The iPhone X was released in 2017, marking a significant milestone for Apple as it celebrated the 10th anniversary of the iconic device. This new flagship model boasted cutting-edge features and a sleek design that captured the attention of tech enthusiasts around the world. In this review, we will delve into the various aspects of the iPhone X and see if it truly lives up to the hype.
Introduction
The iPhone X was a highly anticipated release, as it promised to bring a major redesign to the traditional iPhone design. As Apple’s first smartphone with an edge-to-edge display, it immediately caught the eye of consumers and critics alike. The phone also introduced several new features, such as Face ID and wireless charging, which were not present in previous models.
In terms of pricing, the iPhone X was the most expensive iPhone at the time of its release, with a starting price of $999. This caused some hesitation among potential buyers, as they were unsure if the phone’s features justified the high price tag. However, as we dive into the design, performance, and overall experience of the iPhone X, we will see if it truly lived up to its price.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone X completely ditched the traditional design of the iPhone, with its home button and thick bezels, and instead opted for a more modern and sleek look. The phone featured a glass back and a stainless steel frame, giving it a premium and luxurious feel. It was also available in two colors: Space Gray and Silver.
One of the most striking changes in the design was the removal of the home button, which had been a staple in all previous iPhone models. This decision was made to make room for the edge-to-edge display, which measured 5.8 inches diagonally. The OLED screen provided vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it a delight to consume media on.
Additionally, the iPhone X was also the first iPhone to be water and dust resistant, with an IP67 rating. This meant that the phone could withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without any damage. This was a welcomed addition, as it added durability to the already-sturdy build of the iPhone X.
Display
The edge-to-edge display of the iPhone X was undoubtedly its most talked-about feature. With no home button or bezels, the screen took center stage and provided an immersive experience for users. The OLED panel delivered a resolution of 1125×2436 pixels, making it the sharpest display on an iPhone at the time.
One of the standout features of the iPhone X’s display was its support for HDR (High Dynamic Range). This allowed for a wider color gamut and better contrast, resulting in more realistic and vibrant visuals. Watching HDR content on the iPhone X was a whole new experience, especially when paired with the phone’s stereo speakers.
The display also supported True Tone technology, which adjusted the white balance based on the lighting conditions of the environment. This made the screen more comfortable to view, as it reduced eye strain and provided a more natural-looking display.
Performance
The iPhone X was powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, which was a major upgrade from the A10 Fusion chip found in the previous models. The A11 chip boasted a neural engine, which enabled faster processing of machine learning tasks and improved performance in artificial intelligence-based apps.
In terms of day-to-day usage, the iPhone X was lightning fast and responsive. Apps opened quickly, and there was no lag or stuttering when switching between them. This can be attributed to the combination of the powerful A11 chip and iOS optimization, which has always been one of Apple’s strengths.
Gaming on the iPhone X was also a seamless experience, as the device was able to handle graphic-intensive games with ease. The OLED display also contributed to the gaming experience, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks that made games look more immersive.
Camera Quality
The iPhone X featured a dual-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens. This was the same camera setup found in the iPhone 8 Plus, but with some improvements. The main enhancement was the addition of optical image stabilization (OIS) on both lenses, allowing for better low-light photography and smoother video recording.
One of the standout features of the camera on the iPhone X was its ability to capture portrait mode photos. This feature used the depth-sensing capabilities of the dual cameras to blur out the background and create a DSLR-like effect on portraits. The results were impressive, with photos having a natural bokeh effect that made them stand out from regular smartphone photos.
The front-facing camera of the iPhone X also received an upgrade, with a 7-megapixel sensor and support for portrait mode. The addition of portrait mode on the front camera allowed for stunning selfies with blurred backgrounds, making them more appealing for social media sharing.
Battery Life
Apple has never been known for having the best battery life on their iPhones, and the iPhone X was no exception. It featured a 2716mAh battery, which was smaller than the batteries found in the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus. However, the OLED display and efficient A11 chip helped in conserving battery life, resulting in a decent performance.
In terms of real-world usage, the iPhone X could last through a full day of moderate usage. This included streaming videos, browsing social media, and using various apps. Heavy usage, such as gaming and video recording, did drain the battery faster, but it still managed to get through a day with some battery to spare.
One of the major additions to the iPhone X was wireless charging, which used the Qi standard. This allowed users to charge their phone by simply placing it on a compatible wireless charging pad, making it more convenient than traditional wired charging.
Face ID and Security
With the removal of the home button, Apple also introduced a new biometric security feature on the iPhone X: Face ID. This feature used sensors and cameras in the front-facing camera module to create a 3D map of the user’s face, which was then used to unlock the phone and authenticate purchases.
The initial reactions to Face ID were mixed, with some praising its convenience and speed, while others found it to be less reliable than Touch ID. However, over time, Face ID has improved and is now seen as a secure and efficient method of biometric authentication.
Another added security feature on the iPhone X was the ability to hide notification previews until the phone was unlocked. This ensured that only the user could view sensitive information in notifications, adding an extra layer of privacy and security to the device.
iOS Experience
The iPhone X came with iOS 11 out of the box, but it was later updated to support iOS 12 and even the newest iOS 13. The operating system was designed specifically for the edge-to-edge display, making it a seamless and intuitive experience for users.
The control center was moved to the top right corner of the screen, accessible by swiping down from the top right edge. The remaining space at the top was used to display the battery percentage, Wi-Fi and cellular signal, and other status indicators. This made for a cleaner and less cluttered look on the screen.
In terms of software features, iOS on the iPhone X provided a consistent and reliable experience. The addition of Animoji, animated emojis that mimicked the user’s facial expressions, was a fun and unique feature that was exclusive to the iPhone X. The iOS ecosystem also provided seamless integration with other Apple devices, such as Macs and iPads, making it a popular choice among those who owned multiple Apple products.
Final Verdict
The iPhone X was undoubtedly a revolutionary device for Apple, as it marked a significant change in design and introduced new features that set it apart from previous models. Its edge-to-edge display, powerful A11 chip, and advanced cameras made it a top contender in the smartphone market.
However, its high price tag may have deterred some potential buyers, especially considering the fact that newer models have been released since then. Nevertheless, the iPhone X still holds up as a solid and reliable smartphone, with its premium build and cutting-edge features making it a worthwhile investment for those looking for a high-end device.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the iPhone X was a game-changer for Apple, as it took the traditional iPhone design and elevated it to a whole new level. Its sleek design, powerful performance, and advanced features made it a fan favorite and a worthy addition to the iPhone lineup. While it may no longer be the latest and greatest iPhone model, it still remains a solid choice for those looking for a premium smartphone experience.
