When Apple launched the iPhone X in September 2017, it was not just an upgrade merely but a revolution. This much-hyped model celebrated Apple’s ten-year anniversary of the iPhone with a redefinition of smartphone design featuring an edge-to-edge OLED screen, Face ID, and the A11 Bionic chip. And for this reason, it was also known as iPhone 10.
Though it will mark a decade in 2027 since its release, the iPhone X specifications still fascinate consumers seeking top-of-the-line Apple performance, that too for half the price of the newer models available.
Even if you are comparing it to the latest iPhone models or considering a refurbished set in 2025 at a reasonable price, this detailed and comprehensive iPhone X review breaks down everything from features and performance to camera quality and battery life.
1: iPhone X Versions and Model Numbers
The iPhone X was launched in various regional iterations with model numbers A1865, A1901, A1902, and A1903. Each was for various market bands and carriers:
1.1: A1865
Region: USA, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, China
Network Support: GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
1.2: A1901
Region: EMEA, UAE, LATAM, Canada, USA (AT&T / T-Mobile), Singapore
Network Support: GSM / HSPA / LTE
1.3: A1902
Region: Japan
Network Support: GSM / HSPA / LTE
1.4: A1903
Region: Unknown market
Network Support: GSM / HSPA / LTE
Marking a ten-year anniversary, it was also termed Apple iPhone 10 or Apple iPhone Ten. The device offered consistent design and features across all versions, with only slight variations in network bands.
2: iPhone X Design and Build Quality
Apple called the iPhone X design “the smartphone of the future,” and for the right reasons. Even today, it feels remarkably contemporary. The phone has a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED screen with thin bezels and the signature notch that contains the TrueDepth camera for Face ID.
This iconic model is made up of Corning-produced glass on both sides and a stainless-steel frame, providing it with a solid, high-end hand-feel. Weighing 174 grams, the iPhone X finds an ideal balance between portability and durability. It has an IP67 rating, which protects water and dust for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter.
Colors were minimalistic, including Space Gray and Silver, denoting Apple’s trademark simplicity. The lack of the home button brought with it a gesture-based system that still governs iOS navigation in the present times.
3: iPhone X Display and Visual Experience
The screen was arguably the most revolutionary aspect of the iPhone X specifications. Apple’s initial OLED screen featured HDR10 and Dolby Vision, providing deep blacks and lively contrast ratios.
3.1: Display
- Type: Super Retina OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision
- Size: 5.8 inches (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)
- Resolution: 1125 × 2436 pixels (~458 ppi density)
- Brightness: 625 nits (HBM)
- Protection: Scratch-resistant glass
- Touch Technology: 3D Touch, True Tone display
The 19.5:9 aspect ratio introduced cinematic visuals, making streaming and gaming notably immersive for its time. Even today, iPhone X display quality competes with mid-range latest phones, with contrast and sunlight legibility still majestic.
4: iPhone X Features Overview
Even in 2025, most of the iPhone X specifications and features remain iconic:
- A11 Bionic chipset provides smooth multitasking and gentle gaming performance.
- Face ID is still precise and secure.
- Dual 12 MP camera still takes vibrant photos with optical zoom.
- Super Retina OLED display provides superior contrast.
- Wireless charging provides everyday convenience.
- Stainless-steel frame provides durability.
Apple’s optimization emphasis on software ensures the iPhone X performance continues to be fluid on iOS 16, despite updates being discontinued.
