When Apple launched the iPhone X in late 2017, it marked the biggest design overhaul in the company's smartphone history. Dropping the decade-old home button and introducing the edge-to-edge OLED panel set a new industrial design standard that shaped mobile hardware for years. Among the configuration tiers, the 64GB base model became the volume seller, balancing cost against capacity for millions of users.
If you're evaluating this device today, you need to look past the marketing hype and examine how its hardware ages under modern software loads, whether 64GB of local storage still cuts it, and how its dual-camera system holds up against contemporary mid-range alternatives.
Design and Display: The Shift to OLED
The front of the phone is dominated by a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display running at a resolution of 2436x1125. For Apple, this was a massive departure from the traditional LCD panels used on the iPhone 8 and earlier generations. Blacks are true black, contrast ratios hit 1,000,000 to 1, and HDR video playback brings notable depth to supported media.
You'll notice the distinctive notch housing the TrueDepth camera array and earpiece. While early critics balked at the cutout, it quickly became an industry-wide design motif. The glass back enables wireless charging, sandwiched between a polished stainless steel frame that feels dense and rigid in the hand. It carries an IP67 dust and water resistance rating, meaning it handles accidental splashes and brief submersions without failing.
Under the Hood: A11 Bionic and Real-World Speed
Performance comes driven by the A11 Bionic chip paired with 3GB of RAM. The six-core CPU architecture splits into two performance cores and four efficiency cores, letting the system ramp up for heavy tasks like 4K video editing or 3D gaming while conserving power during idle states.
While newer chips easily surpass it in benchmark scores, day-to-day navigation through iOS remains fluid. Apps open quickly, and multitasking handles standard productivity workloads without stuttering. However, that 3GB of RAM means background app reloading happens more frequently than on modern devices equipped with 6GB or 8GB of memory.
Storage Reality: Is 64GB Enough?
Choosing the 64GB capacity requires a realistic look at your digital footprint. Operating system files and pre-installed apps claim a fixed chunk of space right out of the box, leaving roughly 52GB for your personal files.
If you rely heavily on cloud storage services like iCloud or Google Drive for photos, music, and documents, 64GB is entirely manageable. On the other hand, if you shoot lots of 4K video at 60 frames per second, cache offline Spotify playlists, and play massive open-world mobile games, you'll find yourself running out of room within a year. There's no microSD slot for expansion, so your local ceiling is permanent.
Camera Capabilities and Limitations
The rear camera module packs dual 12-megapixel sensors: a wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture and a telephoto lens with an f/2.4 aperture. Both feature optical image stabilization, which keeps handheld shots sharp in dim lighting.
- Portrait Mode: Creates a hardware-softened depth effect for people and pets, though edge detection can struggle with stray hairs or complex backgrounds.
- Video Recording: Shoots up to 4K at 60fps with extended dynamic range up to 30fps. Stabilization is exceptionally smooth for handheld walking shots.
- Low Light: Lacks the dedicated Night Mode introduced in the iPhone 11 series, meaning evening shots suffer from noticeable noise and grain compared to modern standards.
Security: Transitioning to Face ID
Touch ID vanished with this generation, replaced entirely by Face ID. The system projects over 305,000 invisible infrared dots onto your face to create a precise depth map, verified by the Secure Enclave inside the A11 chip.
It unlocks reliably in pitch darkness thanks to the flood illuminator, though it requires a direct line of sight. If your phone sits flat on a desk facing away from your face, you'll need to tap the screen or lift it to trigger authentication.
Common Mistakes When Buying Used
Many buyers pick up secondhand units without checking specific hardware health metrics.
- Ignoring Battery Health: Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. Check the maximum capacity percentage in the battery settings menu. Anything below 80% requires service to prevent unexpected shutdowns under peak loads.
- Skipping Activation Lock Verification: Ensure the previous owner completely wiped the device and removed it from their iCloud account before exchanging cash. A device locked to an Apple ID is unusable paperweight.
- Overlooking Carrier Restrictions: Verify whether the device is factory unlocked or tied to a specific carrier network before traveling or switching providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the iPhone X support the latest iOS updates?
Software support longevity depends on Apple's vintage and obsolescence schedules, but older devices eventually transition out of major feature upgrades while still receiving critical security patches. Check the official Apple iOS Support portal for current compatibility lists.
Can I replace the battery if it drains too fast?
Yes, authorized service providers and independent repair shops can swap out a degraded battery, restoring peak performance management and daily runtime.
Does the box include a fast charger?
No, the retail box originally shipped with a standard 5W USB-A power adapter and a USB-A to Lightning cable. To achieve fast charging (up to 50 percent in 30 minutes), you need a separate USB-C power brick and a USB-C to Lightning cable.
Is the glass back expensive to repair?
Because the wireless charging coil and glass panel integrate tightly with the stainless steel chassis, rear glass replacements require specialized laser removal equipment and tend to be costly. Using a protective case is strongly advised.
