Iphone X Vs Galaxy A10e Is The Older Iphone Still Worth It

In an era where smartphones are upgraded every year, many buyers face a practical dilemma: should they opt for a newer budget Android device or stick with a previous-generation premium model like the iPhone X? Released in 2017, the iPhone X was a landmark device—Apple’s first with Face ID and an edge-to-edge OLED display. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A10e, released in 2019, targets budget-conscious users with a compact design and affordable price. But nearly a decade later, how do they stack up? More importantly, is the older iPhone still worth buying today?

Design and Build Quality

The iPhone X features a stainless steel frame and glass back, giving it a premium feel that remains impressive even by today’s standards. Its 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors, with a resolution of 1125x2436 pixels. The bezel-less design and minimal notch were revolutionary at launch and still look modern.

The Galaxy A10e, on the other hand, uses a polycarbonate (plastic) body and a 5.8-inch HD+ PLS LCD screen with a lower resolution of 720x1560 pixels. While the size is similar, the screen lacks the contrast and color accuracy of the iPhone’s OLED panel. The A10e feels lightweight—some might say too light—lacking the solidity of Apple’s build.

Tip: If you prioritize durability and long-term aesthetics, a metal-and-glass build like the iPhone X’s tends to age better than plastic.

Performance and Software Experience

This is where the comparison gets interesting. The iPhone X runs on Apple’s A11 Bionic chip—a 64-bit hexa-core processor that, despite its age, still handles daily tasks smoothly. Paired with iOS optimization, it supports multitasking, gaming, and app responsiveness remarkably well. As of 2024, the iPhone X can run up to iOS 16, though not the latest iOS 17, which limits access to some new features and security updates.

The Galaxy A10e uses the Exynos 7884B, an octa-core processor built on a 14nm process. It's underpowered compared to the A11, especially when running multiple apps or demanding games. With only 2GB of RAM, the A10e struggles with background app retention and can feel sluggish over time. It launched with Android 9 and received one major OS update (to Android 10), but no further upgrades, leaving it vulnerable to security risks and incompatible with newer apps.

“Even five years later, Apple’s silicon and software integration allow older iPhones to outperform newer budget Android phones.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Comparison: Photos That Matter

The iPhone X has a dual 12MP rear camera system—one wide and one telephoto—with optical image stabilization (OIS) on the main sensor. It excels in daylight and low-light photography, producing natural colors, accurate skin tones, and reliable portrait mode effects. Video recording supports 4K at 60fps, making it suitable for high-quality content creation even today.

The Galaxy A10e comes with a single 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing shooter. There’s no OIS, and low-light performance is poor, often resulting in grainy, oversaturated images. Portrait mode is software-based and lacks depth accuracy. Video tops out at 1080p/30fps, which is acceptable but not outstanding.

While both devices are outdated by current standards, the iPhone X clearly wins in consistency, dynamic range, and video quality. For users who still take meaningful photos—especially in varied lighting—the iPhone’s camera remains more dependable.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone X	Galaxy A10e
Release Year	2017	2019
Display	5.8\" OLED, 1125x2436	5.8\" PLS LCD, 720x1560
Processor	A11 Bionic	Exynos 7884B
RAM	3GB	2GB
Rear Camera	Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto)	13MP (single)
Front Camera	7MP TrueDepth	5MP
Battery Capacity	2716 mAh	3000 mAh
Software Support	Up to iOS 16	Android 10 (no updates)
Fingerprint/Face Unlock	Face ID	Rear fingerprint sensor
Water Resistance	IP67	None

Real-World Usage: A Mini Case Study

Consider Sarah, a college student looking for a reliable phone under $200. She considered both a used iPhone X ($170) and a new Galaxy A10e ($199). After testing both, she chose the iPhone X. Despite its age, it handled her note-taking apps, Zoom classes, and Instagram usage without lag. The camera took clear lecture slides and decent night shots. After six months, the battery degraded slightly, but iOS battery health monitoring helped her manage usage. The Galaxy A10e, while new, felt slow switching between apps and had intrusive ads from pre-installed bloatware. She found herself closing apps repeatedly and charging twice a day due to inefficient background processes.

Sarah’s experience reflects a broader trend: older flagship phones often outperform new budget models in real-world usability, especially when software optimization is factored in.

Battery Life and Charging

The Galaxy A10e has a slight edge in raw capacity (3000 mAh vs. 2716 mAh), but efficiency matters more. The Exynos chip and lower-resolution screen help, but Android’s background processes and lack of optimization on entry-level devices drain power quickly. Expect about a day of moderate use, less if streaming or gaming.

The iPhone X, despite a smaller battery, benefits from iOS power management. However, after years of charging cycles, most used units have degraded batteries. Replacing the battery (officially ~$69) can restore near-original performance and is highly recommended for anyone considering a used iPhone X.

Tip: Always check the battery health percentage before buying a used iPhone. Anything below 80% will need replacement soon.

Is the iPhone X Still Worth It in 2024?

The answer depends on your priorities. If you value:

• Smooth performance for social media, messaging, and light productivity
• High-quality cameras that still hold up in daylight
• Premium build and timeless design
• Ecosystem integration with AirPods, iCloud, or Mac devices

…then yes, the iPhone X remains a compelling option—if purchased used in good condition and with a healthy battery.

However, the Galaxy A10e may appeal to those who want a brand-new device with a replaceable battery, microSD support, and no worries about prior ownership. But be prepared for slower performance, outdated software, and limited future compatibility.

Checklist: What to Verify Before Buying an iPhone X Today

1. Confirm the device is unlocked for any carrier.
2. Check battery health via Settings > Battery > Battery Health (if accessible).
3. Ensure Face ID works consistently and isn’t glitchy.
4. Look for signs of water damage (check SIM tray indicator).
5. Verify iOS version and whether it can run needed apps (many require iOS 14+).
6. Avoid devices with cracked screens or non-OEM replacements.
7. Reset and test all sensors (camera, microphone, speaker).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone X still get security updates?

No. The last supported version is iOS 16.5.1, released in 2023. While critical vulnerabilities may still receive patches, major security enhancements are unlikely. Use caution with sensitive transactions.

Is the Galaxy A10e better because it’s newer?

Not necessarily. Being newer doesn’t guarantee better performance or longevity. The A10e’s hardware limitations and lack of software support make it less future-proof than the iPhone X in key areas.

Which phone lasts longer overall?

The iPhone X, when properly maintained. Its superior build, repairability (via Apple’s program), and efficient software mean it can remain functional for basic tasks longer than the A10e, which may struggle with app updates within a year.

Final Verdict: Value Over Age

The iPhone X defies its age through engineering excellence and ecosystem strength. While the Galaxy A10e offers the appeal of being new and inexpensive, it sacrifices performance, camera quality, and long-term reliability. For users seeking a capable second phone, a gift for a teen, or a temporary device, a well-maintained iPhone X is still a smart buy—if sourced carefully.

Technology isn’t always about the newest model. Sometimes, yesterday’s flagship is today’s best value.

🚀 Still using an older phone? Share your experience below—does your iPhone X surprise you every day, or did the A10e meet your needs? Join the conversation!