iPhone X An objective take on the iPhone X (hopefully)

[kingalexthe1st]

Hi all,

I've recently purchased a (nearly-new) iPhone X and would like to offer my review of it. Sure, you've read more iPhone X reviews than you have changed pants, but we all love to think our opinions are worth something, and forums are perfect for that For those who want the TL;DR version, scroll to the bottom and I'll put it there.

I'd like to think this will be quite objective because I've gone through a few Apple and Android phones. The full list of ownership, in order, goes iPhone 4, Moto X (2nd Gen), iPhone 6 Plus, OnePlus 3, iPhone 6S (previous work phone), Samsung S9 (current work phone) and now the iPhone X (current personal phone).

Before I get in to the X, let me just talk about the S9. I opted for the S9 for work as it was, supposedly, Samsung's answer to the iPhone X, and since I had already enjoyed the Moto X and the OnePlus 3, thought that it couldn't be bad. I was wrong.

The S9 is, in a word, a shoddy copy of all of Apple's previous features. They've tried to get their own cloud, their own assistant (which, while I'm no fan of Siri, is incredibly annoying) their own version of animojis (which are awful) and on and on. It comes across as a sequence of poorly-implemented, hastily-created, copy-and-paste of Apple's tech. The hardware is GREAT, but the software unveils a rather pathetic approach to 'innovation'.

Now, on to the X. When it was first shown last September, I balked at the notch (still do, but to a lesser extent) and the ridiculous price (still do, but I got mine for £600 which is far more reasonable). But now I've got it in my hands and I have the same feeling as I did when I first picked up the iPhone 4 ie this is going to change everything.

Last September I saw FaceID and thought "gimmick". Now I see how damned *useful* it is. Want to use LastPass? No problem, swipe the bottom bar to switch between apps and verify with FaceID to get your encrypted passwords. Awesome. Worried about leaving my phone on the table and others reading my notifications? FaceID protects the information until I look at it. This is probably my favourite feature. I see my phone light up with a notification, glance down, and it shows me the contents.
Gestures. Oh man how easy it is to drop the home button once you live without it. The gestures are great. One thing that I always loved about Android was the 'back' button. It's one of those things that, a few years ago, once you used it you realised how useful it was. The 'back' button that would come up in iOS (in the top left of the screen) was cumbersome. But the 'swipe' of the bottom bar on the iPhone X? Fantastic.

I haven't fully explored the camera yet, and the animoji are more fun than I thought they would be (and the novelty hasn't worn off. Yet.)

TL;DR - All in all, the UX of the iPhone is leagues ahead of the S9. FaceID is a game-changer, as is the gesture-based interface.

 

[tonybarnaby]

Glad you’re happy.

 

[eyoungren]

My biggest issue with the X is that damn camera bump. Apple continues to make it larger and larger (and never flush with the housing) for each new iteration of the iPhone 6.

I have no issues with the notch.

But I do not and never have liked the camera bump, even though I own a 6s+. The iPhone 8 and X proved to me that Apple considers the bump a design element and that they are unlikely to abandon it.

That leaves me only one choice when next my wife and I upgrade - which is this year.

 

[44267547]

TL;DR - All in all, the UX of the iPhone is leagues ahead of the S9. FaceID is a game-changer, as is the gesture-based interface.

The fact that Apple uses 3D facial mapping over Samsung’s 2D rendering alone is a massive difference in terms of protecting the consumers security and confidentiality. Face ID truly is the future, and it has loads of potential in other Apple products and improvements.

 

[nburwell]

My biggest issue with the X is that damn camera bump. Apple continues to make it larger and larger (and never flush with the housing) for each new iteration of the iPhone 6.

I have no issues with the notch.

But I do not and never have liked the camera bump, even though I own a 6s+. The iPhone 8 and X proved to me that Apple considers the bump a design element and that they are unlikely to abandon it.

