Remember the buzz when the iPhone X first arrived? It felt like a leap into the future, ditching the familiar home button for a sleek, all-screen design. If you’re still eyeing this iconic device, or perhaps considering a pre-owned gem in the UK, this guide is for you.
We’ll break down what makes the Apple iPhone X review UK a lasting topic of discussion, covering its strengths, potential drawbacks, and what it really offers today.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone X introduced Face ID, revolutionizing phone unlocking.
- Its edge-to-edge OLED display offers stunning visuals.
- Performance remains solid for everyday tasks.
- Camera quality is still impressive for many users.
- Battery life and potential software updates are key considerations for older models.
- It set the design trend for many modern smartphones.
Apple iPhone X Review UK Key Features
The iPhone X marked a significant departure for Apple’s design language. It was the first iPhone to fully embrace an edge-to-edge display, eliminating the physical home button that had been a staple for years. This change wasn’t just cosmetic; it necessitated a completely new way of interacting with the device, primarily through gestures.
The Super Retina HD display, an OLED panel, was a major upgrade. It provided deeper blacks, brighter whites, and more vibrant colors compared to previous LCD screens. This display technology contributed significantly to the phone’s premium feel and immersive viewing experience, making watching videos or browsing photos a delight.
The All-Screen Design Explained
The removal of the home button meant Apple had to rethink navigation. Swiping up from the bottom of the screen brings you to the home screen. Swiping up and holding pauses to reveal the app switcher.
These gestures, while initially taking some getting used to, quickly became intuitive for many users. This design laid the groundwork for all subsequent iPhone models, solidifying its impact on smartphone design.
The notch at the top of the display housed the TrueDepth camera system. This system is the heart of Face ID and also enables features like Portrait mode for selfies and Animoji. The placement of the notch was a point of contention for some, but it allowed Apple to maximize the screen real estate.
Face ID Technology
Face ID replaced Touch ID as the primary biometric authentication method. It uses a sophisticated array of sensors, including an infrared camera and a dot projector, to create a detailed 3D map of the user’s face. This technology is designed to be secure and convenient, unlocking the phone simply by looking at it.
The system works by projecting thousands of invisible infrared dots onto the face, capturing their pattern with the infrared camera. This data is then converted into a mathematical representation that is compared to the stored facial data. Apple stated that the probability of a random person unlocking your phone with Face ID is about one in a million, compared to one in 50,000 for Touch ID.
- How Face ID Works: The TrueDepth camera system projects over 30,000 invisible dots to map your face. An infrared camera captures the image. This creates a detailed 3D model for secure authentication.
Face ID also powers features like attention awareness, which keeps the screen on while you are looking at it, and attention-aware Face ID, which can require your attention for Face ID to unlock. This means your phone won’t unlock if your eyes are closed or looking away.
Super Retina HD Display
The 5.8-inch OLED display on the iPhone X offered a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 458 pixels per inch. This high pixel density ensures that text and images appear sharp and clear.
The OLED technology itself is a significant advantage over LCD. Each pixel on an OLED screen emits its own light, meaning that black areas are truly black because those pixels are simply turned off. This results in superior contrast ratios and a more dynamic picture.
The display also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, making compatible videos and photos look even more lifelike.
- Contrast Ratio: The iPhone X boasts a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, which is vastly superior to the typical 1500:1 ratio found in many LCD displays. This allows for incredible detail in both bright and dark scenes.
- Color Accuracy: The display is calibrated for excellent color accuracy, supporting the P3 wide color gamut. This ensures that colors are rendered faithfully, which is important for photographers and videographers.
Apple iPhone X Review UK Performance and Hardware
Underneath its sleek exterior, the iPhone X is powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chip. This processor was cutting-edge at its release and still offers impressive performance for most tasks. The chip features a six-core CPU with two high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores, along with a three-core GPU designed by Apple.
The A11 Bionic chip excels in machine learning tasks thanks to its Neural Engine. This allows for faster processing of Face ID, as well as powering features like ARKit applications. The chip’s efficiency also contributes to a good balance between performance and battery life.
A11 Bionic Chip Performance
When the iPhone X launched, the A11 Bionic chip outpaced many of its Android competitors in benchmarks. This means that even today, the phone can handle most everyday tasks smoothly, including browsing the web, using social media apps, and playing many games. While it may not be as fast as the latest chips in new flagship phones, its performance remains more than adequate for a significant portion of users.
The efficiency of the A11 Bionic is also a key factor. The four high-efficiency cores can handle less demanding tasks, saving power. When more processing power is needed, the two high-performance cores kick in.
This intelligent management of resources helps to extend battery life.
