Iphone X Vs Mate 20 Lite Was Upgrading Really Worth It

When Apple released the iPhone X in 2017, it marked a turning point in smartphone design—face recognition, edge-to-edge OLED display, and a premium build. Around the same time, Huawei launched the Mate 20 Lite, offering strong specs at a fraction of the cost. For users debating between these two phones—or considering an upgrade from one to the other—the question remains: was switching really worth it?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about daily usability, long-term satisfaction, and value for money. Whether you’re coming from an older iPhone or exploring Android for the first time, understanding the tangible differences helps determine if the upgrade delivers meaningful improvements.

Design and Build Quality: Premium vs Practical

The iPhone X introduced a glass-and-stainless-steel design that felt luxurious in hand. Its front and back are made of glass, with a polished stainless steel frame giving it a high-end aesthetic. At 174 grams, it’s solid without being overly heavy. The device also features IP67 water and dust resistance, meaning it can survive brief submersion in up to 1 meter of water.

In contrast, the Mate 20 Lite uses a glass-like plastic back with a metal frame. While it mimics the look of more expensive phones, it doesn’t match the iPhone X’s tactile refinement. Weighing slightly more at 167 grams, it feels balanced but less dense. It lacks official IP certification, so exposure to moisture is riskier.

One major trade-off is durability. The iPhone X’s glass back is prone to cracking if dropped, especially on hard surfaces. Many users report needing a case immediately. The Mate 20 Lite, while not indestructible, tends to fare better in minor drops thanks to its composite materials.

Tip: If you prioritize durability over prestige, consider using a rugged case—even on premium devices like the iPhone X.

Display and Usability Experience

The iPhone X features a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display with a resolution of 2436x1125 pixels. Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and brightness levels perform well even in direct sunlight. The notch, while controversial at launch, became standard across future models and integrates seamlessly into iOS.

The Mate 20 Lite has a larger 6.3-inch IPS LCD screen at 2340x1080 pixels. While the size offers more real estate for videos and multitasking, the LCD panel can’t match the contrast or color depth of OLED. Viewing angles are good, but blacks appear grayish compared to the iPhone’s true black.

From a usability standpoint, iOS on the iPhone X delivers buttery-smooth animations, consistent app behavior, and intuitive gestures. The transition from home button to swipe-based navigation was smooth for most users. On the Mate 20 Lite, EMUI (Huawei’s Android skin) offers customization but can feel sluggish over time due to background processes and occasional UI hiccups.

“Display quality isn’t just about size—it’s about consistency, color accuracy, and how the system leverages the hardware.” — David Lin, Mobile UX Analyst

Performance and Software Longevity

This is where the gap widens significantly. The iPhone X runs on Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, which—even years later—handles everyday tasks with ease. Paired with iOS optimization, it delivered fast app launches, smooth scrolling, and reliable multitasking. More importantly, the iPhone X received software updates for five years, including support up to iOS 16.

The Mate 20 Lite, powered by the HiSilicon Kirin 710 processor, performed adequately when new but struggled with heavier apps over time. Multitasking could lag, and gaming performance was modest. Worse, Huawei stopped receiving Google services after 2019 due to U.S. sanctions. This means no access to Google Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, or security updates beyond a certain point.

Software longevity becomes critical when assessing whether an upgrade is “worth it.” The iPhone X remained functional and secure far longer than the Mate 20 Lite, which began feeling outdated within three years.

Feature	iPhone X	Mate 20 Lite
Processor	A11 Bionic (6-core)	Kirin 710 (8-core)
RAM	3GB	4GB
Storage Options	64GB / 256GB	64GB (expandable)
OS Support Duration	~5 years (iOS 11 to iOS 16)	~3 years (EMUI 8 to EMUI 10)
Google Services	Full access	No post-2019 support

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results

The iPhone X features dual 12MP rear cameras—one wide, one telephoto—with optical image stabilization and Portrait Mode. Photos consistently deliver accurate colors, excellent dynamic range, and natural bokeh effects. Low-light performance is decent, though not class-leading by today’s standards.

