Does The iPhone X/iPhone 10 Still Hold Up in 2023

Today we're hopping in our time machine and heading back to 2017 - remember the good old days when the iPhone X launched? It's been close to six years since its debut and boy, has it survived the tech era like a true veteran.

Before you raise your eyebrows, hold up. I get it, you're probably thinking, "Why are we talking about a six-year-old phone?" Well, because this little powerhouse is still up for grabs at a fraction of its original cost, making it an interesting pick for those hunting for a budget-friendly option in the iconic Apple ecosystem.

Even in 2023, the iPhone X can give you some sweet bang for your buck. You can snatch it up for less than 200 bucks, a steal considering its original launch price. It's a classic, yet affordable entry into the realm of Apple.

And no, it isn't just the price that's alluring.

Taking a look at the exterior, the iPhone X screams premium with its stainless steel build. As you turn it around, you can't help but appreciate how well it has weathered years of tech advancement. It's like the phone stepped out of a time capsule - slightly dated but holding on to its sheen. The folks at Apple surely deserve a round of applause for creating a device that has gracefully withstood years of wear and tear.

One aspect where the iPhone X shines, even today, is its form factor. That 5.8-inch size is not too large, not too small, but just right. The sweet spot, if you will. It has a nice heft to it, feels good in the hand, and the curved edges add to the overall grip and comfort. This device is proof that not all good things come in big (or small) packages.

And if you're worried about settling for a mediocre display on a budget, don't be. The iPhone X is rocking an OLED panel that can get pretty bright - we're talking over 600 nits. Pair that with a Fast 3D touch response and you've got a responsive, vibrant screen that doesn't disappoint.

Whether you're scrolling through Instagram, watching a YouTube video, or admiring your latest selfies, this phone delivers. Sure, the newer iPhones offer better color accuracy, saturation, and brightness, but honestly, the differences are so minute they won't affect your everyday usage in any significant way.

Speaking of everyday usage, let's talk about software. In the Apple world, an iPhone isn't just about the physical device, it's about the seamless, all-encompassing ecosystem. Even though the iPhone X is six years old, it doesn't miss out on the latest software updates. The iPhone X still enjoys a software experience similar to its newer siblings. This longevity of support is something that Apple has always been good at, and the iPhone X is no exception.

However, if you're an avid software updater, bear in mind that there is a possibility that Apple might drop support for this device later this year. But if you're someone who doesn't fuss much about having the latest iOS version or you're just looking for a backup device, the iPhone X could still be a solid option.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room - performance. The iPhone X runs on the Apple A11 Bionic chip, the pioneer of the bionic series. While it's certainly not the fastest kid on the block in 2023, it's not the slowest either. This phone can handle your daily tasks, be it checking emails, browsing social media, or some light gaming. Yes, it's slower and heats up more compared to newer iPhones, but let's not forget that this is a phone from 2017.

The camera setup on the iPhone X is nothing to scoff at. The dual 12 MP rear cameras may not sound exciting in 2023, but they can still deliver decent shots, even by today's standards. Plus, it's capable of recording 4K at 60 frames per second, something that even some dedicated cameras can't do today. The 7 MP front camera is also pretty decent for those occasional selfies and video calls.

Coming to battery life, the iPhone X will get you through most of your day. If you're a power user, expect to reach for your charger by mid-day. But if you're more of a light or medium user, you might be able to stretch it till the evening. The audio performance is okay too, though newer iPhones definitely pack a louder punch.

The iPhone X also has 4G, which means it doesn't provide the super-fast internet speeds that newer phones with 5G offer. If call quality and super-fast internet speeds are crucial to you, then this might not be the best pick.

So, wrapping up, is the iPhone X a total steal for under $200 in 2023? Not exactly. Is it a waste of money? Certainly not. If you're looking for a budget iPhone, a backup phone, or a device to introduce someone to the Apple ecosystem, then the iPhone X fits the bill.

However, if you're someone who needs the absolute latest and greatest in smartphone technology, this phone might not be for you. Nonetheless, revisiting the iPhone X in 2023 was a sweet ride down memory lane, proving that even a six-year-old phone can still hold its own in today's tech-saturated world.

So, do you have an iPhone X lying around or planning on buying one? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for more tech updates. Until next time, keep geeking on!