Agree 100% here. I loved the flush camera that the 5s/SE and below models had. Obviously it didn't prevent me from purchasing the X, but when the Pixel 2 has a camera system that is on par (and even surpasses the X) without a massive camera bump, you have to wonder what Apple was thinking.

 

[eyoungren]

Agree 100% here. I loved the flush camera that the 5s/SE and below models had. Obviously it didn't prevent me from purchasing the X, but when the Pixel 2 has a camera system that is on par (and even surpasses the X) without a massive camera bump, you have to wonder what Apple was thinking.

Exactly. So for me that led to only one possible conclusion. It's a design element and therefore something they are doing on purpose.

And if that is true, then it means they won't change - because few people have the issue I have and even fewer complain about it.

If they won't change, then it means I will continue to get more of the same if I stick with Apple.

That then leads inexorably to the only solution for me and that is buying something other than an Apple device.

 

[achappy]

I love the iPhone X. Mine has been fantastic since i got it. And the pictures I've captured have been amazing. I've taken two vacations and left my DLSR home both times.

The bump is a non issue and I don't understand the big deal. I use the front of the phone and when I use a case the case eliminates the bump.

 

[eyoungren]

The bump is a non issue and I don't understand the big deal. I use the front of the phone and when I use a case the case eliminates the bump.

Because you value features over aesthetics.

I'm in front of a computer for over 16 hours a day, either at home or at work. I have minimal demands from my phones and the camera is not one of them. Most of my picture taking is so my wife can see what product it is she wants me to bring home from the grocery store. So I value aesthetics over features.

I also don't use cases (I hate them). And no, my iPhone is not dented, scratched or dinged. I take considerable care in handling it.

So, the old "The bump is covered up by the case" argument doesn't work here.

 

[macintoshmac]

Agree 100% here. I loved the flush camera that the 5s/SE and below models had. Obviously it didn't prevent me from purchasing the X, but when the Pixel 2 has a camera system that is on par (and even surpasses the X) without a massive camera bump, you have to wonder what Apple was thinking.

design element, like another poster suggested.

 

[anitak1982]

My biggest issue with the X is that damn camera bump.

While waiting for my iphone x to arrive I ordered a otterbox commuter. Before I even turned on my brand new gorgeous iphone x I put on the screen protector and the case. I feared it breaking that much after watching youtube video's. Because I really never play with my phone without a case, I seriously never noticed this bump you speak of. In the otterbox commuter it is actually recessed instead.

I still love my iphone x and still have a case on it.

 

[eyoungren]

While waiting for my iphone x to arrive I ordered a otterbox commuter. Before I even turned on my brand new gorgeous iphone x I put on the screen protector and the case. I feared it breaking that much after watching youtube video's. Because I really never play with my phone without a case, I seriously never noticed this bump you speak of. In the otterbox commuter it is actually recessed instead.

I still love my iphone x and still have a case on it.

Again. I hate cases.

I do not use them.

Sitting directly in front of me in a business card holder as I type this is my 2015 issue iPhone 6s+ with no dings, dents or scratches.

It's never been in a case.

My iPhone 4s does not have a case, my iPhone 5 does not have a case and neither does my iPad 6th Gen. All are fine.

 

[anitak1982]

Again. I hate cases.

I do not use them.

Sitting directly in front of me in a business card holder as I type this is my 2015 issue iPhone 6s+ with no dings, dents or scratches.

It's never been in a case.

My iPhone 4s does not have a case, my iPhone 5 does not have a case and neither does my iPad 6th Gen. All are fine.

My hands are very small, the size of a child's. To give a comparison I wear a size 2 child's shoe. I drop things a great deal. I even have a ribbon on the back of my phone to slide my finger in that gives me more grip. Even with all this precaution I have dropped this phone but thankfully not far and no damage. I give kudos to those who are not clumsy.

 

[eyoungren]

My hands are very small, the size of a child's. To give a comparison I wear a size 2 child's shoe. I drop things a great deal. I even have a ribbon on the back of my phone to slide my finger in that gives me more grip. Even with all this precaution I have dropped this phone but thankfully not far and no damage. I give kudos to those who are not clumsy.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying I've never dropped my phone. I've been fortunate when it's happened. However, I do tend to take care beyond what I think is normal for others.

