Apple’s Bold Step into the Future with Face ID, OLED, and a Full-Screen Design
The iPhone X series has a significant shift in Apple’s approach to smartphone design and functionality. As the first iPhone to introduce Face ID, an OLED display, and an edge-to-edge screen, the iPhone X series celebrates the 10th anniversary of the iPhone with groundbreaking features and a design that departs from the familiar. Alongside the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, the iPhone X series positions itself as a true flagship, catering to users who want both innovation and performance.
Here’s an in-depth review of the iPhone X, highlighting the unique features, real-world use cases, and how it stacks up against contemporaries like the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Google Pixel 2.
Design: The Edge-to-Edge Display and Stainless Steel Frame
The iPhone X’s design is nothing short of revolutionary for Apple, marking the brand’s first full-screen iPhone. The 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display covers almost the entire front, with only a small notch at the top for the TrueDepth camera system. This design offers users an immersive, expansive viewing experience, perfect for video streaming, gaming, and photo editing.
The stainless steel frame and glass back lend a premium feel, with the added benefit of wireless charging, a first for the iPhone series. The device is also available in two sleek colors: Space Gray and Silver, both of which exude a sophisticated, polished look. Apple’s commitment to durability is clear with the iPhone X, as the glass is designed to be the most durable in a smartphone to date, and the device is water- and dust-resistant.
Display: Super Retina OLED Brings Vibrancy and Detail
Apple has finally embraced OLED with the iPhone X, delivering a Super Retina display that boasts stunning colors, deep blacks, and a high dynamic range. The 5.8-inch OLED display supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, making it ideal for watching movies and shows in HDR. The display’s brightness and color accuracy are impressive, and True Tone technology adjusts the screen’s white balance based on ambient lighting, ensuring an optimal viewing experience at all times.
Compared to previous iPhones, the iPhone X’s OLED screen brings a noticeable improvement in contrast and color vibrancy. For users who rely on their phone for photo and video editing, the Super Retina OLED display is a game-changer, offering a level of detail and accuracy that enhances productivity and creativity.
Face ID: Secure and Intuitive Biometric Security
The iPhone X ditches the iconic Home button and Touch ID in favor of Face ID, a facial recognition technology powered by Apple’s new TrueDepth camera system. Face ID uses a combination of infrared and depth mapping to create a precise model of the user’s face, which Apple claims is more secure than fingerprint recognition. The setup process is straightforward, and once enabled, Face ID works seamlessly to unlock the phone with a simple glance.
- Everyday Use: Face ID quickly becomes second nature. Whether unlocking the device, authorising App Store purchases, or logging into secure apps, Face ID makes these tasks faster and more intuitive. It works reliably in various lighting conditions, and even adapts to changes in appearance, like glasses or a new haircut.
In practice, Face ID adds a layer of convenience to daily tasks, and with Apple Pay, transactions feel more secure than ever. The absence of a physical Home button also enables more screen space for immersive content.
TrueDepth Camera and Animoji: A New Level of Interactive Messaging
The TrueDepth camera system isn’t just for Face ID; it also introduces Animoji, animated emojis that mirror users’ facial expressions. Animoji uses the TrueDepth sensors to track over 50 facial muscles in real-time, allowing users to send animated messages as various characters, from monkeys to robots.
While it may seem playful, Animoji showcases the precision of the TrueDepth system and provides a fun, interactive way to communicate. For users who enjoy creative messaging, Animoji quickly becomes a favourite feature, and its functionality is expected to expand with app integrations in the future.
Camera: Dual-Lens System and Enhanced Low-Light Performance
The iPhone X builds on Apple’s dual-lens system introduced with the iPhone 7 Plus, featuring a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP telephoto lens. The lenses are arranged vertically on the back, providing 2x optical zoom and improved low-light performance thanks to the larger aperture.
- Portrait Mode and Portrait Lighting: The iPhone X enhances Portrait Mode with Portrait Lighting, which allows users to add studio-like lighting effects to their photos. This feature, available on both the rear and front-facing cameras, adds flexibility for portrait photography, allowing users to create more dramatic, professional-looking shots.
