frame is stronger and lighter than aluminium and delightfully bend-resistant, while the new version of Ceramic Shield offers substantially improved scratch resistance.
But if you’re on a budget, you’ll be pleased to know the iPhone 13 is still a reliably durable phone, thanks to Ceramic Shield.
4 . Best iPhone Charging Speed & Battery Life: iPhone 17 Pro Max
Battery life is one of those factors that everybody cares about, and with good reason. With its 5,088 mAh battery, the iPhone 17 Pro Max packs up to 37 hours of video playback and up to 35 hours of streamed video. It also enables fast charging, reaching 50% percentage in around 20 minutes with a 40W+ adaptor.
Battery life is something that Apple improves from iPhone to iPhone. Other recent models still offer generous battery life, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max packing up to 33 hours of use. When you buy your iPhone refurbished, any reputable refurbisher will ensure its battery life is up to speed.
5. Best iPhone Camera: iPhone 17 Pro Max
As far as iPhone models and their capabilities go, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the best iPhone for photography. This iPhone model gives Apple’s camera system a major overhaul with all 48MP rear cameras and a 56% larger sensor. Apple’s longest telephoto lens ever comes with a 200-millimetre focal length and a 16x total optical zoom range.
The result is excellent performance while capturing both still photos and video, with pleasant colours, accurate exposure levels and a wide dynamic range even in low-light conditions.
But while the iPhone 17 Pro is the current pinnacle of camera quality, all recent iPhone models will preserve your memories with top-tier shots.
6. Best Budget iPhone: iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e is Apple’s current choice for those who want a reliable entry-level smartphone. While basic, it has a lot of good points: decent battery life, clear speaker quality and quick and responsive VoiceOver performance.
If you don’t mind buying something a little older, there are a handful of other strong contenders for the best budget iPhone, such as the iPhone 15, iPhone 14 and iPhone 11.
7. Best iPhone for AI: iPhone 15 Pro and beyond
It’s not just the iPhone 17 line-up that supports AI features. iOS 26 has a suite of AI-powered features designed to make everyday life more convenient, like Visual Intelligence, Hold Assist and Workout Buddy. While Apple continues to refine its AI integration with each new model, any iPhone from the iPhone 15 Pro onwards will enable you to make the most of iOS 26.
8. Best iPhone for Multitasking: iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
If you need to do a lot of tasks on the go, it’s best to go pro. The iPhone 17’s Pro models are the best equipped for app switching, split workflows and high productivity. The 120Hz ProMotion display makes switching between apps smooth and easy, and the large Pro Max screen supports you as you complete numerous tasks.
9. Best Value iPhone: Apple iPhone 16
New flagship iPhones aren’t cheap. Luckily, the iPhone 16 still strikes the perfect balance between affordability and Pro-level performance. With this phone now a fixture on the refurbished market as the iPhone 17 takes precedence, it’s the best time to score it for less. It comes with a fast A18 chip that supports Apple Intelligence and a dual-lens camera system that takes great shots.
10. Best Overall iPhone: Apple iPhone 17
Unless you need all the cutting-edge features of the 17 Pro, the standard iPhone 17 is the most well-rounded and consistently reliable phone. It strikes the perfect balance between a reasonable price, a powerful camera, a long battery life, and high-quality features.
Buy Top Refurbished iPhones at OzMobiles
OzMobiles is your leading destination for refurbished smartphones and other tech in Australia. Find your refurbished iPhone from our collection, which has hot deals on popular models like the iPhone 15 Pro, saving you up to a thousand dollars or more! Our range also includes models from the iPhone Air to the iPhone XS, iPhone 17 to iPhone 11.
On top of iPhones, we also have a range of other Apple products and accessories, including MacBooks, tablets and iPhone cases and screen protectors.
When you buy your iPhone refurbished from us, you’re in safe hands. All OzMobiles devices have been put through our comprehensive 72-point checking process. We don’t sell any items we wouldn’t use ourselves, and the ones we do sell are fully functional with at least 80% battery health and sold with 12-month warranties.
Need some help shopping for a refurbished iPhone? Get in touch with the OzMobiles team, and we’ll help you find your perfect iPhone.
