When Apple introduced the iPhone X back in 2017, it marked a major turning point in smartphone design. Gone was the iconic home button that had been a staple of every iPhone since the beginning. In its place was Face ID, Apple’s new facial recognition technology, and a vibrant OLED Super Retina display that stretched from edge to edge. These were the standout features that grabbed headlines and consumer attention. But they also overshadowed a host of other powerful and practical tools embedded within the iPhone X — features that many users either overlooked or never fully explored.

Now, years after its release, the iPhone X still holds its ground. In fact, when paired with the right knowledge and use, it can perform on par with newer models for a fraction of the cost. This is especially true if you’re in Australia and looking to purchase a high-quality, refurbished iPhone X from Wise Market Australia. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go beyond Face ID to uncover the underrated, underutilized features that continue to make the iPhone X a smart, capable, and highly relevant device in 2025.

Why the iPhone X Still Matters in 2025

The iPhone X wasn’t just another release in Apple’s yearly cycle — it was a major leap in how we interact with smartphones. It set the stage for nearly every design and software direction that Apple has taken since. While newer models like the iPhone 12, 13, and 14 have made incremental improvements, the iPhone X introduced the core features that still define the modern iPhone experience today.

For savvy Australian consumers, especially those seeking value in the second-hand or refurbished market, the iPhone X presents a sweet spot. Through trusted platforms like Wise Market Australia, buyers get access to fully functional, professionally refurbished iPhones with verified hardware, battery health, and software support — all at significantly reduced prices.

Gesture-Based Navigation — A Seamless Workflow Upgrade

One of the most revolutionary changes introduced by the iPhone X was the complete overhaul of iOS navigation. Apple removed the physical home button entirely and replaced it with gesture-based controls. It was a bold move — and one that proved to be incredibly intuitive once users got the hang of it.

Swipe up to go home, swipe and hold to view recently used apps, swipe down from the top-right for Control Center, or swipe down from the middle-top to access notifications. This gesture system allowed for a faster, more fluid way to interact with the iPhone, enabling better multitasking and single-handed use — especially useful for Australians commuting on packed trains or multitasking on the go.

These gestures have since become standard across all newer iPhones, but it’s worth remembering that they began with the iPhone X. If you're still using an older model with a home button, the iPhone X will feel like a leap forward in usability.

Attention-Aware Features — Subtle but Smart

Most people know Face ID as the facial recognition tool that unlocks your iPhone. But it does more than that. The iPhone X’s TrueDepth camera system also enables what Apple calls “attention-aware” features. These are small, context-sensitive behaviours that make the iPhone feel more responsive to your presence.

For example, the phone will lower the volume of your alarm or incoming calls if it detects that you're looking at it. The screen stays lit while you’re reading an article or a long message. Notifications can be set to remain hidden until the phone recognizes your face, adding a layer of privacy in public settings.

These features may seem minor, but they quietly improve the user experience. In a professional or social setting — say, a business meeting in Melbourne or a lecture at an Australian university — attention-aware features ensure that your phone remains discreet without demanding constant manual input.

Animoji, Memoji, and Creative Tools That Still Shine

Animoji might have seemed like a novelty at first — animated characters that mimic your facial expressions — but they showcase the iPhone X’s ability to track 50+ facial muscles in real time. You can use Animoji and Memoji in iMessage or as stickers in apps like WhatsApp and Messenger. While newer iPhones have added extra customization options, the core features introduced with the iPhone X are still impressive and highly functional.

In addition, the iPhone X includes a built-in screen recording feature. You can record your screen for tutorials, gameplay, troubleshooting, or social media content. Whether you're an influencer making TikToks in Sydney or a teacher recording a how-to lesson for your students, screen recording is incredibly handy and continues to work flawlessly on the iPhone X.

It also supports high-quality video recording, offering 4K at 60fps and 1080p slow-motion at 240fps — still very competitive by today's standards.

Comparing iPhone X to Newer Models

While the iPhone X introduced many modern features, newer models like the iPhone 12, 13, and 14 have made incremental improvements in camera quality, chip speed, and battery life. However, when you look closely at what the average user actually needs, the iPhone X still stands strong.

Its OLED display remains competitive, its camera is more than sufficient for social media and casual content creation, and its performance is fluid for most apps and multitasking. The A11 Bionic chip is no slouch — it’s capable of running demanding games, editing tools, and all but the most intensive apps. And it still supports wireless charging and fast charging via USB-PD.

If you're comparing devices based on cost versus utility, the iPhone X is arguably one of the best-value iPhones you can buy today, especially in the refurbished market.