4.1: iPhone X Specifications
| Category | Specification |
| Network | Supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networking technologies to ensure easy global connectivity. |
| Launch | Released officially on September 12, 2017, and available for sale on November 3, 2017. |
| Body | Dimensions 143.6 × 70.9 × 7.7 mm and 174 grams in weight, with glass panels on both sides and a stainless-steel frame for durability. |
| SIM | Uses a Nano-SIM, has IP67 dust and water resistance (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) and supports Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified). |
| Display | 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display with HDR10, Dolby Vision, and 625 nits peak brightness (HBM). Provides 1125×2436-pixel resolution, 19.5:9 aspect ratio, and ~458 ppi pixel density. Also comes with scratch-resistant glass and 3D Touch. |
| Platform | Firstly released with iOS 11.1.1, upgradable up to iOS 16.7.12. |
| Chipset | Powered by Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm) chipset. |
| CPU | Boasts a Hexa-core 2.39 GHz configuration featuring 2× Monsoon high-performance cores and 4× Mistral low-power cores. |
| GPU | Integrated with Apple’s proprietary 3-core GPU for enhanced gaming and video processing. |
| Memory | Comes in 64GB and 256GB NVMe storage variants supported by 3GB RAM. |
| Main Camera | Dual 12 MP (f/1.8 wide, f/2.4 telephoto), dual OIS, 2× optical zoom, Quad-LED flash, HDR, 4K@60fps |
| Selfie Camera | 7 MP (f/2.2), SL 3D sensor, HDR, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | Does stereo audio output; lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. |
| Connectivity | Supports Wi-Fi (a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, NFC, and Lightning USB 2.0 port. |
| Sensors | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | Inbuilt Li-Ion 2716 mAh battery with 15W fast charging (PD 2.0), charges to 50% in 30 minutes; supports Qi wireless charging. |
| Talk Time | Delivers up to 21 hours of talk time on a 3G network. |
| Colours | Space Gray, Silver |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head), 1.17 W/kg (body) |
| Performance Scores | AnTuTu 233100 (v7), GeekBench 10215 (v4.4), GFXBench 28 fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
| Battery Endurance | Provides an estimated 74 hours of mixed-use endurance. |
| Price (approx) | Approximately €100 used/refurbished market in 2025 |
5: iPhone X Performance and Hardware Power
When Apple released the iPhone X, it ushered in the world to the A11 Bionic chip, a processor that was so state-of-the-art when it came out that it raised the bar for smartphone performance. Even after alll these years, the iPhone X performance is shockingly robust for common activities like browsing, streaming, photography, and even casual gaming.
The A11 Bionic (10 nm) SoC is driven by a hexa-core CPU, comprised of two high-performance Monsoon cores and four efficiency Mistral cores. The design makes it easy for the iPhone X to alternate between demanding apps and power-sipping background tasks. Paired with a three-core Apple GPU, it provides smooth and seamless graphics for gaming apps such as PUBG Mobile, Asphalt 9, and Call of Duty Mobile, but with intermittent frame drops relative to contemporary flagships.
GeekBench scores continue to have the iPhone X beating mid-range Android phones years after its release. The benchmark scored 10,215, while its AnTuTu score of 233,100 (v7) indicates robust real-world speed in multitasking as well as animations.
Upgrade users from previous models, such as the iPhone 7 or 8, will immediately feel the difference with the quicker app launch, smoother transitions, and stable iPhone X specifications optimization under iOS 16. If you are looking to upgrade, multiple vendors still have a decent stock to purchase.
6: iPhone X Battery Life and Charging
Battery life has always been the topic of controversy for Apple devices, and the iPhone X battery life still keeps up reasonably well in 2025. It contains a 2716 mAh Li-Ion battery, which can seem small by the current generation’s standards, but Apple’s efficiency makes up through software adjustment.
In real-world use, the iPhone X lasts between 21 hours of talk time over 3G and approximately 8–9 hours of screen-on time for various activities such as streaming, calls, and light gaming. This gives it a battery life rating of 74 hours, according to GSMArena’s test results.
It is charged by 15W fast charging (PD 2.0), charging the battery from 0 to 50% in 30 minutes, not lightning-quick, but handy. It also features Qi wireless charging, a first-time feature for Apple then, which makes for effortless top-ups without needing to plug in the cables.
Need a quick battery life tip from an expert?
Since the iPhone X is now several years old, getting the battery replaced with an official Apple component can significantly revive its longevity, usually adding 20–30% to its life.
Assuming you want a small Apple phone but one that can last throughout the day, then the iPhone X specifications and features place it well for consideration, particularly for those who value build and display quality over pure battery life.
7: iPhone X Camera Review
The iPhone X camera system might not be up to the standards of newer Pro models, but it is an incredible performer even now. The dual-lens combination, 12 MP wide (f/1.8) and 12 MP telephoto (f/2.4), ushered in a new generation of iPhone photography with a focus on depth, dynamic range, and stability.
With dual optical image stabilization (OIS) and Apple’s accurate color calibration, images taken on the iPhone X show outstanding detail and lifelike tones. Portrait Mode, based on the TrueDepth camera system, was the first to bring professional-grade depth effects to selfies.
