Apple iPhone X Review
Apple iPhone X
Not Recommended
21 sources analyzed
5/10
Summary
The iPhone X was a revolutionary device at launch, but in 2026, it has reached the end of its functional lifecycle for most users. While its OLED display and stainless steel design still feel premium, the combination of a capped operating system (iOS 16) and an aging A11 Bionic chip makes it frustratingly slow for modern apps. Severe battery degradation and the lack of 5G connectivity further diminish its value as a primary device. It is only recommended as a very cheap secondary backup or a dedicated media player; for all other users, an iPhone 12 or newer is a significantly smarter investment.
Pros
- The 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display remains a high-quality panel in 2026, featuring a 2436 x 1125 resolution at 458 ppi with HDR and Dolby Vision support. Its A+ rating from DisplayMate ensures that colors are still vibrant and blacks are perfectly deep, making it a decent secondary device for media consumption.
- The industrial design of the iPhone X is still considered aesthetically pleasing and premium, utilizing a stainless steel frame and glass back that feels more substantial than many modern mid-range plastic phones. Its compact form factor is particularly attractive to users who find modern 6.7-inch devices too cumbersome for one-handed use.
- Face ID technology on this model remains a secure and convenient biometric solution, utilizing the TrueDepth camera system for 3D facial mapping. While slightly slower than the latest iterations, it still provides a more seamless unlocking experience than many budget-level fingerprint sensors found in 2026.
- The dual 12-megapixel camera system with dual optical image stabilization (OIS) still produces respectable photos in well-lit conditions. It supports 4K video recording at up to 60 fps, which is a specification that many modern entry-level smartphones still struggle to match with the same level of stabilization.
- Wireless charging support via the Qi standard allows the device to remain compatible with modern charging ecosystems and accessories. This convenience, paired with fast-charging capabilities (when used with a compatible brick), helps mitigate some of the frustrations associated with its aging battery technology.
Cons
- The device is officially capped at iOS 16, meaning it no longer receives major feature updates or critical system improvements found in newer versions. This lack of software longevity is a significant drawback in 2026, as many popular apps are beginning to drop support for iOS 16 entirely, rendering the phone a 'dead end' for software.
- The A11 Bionic chip and 3GB of RAM struggle significantly with modern, resource-heavy applications and multitasking in 2026. Users will experience frequent app refreshes, noticeable UI lag, and slow loading times that are not present on even the most basic modern budget smartphones.
- The 2,716 mAh battery is undersized by modern standards and, after years of chemical aging, often delivers only 2-3 hours of screen-on time. This degradation frequently leads to thermal throttling and overheating during basic tasks like GPS navigation or video streaming, necessitating a hardware replacement for any level of reliability.
- The hardware lacks essential modern connectivity standards including 5G support, eSIM capabilities, and MagSafe integration. In a 2026 landscape where 5G is the baseline for mobile data speeds and MagSafe is the standard for iPhone accessories, the iPhone X feels isolated from the current ecosystem.
Common Issues Reported
Widespread reports of battery degradation leading to severe overheating and unexpected shutdowns even during light usage.Confirmed hardware failures regarding the OLED display, specifically the appearance of permanent green vertical lines or total touch unresponsiveness.Increasing app incompatibility where major social media and banking applications refuse to install or update due to the iOS 16 software ceiling.
Sources
Analyzed May 31, 2026, 02:54 PM
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