Hey there!
My old phone vs the new one
I had an iPhone X for over four years, and I'm not one to rush into buying new phones. I've always managed to make my devices last, with my sixth-generation iPhone still going strong from the day it was released to when I bought my tenth-generation iPhone.
I probably could've held on to my sixth-gen iPhone for a bit longer, but by the last year, the battery was only lasting for a few hours. The Genius Bar told me it was an old phone, and the battery was dead, so I figured it was easier to just get a new one.
Now that I have something to compare it to, I can finally review the X – and it'll be interesting to see how it stacks up against the newer 13 and 14 models, which I'll be reviewing separately.
I've always been a fan of Apple phones – I've had models from the 5-series and up. I think they offer fantastic value for money, and I love the ease of use, sync capabilities, and seamless phone transfers.
Design
I'm really fond of the simple design of the tenth-generation iPhone. It's clean and minimalistic, from the front to the back and even the inside.
I'm not a huge fan of phone cases, though. Over the four years I had my iPhone X, I only used a silicone case and a sleek black one. I did try a red case once, but it didn't last a day – I just didn't like the way it looked.
The camera on this model was compact and sleek, and I actually liked it. But now that I've seen the massive cameras on newer models, I'm not a fan of that design at all.
The size of this phone has really exceeded my expectations. I still love the size, even more so than the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro – they're bigger, and in my small hand, it's actually more comfortable to hold, even with a bulky case.
I've had the same screen protector on my phone for all 4 years, and it's still going strong – it's never cracked anywhere! Although, I'm a bit of a clumsy person, and I've dropped it countless times.
This phone is pretty slim and compact.
Interface
I'm a huge fan of Apple's design – everything is intuitive, super easy to use, and just plain simple.
It looks really streamlined. All the UI elements are cohesive and polished.
I used to customize my home screens with my most-used apps and programs.
Synchronization
I'm also really impressed with how easy it is to transfer data or back up my device with Apple products.
Transferring data from one iPhone to another is a breeze, and it's incredibly fast. All my apps, wallpapers, texts, calls, and messages are still intact, it's like having an exact replica of my old phone.
xa0
Battery Life and Charging
My iPhone 10 is a significant upgrade over my old iPhone 5 and 6. The camera and performance are way better, and the battery life is too.
I used to charge my old iPhone 6's battery several times a day, even after just a few years of use. But with my 10, I've only needed to charge it once a day or every other day over the past four years.
I'm a heavy user, and I've been actively using my phone for gaming, social media, and streaming. I've even streamed on Twitch using my phone as a camera, and it's handled it like a pro.
xa0
Performance
I've been impressed with the phone's performance. It's handled everything I've thrown at it, from gaming to graphic-intensive work. I've even used it for streaming, and it's had no issues.
I've streamed on Twitch, using the phone as a camera, and it's worked seamlessly. I've used the DA Studip app to capture and stream video directly from my phone.
The phone's battery life has been impressive, lasting me anywhere from 2 to 3 hours without needing a charge. Of course, it does get warm, but it's never gotten to the point where it's been a major issue.
The camera has performed flawlessly, transmitting video without any lag or interruptions. The image quality has been crystal clear, and the audio has been perfect.
xa0
Here's an example of a video clip I captured during a stream - it's not a photo, but a selfie taken from the phone's camera.
Camera
I've got to say, the camera on this device is really good. I don't take a ton of photos, so it's more than met my expectations.
I use it to take product pics and selfies for reviews, snap shots of my cat, and capture memories from trips. It's not like I'm trying to be a fashion or lifestyle photographer.
The colors come out nice and rich, without needing any extra editing or tweaking. I'm really happy with the level of detail it captures.
It does a great job of capturing close-up shots of objects, and the skin tones look natural and smooth. I've got to admit, it's hard to compare it to newer models, but I'd still be happy with the camera on this device.
For my needs, the camera on this device is more than enough. I don't need any fancy effects or macro shots – just clear, well-lit images.
Actually, I prefer the way the skin tones look on the older model I used to have. The new one makes every pore and wrinkle super visible.
I've gotta say, even though it's an old camera, it still takes clear shots of my skin up close. My eyes and eyelashes come out looking great, without too much contrast or emphasis on tiny details that can make my skin look worse.
I'm glad I upgraded to the 14 from the 13, to be honest. I was worried I might not make it to the reviews.
xa0
The 10 does a great job of taking shots up close, even without using a macro lens.
xa0
For my needs, the camera is more than good enough.
Even in a basic dressing room, my selfies came out looking pretty great.
xa0
Of course, the best shots are always taken with good natural light.
My skin always looks like itself, no matter the lighting.
xa0
It also does a great job of capturing scenery and panoramic views. The colors are vibrant and rich.
Now, the camera has improved significantly, and it shows. I've taken some amazing photos, especially with the vibrant colors and level of detail.
It's not just the aesthetics – the camera has genuinely gotten better.
xa0
xa0
Waterproof and durable
I've put the iPhone 10 through its paces, and I'm happy to report that it can withstand water, extreme temperatures, and even a dip in the pool.
You can still take some great photos with the older camera, but I usually don't go out of my way to try.
But honestly, the results are still pretty decent, even if they're not exactly what fashion bloggers are used to.
xa0
Freezing temperatures and scorching heat
I've already shared some photos from my travels, but now it's time to show you how the iPhone 10 performs in the cold and snow.
I've put the iPhone 10 through its paces in temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius and in the freezing cold of Siberia, where it's dropped to -45 degrees.
I've used it in both heat and cold without any issues, chatting away, taking photos, and even recording videos. It's performed better than any previous iPhone I've owned, and I've seen friends with iPhone 8 models doing the same in our northern regions.
I've shared some of the amazing photos I've taken with it in the cold, like the beautiful halo effect in our Siberian taiga in December.
Or check out the stunning landscapes I captured on a trip to the north, where it was -45 degrees.
Video
I've already shown you a screenshot from a live stream, but here's another one from a video I recorded through the window.
The video quality is amazing. I choose the medium setting, as I don't need ultra-high definition.
Here's another screenshot from a video I recorded during a flight on a small propeller plane.
Yes, these planes do exist, with open propellers and seating for just 30 people. It's like something out of a Russian survival movie.
Nighttime photography
I've had a chance to put my iPhone 13 through its paces, and I have to say, it's a huge step up from my old iPhone 10. Even with a bit of dim lighting, the camera performs way better.
Here are a few comparison shots:
As you can see, the 13 is capable of capturing way more detail than my old iPhone 10.
iPhone 10
iPhone 13
No matter how I adjusted the lighting, my iPhone 10 just couldn't seem to capture the same level of detail as the 13.
The verdict
My iPhone X has been a faithful companion for a while now, and it's still going strong. I just upgraded to a 14, and I'm keeping my 10 on the side for now.
I still find the camera to be excellent, and the battery life is top-notch. It's amazing how well it's held up over time.
Performance-wise, this thing is a beast - I can use it for gaming, work, and live streaming on my channels without any issues. Plus, it's really affordable right now.
xa0
The only downside is that it only has one SIM card slot. I'm not sure about the 12, but the 13 definitely has support for a virtual second SIM card, e-SIM. And the 14 does too.
xa0
I ended up switching from my trusty 10 because my husband needed an e-SIM and he got a 13. He convinced me to get one too, although I was hesitant - I mean, why change a good thing? But since it was already on me, I went for it. Then, he got me a 14 as a gift, but that's a whole other story.
Despite all this, I still love and praise the iPhone X.