- Real-World Photography: For everyday users, the iPhone X’s camera setup is versatile and dependable. Whether capturing landscape shots, close-ups, or portraits, the dual-lens system produces clear, vibrant images. The improved optical image stabilization (OIS) also reduces blur, making it easier to capture sharp photos even in low-light conditions.
The iPhone X excels as a go-to camera for everyday moments and social media content, especially with new lighting features that make portraits stand out.
A11 Bionic Chip: Power and Efficiency for Multitasking and AR
The iPhone X is powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, a 6-core processor with two performance cores and four high-efficiency cores. The A11 Bionic chip handles intensive tasks like 3D games, augmented reality (AR) applications, and multitasking with ease, all while maintaining power efficiency.
For users who rely on their phone for work, the A11 Bionic ensures smooth performance across productivity apps, such as video conferencing, photo editing, and file management. Coupled with iOS 11’s optimizations, the iPhone X provides a balanced blend of power and efficiency that handles both work and play effortlessly.
Battery Life and Wireless Charging: Lasting Power with Added Convenience
The iPhone X delivers all-day battery life for typical users, though it’s worth noting that the OLED display and Face ID can increase power consumption with intensive use. The device supports fast charging and, for the first time in an iPhone, wireless charging via the Qi standard.
- Wireless Charging Convenience: For users who appreciate convenience, wireless charging is a welcome addition. Charging pads make it easy to top up the battery throughout the day, and as wireless charging pads become more common in places like cafés and airports, keeping the iPhone X charged on the go is simpler than ever.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning Super Retina OLED display with vibrant colors and high contrast
- Reliable and secure Face ID that simplifies authentication
- Powerful A11 Bionic chip for smooth performance and AR capabilities
- Dual-lens camera with impressive low-light and Portrait Mode features
- Wireless charging and durable design with water resistance
Cons:
- No Home button or Touch ID may be an adjustment for some users
- Battery life is good but may be affected by OLED and Face ID usage
- High price point compared to previous iPhone models
- Animoji, while fun, may not appeal to everyone
Comparison: iPhone X vs Samsung Galaxy S8 vs Google Pixel 2
| Feature | iPhone X | Samsung Galaxy S8 | Google Pixel 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.8” Super Retina OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision | 5.8” Super AMOLED, HDR10 | 5.0” AMOLED, HDR |
| Processor | A11 Bionic | Exynos 8895 / Snapdragon 835 | Snapdragon 835 |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Iris Scanner, Face Recognition | Fingerprint Sensor |
| Primary Camera | Dual 12MP wide and telephoto | Single 12MP | Single 12.2MP with HDR+ |
| Wireless Charging | Yes, Qi-compatible | Yes, Qi-compatible | No |
| Special Features | Animoji, TrueDepth camera, Portrait Lighting | Infinity Display, Edge Screen | Google Lens, AI-driven camera |
| Price Range | AUD $1,579+ | AUD $1,199+ | AUD $1,079+ |
Key Takeaways
- iPhone X vs Samsung Galaxy S8: The Galaxy S8 offers an Infinity Display that rivals the iPhone X’s OLED, but the iPhone X has Face ID and a dual-lens camera that enhance security and photo quality. The S8’s Edge Screen provides unique functionality, but the iPhone X feels more premium with its stainless steel build and Face ID.
- iPhone X vs Google Pixel 2: The Pixel 2 has Google’s impressive AI-driven single-lens camera, which performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions. However, the iPhone X offers a more immersive display, Face ID, and a dual-lens setup with added versatility in photography, making it a more rounded choice for those seeking both security and camera capabilities.
Final Rating: 4.8/5
The Verdict: The iPhone X brings a bold new chapter to Apple’s smartphone lineup. Its all-screen OLED display, Face ID, and the powerful A11 Bionic chip make it a standout device that feels ahead of its time. While the removal of the Home button may require an adjustment for some users, the switch to Face ID and gesture-based navigation feels intuitive and seamless after a short learning curve.
With innovative features like Animoji, Portrait Lighting, and wireless charging, the iPhone X is ideal for users looking for a premium, future-ready phone that pushes boundaries in design, security, and functionality. For those willing to invest in Apple’s most ambitious iPhone yet, the iPhone X delivers an experience that feels as refined as it is innovative.