The iPhone X was a radical departure from Apple’s mobile phone design, launched in 2017 with a glass back and almost bezel-less OLED display. The look of the phone raises questions in people’s minds who might be looking to buy such a premium gadget about how well it can stand up to everyday wear and tear. Let’s look at the unique features that an iPhone X has, its durability through various tests in the real world, and comparisons with other models. Here is everything to let you understand why an iPhone X would be right for you!
Build Quality of the iPhone X
The iPhone X features an all-new design with a stainless steel frame and glass front and rear. Of course, Apple claims this is the most durable glass ever used in a mobile phone, toughened with a dual ion exchange process, so it’s extra strong. Still, although these materials will hold up reasonably well to everyday wear and tear, they’re not shatterproof.
Glass vs. Metal
The most significant change in the iPhone X is that it has a glass back. Although it does allow for wireless charging, this means users will have two surfaces that can shatter. In a drop test carried out by CNET, the iPhone X cracked on the first drop when it landed face-down, pointing out how vulnerable its glass surfaces were.
Scratch Resistance
The iPhone X resists scratches much better than the class-leading iPhone 7. Independent tests revealed that the screen remained largely unscathed without a screen protector after seven months of use with the iPhone X. In contrast, the iPhone 7 revealed very significant wear and tear in the same period. The stainless steel frame also held up much better to scuffs than the aluminium used in the older generation.
Durability Tests in Real World
There exists a strong need for these real-world tests, which should show exactly how the iPhone X can stand up to life outside the laboratory. In fact, such tests reflect real-world situations that prospective buyers are really supposed to know about how the device actually stands up to normal wear and tear. From accidental drops to exposure to scratches, understanding how the iPhone X performs in practical situations can help users make informed decisions. Drop tests from different sources, coupled with user experience surveys, provide the overall picture of the strengths and weaknesses of this iconic smartphone. Now, in this section, we will take a look at the results of these durability tests and what they mean for potential buyers. Here are some of the tests!
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Drop Tests
The lab tests do correspond with the real-world results: the iPhone X handles minor drops just fine, but a major fall will crack something. Even from three feet high, there can be prominent damage, as CNET tests have shown regarding the screen and back fractures. Users in the real world, as mentioned at phonearenas.com, say that the device can really sustain everyday beatings. With that bump or scrape, it’s quite all right, but with one bad drop, it gets seriously expensive.
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Everyday Wear and Tear
In actual daily usage, the iPhone X fares well against scratches and minor impacts. Users have noticed that even from rough usage, the damage is pretty much not visible compared to older models like the iPhone 7. However, the back does have glass, which is not as rigid as metal and thus is more prone to getting shattered.
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Costs of Repairs
This cost makes iPhone X repair quite harsh. The cracking of a glass back costs above ~$550 to replace, not to mention how expensive a shattered screen is, at ~$279 for one to repair without AppleCare+ coverage. This factor brings the cost of repairs quite high, making the use of a protective case a must.
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User Experiences
User reviews add to the insight on how durable an iPhone X is. Long-term users shared that the device performed well despite medium levels of wear and tear from regular usage. Some users even stated how they were still using their iPhone X in 2023 and described the device as being really smooth and completely functional despite its age. Its battery, like in many devices, was subject to attention, while other concerns included screen issues among long-term users.
Why choose the Apple iPhone X over other models?
One has to weigh the cons and pros of purchasing an iPhone X over a newer model.
Advantages of iPhone X
Some of the advantages you get using the iPhone X are:
- Design: The iPhone X’s premium design and stunning OLED display, which are bezel-less, make it a pleasure to view.
- Camera Quality: The iPhone X’s camera system remains competitive and produces brilliant photos for everyday use.
- Performance: Equipped with the A11 Bionic chip, the iPhone X delivers robust performance related to most apps so that it can withstand everyday chores.
Price: With new models coming out, the cost of the iPhone X has dropped significantly, making it a good value if one wants a premium without having to pay the latest and greatest premium.
Disadvantages of iPhone X
Every device has some minor disadvantages, and the same goes for the iPhone:
- Durability Concerns: The glass on the front and back makes it liable to cracks and scratches, so a case is a must.
- Battery Life: Users online have pointed out that the battery life, after a while, may decrease, thereby leaving one having to get replacements.
- Software Updates: As new generations of iPhones enter the market, updates will doubtless fade away for the iPhone, which may make it less resilient in terms of features and security.
Conclusion
The iPhone X is a real masterpiece mobile phone that puts both performance and looks together in one piece. As far as older phones are concerned, it really did great in terms of durability, though the glass construction might turn into a headache if you drop it. So, if you do end up buying an iPhone, then do yourself a favour by getting a protective case to minimise those risks. Ultimately, the iPhone remains a solid choice for those seeking a premium device that balances style with functionality, even years after its initial release.
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