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iPhone X - Complete Review
iPhone X - Complete Review & Comprehensive Buying Guide
The iPhone X was not merely an incremental update; it was a paradigm shift in mobile computing architecture. Released to mark the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, it introduced the world to the "notch," Face ID, and gesture-based navigation, effectively killing the Home button. But years after its release, does this device still hold value as a daily driver, or is it merely a collector's item?
As a Senior Technical Consultant, I have revisited the iPhone X to analyze its longevity, silicon degradation, and software viability in the current application ecosystem. This review goes beyond the surface, diving into PWM dimming rates, modem performance, and the realities of owning a device that has reached the end of its major iOS support lifecycle.
Expert Opinion Snapshot: The "Ten" in 2024 and Beyond
The iPhone X occupies a unique position in the used smartphone market. It offers the premium build quality of a $1,000 flagship for a fraction of the price. However, prospective buyers must navigate significant caveats regarding battery life and thermal management.
Who is this for?
- The Budget Premium Seeker: Users who want an OLED screen and stainless steel build but cannot afford modern flagships.
- Content Consumers: The screen remains excellent for streaming, despite being 60Hz.
- First-Time iPhone Users: An affordable entry point into the Apple ecosystem (iMessage/FaceTime).
Who should avoid it?
- Heavy Gamers: The A11 Bionic chip throttles under sustained load.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Lack of "Night Mode" severely hampers low-light usability.
- Longevity Seekers: It is stuck on iOS 16, meaning app support will eventually dwindle.
Full Technical Specifications Analysis
To understand the value proposition, we must look at the raw hardware capabilities compared to modern standards.
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Display Technology | 5.8" Super Retina OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 625 nits (typ) |
| Resolution | 1125 x 2436 pixels (~458 ppi density) |
| Processor (SoC) | Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm) - Hexa-core |
| RAM & Storage | 3GB LPDDR4X RAM | 64GB / 256GB NVMe |
| Build Materials | Glass Front/Back (Gorilla Glass), Stainless Steel Frame |
| Biometrics | Face ID (SL 3D Camera) |
Ergonomics, Build Quality & Materials
The iPhone X introduced the "sandwich" design—glass on the front and back held together by a surgical-grade stainless steel band. This material choice is significant. Unlike the aluminum used in the iPhone XR or iPhone 11, the steel on the X is heavier, denser, and far more resistant to drops and bending.
Expert Insight: The 5.8-inch form factor is arguably the "Golden Size" for smartphones. It is small enough to be used with one hand but large enough for immersive media consumption. The curved steel edges blend seamlessly into the glass, offering an ergonomic grip that newer, flat-edged iPhones (like the 12, 13, and 14) lack. However, the polished steel is a fingerprint magnet and scratches easily, though these micro-abrasions can often be polished out.
Performance, Thermals & Gaming Capability
Powered by the A11 Bionic, the iPhone X was a monster at launch. Today, it requires managed expectations. The A11 was Apple's first chip with a dedicated Neural Engine, but the architecture shows its age in thermal efficiency.
The "Stacked Logic Board" Issue: Apple introduced a stacked motherboard design in the X to save space. While innovative, this traps heat. During heavy tasks like 3D gaming (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact) or GPS navigation while charging, the phone gets noticeably hot near the rear camera module.
Daily Performance: For social media, web browsing, and email, the phone remains fluid. iOS optimization masks the aging hardware well. However, with only 3GB of RAM, apps reload more frequently in the background compared to newer models.
Camera Capabilities: The Dual-Lens Legacy
The iPhone X features two 12MP sensors: a wide-angle (f/1.8) and a telephoto (f/2.4). Crucially, both lenses feature Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a feature the newer iPhone 11 lacks on its secondary lens.
Daylight Photography: Still excellent. Colors are accurate, Smart HDR works well, and dynamic range is sufficient for most users. The 2x optical zoom provides genuine portrait shots without digital cropping.
The Low-Light Weakness: This is where the iPhone X shows its age. Apple did not introduce "Night Mode" until the iPhone 11 series. Photos taken in low light on the X are often grainy and noisy. While the flash is decent, you cannot capture those bright, computational night shots seen on modern phones.
Video Performance: The device shoots 4K at 60fps. Even by today's standards, Apple's video stabilization and bitrate are superior to many mid-range Android phones released in 2024.
Battery Endurance & Charging Reality
With a 2716 mAh battery, the iPhone X was a "one-day phone" when new. Now, as a used device, battery life is its biggest Achilles' heel.
Real-World Expectations: If you buy a used unit with 85-90% battery health, expect roughly 3.5 to 4.5 hours of Screen On Time (SOT). This is often insufficient for power users without a mid-day top-up.
Charging Speeds: The phone supports 15W PD fast charging (0-50% in 30 mins) and 7.5W Qi wireless charging. While convenient, the charging speeds are slow compared to modern standards.
Market Value Guide (Refurbished/Used)
Pricing varies wildly based on condition and storage. Do not overpay for this vintage.
| Condition | Estimated Price (USD) | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A (Refurbished) | $180 - $220 | Fair value if battery is new. |
| Grade B (Used/Scratches) | $130 - $170 | Best value point. |
| Grade C (Cracked Back) | $80 - $110 | Avoid unless you can repair it. |
Pre-owned Inspection Checklist
Buying an iPhone X used carries risks. The OLED screen and Face ID module are the most common points of failure. Use this checklist before handing over cash:
| 1. True Tone Test | Go to Control Center > Long press Brightness. If "True Tone" is missing, the screen was replaced with a cheap non-programmed panel. |
| 2. Face ID Setup | Attempt to set up Face ID. If it fails instantly or says "Move iPhone lower/higher," the dot projector is broken. This is unrepairable. |
| 3. OLED Burn-in | Open a pure white image at max brightness. Look for faint shadows of keyboard or status bar icons (ghosting). |
| 4. Battery Health | Check Settings > Battery. If under 80%, negotiate $30-$40 off the price for a replacement. |
Top Alternatives Comparison
Is the iPhone X the best choice in its price bracket? Not necessarily.
VS iPhone XR: The XR has a faster A12 chip, significantly better battery life, and longer software support. However, it uses an LCD screen (lower resolution) and has thicker bezels. Verdict: Choose XR for battery/gaming, X for screen quality/compactness.
VS iPhone XS: The XS looks identical to the X but has the A12 chip, better water resistance, and slightly better cameras (Smart HDR). Verdict: If the price difference is less than $30, always get the XS.
Critical Advice & Final Verdict
Technical Consultant's Verdict:
The iPhone X is a masterpiece of design that has aged gracefully in hardware but poorly in thermals and battery technology. It is no longer a device for power users. However, for a teenager's first phone, a secondary work device, or a budget-conscious user who demands an OLED display, it remains superior to almost any new $150 Android phone.
Buying Strategy:
Look for "Refurbished - Excellent" listings on reputable platforms like Back Market or eBay (with warranty). Avoid private sellers unless you can physically inspect the Face ID and screen. If you can stretch your budget by $50, the iPhone XS or iPhone 11 are objectively better long-term investments due to the A12/A13 chips and continued app support longevity.