My hands may not be as small as yours, but they aren't large either. And I handle my phones with two hands. They (my phones and iPad) sit in specific, designated places and if I am out I don't place my phone down on rough surfaces. Either the surface is clean of debris or there is something placed underneath my phone. Or it just stays in my pocket.

I have more fear in the damage that others may do to my phone, so if I'm in a crowd it remains in my pocket. Not about to have my hands jostled.

I have developed a situational awareness as to where my phone is and it's orientation.

Excessive? Probably. But it's been two years with my current 6s+ and it's undamaged.

 

[Kram Sacul]

My biggest issue with the X is that damn camera bump. Apple continues to make it larger and larger (and never flush with the housing) for each new iteration of the iPhone 6.

I have no issues with the notch.

But I do not and never have liked the camera bump, even though I own a 6s+. The iPhone 8 and X proved to me that Apple considers the bump a design element and that they are unlikely to abandon it.

That leaves me only one choice when next my wife and I upgrade - which is this year.

A nice case like everyone else? Seriously, There’s plenty of classy cases out there that will make you forget about that bump.

 

[eyoungren]

A nice case like everyone else? Seriously, There’s plenty of classy cases out there that will make you forget about that bump.

No matter how classy it is, a cased phone is not a look I prefer, and will only disguise my issue with the camera bump - not fix it.

 

[Shanghaichica]

My hands are very small, the size of a child's. To give a comparison I wear a size 2 child's shoe. I drop things a great deal. I even have a ribbon on the back of my phone to slide my finger in that gives me more grip. Even with all this precaution I have dropped this phone but thankfully not far and no damage. I give kudos to those who are not clumsy.

My husband needs an OtterBox case. I’ve only ever used the Apple silicone or leather cases/ another type of silicone case and I’ve never had an issue.

You can’t be as bad as my husband. These are all the phones he’s damaged:

iPhone 4- smashed screen and had water damage

Samsung Galaxy S3- Broke charging port twice.

Note 3- broke charging port and screen

S6 edge plus - smashed screen twice and damaged display. Broke charging port. Even wireless charging stopped working. Had the phone replaced twice under insurance. Eventually had it replaced under insurance to the S7 edge.

S7 edge- smashed screen.

Note 8- smashed screen and damaged display.

I’ve just discovered that he’s damaged his latest phone. Ridiculous. Now I’m going to have to arrange for it to be fixed because he won’t do it. He’ll wait until the phone becomes u unusable.

Even with his track record he moans about having to buy insurance ( I make him) and refuses to use a case. The note 8 is the first time I’ve managed to get him to use a case. It lasted 10 months with a case. Once he gets it fixed under insurance I’m going to buy him an OtterBox.

I do think he’d be better with an iPhone. I think the curved glass on the Samsung phones are more prone to breaking. Not that it’s anybody’s fault but his own. However I just think he’d have less chance of breaking an iPhone. At least on the front.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Because you value features over aesthetics.

I'm in front of a computer for over 16 hours a day, either at home or at work. I have minimal demands from my phones and the camera is not one of them. Most of my picture taking is so my wife can see what product it is she wants me to bring home from the grocery store. So I value aesthetics over features.

I also don't use cases (I hate them). And no, my iPhone is not dented, scratched or dinged. I take considerable care in handling it.

So, the old "The bump is covered up by the case" argument doesn't work here.

I would say not using a case on a phone is incredibly unusual these days though. I very rarely see somebody using an iPhone without one due to them being horrendously fragile. Not using the camera is unusual too IMO. I think your preferences mean you’re going to be disappointed by design philosophies going forward concerning smartphones.

 

[44267547]

I love the iPhone X. Mine has been fantastic since i got it. And the pictures I've captured have been amazing. I've taken two vacations and left my DLSR home both times.

