The iPhone X marked a significant milestone in Apple’s history, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. Introduced in 2017, the iPhone X brought revolutionary changes in design and functionality, setting the stage for future models. Now, after several years of usage, it’s time to take a comprehensive look at the iPhone X, evaluating its pros and cons after long-term use.
Design and Build Quality
First Impressions
The iPhone X broke away from the traditional iPhone design, introducing a sleek, all-screen front that immediately captivated users. The stainless steel frame combined with a glass back gave it a premium feel, and the lack of a home button made the device look futuristic.
Materials Used
Apple used high-quality materials in the construction of the iPhone X. The glass back, although prone to smudges, provided a luxurious feel and enabled wireless charging. The stainless steel frame added durability and a polished finish, making the iPhone X a standout in design.
Display
Super Retina Display
The iPhone X was the first iPhone to feature an OLED display, dubbed the Super Retina Display. This 5.8-inch screen offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a resolution of 1125 x 2436 pixels, providing an immersive viewing experience.
True Tone and HDR
With True Tone technology, the display adapted to the lighting conditions, ensuring accurate color reproduction in any environment. The HDR support enhanced video playback, making watching movies and videos on the iPhone X a visual treat.
Performance
A11 Bionic Chip
Powered by the A11 Bionic chip, the iPhone X delivered exceptional performance. This 6-core processor handled multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications with ease, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience.
Real-World Usage
In real-world usage, the iPhone X proved to be a powerhouse. Whether browsing the web, editing photos, or playing graphics-intensive games, the device performed flawlessly, maintaining its speed and efficiency even after years of use.
Camera Quality
Dual Rear Cameras
The iPhone X featured a dual-camera system with 12MP wide and telephoto lenses. The camera excelled in various lighting conditions, producing sharp, vibrant photos. Portrait mode and optical image stabilization were standout features, enhancing the photography experience.
Front Camera and Face ID
The TrueDepth front camera not only improved selfies but also introduced Face ID. This facial recognition technology replaced Touch ID, providing a secure and convenient way to unlock the phone and authenticate purchases.
Battery Life
Initial Battery Life
At launch, the iPhone X offered decent battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate use. The 2716 mAh battery, combined with iOS optimizations, ensured efficient power management.
Battery Performance Over Time
However, like all batteries, the iPhone X’s battery capacity degraded over time. Users might notice reduced battery life after a few years, but this can be mitigated with battery replacements or using Apple’s Battery Health feature to monitor and manage performance.
Software and Features
iOS Updates
The iPhone X continues to receive iOS updates, ensuring access to the latest features and security improvements. This longevity in software support is a major advantage, keeping the device relevant for several years.
Notable Features
Features such as Animoji, which utilized the TrueDepth camera system, and augmented reality capabilities added fun and functionality to the iPhone X, enhancing the overall user experience.
User Experience
Daily Usage
In daily usage, the iPhone X remains a reliable companion. The intuitive interface, combined with the powerful hardware, ensures that tasks are completed efficiently. The lack of a home button was quickly adapted to, with gestures becoming second nature to users.
Usability and Convenience
Face ID proved to be a game-changer, offering a seamless way to unlock the phone. The gesture-based navigation, although different, became a favorite for many users, streamlining interactions with the device.
Durability
Resistance to Wear and Tear
Despite its glass construction, the iPhone X showed remarkable durability. With proper care, including the use of cases and screen protectors, the device could withstand daily wear and tear without significant damage.
Common Issues
However, some users reported issues such as screen burn-in or Face ID malfunctions over time. These were relatively rare but worth noting for potential buyers.
Connectivity
Network Performance
The iPhone X supported LTE Advanced, ensuring fast and reliable network performance. Users could enjoy quick downloads and seamless streaming, contributing to an overall positive experience.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity remained strong, with stable connections and fast transfer speeds. The iPhone X handled various wireless tasks efficiently, from streaming music to connecting to smart home devices.
Audio Quality
Speaker Performance
The stereo speakers on the iPhone X provided impressive audio quality. Whether listening to music, watching videos, or making hands-free calls, the sound was clear and loud, enhancing the media experience.
Call Quality
Call quality was consistently excellent, with clear audio on both ends. The noise-cancellation feature ensured that background noise was minimized during calls, contributing to a better communication experience.
Security Features
Face ID Functionality
Face ID not only replaced Touch ID but also introduced a new level of security. The advanced facial recognition system worked well in various conditions, offering a secure and convenient way to unlock the device and authorize payments.
Data Protection
With regular iOS updates, the iPhone X remained secure against vulnerabilities. Apple’s commitment to privacy and data protection ensured that user information was safeguarded, maintaining trust in the device’s security features.
Pros of iPhone X
-
Innovative Design: The edge-to-edge display and stainless steel frame set a new standard in smartphone design.
-
Exceptional Performance: The A11 Bionic chip delivered top-tier performance, handling demanding tasks effortlessly.
-
Superb Display: The OLED Super Retina Display offered stunning visuals, enhancing the media consumption experience.
-
Face ID: This advanced facial recognition system provided a secure and convenient way to unlock the phone.
-
Software Longevity: Continuous iOS updates kept the iPhone X relevant and secure for years.
Cons of iPhone X
-
Battery Degradation: Over time, the battery life decreased, requiring potential replacements for optimal performance.
-
Screen Burn-In: Some users reported screen burn-in issues with the OLED display.
-
Fragile Glass Back: The glass back, while premium in feel, was prone to cracks and required careful handling.
-
Expensive Repairs: Repair costs for the iPhone X were high, especially for screen and Face ID components.
Conclusion
The iPhone X, even after years of use, remains a formidable device. Its innovative design, powerful performance, and advanced features make it a worthy contender in the smartphone market. While it has its drawbacks, the pros far outweigh the cons, making it a valuable investment for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich phone. If you’re considering the iPhone X in 2024, it’s still a viable option, especially with its continued software support and impressive capabilities.
FAQs
-
Is the iPhone X still worth buying in 2024?
-
Yes, the iPhone X remains a strong contender with its robust performance and continued iOS updates.
-
-
How does Face ID compare to Touch ID?
-
Face ID offers a more secure and convenient way to unlock the phone, using advanced facial recognition technology.
-
-
What are the common issues with the iPhone X?
-
Some users reported battery degradation, screen burn-in, and Face ID malfunctions over time.
-
-
Can the battery of the iPhone X be replaced?
-
Yes, the battery can be replaced, which can restore the device’s battery life to optimal performance.
-
-
Does the iPhone X support the latest iOS updates?
-
Yes, the iPhone X continues to receive the latest iOS updates, ensuring access to new features and security improvements.
-
