The iPhone X, released in November 2017, was a significant milestone for Apple, marking the 10th anniversary of the iPhone series. It introduced a radical new design, ditching the traditional home button in favor of an edge-to-edge display and Face ID facial recognition technology.
Specifications
- Display: 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED, 1125 x 2436 pixels (458 ppi)
- Dimensions: 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm (5.65 x 2.79 x 0.30 inches)
- Weight: 174 grams (6.14 ounces)
- Storage Options: 64GB, 256GB (no external storage)
- Processor: Hexa-core Apple A11 Bionic, with two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores
- RAM: 3 GB
- Operating System: iOS 11 (upgradable to iOS 16)
- Camera: Dual 12 MP rear cameras (wide: f/1.8, telephoto: f/2.4) with OIS, 4K video recording at 24/30/60 fps, 7 MP front camera
- Battery: 2716 mAh, non-removable, up to 21 hours talk time on 3G, wireless charging
- Connectivity: 4G LTE, 3G (HSDPA), Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.0, GPS
- Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, facial recognition (Face ID)
Design and Display
The iPhone X was the first iPhone to feature an edge-to-edge Super Retina OLED display, which provided deep blacks, vibrant colors, and HDR10 and Dolby Vision support. The 5.8-inch display had a resolution of 1125 x 2436 pixels, with a pixel density of 458 ppi, making it the sharpest display in an iPhone at that time. The device had a glass front and back, reinforced with a stainless steel frame, available in Silver and Space Gray.
The most noticeable design change was the removal of the home button, which allowed for a nearly bezel-less design. The device introduced Face ID, which replaced Touch ID for secure unlocking and payments. Face ID used advanced facial recognition technology powered by the TrueDepth camera system, enabling users to unlock their phones with just a glance.
A11 Bionic Chip
The Apple A11 Bionic chip, with its six-core CPU (two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores), delivered 70% faster performance compared to the A10 Fusion chip. It also included a three-core GPU that was 30% faster and supported more advanced graphics in games and AR applications. The Neural Engine enabled faster and more accurate Face ID and augmented reality experiences.
Camera System
The iPhone X featured a dual-camera system, consisting of a 12 MP wide-angle lens (f/1.8) and a 12 MP telephoto lens (f/2.4) with optical image stabilization (OIS) on both lenses. This improved low-light performance, allowed for 2x optical zoom, and offered enhanced Portrait Mode with Portrait Lighting, enabling studio-quality effects.
The 7 MP front-facing TrueDepth camera supported Portrait Mode selfies with depth-of-field effects, as well as Animoji, which allowed users to create animated emojis that mirrored their facial expressions.
The camera system was capable of recording 4K video at 24/30/60 fps and 1080p slow-motion video at 240 fps, making it a powerful tool for both photographers and videographers.
Face ID and Security
Face ID was one of the standout features of the iPhone X. The TrueDepth camera system projected over 30,000 invisible dots onto the user’s face to create a precise depth map, allowing the device to recognize the user even in low light or after changes in appearance. Face ID was also used for Apple Pay and secure app access, replacing Touch ID entirely.
Battery and Wireless Charging
The iPhone X featured a 2716 mAh battery, offering:
- Up to 21 hours of talk time on 3G
- Up to 13 hours of internet use
- 60 hours of audio playback
- Wireless charging with the Qi standard, making it compatible with a wide range of wireless chargers
The device also supported fast charging, which could charge the battery up to 50% in 30 minutes with an 18W adapter (sold separately).
Operating System and Software Features
The iPhone X shipped with iOS 11, which introduced several new features:
- Animoji: Animated emojis that mimic users’ facial movements using the TrueDepth camera.
- Augmented Reality (ARKit): Enabling advanced AR applications.
- Improved Control Center: More customizable and easier to access.
- Enhanced Siri: With more natural voices and new capabilities.
The iPhone X was upgradable to iOS 16, ensuring it stayed up to date with Apple’s latest features and security enhancements.
Connectivity
The iPhone X supported 4G LTE Advanced for faster mobile internet speeds, as well as Wi-Fi 802.11ac with MIMO for better wireless performance. It also featured Bluetooth 5.0, NFC for Apple Pay, and GPS.
Reception and Legacy
The iPhone X was widely praised for its innovative design, high-quality display, and the introduction of Face ID. Its performance, camera, and battery life were also well-received, though some users were initially skeptical about the removal of the home button. Despite its high price, the iPhone X became a huge commercial success and set the standard for future iPhones, influencing the design and features of subsequent models.
Conclusion
The iPhone X marked a turning point for Apple, introducing a modern design with an edge-to-edge display, Face ID, and powerful internals with the A11 Bionic chip. It was a revolutionary device that set the stage for the future of smartphones, delivering a premium user experience in every aspect, from its stunning display to its advanced camera system. Despite its high price tag, the iPhone X remains a landmark device in the evolution of smartphones.