Last updated on December 4, 2025
The iPhone X, launched on November 3, 2017, wasn’t just another smartphone. It was a bold statement. Marking Apple’s tenth anniversary, this device shattered previous design conventions. It introduced features that would redefine the iPhone experience for years. From its groundbreaking Face ID to the iconic notch and edge-to-edge OLED display, the iPhone X set a new design language for the company.
Fast forward to 2025. The tech world has changed dramatically. Modern iPhones boast faster chips, advanced camera systems, and ProMotion displays. This raises a crucial question for tech enthusiasts, budget-conscious consumers, and those curious about its legacy: Is the iPhone X still a smart choice? Or has time finally caught up with Apple’s revolutionary handset?
This article offers a balanced look. We’ll acknowledge the iPhone X’s historical significance. We’ll also realistically assess its capabilities and limitations as a daily driver in today’s fast-paced digital world.
The iPhone X’s Enduring Design: A 2025 Perspective
When it debuted, the iPhone X was a visual marvel. It was the first iPhone to ditch the physical home button, embracing an edge-to-edge OLED Super Retina display. This design move instantly felt futuristic.
The device also introduced the now-ubiquitous notch. This housed the TrueDepth camera system for Face ID. This innovative biometric security and the shift to gesture-based navigation completely transformed how users interacted with their iPhones.
A Decade of Influence: How the iPhone X Shaped Modern Smartphones
The iPhone X’s design was undeniably revolutionary. Its all-screen aesthetic, punctuated by the notch, became an industry standard almost overnight. Competitors quickly adopted similar approaches. This proved the profound impact of Apple’s design choices.
The premium build quality, featuring a stainless steel frame and glass back, still feels solid and well-crafted today. It’s a testament to Apple’s engineering. The physical design remains aesthetically pleasing, even in 2025.
Screen Appeal: Does the Super Retina OLED Still Shine?
The Super Retina OLED display on the iPhone X was stunning for its time. It offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Even today, the visual quality remains impressive for watching general content.
However, it’s limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. Modern flagship phones often feature 120Hz ProMotion displays. These offer a noticeably smoother scrolling and gaming experience. The iPhone X’s lower peak brightness also means it can struggle more in direct sunlight compared to newer models.
The Iconic Notch: From Controversy to Standard Feature
The notch was initially a point of contention among users and critics. Yet, it quickly became an identifying characteristic of premium smartphones. While many Android manufacturers have moved to punch-hole cameras or under-display solutions, Apple still embraces the notch (or Dynamic Island on newer models).
In 2025, the notch and slightly thicker bezels of the iPhone X do make it look somewhat dated next to truly bezel-less designs. But its historical significance in popularizing this design element cannot be overstated.
Performance Under Pressure: The A11 Bionic in 2025
Under the hood, the iPhone X was powered by the A11 Bionic chip, a hexa-core processor, paired with 3GB of RAM. In 2017, this was cutting-edge. It delivered blazing-fast performance.
Today, things are very different. While the A11 Bionic can still handle basic tasks, its age and limited RAM are becoming increasingly apparent with modern applications.
Everyday Responsiveness: Still a Daily Driver?
For everyday tasks like web browsing, checking social media, sending messages, and streaming video, the iPhone X generally performs pretty smoothly. Apps open reasonably quickly. Navigation feels responsive, especially if you’re not pushing its limits.
It can function as a secondary device. Or it’s fine for users with very light usage patterns. However, the smooth experience of newer iPhones is noticeably absent.
Pushing Limits: Gaming and Heavy App Experience
Where the iPhone X truly shows its age is with demanding applications and heavy gaming. Modern games with intensive graphics often struggle. They exhibit lower frame rates and longer load times. The 3GB of RAM also becomes a bottleneck. This leads to apps refreshing more frequently in the background.
Intensive use often leads to the device overheating. This is particularly true during extended gaming sessions or when running multiple demanding apps simultaneously. It diminishes the user experience significantly.
The Multitasking Challenge: RAM Limitations
Multitasking on the iPhone X in 2025 can be frustrating. With only 3GB of RAM, the phone frequently reloads background applications when switching between them. This means you might lose your place in a document. Or you might have to wait for an app to restart, impacting productivity.
