The iPhone X, released in November 2017, was a revolutionary device for Apple, marking the 10th anniversary of the iPhone line. It introduced significant changes to Apple’s smartphone design and technology, and it set the stage for the future of iPhones. Although it has since been succeeded by newer models, the iPhone X still remains relevant for many users due to its sleek design and solid performance. Here’s a breakdown of the key features and details of the iPhone X:
Design and Display
The iPhone X was a major departure from previous iPhone models. It features an all-glass design with stainless steel edges, giving it a premium feel. The most notable change was the introduction of a bezel-less display, with the Home button eliminated entirely. This made room for a much larger screen in the same compact form factor.
The iPhone X has a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, which was a significant upgrade over the LCD screens of previous iPhones. The OLED display offers deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and a higher contrast ratio, making it great for media consumption, gaming, and general use. The display has a resolution of 1125 x 2436 pixels at 458 pixels per inch (ppi), ensuring sharp and crisp visuals.
Another key feature of the iPhone X’s display is its True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the white balance to match the light around you, providing a more natural viewing experience. The screen also supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, which enhances video quality.
Performance
The iPhone X is powered by the A11 Bionic chip, which was a significant leap forward in performance when it was introduced. Built on a 64-bit architecture, the A11 chip has a 6-core CPU (2 high-performance cores and 4 high-efficiency cores) and a 3-core GPU. It also features the Neural Engine, which handles machine learning tasks and enhances the phone’s ability to recognize and respond to user input.
The A11 Bionic chip provides excellent performance for day-to-day tasks, gaming, and running demanding apps. While newer models have more powerful chips (like the A12, A13, and A14 Bionic chips), the A11 is still capable of handling most tasks with ease, and it allows the iPhone X to run iOS updates smoothly.
The iPhone X comes with 3GB of RAM and has storage options of 64GB and 256GB. There’s no option for expandable storage, so users need to choose the model that best suits their needs.
Camera System
The iPhone X features a dual-camera system on the rear, which includes:
- 12MP Wide Camera: With an f/1.8 aperture, this is the primary camera, offering excellent performance in various lighting conditions.
- 12MP Telephoto Camera: This secondary camera allows for 2x optical zoom and enhances portrait mode with better depth-of-field effects.
Both cameras support Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which helps reduce blurriness caused by shaky hands. The camera system also supports Smart HDR, which improves the dynamic range of photos, making highlights and shadows more detailed.
The front-facing camera is a 7MP TrueDepth camera that enables Face ID and supports Portrait mode as well. It also supports Animoji and Memoji, which allow users to create animated emojis that mimic their facial expressions.
The iPhone X can record 4K video at 24, 30, or 60 frames per second, and 1080p video at 30 or 60 frames per second. It also offers slow-motion video capabilities at 1080p at 120 fps or 240 fps.
Face ID and Security
The iPhone X was the first iPhone to feature Face ID, Apple’s facial recognition technology, which replaced the Touch ID fingerprint sensor. Using the TrueDepth camera system on the front, Face ID scans your face to unlock the device, make payments with Apple Pay, and use FaceTime and other applications that require authentication.
Face ID is more secure than Touch ID because it uses 3D facial mapping, which makes it difficult to spoof with photos or other devices. It also works in low-light conditions and adjusts if your appearance changes (e.g., wearing glasses or growing facial hair).
Battery Life
The iPhone X is equipped with a 2716mAh battery, which provides decent battery life. Apple claims the iPhone X offers up to 21 hours of talk time or 12 hours of internet use. In practice, the device can easily last a full day with typical usage, such as browsing the web, social media, and using apps.
The iPhone X supports wireless charging through Qi-compatible charging pads and fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes) with a 18W or higher adapter (sold separately).
Software and Updates
The iPhone X launched with iOS 11, but it is capable of running the latest versions of iOS, with support for new features like Siri Shortcuts, Screen Time, Dark Mode, and Widgets. Apple typically provides software updates for iPhones for several years, and the iPhone X is expected to continue receiving updates for a few more years, ensuring it remains relevant and secure.
Other Features
- Water and Dust Resistance: The iPhone X has an IP67 rating, which means it is water-resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
- Stereo Speakers: The iPhone X offers stereo sound with better audio quality compared to previous models, enhancing the overall media experience.
- No Home Button: The removal of the Home button means that users navigate the phone through gestures. For example, to return to the home screen, users swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
- No 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Like newer models, the iPhone X does not have a traditional headphone jack, meaning users must use Lightning earphones, Bluetooth headphones, or a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter.
Price and Value Today
At launch, the iPhone X was priced starting at £999 in the UK for the 64GB model, but since its release, it has dropped in price as newer models have arrived. If you’re considering purchasing a used or refurbished iPhone X today, it offers good value for its performance and features, especially compared to the high prices of newer models.
It’s important to check the condition of a used iPhone X before buying, particularly the battery health, since the phone is a few years old. Apple’s battery health feature allows you to check the maximum capacity of the battery, and if it’s significantly degraded, a replacement battery can be a cost-effective option.
Conclusion
The iPhone X was a landmark device that brought major changes to Apple’s smartphone lineup. With its stunning OLED display, Face ID, powerful A11 Bionic chip, and advanced camera system, it still offers solid performance today. Though it has been replaced by newer models, the iPhone X remains a great option for users who want a premium iPhone at a more affordable price point.