I was recently on vacation myself and I was amazed at how well the photos turned out with my iPhone. What’s even more amazing Is how smart phone cameras have progressed so much, that they literally are the primary camera for many because it’s the first thing that they have on them with their smart phone. The Saying that I agree with is, “The best camera is the one that you have on you”.

 

[eyoungren]

I would say not using a case on a phone is incredibly unusual these days though. I very rarely see somebody using an iPhone without one due to them being horrendously fragile. Not using the camera is unusual too IMO. I think your preferences mean you’re going to be disappointed by design philosophies going forward concerning smartphones.

I don't think it's as unusual as you might.

There are others on this forum I know of that do not use cases. There are a few people at my job who do not use cases, besides myself.

As to the camera, I can't really argue that one. People use the camera on their phone. We don't (my wife and I).

I'm sure you are correct about my pending disappointment in smartphones - at least as far as Apple is concerned. However, there are plenty of Android phones out there that manage to have camera flush with their housings. So, we'll see how that goes.

 

[The Game 161]

My biggest issue with the X is that damn camera bump. Apple continues to make it larger and larger (and never flush with the housing) for each new iteration of the iPhone 6.

I have no issues with the notch.

But I do not and never have liked the camera bump, even though I own a 6s+. The iPhone 8 and X proved to me that Apple considers the bump a design element and that they are unlikely to abandon it.

That leaves me only one choice when next my wife and I upgrade - which is this year.

Agreed the camera hump is annoying

When I use the silicone case it looks flush and I know that’s not the point but looks better that way than with some other cases.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I don't think it's as unusual as you might.

There are others on this forum I know of that do not use cases. There are a few people at my job who do not use cases, besides myself.

As to the camera, I can't really argue that one. People use the camera on their phone. We don't (my wife and I).

I'm sure you are correct about my pending disappointment in smartphones - at least as far as Apple is concerned. However, there are plenty of Android phones out there that manage to have camera flush with their housings. So, we'll see how that goes.

I could well be wrong but I’m just commenting from observational situations mixing with people at conferences and meetings etc where iPhones are popular. I haven’t witnessed an iPhone being used case-less for a long while. I know if I didn’t use a case I’d smash my phone within a couple of days. I also take a lot of photos while product testing and my iPhone is placed on concrete floors and on metal frameworks etc. It gets dropped so often lol. iPhones are so slippery to hold I think a case enhances the design to make it more practical to use, but maybe I’m in the minority there.

 

[m0sher]

Nice write up. Thanks for sharing.

I enjoy my face is my password.

 

[MacDawg]

I don't use a case (iPhone X) and my phone is like new
And FWIW, the camera bump, notch, lack of headphone jack, etc. none of that bothers me in the least
And Face ID works great for me

 

[eyoungren]

I could well be wrong but I’m just commenting from observational situations mixing with people at conferences and meetings etc where iPhones are popular. I haven’t witnessed an iPhone being used case-less for a long while. I know if I didn’t use a case I’d smash my phone within a couple of days. I also take a lot of photos while product testing and my iPhone is placed on concrete floors and on metal frameworks etc. It gets dropped so often lol. iPhones are so slippery to hold I think a case enhances the design to make it more practical to use, but maybe I’m in the minority there.

I work an office job where I am the only person in my department (business of about 10 people). I go home or to the coffee shop so my phone is not really in a lot of dangerous places.

I've said here before and I will say again that if I DID have a job where the environment was such that using a phone without a case was dangerous I would have a case on it during that time.

I'm not completely anti-case.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I work an office job where I am the only person in my department (business of about 10 people). I go home or to the coffee shop so my phone is not really in a lot of dangerous places.

I've said here before and I will say again that if I DID have a job where the environment was such that using a phone without a case was dangerous I would have a case on it during that time.

I'm not completely anti-case.

I’m mostly office based too, it’s just a few times a week I’m away from my desk for testing or meetings. I am pretty clumsy and so are the kids though lol.