Is the iPhone X Camera Still Worth Using? A Detailed Review

iPhone X Camera Overview

The iPhone X was revolutionary when it was released, introducing Face ID and a dual-lens camera system that included a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP telephoto lens. The dual-lens setup allowed for optical image stabilization (OIS) on both lenses, giving users better low-light performance and the ability to zoom without compromising image quality.

• Main Camera: 12MP (wide) f/1.8, 12MP (telephoto) f/2.4
• Front Camera: 7MP TrueDepth, Portrait Mode with Depth Control
• Video: 4K video recording at up to 60fps, slow-motion video at 240fps

At the time of its release, the iPhone X camera offered one of the best experiences on the market. However, as mobile camera technology continues to evolve, let’s see how it stacks up against newer models.

Strengths of the iPhone X Camera 

Despite being long years, the iPhone X camera still has some strengths:

1. Solid Dual-Lens System: The 12MP wide and telephoto lenses still capture vibrant, well-exposed photos under good lighting conditions.
2. Portrait Mode: While not as advanced as current models, the Portrait Mode on the iPhone X still delivers impressive bokeh effects.
3. Stabilized Video: With 4K video recording and OIS, the iPhone X can still record smooth videos, although newer models offer more advanced stabilization features.

Weaknesses of the iPhone X Camera

1. Low-Light Performance: The iPhone X’s low-light capabilities were decent at launch but lag far behind more modern smartphones. Night Mode is missing, which is now standard in newer models.
2. AI and Computational Photography: The iPhone X doesn’t have the advanced AI-driven features found in newer models like Deep Fusion or Smart HDR, resulting in less optimized images in tricky lighting conditions.
3. Front Camera: The 7MP front camera is underwhelming compared to the 12MP or higher resolution front cameras found on most recent smartphones, especially for selfie enthusiasts.
4. Limited Zoom Range: While the iPhone X offers 2x optical zoom, today’s phones like the iPhone 15 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra feature periscope zoom lenses with up to 10x optical zoom, offering far better reach without quality loss.

Comparing the iPhone X Camera with Newer Models

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone X

• Camera Setup: The iPhone 15 Pro’s camera is a significant upgrade over the iPhone X. The 15 Pro comes with a 48MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, and 12MP telephoto with 3x zoom, all offering superior quality. The main 48MP sensor captures more detail, and with ProRAW capability, users have extensive editing flexibility.
• Low-Light Photography: With Night Mode, Photonic Engine, and Deep Fusion in the iPhone 15 Pro, low-light photos are far superior to those taken with the iPhone X. The iPhone X struggles in dim settings, while the 15 Pro excels in pulling out details in the dark.
• Zoom: The 15 Pro’s 3x telephoto zoom easily outclasses the iPhone X’s 2x optical zoom, offering better performance for distant shots.
• Front Camera: The iPhone 15 Pro’s 12MP front camera also comes with Night Mode and HDR enhancements, offering clearer, more detailed selfies, even in low light.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone X 

• Camera Setup: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 200MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP telephoto lenses with 10x optical zoom, making it one of the most advanced camera phones on the market.
• Zoom Capabilities: With a 10x periscope zoom, the Galaxy S24 Ultra can capture detailed shots from far distances, completely outclassing the iPhone X’s 2x zoom.
• AI Features and Photography Modes: Samsung’s AI enhancements and Super Night Mode make its low-light performance exceptional, far beyond what the iPhone X can offer.
• Video Capabilities: While both phones shoot 4K video, the S24 Ultra’s advanced stabilization and higher frame rate options (up to 8K recording) make it a better choice for serious videographers.

Sony Xperia 1 V vs iPhone X 

• Camera Setup: The Sony Xperia 1 V offers a 12MP triple-lens system, but with Sony’s Alpha-inspired technology, its focus is on producing near-professional quality images. Its manual controls, Real-time Eye AF, and 4K video recording at up to 120fps make it a beast in both photography and videography.
• Low-Light Performance: Sony’s Xperia 1 V excels in low-light performance with larger sensors and better image processing, far surpassing the iPhone X.
• Professional Features: The Xperia 1 V is known for its manual controls and pro-grade features, making it more suited for photography enthusiasts who want more creative control. The iPhone X, by comparison, offers a much simpler interface with fewer options for manual adjustments.

Is the iPhone X Camera Still Worth Using?

In 2024, the iPhone X can still take good photos, but it’s clear that it falls behind in areas like low-light photography, AI enhancements, and zoom capabilities. If you’re a casual photographer who doesn’t need the latest features or frequently takes photos in optimal lighting conditions, the iPhone X might still suffice.

However, for those who demand superior photo quality, more versatile zoom, and advanced low-light performance, upgrading to newer models like the iPhone 15 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, or Sony Xperia 1 V will offer a vastly improved camera experience.

Conclusion: Should You Upgrade?

If camera quality is important to you, and you frequently take photos in low light, capture videos, or rely on features like Night Mode and AI-enhanced photography, upgrading from the iPhone X is worth considering. The new phones on the market in 2024, especially the iPhone 15 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and Sony Xperia 1 V, offer advanced features that significantly improve the photography experience.

But, if your iPhone X still meets your needs for everyday snapshots and occasional video recordings, it can still be a capable phone camera for basic use.