The iPhone X was a landmark device—Apple’s first edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID debut, and the end of the home button. Released in 2017, it set the design language for years to come. Fast forward to the iPhone 12, launched in 2020, and you're looking at a modernized version with 5G, improved cameras, and a faster processor. But if you're still using an iPhone X in 2024, is it time to upgrade—or can it still keep up?
This isn’t just about specs on paper. It's about real-world usability, longevity, software support, and whether the upgrade delivers tangible benefits. Let’s break down every key aspect to help you decide: should you stick with your trusted iPhone X or make the leap to the iPhone 12?
Design and Display: Evolution with Purpose
At first glance, both phones share a similar aesthetic—glass front and back, stainless steel frame, flat edges. The iPhone X introduced this new form factor, and the iPhone 12 revived the flat-edge design last seen on the iPhone 4 and 5.
The iPhone 12 features a slightly more compact body despite having a larger screen (6.1 inches vs. 5.8 inches), thanks to thinner bezels and improved ergonomics. Both use OLED panels, but the iPhone 12’s Super Retina XDR display offers better brightness (up to 1,200 nits HDR vs. 625 nits peak on the X) and improved color accuracy.
The iPhone 12 also introduced Ceramic Shield on the front, which Apple claims offers four times better drop performance. While the iPhone X is durable, real-world reports suggest the 12 survives daily wear—and accidental drops—more reliably.
Performance: A Generational Leap
Under the hood, the difference is stark. The iPhone X runs the A11 Bionic chip. Impressive in 2017, it’s now showing its age. App launches are slower, multitasking feels less fluid, and newer iOS versions (especially iOS 16 and 17) have visibly reduced responsiveness on the X.
The iPhone 12, powered by the A14 Bionic—the first 5nm chip in any smartphone—delivers nearly triple the CPU performance and quadruple the graphics power. This means smoother animations, faster app loading, and better handling of augmented reality apps, gaming, and photo editing.
“The A14 Bionic wasn't just faster—it redefined efficiency, allowing flagship-level performance without overheating.” — Mark Liu, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse
If you use your phone for productivity, photography, or gaming, the performance gap becomes hard to ignore. Even basic tasks like switching between Safari tabs or opening the camera feel snappier on the iPhone 12.
Camera Comparison: Night Mode and Beyond
Both phones have dual 12MP rear cameras (wide and telephoto), but the iPhone 12 adds critical upgrades: Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3.
Night mode alone transforms low-light photography. The iPhone X struggles in dim environments, producing grainy images with poor dynamic range. The iPhone 12 automatically activates Night mode in low light, capturing brighter, clearer, and more detailed photos with natural colors.
| Feature | iPhone X | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Front Camera | 7MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2, Night Mode, 4K@60fps |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP Wide + 12MP Telephoto | 12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide |
| Night Mode | No | Yes (rear and front) |
| Smart HDR | HDR1 | Smart HDR 3 |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps, no Dolby Vision | 4K@60fps, Dolby Vision HDR |
The addition of the ultra-wide lens on the iPhone 12 opens creative possibilities—landscape shots, architecture, and group photos benefit from the wider field of view. The iPhone X’s telephoto lens offered optical zoom, but the lack of ultra-wide limits versatility.
Dolby Vision HDR video recording is another standout. The iPhone 12 can shoot, edit, and playback HDR video directly on the device—a feature absent on the X. For content creators or casual videographers, this is a major quality-of-life improvement.
Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance
Apple rates both phones similarly, but real-world usage tells a different story. The iPhone X typically lasts a full day with moderate use but often requires a midday charge under heavier loads. The iPhone 12, despite being smaller, offers longer endurance due to the A14’s efficiency improvements.
In typical use—browsing, messaging, social media, a few photos—the iPhone 12 consistently reaches bedtime with 15–20% battery remaining. The X often dips below 10%, especially after iOS updates that increased background activity.
Charging options have also evolved. Both support fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with an 18W adapter), but the iPhone 12 supports MagSafe wireless charging, enabling magnetic alignment and efficient 15W wireless charging. The iPhone X only supports standard Qi charging at 7.5W.
Software Support and Longevity
This is perhaps the most critical factor. As of 2024, the iPhone X supports up to iOS 17—but performance degrades significantly. Many users report frequent app crashes, delayed notifications, and sluggish UI response.
The iPhone 12 is expected to receive updates through at least 2027, possibly until iOS 21 or 22. Apple typically supports devices for five to six years post-launch. That means the 12 will remain secure, compatible with new apps, and optimized for future features far longer than the X.
Additionally, some newer iOS features—like StandBy mode, advanced Focus filters, and enhanced privacy controls—are either limited or unavailable on older chips. The A11 simply lacks the neural engine capacity for certain machine learning tasks introduced in recent updates.
Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma
Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used her iPhone X for five years. She appreciated its compact size and portrait mode but began noticing issues in 2023: slow iCloud syncing, camera lag, and inconsistent Wi-Fi connections. After upgrading to the iPhone 12, she immediately benefited from faster photo processing, reliable Night mode shots during evening events, and seamless 4K video exports.
“I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I upgraded,” she said. “Editing RAW photos on the 12 is smooth. The X would freeze halfway through. Now I can deliver edits faster and take on more clients.”
For professionals or heavy users, the upgrade isn’t just about novelty—it’s about workflow efficiency and reliability.
Is Upgrading Worth It? A Practical Checklist
Still unsure? Use this checklist to evaluate your needs:
- ✅ Do apps frequently crash or run slowly on your iPhone X?
- ✅ Do you struggle with poor photo quality in low light?
- ✅ Are you unable to use the latest iOS features smoothly?
- ✅ Do you want 5G connectivity for faster downloads and streaming?
- ✅ Do you plan to keep your phone for 3+ more years?
- ✅ Is battery life becoming unreliable by midday?
If three or more apply, the iPhone 12 is a worthwhile upgrade. If your iPhone X still meets your needs and you’re on a tight budget, it may still suffice—for now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone X still run the latest apps?
Most apps still support the iPhone X, but performance varies. Some newer apps, especially those using AR or AI features, may run poorly or not be optimized at all. Over time, compatibility will continue to decline.
Does the iPhone 12 offer better durability?
Yes. The Ceramic Shield front cover and tougher glass back improve drop resistance. Independent lab tests show the iPhone 12 survives more drops from waist height than the X, especially on concrete.
Is 5G on the iPhone 12 worth it?
It depends on your carrier and location. In urban areas with mmWave or C-band coverage, download speeds can exceed 1 Gbps. For rural users, 5G may offer minimal benefit over LTE. However, 5G readiness ensures future-proofing as networks expand.
Final Verdict: Time to Move On?
The iPhone X was revolutionary in its time and remains a well-built device. But technology moves fast. By 2024, it’s nearing the end of its functional lifespan. Performance lags, camera limitations, and dwindling software optimization make it increasingly impractical as a daily driver.
The iPhone 12 delivers meaningful improvements: faster performance, superior cameras, better battery life, 5G, and years of future iOS support. If you rely on your phone for work, creativity, or staying connected, the upgrade is justified—not for hype, but for real, measurable gains in speed, quality, and reliability.
That said, if you're a light user who mainly texts, calls, and browses occasionally, and your iPhone X still holds a charge and runs smoothly, you might delay the upgrade. But consider this: when repairs become harder and parts scarcer, even minor issues could force a sudden switch.
浙公网安备
33010002000092号
浙B2-20120091-4
Comments
No comments yet. Why don't you start the discussion?