For many long-time iPhone users, the iPhone X was a turning point—a sleek, edge-to-edge OLED design that marked Apple’s leap into modern smartphone aesthetics. Released in 2017, it set the template for future iPhones. Fast forward to 2024, and Apple's latest flagship, the iPhone 15 Pro, represents a generational shift in materials, performance, and capabilities. If you're still holding onto your iPhone X, the question isn’t just about desire—it’s about practicality. Is it actually worth upgrading after seven years?
The answer depends on your usage, expectations, and how much technology has evolved since your last upgrade. This deep dive compares the two devices across critical categories: design, performance, camera, battery life, software support, and real-world usability—helping you decide if the jump makes sense in 2024.
Design & Build: From Glass to Titanium
The iPhone X introduced a glass-and-aluminum body with a stainless steel frame, featuring a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display. It was elegant but prone to cracks and had noticeable bezels by today’s standards. In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro swaps aluminum for aerospace-grade titanium, reducing weight by nearly 10 grams while improving durability. The screen now curves subtly at the edges, and the Dynamic Island replaces the notch, offering interactive notifications and live activities.
More than just aesthetics, the build improvements translate to real handling benefits. The 15 Pro feels more balanced, lighter, and premium in hand. It also features a thinner profile and improved water resistance (IP68 up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, compared to 1 meter on the X).
Performance: A Quantum Leap in Processing Power
The iPhone X runs on the A11 Bionic chip, which was groundbreaking in 2017. But in 2024, it struggles with multitasking, app launch times, and newer iOS versions. Background apps reload frequently, and complex tasks like photo editing or AR experiences feel sluggish.
The iPhone 15 Pro, powered by the A17 Pro chip built on a 3nm process, delivers over 5x faster CPU performance and 6x faster GPU speeds. It supports console-level gaming via titles like *Resident Evil Village* and *Death Stranding*, thanks to hardware-accelerated ray tracing and MetalFX upscaling—features unimaginable on the iPhone X.
Real-world impact? Apps open instantly, 4K video edits are smooth, and machine learning tasks (like Live Text or Visual Look Up) happen in real time. Even everyday actions—scrolling through social media, switching between Safari tabs, or using Face ID—feel noticeably snappier.
“Upgrading from an iPhone X to a 15 Pro is less like a phone swap and more like jumping from a sedan to a sports car.” — David Kim, Mobile Tech Analyst at TechPulse Weekly
Camera Comparison: Night Mode, Telephoto, and Computational Photography
The iPhone X’s dual-camera system (12MP wide + 12MP telephoto) was excellent for its time, but lacks key modern features. No Night mode, no Deep Fusion, no Smart HDR 4. Low-light photos are noisy, and zoom is limited to 2x optical.
The iPhone 15 Pro introduces a completely redesigned camera system:
- 48MP Main Sensor with pixel binning for superior detail
- 5x Tetraprism Telephoto Lens (120mm equivalent)
- Advanced Computational Photography including Night mode on all lenses
- ProRAW and ProRes Video Recording for professional workflows
In practical terms, this means you can capture sharp portraits from across a room, shoot in near-darkness with usable results, and record cinematic 4K HDR video with minimal effort. The Photonic Engine improves color accuracy and dynamic range dramatically.
Real Example: Concert Photography
Imagine attending a concert in 2018 with your iPhone X: dim lighting, distant stage, fast-moving performers. Your photos would likely be blurry, underexposed, and lack detail. Now, in 2024, with the 15 Pro, you can enable Night mode on the telephoto lens, zoom in 5x optically, and capture crisp shots with accurate skin tones and vibrant stage lights—all handheld.
Battery Life & Charging: All-Day Use vs. Multi-Day Drain
The iPhone X offers around 12–13 hours of mixed usage, which was solid in 2017. However, iOS updates over the years have degraded battery health for most units still in use. By 2024, many iPhone X batteries are below 80% capacity, leading to frequent charging needs.
The iPhone 15 Pro delivers up to 23 hours of video playback. Real-world testing shows it easily lasts a full day with heavy use, including streaming, GPS navigation, and photography. It also supports USB-C fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes) and Qi2 wireless charging—modern conveniences absent on the X, which maxes out at slower Lightning-based charging.
Detailed Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | iPhone X (2017) | iPhone 15 Pro (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.8\" OLED, 1125x2436 | 6.1\" Super Retina XDR, 2556x1179, 120Hz ProMotion |
| Chipset | A11 Bionic | A17 Pro (3nm) |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP Wide, 12MP Telephoto (2x) | 48MP Main, 12MP Ultra-Wide, 12MP Telephoto (5x) |
| Front Camera | 7MP TrueDepth | 12MP Dynamic Island-enabled |
| Storage Options | 64GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Charging | Lightning, 5W/7.5W wireless | USB-C, 20W+ fast charging, Qi2 wireless |
| Battery Life (Video) | 13 hours | 23 hours |
| Water Resistance | IP67 (1m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Software Support (as of 2024) | No longer supported (max iOS 16) | Will receive updates until ~2029 |
Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2024? A Practical Checklist
Before making the $999+ investment, ask yourself the following:
- Do you regularly experience app crashes, slow loading, or frozen screens?
- Are you unable to install the latest iOS features (e.g., StandBy mode, Journal app)?
- Is your battery draining within half a day, even after calibration?
- Do you take photos in low light or want better zoom capabilities?
- Do you edit videos or use demanding apps (Adobe Lightroom, Procreate, etc.)?
- Have you considered switching to Android due to lack of innovation on your current device?
If three or more apply, the upgrade is not only justified—it may improve your daily productivity and digital well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone X still run iOS 17?
No. The iPhone X supports up to iOS 16.4.1. It does not receive iOS 17 or any future updates, leaving it vulnerable to unpatched security flaws and incompatible with new app requirements.
Will my accessories work with the iPhone 15 Pro?
Most won’t. The switch to USB-C means your old Lightning cables, docks, and headphones are obsolete unless adapted. Some MagSafe-compatible accessories may work, but alignment can be inconsistent due to the smaller footprint.
Is the 5x zoom really useful?
Yes—especially for travel, wildlife, or event photography. Unlike digital zoom, the tetraprism lens provides true optical magnification without quality loss. It’s a game-changer for capturing distant subjects clearly.
Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not?
Upgrading from the iPhone X to the iPhone 15 Pro in 2024 isn’t just about getting a newer phone—it’s about reclaiming speed, capability, and relevance in a mobile-first world. The iPhone X, while iconic, is functionally obsolete: outdated chipset, unsupported software, aging battery, and missing modern camera tech.
The iPhone 15 Pro delivers tangible improvements in every category. You’ll gain faster performance, dramatically better cameras, longer battery life, future-proof software support, and access to emerging technologies like spatial video and AI-powered tools expected in iOS 18.
If you rely on your phone for work, creativity, communication, or content creation, the upgrade pays for itself in efficiency and enjoyment. For casual users who mainly text and browse, a mid-tier option like the iPhone 14 or 15 might suffice. But for those ready to embrace what modern smartphones can do, the 15 Pro is a worthy successor to the legacy of the iPhone X.
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