Compared to the A16 Bionic in the iPhone 15, which boasts significantly more power and efficiency, the performance gap is vast. The A11 Bionic is simply not designed for the computational demands of today’s most advanced mobile software.
Capturing Moments: iPhone X Camera Capabilities Today
The iPhone X featured a dual 12MP rear camera system. It comprised a wide-angle and a telephoto lens, both with optical image stabilization (OIS). The front camera was a 7MP TrueDepth sensor, enabling features like Animoji.
In 2017, this setup was among the best. How does it hold up against the powerful modern cameras of 2025?
Daylight Dominance: Still Snapping Great Shots?
In well-lit, daytime conditions, the iPhone X can still capture surprisingly good photos. Images are generally sharp, with accurate colors and decent dynamic range. For casual outdoor photography, it remains a capable device.
Video recording is also a strong point. It can shoot 4K video at 60 frames per second. This feature was advanced for its time and still produces very usable footage for everyday memories.
Nighttime Struggles: Where Modern Tech Pulls Ahead
The most significant limitation of the iPhone X’s camera in 2025 is its low-light performance. Without modern features like Night Mode or Deep Fusion, photos taken in dimly lit environments are often noisy. They lack detail and exhibit poor color accuracy.
This is a stark contrast to current iPhones. They leverage advanced computational photography to produce stunning low-light imagery. For anyone frequently taking photos after dusk, the iPhone X will be a major disappointment.
Video Recording: A Surprisingly Resilient Feature
While photo performance has been surpassed, the iPhone X’s video capabilities remain respectable. Its 4K 60fps recording still delivers crisp and smooth video, especially in good lighting. The OIS helps to keep footage stable.
The front-facing camera is suitable for video calls and decent selfies, recording at 1080p 30fps. For quick video capture, it can still hold its own, though modern iPhones offer better stabilization and dynamic range.
Powering Through the Day: iPhone X Battery Life Realities
The iPhone X originally shipped with a 2716 mAh battery. Like all lithium-ion batteries, it degrades over time with charge cycles. In 2025, battery life is arguably the biggest concern for original iPhone X units.
Most original units will have significantly degraded batteries. They often operate at 70-80% of their original capacity. This means a drastically reduced runtime compared to when the phone was new.
The Inevitable Decline: Original Battery Performance
For an iPhone X with an original, degraded battery, expect multiple charges throughout the day, even with moderate usage. Heavy users will find the battery drains quickly. This makes it unreliable for extended periods away from a charger.
This rapid discharge also makes performance issues worse. It contributes to the aforementioned overheating, as the phone works harder to compensate for insufficient power.
A Fresh Start: The Impact of a New Battery
A battery replacement is highly recommended for anyone still using an iPhone X. Swapping out the old cell for a new one can dramatically improve battery life. It often provides 5-6 hours of screen-on time, which makes it much more manageable for daily use.
Crucially, a new battery also significantly reduces overheating issues. It can even improve overall performance, as the phone is no longer throttled due to an aging power source.
Maximizing Endurance: Practical Tips for Daily Use
If you’re sticking with an iPhone X, even with a new battery, there are ways to maximize its endurance. Activating Low Power Mode, reducing screen brightness, and limiting background app refresh can help eke out more usage time.
Disabling features like ‘Hey Siri’ and opting for Wi-Fi instead of cellular data when possible also helps save precious battery life. These tips are essential for anyone trying to make an older device last a full day.
Software Support Cliff: The iOS 16 Frontier
One of the most critical factors for any older iPhone is software support. This determines not only access to new features but also ongoing security and app compatibility. The iPhone X officially stopped receiving major iOS updates after iOS 16.
iOS 16 was released in the Fall of 2022. This means the iPhone X will not receive iOS 17, iOS 18, or any subsequent major versions like iOS 26.
Stuck in Time: The Last Major iOS Update
The iPhone X’s journey with major operating system upgrades concluded with iOS 16. While iOS 16 introduced many new features and refinements, it represents the final OS version tailored for the A11 Bionic chip.
Users will miss out on all the new functionalities, UI changes, and performance enhancements introduced in iOS 17 and beyond. This can be a significant drawback for users who value the latest software innovations.
Security in the Shadows: Ongoing Patches vs. Full Support
While the iPhone X no longer receives major iOS updates, Apple has continued to provide security patches for iOS 16. As of September 15, 2025, the device received security updates up to iOS 16.7.12. This is crucial for protecting against known vulnerabilities.