- Benchmarks Comparison: In early benchmarks, the A11 Bionic chip scored exceptionally high. For instance, single-core performance was often over 4000, and multi-core performance exceeded 10,000. This put it ahead of many contemporary Android processors.
RAM and Storage Options
The iPhone X comes with 3GB of RAM. While this might seem low compared to some Android phones that offer 8GB or more, iOS is known for its efficient memory management. The 3GB of RAM, combined with the powerful A11 Bionic chip, allows for smooth multitasking and app switching.
Storage options for the iPhone X were 64GB and 256GB. For most users, 64GB is sufficient for apps, photos, and videos. However, if you plan to shoot a lot of high-resolution video or store a large media library, the 256GB option would be more suitable.
It’s important to note that there is no expandable storage via microSD card with iPhones, so choosing the right storage capacity at the time of purchase is crucial.
Battery Life Considerations
Battery life on the iPhone X was generally considered good, but not exceptional, at launch. Apple quoted up to 21 hours of talk time, 12 hours of internet use, and 13 hours of video playback. Real-world usage often saw users needing to charge by the end of the day, especially with heavy use.
However, as with any smartphone, battery health degrades over time. If you are considering a pre-owned iPhone X, checking the battery health in the settings is highly recommended. iOS provides a battery health percentage, and anything below 80% might indicate that the battery needs to be replaced for optimal performance.
- Wireless Charging Support: The iPhone X was the first iPhone to support Qi wireless charging. This allowed users to charge their device by simply placing it on a compatible charging pad, adding a layer of convenience.
Apple iPhone X Review UK Camera Capabilities
The iPhone X features a dual-camera system on the rear, consisting of two 12-megapixel sensors. One is a wide-angle lens, and the other is a telephoto lens, allowing for optical zoom. Both lenses feature optical image stabilization (OIS), which helps to reduce blur from hand shake, especially in low light conditions.
The front-facing camera is part of the TrueDepth system and is a 7-megapixel sensor. This camera is capable of capturing excellent selfies and powers features like Portrait mode and Animoji.
Rear Camera Performance
In good lighting conditions, the iPhone X’s rear cameras produce sharp, detailed photos with excellent color reproduction. The wide-angle lens is great for everyday shots, while the telephoto lens allows for lossless zoom up to 2x. Portrait mode on the rear camera, using the dual lenses, can create a pleasing background blur effect, often referred to as bokeh.
Low-light performance is also commendable for its time. While it may not match the latest computational photography advancements, the dual OIS helps in capturing usable images in dimly lit environments. The ability to shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per second is also a significant feature for videographers.
- Portrait Mode Enhancements: The iPhone X introduced Portrait Lighting effects, allowing users to simulate different studio lighting conditions for their portraits. These include natural light, studio light, contour light, and stage light.
An interesting aspect of the iPhone X’s camera is its ability to capture images with a wide dynamic range. This means it can capture detail in both the bright highlights and the dark shadows of a scene simultaneously, resulting in more balanced and natural-looking photos.
Front Camera and Selfies
The 7-megapixel TrueDepth front camera is more than just a selfie shooter. It’s integral to Face ID and enables Portrait mode for selfies, allowing you to achieve that blurred background effect without needing a second rear lens. This was a notable feature when it was introduced.
Selfies taken with the front camera are generally clear and vibrant. The Portrait mode on the front camera, though sometimes less precise than the rear, can still produce aesthetically pleasing results. The Animoji feature, which animates your facial expressions with cartoon characters, was a fun addition that utilized the TrueDepth camera’s capabilities.
One aspect to consider is the front camera’s ability to record video. It can capture 1080p video at 60 frames per second, which is great for vlogging or video calls. The quality of these recordings is generally very good.
Sample Photo Scenarios
- Daylight Landscape Shot: You’re on a hike and want to capture a beautiful panoramic view. The iPhone X’s wide-angle lens captures vibrant colors and sharp details of the scenery. The dynamic range ensures that both the bright sky and the shaded foreground are well-exposed.
- Portrait of a Friend: You want to take a flattering portrait. Using Portrait mode on the rear camera, you focus on your friend. The background blurs pleasingly, making your friend stand out. You can later adjust the depth of field or apply different lighting effects in the Photos app.
- Low-Light Cityscape: It’s evening, and you’re capturing the city lights. The iPhone X’s OIS on both rear lenses helps to keep the image steady, reducing blur. While noise might be visible upon close inspection, the overall image is often usable and captures the ambiance of the scene.
Apple iPhone X Review UK Software and Updates
The iPhone X launched with iOS 11, and as a supported Apple device, it has received numerous software updates over the years. This ensures that users have access to the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements. The longevity of software support is a significant advantage of buying an Apple device.
