The iPhone X, launched in 2017, revolutionized smartphone design by introducing features like Face ID, a bezel-less OLED screen, and the iconic notch. Even years later, its design and functionality continue to captivate users, particularly in the refurbished smartphone market. Therefore, this review dives deep into the iPhone X’s performance, camera quality, battery life, and more to answer a key question: Is the iPhone X still worth buying in 2025?
iPhone x Key Specifications
Table of Contents
- Aesthetic Excellence: iPhone X Design
- Super Retina OLED Display
- Next-Level Security: Face ID on iPhone X
- Performance That Holds Up: A11 Bionic Chip
- Capturing Memories: iPhone X Camera
- Battery Life in Daily Use
- Comparison: iPhone XS Max, SE (2022), and Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus
- iPhone X is still a stylish and functional choice in 2025
- Pros and Cons:
- Final Verdict
Aesthetic Excellence: iPhone X Design
The iPhone X set the stage for Apple’s future design philosophy, ditching the physical home button for an all-screen front. Even by 2025 standards, its design remains sleek and contemporary.
Key Design Highlights
- Stainless Steel Frame: The shiny finish is both premium and sturdy.
- Glass Build: Its Corning-made glass front and back allow wireless charging and feel luxurious.
- Compact Size: Perfect for one-handed use with dimensions of 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm.
- IP67 Certification: Dust and water resistance up to 1 m for 30 minutes adds durability.
The Space Gray and Silver color options give users a choice between sophistication and minimalism. However, the glass design, while elegant, increases the risk of damage from drops.
Super Retina OLED Display
The 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display was Apple’s first venture into OLED technology, and it remains a highlight of the iPhone X experience.
Display Features
- Resolution: 1125 x 2436 pixels (~458 PPI), offering sharp details.
- HDR10 and Dolby Vision: For richer colors and better contrast, especially in videos.
- True Tone Technology: Adjusts the display’s color temperature based on ambient light for a comfortable viewing experience.
Whether you’re watching movies, browsing the web, or gaming, the screen delivers vivid visuals. However, modern devices with higher refresh rates may offer smoother performance for motion-heavy content.
Next-Level Security: Face ID on iPhone X
Face ID debuted with the iPhone X, replacing the traditional Touch ID fingerprint sensor.
How Face ID Works
Using a combination of the TrueDepth camera and infrared sensors, Face ID creates a precise 3D map of your face. This ensures secure unlocking, even in low light.
- Pros: Quick, secure, and seamless with Apple Pay.
- Cons: Struggles with masks or facial obstructions, a challenge during the pandemic.
In 2025, while Face ID has evolved, the original implementation still performs reliably.
Performance That Holds Up: A11 Bionic Chip
The A11 Bionic, a 10nm chipset, was a technological marvel in 2017 and remains capable of everyday use in 2025.
Performance Metrics
- Hexa-Core CPU: Handles multitasking and basic gaming smoothly.
- Three-Core GPU: Delivers solid graphics for casual gamers.
- Storage Options: 64GB and 256GB with NVMe technology for fast data access.
Although modern apps and games are more demanding, the iPhone X handles essential tasks, social media apps, and moderate gaming without significant lag.
Capturing Memories: iPhone X Camera
The iPhone X dual-camera system excels in photography, particularly in well-lit conditions.
Rear Camera
- Wide Lens: 12 MP, f/1.8 with OIS for stable shots.
- Telephoto Lens: 12MP, f/2.4 with 2x optical zoom.
- Features: Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and 4K video recording at 60 fps.
Front Camera
- Resolution: 7 MP with f/2.2 aperture for selfies.
- SL 3D Sensor: Adds depth and enhances Face ID accuracy.
iPhone X Camera Samples
- Daylight Photography: Crisp, detailed, and natural colors.
- Low-Light Performance: While not the best, it still produces decent results.
- Portrait Mode: Excellent subject isolation with realistic bokeh effects.
Battery Life in Daily Use
The 2716 mAh battery may seem modest by today’s standards, but it delivers reliable performance.
Battery Highlights
- Fast Charging: Reaches 50% in just 30 minutes with a compatible charger.
- Wireless Charging: Supports Qi-standard charging pads.
- Talk Time: Up to 21 hours on 3G.
With moderate usage, the iPhone X can last a full day. Heavy users might need a mid-day top-up, especially if the battery hasn’t been replaced in older models.
Comparison: iPhone XS Max, SE (2022), and Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus
When choosing between the iPhone XS Max, iPhone SE (2022), and Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, meanwhile, it’s essential to consider their design, performance, camera quality, and battery life.
Here’s a detailed comparison of these three popular smartphones presented in a clear, tabular format to help you make an informed decision.