However, security patches are not the same as full software support. Eventually, even these patches will cease. This leaves the device potentially vulnerable to new threats. The window for official Apple service support likely ended between September 2023 and September 2025. This means official repairs may be difficult to obtain.
App Ecosystem: Navigating Compatibility Challenges
Most popular applications will continue to function on iOS 16 for some time. App developers typically support several previous iOS versions. However, as new apps are released or existing ones are updated, some may eventually require newer iOS versions. This leads to compatibility issues down the line.
This means that while the iPhone X remains functional, its access to the latest app features and potentially some newer applications will gradually diminish. Users might find themselves unable to download or update certain apps in the future.
Is the iPhone X Still a Smart Buy in 2025?
Considering its age and limitations, the question of whether the iPhone X is a smart purchase in 2025 is complex. Its value has shifted dramatically since its launch.
Used models typically fetch between $56 and $129. Refurbished units might range from $155 to $400, depending on condition and seller. These prices reflect its diminished capabilities compared to modern devices.
The Current Market: What to Expect for Price and Availability
The iPhone X is readily available on the used and refurbished markets. However, potential buyers should be wary of battery health and overall condition. A cheap price often means a degraded battery and potential cosmetic damage.
For only slightly more, newer budget options like the iPhone 11 (averaging $140+) or iPhone 12 (averaging $170+) offer significantly better performance. They also have better camera capabilities (especially Night Mode) and longer software support. This makes them a better value.
Who Benefits Most from an iPhone X Today?
- Secondary Device Users: It can serve as a decent backup phone for basic communication or a dedicated media player.
- Basic Task Users: Individuals who only need a smartphone for web browsing, social media, and messaging will find it functional.
- Nostalgia Collectors: For those who appreciate its historical significance and want to own a piece of Apple history, it’s a collector’s item.
- Budget-Conscious Users (with caveats): If you absolutely cannot afford newer models and are willing to replace the battery and live with its limitations, it can be a bare-bones entry into the iPhone ecosystem.
When to Look Beyond: Signs It’s Time for an Upgrade
The iPhone X is definitely not for everyone in 2025. Heavy users, mobile gamers, or anyone needing the latest features, robust security, and long-term investment should look elsewhere. Its performance struggles, battery woes, and lack of future iOS updates make it a poor choice for primary daily use.
While third-party repairs are possible, especially for screens and batteries, Face ID repairs can be tricky and costly. Official Apple service support likely ceased, making parts availability more challenging over time.
The iPhone X’s Place in Apple History: A Lasting Legacy
The iPhone X wasn’t just a phone. It was a testament to Apple’s willingness to innovate and redefine its most iconic product. It truly was the 10th-anniversary iPhone, marking a significant departure from all previous designs.
Its impact on the smartphone industry is undeniable. It solidified its place as a pivotal device in Apple’s storied history.
A Bold Leap: Redefining the Smartphone Experience
The iPhone X pioneered several key features that would become industry standards. Face ID, its secure facial recognition system, replaced the familiar Touch ID. It ushered in a new era of biometric authentication. The edge-to-edge OLED display was a visual feast, offering a more immersive viewing experience.
The home button was gone. Intuitive gesture-based navigation completely changed how users interacted with their devices. This was a bold move that paid off. It set the stage for future iPhone generations.
Innovations That Became Industry Norms
Beyond Face ID and the OLED screen, the iPhone X was the first iPhone to break the $1000 price barrier. This signaled a shift in premium smartphone pricing. Its design language, particularly the notch, influenced countless other manufacturers.
The TrueDepth camera system also enabled features like Animoji. This showcased the potential for augmented reality and personalized communication. These innovations weren’t just for Apple. They pushed the entire smartphone market forward.
More Than Just a Phone: A Collector’s Item?
In 2025, the iPhone X stands at a crossroads. While its practical utility as a primary device is waning, its historical importance remains. It represents a crucial turning point for Apple. It was a device that dared to be different and succeeded in shaping the future of mobile technology.
For tech enthusiasts and collectors, the iPhone X is more than an aging piece of tech. It’s a classic. It serves as a tangible reminder of a moment when Apple truly broke the mold.