While the iPhone X will eventually stop receiving major iOS updates, it continues to receive security updates for a considerable period after its last major version. This means that even if it’s not on the absolute latest iOS version, it remains a secure device for general use.
iOS Updates and Support Lifespan
Apple is known for providing extended software support for its devices. The iPhone X, released in 2017, has been updated for many years, demonstrating Apple’s commitment to its product ecosystem. This support means that older iPhones can continue to run newer apps and benefit from the latest security measures, even if they don’t have all the newest hardware features.
The typical lifespan for major iOS updates is around five to six years. This means that while the iPhone X might not be eligible for the very latest major iOS version released today, it likely still receives security patches, which are critical for online safety. Knowing this ensures you are aware of the device’s ongoing security posture.
- Security Updates: Apple’s commitment to security means that even older devices continue to receive crucial security patches. These updates protect against known vulnerabilities and malware, keeping your data safe.
User Experience with iOS
The user experience on the iPhone X, with its gesture-based navigation, is consistent across modern iPhones. This makes it easy to transition from an older iPhone X to a newer model, or vice versa, without a steep learning curve. The App Store offers a vast selection of applications, many of which are optimized for the iPhone X’s display and performance capabilities.
The integration with other Apple services like iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple Pay is seamless. If you are already within the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone X fits in perfectly, offering a connected and convenient user experience. The ability to sync data across devices is a major plus for many.
Potential Downsides
While the iPhone X was a groundbreaking device, it’s important to acknowledge some potential downsides, especially when considering it today. The battery health is a primary concern for any used device. As mentioned, it may require a replacement for optimal daily use.
The performance, while still good, is not at the level of current flagship phones. Demanding games or intensive multitasking might show some slowdowns compared to newer models. Also, the display, while excellent, lacks the higher refresh rates (like 120Hz ProMotion) found on newer Pro iPhones, which can make scrolling and animations feel less fluid to those accustomed to them.
Finally, the lack of a headphone jack continues to be an inconvenience for some, requiring the use of Lightning headphones or wireless earbuds. This is a design choice that has persisted across most iPhones since the iPhone 7.
Common Myths Debunked
Myth 1: The iPhone X is too old to be useful
This is not true. While it’s not the latest model, the iPhone X’s A11 Bionic chip and iOS software support mean it remains a capable device for everyday tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and using most apps. Its camera is also still good for casual photography.
Myth 2: Face ID is less secure than Touch ID
Apple states that Face ID is more secure than Touch ID. The probability of a random person being able to unlock your iPhone X with Face ID is approximately one in a million. This is a significantly lower chance compared to Touch ID’s one in 50,000.
Myth 3: The notch significantly impairs the viewing experience
While the notch is a design element that some users find intrusive, most apps and the iOS interface are designed to work around it. Often, content is displayed in the areas to the left and right of the notch, or the app is designed to fill the screen without covering it. For many, it becomes unnoticeable after a short period of use.
Myth 4: Older iPhones don’t get security updates anymore
Apple is committed to long-term security. Even if the iPhone X no longer receives major iOS version updates, it continues to get critical security patches for several years, ensuring it remains protected against common online threats. This provides peace of mind for users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Is the iPhone X still a good buy in the UK today
Answer: For basic smartphone needs like communication, browsing, and social media, a well-maintained used iPhone X can be a good budget-friendly option in the UK. However, battery health and software version should be carefully checked.
Question: Can I use modern apps on the iPhone X
Answer: Yes, most modern apps from the App Store are compatible with the iPhone X, as long as they support the iOS version it can run. However, very demanding apps or games might perform slower than on newer devices.
Question: What is the camera quality like in low light
Answer: The iPhone X’s dual 12MP rear cameras with OIS perform reasonably well in low light for its age. While not as advanced as newer models, it can still capture usable photos, benefiting from optical image stabilization.
Question: Does the iPhone X support 5G
Answer: No, the iPhone X does not support 5G connectivity. It is limited to 4G LTE networks, which are still widely available and sufficient for many users’ needs.
Question: How is the battery life on an older iPhone X
Answer: Battery life will vary significantly depending on the age and usage of the specific device. Checking the battery health percentage in settings is crucial. If it’s below 80%, expect shorter battery life and potentially consider a battery replacement.
Final Thoughts
The Apple iPhone X review UK discussion shows this phone was a pivotal moment. It introduced a new design language and technologies like Face ID that define iPhones today. If you are looking for a budget-friendly iPhone experience in the UK, the iPhone X can still serve you well for core smartphone functions.