Feature | iPhone XS Max | iPhone SE (2022) | Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus |
Launch Year | 2018 | 2022 | 2019 |
Starting Price (2025) | ~$250 (refurbished) | ~$429 | ~$300 (refurbished) |
Design | Glass back, stainless steel frame, notch | Compact design with bezels and Touch ID | Glass back, aluminum frame, punch-hole |
Dimensions | 157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 157.6 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm |
Weight | 208 g | 144 g | 175 g |
Display | 6.5″ Super Retina OLED, HDR10 | 4.7″ Retina IPS LCD | 6.4″ Dynamic AMOLED, HDR10+ |
Resolution | 1242 x 2688 pixels (~458 PPI) | 750 x 1334 pixels (~326 PPI) | 1440 x 3040 pixels (~522 PPI) |
Processor | A12 Bionic (7 nm) | A15 Bionic (5 nm) | Exynos 9820 (8 nm) / Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
RAM | 4GB | 4GB | 8GB or 12GB |
Storage Options | 64GB / 256GB / 512GB (no card slot) | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB (no card slot) | 128GB / 512GB (expandable up to 1TB) |
Main Cameras | 12MP (wide) + 12MP (telephoto) | 12MP (wide) | 12MP (wide) + 12MP (telephoto) + 16MP (ultrawide) |
Camera Features | 2x optical zoom, Smart HDR | 4K recording, Smart HDR 4 | Ultrawide shots, Super Steady video |
Front Camera | 7MP (f/2.2), Portrait Mode | 7MP (f/2.2), Portrait Mode | 10MP (f/1.9) + 8MP depth sensor |
Operating System | iOS 16 (latest supported version) | iOS 16 (latest version) | Android 12 (upgradable to Android 13) |
Battery Capacity | 3174 mAh | 2018 mAh | 4100 mAh |
Battery Life | Up to 25 hours of talk time | Up to 14 hours of talk time | Up to 27 hours of talk time |
Charging | 15W wired, Qi wireless charging | 20W wired, Qi wireless charging | 15W wired, 15W wireless charging |
Connectivity | 4G LTE, Dual SIM (via eSIM) | 5G, Single SIM | 4G LTE, Dual SIM |
Audio | Stereo speakers, no headphone jack | Stereo speakers, no headphone jack | Stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack |
Water Resistance | IP68 (2 m for 30 mins) | IP67 (1 m for 30 mins) | IP68 (1.5 m for 30 mins) |
Colors | Gold, Silver, Space Gray | Midnight, Starlight, Product Red | Prism White, Prism Black, Prism Green, and more |
Standout Features | Large OLED display, premium build | Compact size, A15 chip, 5G support | Ultrawide camera, expandable storage |
Conclusion:
Each phone caters to different user needs. The iPhone XS Max offers a premium feel at a lower price; the iPhone SE (2022) is ideal for budget-conscious buyers looking for Apple’s latest performance, and the Galaxy S10 Plus excels in photography and customization options. Choose based on your preferences for size, features, and budget!
iPhone X is still a stylish and functional choice in 2025
The iPhone X is ideal for budget-conscious buyers seeking an Apple device with premium design and a reliable camera. While it lacks some modern features like 5G or advanced camera capabilities, nevertheless, it remains a great option for light users or as a secondary phone.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Elegant, compact design with premium materials.
- OLED display with HDR support for vibrant visuals.
- Reliable Face ID security.
- Solid camera performance for photos and videos.
Cons
- No 5G connectivity.
- Battery life may feel limited by modern standards.
- Lack of expandable storage.
Final Verdict
The iPhone X holds a special place in the evolution of smartphones. Its timeless design, OLED display, and Face ID make it a standout even in 2025. For those who prioritize style and essential functionality over bleeding-edge specs, the iPhone X remains a compelling choice.
FAQs: iPhone X review: Design, performance, and value in 2025
How Old is the iPhone X?
The iPhone X was launched on November 3, 2017, making it over seven years old in 2025. As Apple’s first smartphone to feature an edge-to-edge OLED display and Face ID, the iPhone X set the stage for modern iPhone designs. Despite its age, the device can still run newer iOS versions but may not support the latest updates beyond iOS 17.
Does the iPhone XS Max Support iOS 18?
Apple has not officially confirmed the iOS 18 compatibility list yet. However, based on Apple’s past update policies, the iPhone XS Max—released in September 2018—might not receive iOS 18. Apple typically provides software support for around five to six years, so the iPhone XS Max may be limited to iOS 17, making it crucial for users to consider upgrading for long-term software updates.
What are the Features of the iPhone XS Max?
The iPhone XS Max boasts several premium features, including:
- 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED Display with HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
- A12 Bionic Chip, delivering faster performance and efficiency.
- Dual 12MP Rear Cameras with Smart HDR and Portrait Mode.
- Face ID for secure unlocking and payments.
- Wireless Charging and a 3174mAh battery for all-day usage.
- IP68 Water and Dust Resistance, offering durability.
- iOS Support, making it eligible for updates up to iOS 17 or possibly iOS 18.
What iPhones Will Stop Working in 2025?
By 2025, several older iPhone models may lose software support and become incompatible with newer iOS versions. Likely discontinued models include:
- iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (Released in 2017)
- iPhone X (Released in 2017)
- Possibly iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max (Released in 2018)
While these devices will still function, they may no longer receive security updates, leading to potential performance and security risks. Upgrading to a newer iPhone is recommended for optimal performance.
Can the iPhone XS Run iOS 16?
Yes, the iPhone XS is fully compatible with iOS 16. Apple included the iPhone XS in the list of devices eligible for the iOS 16 update, allowing users to enjoy new features like lock screen customization, improved privacy settings, and enhanced messaging capabilities. However, with the release of iOS 18 in 2025, the iPhone XS may reach the end of its software update cycle.