iPhone X review

The iPhone X Design Finally Throws Away the Home Button — Apple iPhone X

The Apple iPhone X marks a clear break from the past by removing the physical Home button and its integrated Touch ID fingerprint sensor. The front of the phone is now almost entirely glass, framed by very slim bezels. This change gives the device a modern look, with a screen-to-body ratio that finally matches other flagships from that year. The stainless-steel band and glass back feel premium and solid, though the rear panel is expensive to replace if broken.

Wireless charging arrives thanks to that glass back, using the common Qi standard so you can use many existing charging pads. Unlike some competitors, Apple includes a fast charger in the box? Actually, it does not. You will need to buy a separate fast charger and cable for the quickest top-ups, which feels like a miss at this price. The phone weighs 174 grams, which is reasonable for a 5.8-inch device, and it carries an IP67 rating for water resistance. Two color options are available: Silver and Space Gray.

This design essentially became the template for every subsequent premium iPhone, so its influence is hard to overstate. If you are looking at other options from the same era, our phone directory can help you compare.

Face ID Takes Over enable and Security Duties — Apple iPhone X

With no Home button, Apple needed a new way to secure the phone, and it turned to facial recognition called Face ID. The TrueDepth camera system at the top of the screen projects and reads thousands of invisible dots to map your face. In practice, Face ID works reliably after a short setup period. It quickly enable the phone even in low light, and it adapts as your appearance changes, such as when you grow a beard or wear glasses.

Early reviews noted that it was a huge improvement over the facial recognition attempts seen on other phones at the time. It also enables Animoji, which use your facial expressions to animate emoji characters. The system is tied tightly to the hardware, so if the TrueDepth camera fails, you may lose the ability to enable the phone or use Apple Pay. This pairing is something to keep in mind if you are buying a used unit. For more detailed takes on this and other handsets, check our phone reviews section.

The switch to Face ID was a gamble that paid off, as every new iPhone has kept it, and it continues to be a key feature on current models.

OLED Screen and the Notch: A Whole New View — Apple iPhone X

The iPhone X is Apple’s first phone with an OLED display, and it shows. The 5.8-inch screen delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast that makes photos and videos pop. The slim bezels give the phone a modern, all-screen look, but the notch at the top is a noticeable compromise. It houses the TrueDepth camera and sensors for Face ID, and it cuts into the display area. Some apps handle the notch better than others, and market video can be awkward because the notch obscures part of the image.

The screen runs at 60Hz, which was standard at launch, and it gets bright enough for outdoor use. However, OLED burn-in is a known long-term issue, so check for any ghosting or discoloration on a used unit. The display is paired with stereo speakers that sound clear and loud. This screen, combined with the new design, makes the iPhone X feel like a true leap forward.

It set a new visual standard for Apple that lasted until the iPhone 14 Pro, and it remains a compelling reason to consider this phone today, if you can find one in strong condition.

A11 Bionic Power Keeps Everything Fast — Apple iPhone X

Under the glass, the Apple iPhone X shares the same A11 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 8 series. This processor handles demanding apps and games without hesitation, making the phone feel responsive years after launch. Apple’s move to an OLED screen—its first on an iPhone—delivers deeper blacks and richer contrast than previous LCD models. The 5.8-inch display fills nearly the entire front, with only a small notch at the top housing the TrueDepth camera system.

That notch drew criticism when the phone was announced, but it quickly became a defining visual cue for later iPhones. Without a Home button, users rely entirely on gesture navigation, which takes a short time to learn but then feels natural. Face ID replaces Touch ID for enable the phone and authorizing purchases; it works well in most lighting, though early users sometimes needed to angle the phone correctly.

Overall, the combination of the A11 Bionic chip and the OLED screen makes the iPhone X a major step forward in performance and display quality.

Camera Double Stabilization and Wireless Charging — Apple iPhone X

The rear camera system on the iPhone X includes a 12MP main sensor and a 12MP telephoto lens, both with optical image stabilization. This means both lenses can reduce blur from shaky hands, giving sharper photos and steadier video than the standard iPhone 8, which only stabilizes the main sensor. The telephoto lens also enables 2x optical zoom without losing quality. On the front, the TrueDepth camera powers Face ID and allows for animated Memoji.

Wireless charging is another addition thanks to the glass back; it uses the Qi standard, so it works with many common charging pads. However, Apple did not include a fast charger in the box, so buyers need to purchase one separately to take advantage of faster wired charging. The glass back also makes the phone vulnerable to expensive repairs if cracked. If you are comparing this model to its predecessor, a side-by-side comparison reveals how much the camera and charging features improve.

Is the iPhone X right for you? — Apple iPhone X

Is the Apple iPhone X Still Worth Buying Now?

Years after its launch, the iPhone X remains a capable phone for many users. Its design—stainless steel edges and glass front and back—still looks modern, though the notch is no longer unique. The A11 Bionic chip runs current iOS versions well, but users should check current iOS compatibility before buying. Face ID works reliably, but it is paired to the device, so repairs may require Apple’s help. OLED screens can show burn-in over time, so check the display carefully. Battery health may also have degraded in older units.

The single SIM slot limits carriers, and the back glass is expensive to replace. Despite those concerns, the iPhone X introduced features that shape today’s iPhones: gesture navigation, Face ID, an OLED screen, and wireless charging. If you can find one in strong condition and at a lower price than newer models, it still delivers a premium experience. Use the phone finder to compare current options and decide if the iPhone X meets your needs.