In 2024, choosing between an older flagship like the iPhone X and a budget-friendly mid-ranger such as the Huawei P Smart Plus isn’t just about price—it’s about longevity, ecosystem integration, and real-world usability. The iPhone X launched in 2017 with a premium price tag and groundbreaking design, while the Huawei P Smart Plus arrived in 2019 as an affordable Android option. Now both are well beyond their prime release windows, yet they still circulate in secondhand markets and remain in use by millions. So, is the iPhone X still worth paying more for today?
This comparison dives into hardware, software support, camera quality, battery life, and overall user experience to help you decide whether the Apple premium pays off—or if Huawei offers smarter value in the current landscape.
Performance and Hardware Longevity
The iPhone X runs on Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, which was revolutionary at launch and remains surprisingly capable. Even in 2024, iOS optimization allows it to handle basic tasks—web browsing, messaging, email, and light social media—with relative ease. However, app loading times have slowed, and multitasking feels strained compared to modern standards.
In contrast, the Huawei P Smart Plus uses the Kirin 710 processor, an octa-core chipset that was modest even in 2019. By 2024 standards, it struggles with newer apps, especially those requiring heavy graphics or background processing. Users report frequent app reloads, stutters during video playback, and extended load times on platforms like Instagram or TikTok.
Apple’s tight control over hardware-software integration gives the iPhone X an edge in efficiency. Despite being older, its 3GB of RAM handles iOS better than the P Smart Plus’s 4GB manages EMUI (Huawei’s Android skin), which suffers from bloat and inconsistent updates.
Software Support and Security
This is where the gap widens significantly. The iPhone X received iOS updates until late 2023, with the final compatible version being iOS 16. While it no longer gets feature updates, it still benefits from occasional security patches through Apple’s extended servicing model for older devices.
The Huawei P Smart Plus, however, faces a tougher reality. Due to U.S. trade restrictions, it never received access to Google Mobile Services (GMS) after 2019. It runs on Huawei’s AppGallery and third-party workarounds like Petal Search or APK installations. This limits access to timely updates for core apps like Gmail, YouTube, and banking services.
“Security isn't just about antivirus—it's about consistent patching. Devices without official update paths become vulnerable within two years.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Cybersecurity Analyst at SecureMobile Labs
As of 2024, neither phone receives major OS upgrades, but the iPhone X benefits from a more secure and stable environment. Its apps are sandboxed, and the App Store enforces stricter privacy controls. Meanwhile, sideloading apps on the P Smart Plus increases exposure to malware and data leaks.
Camera Quality: Real-World Use Over Specs
On paper, the Huawei P Smart Plus has a higher megapixel count: a 24MP front camera and dual 13MP + 2MP rear setup. The iPhone X features a 7MP front and dual 12MP rear cameras. But megapixels don’t tell the full story.
In practice, the iPhone X continues to outperform in dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light processing thanks to Apple’s computational photography and image signal processing. Videos are stabilized, HDR works effectively, and portrait mode delivers natural bokeh.
The P Smart Plus captures decent daylight photos but falters in dim conditions. Noise reduction often blurs facial details, and autofocus can be sluggish. Without Google Camera (GCam) mods—which require technical tinkering—the default camera app underdelivers.
| Feature | iPhone X | Huawei P Smart Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto) | 13MP + 2MP (main + depth) |
| Front Camera | 7MP TrueDepth | 24MP |
| Video Recording | 4K at 60fps | 1080p at 30fps |
| Low-Light Performance | Good (Smart HDR) | Fair (no Night Mode) |
| Portrait Mode | Natural depth mapping | Basic edge detection |
If you prioritize photo quality and consistency across lighting conditions, the iPhone X still holds up better—even seven years post-launch.
Battery Life and Charging Experience
The iPhone X packs a 2,716mAh battery, which was small even in 2017. In 2024, with degraded cells common in aging devices, users typically get 4–6 hours of screen time. Fast charging requires a separate adapter (not included), and wireless charging is limited to 7.5W.
The P Smart Plus counters with a larger 3,400mAh battery, offering closer to 6–8 hours of screen time under moderate use. It supports 9V/2A charging via standard USB-C, delivering faster top-ups. However, EMUI’s background processes drain power when apps run idle.
While Huawei wins on raw endurance, iOS power management helps the iPhone X deliver more predictable usage patterns. You may charge it more often, but it’s less likely to die unexpectedly midday.
Total Value and Practical Recommendations
Pricing in 2024 reflects their age. The iPhone X sells for $80–$130 used, depending on condition and storage. The P Smart Plus trades for $60–$90, making it cheaper upfront. But value isn’t just purchase price—it’s total ownership cost over time.
- Resale Value: iPhones retain value better. An iPhone X loses ~15% annually, while Huawei models depreciate faster due to limited serviceability and ecosystem lock-in.
- Repairability: Both score poorly on iFixit (iPhone X: 6/10, P Smart Plus: 5/10), but Apple-certified repairs are more accessible globally.
- Ecosystem Fit: If you own other Apple devices, AirDrop, iCloud, and Handoff make the iPhone X more functional despite its age.
Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma
Maria, a freelance writer in Lisbon, inherited her brother’s iPhone X in 2022. She paired it with a MacBook for seamless note syncing and used iCloud Drive for backups. In 2024, she considered switching to a refurbished P Smart Plus to save money. After two weeks, she returned it. “I missed iMessage, couldn’t install my favorite writing apps reliably, and kept hitting download limits on AppGallery,” she said. “The €30 savings wasn’t worth losing productivity.”
Checklist: Should You Buy Either Phone in 2024?
- ✅ Define your primary use: casual browsing, calls, or productivity?
- ✅ Check battery health (iPhone: Settings > Battery > Health; Android: third-party apps)
- ✅ Confirm software status: Is the OS updated to latest available version?
- ✅ Test app compatibility: Can you install WhatsApp, Google services (if needed), and banking apps?
- ✅ Evaluate repair costs: Are replacement batteries and screens available locally?
- ✅ Consider long-term plans: Will you keep it for more than a year?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone X run iOS 17?
No. The iPhone X maxes out at iOS 16.4.1. It does not support iOS 17 or any future versions.
Does the Huawei P Smart Plus support Google apps?
Not officially. You can sideload APKs, but updates won’t be automatic, and some apps (like Gmail) may malfunction or lack push notifications.
Which phone lasts longer daily in 2024?
For reliability and app stability, the iPhone X edges ahead. For battery life and lower initial cost, the P Smart Plus wins—but with significant trade-offs in usability.
Final Verdict: Is the iPhone X Worth the Extra Cost?
Yes—if you value ecosystem integration, stronger app security, and better camera output. The $30–$50 premium over the P Smart Plus buys tangible benefits: longer effective lifespan, trusted software updates, and smoother interoperability with modern tools.
No—if you’re on a strict budget, need longer battery life, and primarily use web-based apps (via browser). In this case, the Huawei device suffices for basic communication and media consumption, provided you accept its limitations.
Ultimately, the iPhone X proves that Apple’s hardware longevity and software discipline still command relevance years after release. The P Smart Plus serves as a reminder that low cost often comes with hidden compromises—especially in connectivity, security, and user experience.
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