Camera Mastery That Goes Beyond the Surface

Apple’s camera systems have always been a strong point, and the iPhone X’s dual-lens rear camera system continues to hold its own. You get both wide and telephoto lenses, each with optical image stabilization. This means sharper photos and videos, even in low light or while moving. Portrait Mode, which was still a relatively new feature at the time, allows for stunning depth-of-field effects, while Portrait Lighting adds studio-quality lighting options — all powered by the A11 Bionic chip’s neural engine.

What’s often overlooked is the iPhone X’s slow-sync flash. Unlike traditional flashes that can make subjects look washed out, this flash captures background and foreground details more naturally, even in low-light conditions. For night photography or capturing moments during evening events, this can make a huge difference.

Australians who enjoy photographing nature, coastal scenes, or city life at dusk will find the iPhone X more than capable of delivering professional-looking results.

Battery Efficiency with OLED and Dark Mode Tricks

The iPhone X was Apple’s first phone with an OLED screen. Unlike LCD, OLED doesn’t require backlighting — each pixel lights up individually. This makes blacks truly black and contributes to better battery efficiency, especially when using darker UI themes.

Although system-wide dark mode was officially introduced in iOS 13, users of the iPhone X can still take advantage of “Smart Invert” in the accessibility settings, which inverts UI colours without affecting images and media. When used with a dark wallpaper and OLED screen, Smart Invert can produce a very similar effect — while helping extend your battery life.

Battery-saving tips like reducing white-point intensity, lowering screen brightness, and using airplane mode in weak signal areas can significantly prolong your device’s runtime, making the iPhone X a strong performer even for long workdays or outdoor adventures across Australia.

Hidden Gems: AssistiveTouch, One-Handed Mode, and HEIF Storage

AssistiveTouch is a gem hidden deep within the Accessibility settings. For users who miss the physical home button or want easier access to complex functions, AssistiveTouch places a floating button on your screen. Tap it to open Control Center, access Siri, go home, or trigger shortcuts — all without using physical buttons.

The iPhone X also supports a one-handed keyboard mode. Just hold the emoji/globe key and select either the left- or right-handed option — perfect for texting on the go.

Another underrated feature is HEIF and HEVC compression. Introduced with iOS 11, these formats store photos and videos in high quality while saving space — up to 50% smaller file sizes compared to JPEG and H.264. If you take lots of media but want to avoid running out of space, this is a huge win.

Emergency SOS, Apple Pay, and Side Button Power Moves

The iPhone X added a range of safety and convenience tools that many users don’t fully utilise. Emergency SOS, for instance, can be activated by pressing and holding the side and volume buttons — it automatically calls local emergency services (like 000 in Australia) and notifies your emergency contacts. It’s a vital tool for anyone, especially during travel or emergencies.

The side button also offers quick access to Apple Pay. Just double-tap and authenticate with Face ID. It’s fast, secure, and works seamlessly with most major retailers across Australia — from Woolworths to Myer to petrol stations.

You can also customize double and triple-clicks of the side button to activate Accessibility Shortcuts, which can include magnifier mode, Smart Invert, or AssistiveTouch — giving you faster control without unlocking the phone.

Understanding the Limitations Honestly

No review is complete without addressing the drawbacks. The iPhone X no longer supports iOS 17 or newer. This means you’ll miss out on the latest features like the new Journaling app, Contact Posters, and updates to Messages and StandBy mode. Some advanced features like LiDAR scanning, Night Mode photography, or Spatial Audio are also unavailable.

Additionally, the original battery may need replacement, but Wise Market Australia ensures that every refurbished iPhone X

ChatGPT said:

comes with a new battery, so you won’t run into unexpected shutdowns or battery-related performance issues.

Why Choose Wise Market Australia for Your iPhone X?

Buying an iPhone X through Wise Market Australia not only ensures that you’re getting a quality device, but you’re also investing in a reliable, certified refurbishment. Every unit is fully tested, restored to factory settings, and comes with a 12-month warranty. This means that you get peace of mind, backed by customer support and services that ensure your device stays in top shape.

Conclusion: The iPhone X Still Packs a Punch

The iPhone X may no longer be the cutting-edge device it once was, but it still holds a significant place in the iPhone lineup. With powerful features like Face ID, gesture navigation, intelligent attention-aware systems, a fantastic camera, and energy-saving OLED display, the iPhone X offers incredible value for Australians looking for a high-performance device without breaking the bank.

Wise Market Australia makes it easier than ever to get your hands on a fully refurbished iPhone X, complete with warranty and support. For those seeking a smart, budget-friendly choice in the world of smartphones, the iPhone X remains a powerhouse that offers much more than its initial hype.

Ready to take the plunge into the world of iPhone X? Visit Wise Market Australia today to discover certified, high-quality iPhone X devices that continue to deliver exceptional value.