7.1: Rear Camera Capabilities:
- Dual 12 MP sensors with 2x optical zoom
- 4K video recording at 24/30/60fps
- Slow motion: 1080p at 120/240fps
- Quad-LED True Tone flash for natural lighting
- HDR for both photo and panorama modes
7.2: Front Camera Capabilities:
- 7 MP (f/2.2) sensor with SL 3D depth sensor
- 1080p video recording at 30fps
- HDR support for better contrast
Even in 2025, you can take clear daylight photos, adequate low-light images, and silky smooth 4K videos. Relative to Android phones released in the same period, the iPhone X remains superior when it comes to consistency and color accuracy.
Let’s say you are writing a blog or creating visual content, you can rely on the iPhone X camera quality for social media, portraits, and short clips. While one of its cons could be lacking ultra-wide and macro modes now found in newer models, it delivers where it matters most.
8: iPhone X Display and Multimedia Experience
The Super Retina OLED display remains one of the strongest aspects of the iPhone X specifications sheet. The 5.8-inch screen with HDR10 and Dolby Vision support ensures deeper blacks, rich contrast, and true-to-life colors. The 458 ppi pixel density guarantees crisp visuals. Does not matter if you are reading, gaming, or watching movies.
Even now, Apple’s calibration precision enables the iPhone X screen to be comparable to some mid-range OLED screens from newer devices. The infinite contrast ratio, combined with a sunlight visibility rating of 5.013, provides decent readability outside, which cheaper phones still cannot match.
For streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+, HDR content really pops. Stereo speakers also improve the multimedia experience with crisp vocals and a notable depth for such a small phone. The missing 3.5mm headphone jack may be limiting, but wireless audio or Lightning headphones have become ubiquitous among most users.
9: Software and User Experience
The iPhone X was launched with iOS 11.1.1 at first, but it is still upgradable to iOS 16.7.12. It is one of the longest software lifespans for any smartphone. The consistency of Apple’s updates is one of the reasons that this model is still operating reliably and seamlessly today.
The move to gesture navigation (swipe from the bottom to get home, swipe up for Control Center) brought an even more fluid, intuitive experience to explore iPhones for users. But today, it is a feature on all the latest iOS versions.
Although Apple has discontinued the iPhone X, users who still own it or are planning to buy from other sources can still benefit from maximized app performance, top security levels, and integration of Apple Pay. Face ID, originally a point of controversy, now appears seamless and remains one of the most secure mobile biometric systems.
The iPhone X user experience as a whole is seamless, stable, and premium, a reflection of Apple’s hardware-to-software balance. It is still one of the finest creations of Apple. Let’s glance at some of the pros and cons of this 2017-ruling model.
9.1: Pros:
- Stunning OLED display with HDR support
- Premium stainless-steel design
- Reliable performance under iOS 16
- Dual cameras with OIS and excellent color balance
- Face ID and wireless charging
9.2: Cons:
- No 5G or headphone jack
- Limited iOS update support
- Moderate battery capacity
10: Frequently Asked Questions About iPhone X Specifications (FAQs)
1. What is the display size and resolution of the iPhone X?
The iPhone X has a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED screen with a 1125 × 2436 pixels resolution and 458 ppi pixel density.
2. Is the iPhone X compatible with 5G?
No, the iPhone X has 4G LTE only, because 5G has been introduced with the iPhone 12 series.
3. What is the difference between iPhone X A1901 and A1865 models?
A1865 is compatible with CDMA and GSM networks (for countries such as the U.S. and China).
A1901 only supports GSM and LTE (for countries such as Europe and the Middle East).
4. How long does the iPhone X battery last?
Typical usage and it lasts around 8–9 hours of screen time and offers up to 21 hours of talk time on 3G.
5. Can the iPhone X still get software updates in 2025?
The iPhone X supports up to iOS 16.7.12, which is still stable and secure. But it does not get new major updates after that version.
6. How is the iPhone X camera in comparison to newer iPhones?
The iPhone X camera remains excellent for general photography purposes, with fantastic color and detail, although it does not have ultra-wide or night mode capabilities added on later models.
7. Is the iPhone X waterproof?
Yes, it is IP67-rated, i.e., can handle water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
8. Should you buy a refurbished iPhone X in 2025?
Yes. If you can find one in good shape, it is a great choice for those who are looking for a premium iPhone experience on a limited budget.