The Mate 20 Lite has a dual 20MP + 2MP front setup and a 13MP + 2MP rear configuration. While marketed as “AI-enhanced,” results vary. Selfies are sharp but often oversharpened or overly brightened. Background blur in portrait mode is inconsistent, sometimes cutting off ears or failing on complex edges.

In daylight, both phones produce usable images, but the iPhone X wins in color fidelity and detail retention. In low light, the iPhone preserves more shadow detail and avoids excessive noise. Video recording is another advantage: the iPhone supports 4K at 60fps, while the Mate 20 Lite maxes out at 1080p/30fps with less stabilization.

Tip: For social media creators, consistent photo quality matters more than megapixels. Prioritize processing and color science over sensor numbers.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had been using a Samsung Galaxy S7 for four years and decided to upgrade in late 2018. She considered the Mate 20 Lite for its price and selfie camera but ultimately chose the iPhone X after testing both in-store. Initially, she found iOS confusing and missed expandable storage. However, within weeks, she appreciated the smoother performance, better app ecosystem, and lack of ads in pre-installed software.

Two years later, her iPhone X still received updates and handled Instagram, WhatsApp, and banking apps without issue. Her friend, who bought the Mate 20 Lite, struggled with app compatibility after Huawei lost Google access. By 2021, he’d already replaced his phone. Sarah didn’t upgrade until 2023—proving that initial cost isn’t always the best measure of value.

Battery Life and Charging Reality

The iPhone X packs a 2,716mAh battery. Despite its small capacity, efficient hardware and software allow for a full day of moderate use. Apple claims up to 21 hours of talk time, though real-world mixed usage typically yields 8–10 hours of screen-on time.

The Mate 20 Lite has a larger 3,750mAh battery and generally lasts longer—often stretching into a second day under light use. It also supports faster charging via its included 9V/2A charger. However, EMUI’s background app management can drain power unnecessarily if not configured properly.

Neither phone supports wireless charging, but the iPhone X benefits from a broader ecosystem of accessories. Both use USB-C (Mate 20 Lite) and Lightning (iPhone X), though only the Huawei device allows file transfer to external drives without third-party apps.

FAQ

Is the iPhone X still usable in 2024?

Yes, for basic tasks like calling, messaging, browsing, and light app use. However, newer versions of some apps may drop support, and performance lags behind current models. It’s suitable as a secondary phone or for users who don’t need cutting-edge features.

Can I use Google apps on the Mate 20 Lite now?

Only if installed manually before 2019. After Huawei’s ban, new units cannot officially install Google Mobile Services. Workarounds exist but compromise security and stability, making them impractical for average users.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The iPhone X retained value significantly longer due to brand loyalty, software support, and global demand. Even in 2023, used units command higher prices than the Mate 20 Lite, which has limited appeal outside specific regions.

Was Upgrading Really Worth It?

For users moving from mid-tier Android phones to the iPhone X, the answer is often yes—but not purely because of hardware. The combination of long-term software support, superior app ecosystem, consistent performance, and stronger resale value makes the iPhone X a more sustainable investment.

The Mate 20 Lite offered compelling specs on paper and appealed to budget-conscious buyers. But limitations in software updates, Google service availability, and long-term reliability diminish its appeal over time. Unless you needed expandable storage or prioritized screen size above all else, upgrading to the iPhone X represented a meaningful step forward in user experience.

Ultimately, \"worth it\" depends on your priorities. If you value longevity, ecosystem integration, and consistent performance, the iPhone X was the better choice. If upfront cost was the deciding factor and long-term updates weren't a concern, the Mate 20 Lite served its purpose—for a while.

💬 Have you made the switch between these two phones? Share your experience—what surprised you, what disappointed you, and would you do it again?