7 Sincere Reasons Why iPhone X Still Remains a Genius But Outdated Option in 2026

When the iPhone X was first released in 2017, it was revolutionary. It was not merely another Apple smartphone—it was the smartphone that revolutionized the way we perceived phones. The edge-to-edge OLED screen, the elimination of the classic home button, and the Face ID innovation made it futuristic. I still vividly recall when I first held one in my hand; I felt as if I was holding the future of the technological world. Flash forward to 2026, and here I am reviewing this mobile phone on a device that, though still operational, feels both impressive and retro simultaneously.

In this post, I’m going to give my own review of living with the iPhone X in the present day, how much we’re missing out on holding on to it, how it stacks up against current flagships, if it can still play games, and most importantly, if you should continue using it or upgrade for once.

Table of Contents

1. The iPhone X in 2026: My Personal Experience

Let’s get real—using the iPhone X in 2026 is a mixed bag. On one hand, the phone still has that premium feel. That stainless steel frame, that glass back, and that 5.8-inch OLED screen still look classy. Honestly, you put it on the table, and it doesn’t shout “ancient” like some of the older phones do.

But this is the catch: the smartphone world has changed dramatically over the past nine years. The bezels that were so futuristic back in the day now appear somewhat chunky next to the paper-thin form factor of newer iPhones. The notch, which used to be revolutionary, now seems to be a compromise when you look at under-display cameras and pill cutouts.

All that said, for simple usage such as browsing, messaging, social media, and even gaming to a point, the iPhone X remains surprisingly viable. It isn’t blisteringly quick, no, but it’s not completely unusable either.

2. Features We’re Missing in 2026

This is where things get real. If you compare the iPhone X with current flagships, it’s obvious just how much you’re missing out on:

No 5G Support – In 2026, nearly all phones are operating on 5G or even gearing up for 6G networks. The iPhone X is still using 4G LTE, which is painfully slow compared to the standards of today.
Aging Battery – The iPhone X came with a 2,716 mAh battery. That was good in 2017. In 2026, it’s just enough to last you half a day unless you’ve had the battery replaced several times.
Camera Limitations – The dual 12MP camera setup was groundbreaking at the time. But now, with 108MP sensors, periscope zoom lenses, and AI-driven image processing, the iPhone X can’t compete.
No Always-On Display, No ProMotion, No USB-C—all of these are now the norm in modern iPhones and Androids. To use an iPhone X is to go back in time.

That said, credit where it’s due: Face ID is okay, iOS updates are surprisingly still being rolled out (though likely not for long), and the phone does not appear as dated as some of its Android peers from the same time.

3. Gaming on the iPhone 10 in 2026: Is It Still Playable?

Being a gamer who likes to play while on the move, I had to check if the iPhone X still holds up in 2026. When it first came out, the A11 Bionic chip was a monster. It could do anything you gave it. Nowadays, however? It struggles.

Playing casual games such as Clash Royale or Among Us is still smooth. Even older, graphics-intensive games like PUBG Mobile and Fortnite (if you can get it running) are kind of playable at lower settings. But on modern high-performance mobile titles with ray tracing and new graphics features, the iPhone 10 hits its wall fast. The frame drops become apparent, the phone gets overly hot, and the battery drains faster than a cold soda on a hot summer day.

So absolutely, you can still game on it, but if you’re playing seriously on a mobile, you will certainly notice the age of this gadget.

4. Comparing iPhone X to Modern Smartphones

This is where it’s interesting. Comparing iPhone X with current iPhones (like the iPhone 16 Pro Max or even with iPhone 17) gives an idea of how much has happened in innovation.

Display: The iPhone X was Apple’s initial OLED, but now we have 120Hz ProMotion displays that render everything buttery smooth. Scrolling on the X is slightly choppy compared to that.
Performance: The A11 Bionic vs. A17 Pro chip isn’t even close to a fair fight. Newer chips like these blow the iPhone 10 out of the water for speed, efficiency, and gaming performance.
Cameras: Triple-camera setups with cinematic video and night mode compared to the iPhone X’s dual-camera—suffice it to say.
Battery & Charging: More recent iPhones not only last longer but also have support for faster charging and MagSafe accessories, which the X lacks.

Interestingly, if you contrast the iPhone X with mid-range Android devices of 2026, then the iPhone X is still in the league when it comes to build quality and software stability. But when you contrast it with flagship devices, it is not even in the same league.

5. Who Should Continue to Use the iPhone 10 in 2026?

Here comes the million-dollar question: who should continue to use the iPhone? I would recommend that this phone is only good for certain types of people:

Casual Users – If you only require a phone for calls, messaging, social media, and casual browsing, the iPhone 10 will do.
Backup Phone Users – If you already possess a newer phone but wish to have a backup, the X can still serve you well.
Budget-Friendly Buyers – In 2026, you can most likely get an iPhone 10 for pennies on the dollar in the used market. If you’re broke, it’s not a bad bargain.

But if you’re someone who is performance-, photo-, or playing-intensive, then frankly, it’s time to upgrade.

6. Should You Upgrade If You’re Still on iPhone X?

If you’ve managed to cling to the iPhone 10 as of 2026, let me be plain here—upgrade. I know, it’s difficult to abandon a phone that has been so good to you for almost a decade. I also felt the same way. But the upgrade experience that comes with switching to a contemporary phone is akin to moving from a horse cart to a sports car.

Everything will be quicker, easier, and just more fun. And you’ll be future-proofing yourself with 5G (and potentially 6G not long after), better cameras, and a battery that won’t drain before lunch.

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7. Final Thoughts

The iPhone 10 was a legend in its time, defining the smartphone age. But in 2026, it’s a relic of the past, rather than a force to be reckoned with. It retains charm, still functions for everyday users, and still has that classic Apple luxury feel—but the fact is, it’s old news. For anyone who’s serious about performance, photography, or playing, it’s time to move on.

FAQs For iPhone X in 2026

Is the iPhone X still a good purchase in 2026?
Only if you simply want a cheap backup phone—otherwise, it’s ancient.
Will it be able to handle playing today?
Yes, but only light games. New high-end games stutter and drain battery fast.
Does the iPhone X still get iOS updates?
It’s reaching the end of updates, with only occasional security patches on the horizon.
How’s the camera on the iPhone X nowadays?
Good enough for photos, but not quite in line with the quality of today’s high-tech multi-lens packages.
Do I really need to upgrade if I still have iPhone X?
Yes, upgrading gives you better performance, battery life, and features.