Iphone X Vs Pixel 3 Five Years Later Is The Iphone Still Worth It

In 2018, Apple’s iPhone X and Google’s Pixel 3 represented two very different philosophies in smartphone design. The iPhone X was a bold leap forward for Apple—edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID, and a premium stainless steel build. The Pixel 3 countered with computational photography leadership, stock Android purity, and a more compact form factor. Fast-forward five years, and both devices are long past their prime support cycles. Yet some users still rely on them daily. So, is the iPhone X still worth it when stacked against the Pixel 3 at this stage of their lifespan?

This isn’t just about specs or nostalgia—it’s about real-world durability, software longevity, ecosystem integration, and whether one device ages better than the other under modern usage demands.

Longevity and Software Support: The Defining Factor

One of the most critical differences between Apple and Google has always been long-term software support. Five years later, that gap is starkly evident.

The iPhone X launched with iOS 11 and received updates all the way through iOS 16—the final version compatible with the device. That’s six major OS updates over five years, plus regular security patches throughout its lifecycle. In contrast, the Pixel 3 shipped with Android 9 and officially stopped receiving major updates after Android 12. Extended security updates ended in late 2022, leaving the device exposed to newer vulnerabilities.

“Apple’s commitment to long-term software support gives older iPhones functional relevance far beyond Android counterparts.” — Mark Rivera, Mobile Ecosystem Analyst

Even today, an iPhone X can run many current apps, including banking tools, messaging platforms, and streaming services, thanks to ongoing optimization in iOS. The Pixel 3 struggles more frequently with app compatibility, especially as developers drop support for older Android versions.

Tip: If you're holding onto an older phone, prioritize devices with proven software update track records—iOS historically leads here.

Performance and Daily Usability Today

Both phones were powered by top-tier chips in their time: the A11 Bionic for the iPhone X and the Snapdragon 845 for the Pixel 3. But chip architecture, software efficiency, and thermal management determine how well they age.

In day-to-day use, the iPhone X holds up surprisingly well. Basic tasks like texting, browsing, email, and even light social media scrolling remain smooth. Safari handles modern web pages reasonably, though complex sites may take longer to load. The A11 Bionic, while outdated, benefits from tight hardware-software integration that minimizes bloat and maximizes responsiveness.

The Pixel 3, however, shows its age more clearly. Apps launch slower, multitasking causes noticeable lag, and background processes often get killed aggressively due to only 4GB of RAM—a limitation exacerbated by Android’s memory management. Even with a clean Pixel experience, the lack of optimization for aging hardware makes the user experience feel fragmented.

Battery Life After Five Years

Battery degradation is inevitable, but how each platform handles it matters. iOS includes battery health monitoring and optional performance throttling to prevent unexpected shutdowns. Most iPhone X units today have batteries at 70–80% capacity if replaced once; without replacement, many dip below 60%, leading to frequent charging.

The Pixel 3 started with a smaller battery (2,915 mAh vs. iPhone X’s 2,716 mAh), but Android’s less efficient power management and aggressive background syncing drain it faster over time. Users commonly report needing midday charges even after battery replacements.

Camera Comparison: Then vs. Now

In 2018, the Pixel 3 set the standard for smartphone photography, particularly in low light and portrait mode, thanks to Google’s HDR+ and machine learning enhancements. The iPhone X offered strong dynamic range and color accuracy but lacked Night Mode or advanced AI processing.

Today, the gap has narrowed in practical terms. While the Pixel 3’s camera algorithms were revolutionary, sensor quality and lens wear play a bigger role over time. Dust accumulation, micro-scratches, and software bugs in unsupported camera apps degrade image consistency.

On the iPhone X, photos remain consistent in daylight, though low-light performance is severely limited. However, because iOS camera apps are better maintained, third-party alternatives like Halide or ProCamera still function reliably—something rarely true on the aging Pixel 3’s camera API.

“The Pixel 3 proved that software could beat hardware—but only as long as the software keeps running.” — Lena Torres, Imaging Technology Reporter

Build Quality and Physical Durability

Both phones feature glass backs and aluminum frames, making them prone to cracks when dropped. However, the iPhone X’s stainless steel frame feels significantly sturdier than the Pixel 3’s aluminum chassis, which shows signs of flexing and paint chipping over time.

Repairability favors neither device, but iFixit noted slightly easier access to the Pixel 3’s internals. Still, availability of parts now is extremely limited for both models. Third-party repair shops report higher success rates keeping iPhones functional due to standardized components and demand for legacy service.

Category	iPhone X	Pixel 3
Software Updates	iOS 11 → iOS 16 (6 major)	Android 9 → Android 12 (4 major)
Battery Capacity (Original)	2,716 mAh	2,915 mAh
Ram	3GB	4GB
Current App Compatibility	Moderate to Good	Fair to Poor
Face Unlock	Face ID (secure, works seated)	Front Camera-Based (less secure)
Current Resale Value (Used)	$80–$120	$40–$70

Real-World Example: A Five-Year Holdout

Consider Sarah, a freelance writer who bought an iPhone X at launch and used it daily until early 2023. She never upgraded because “it just kept working.” By 2022, she had replaced the battery and screen once. Despite lacking 5G or modern camera features, she completed blog drafts, edited photos, attended Zoom calls, and managed client emails—all without switching devices.

Compare that to James, who loved his Pixel 3 for its camera and clean Android interface. By late 2021, he noticed apps crashing, delayed notifications, and increasing boot times. He eventually switched to a budget Android in 2022 after WhatsApp stopped functioning properly—a common issue for devices stuck on outdated OS versions.

Sarah’s experience reflects Apple’s ecosystem strength: continuity across devices, reliable cloud sync, and sustained functionality. James’s story illustrates the risk of relying on timely software updates that simply don’t last as long on most Android phones—even Google’s own.

Tips for Extending Life of Aging Smartphones

Tip: Disable background app refresh, reduce motion effects, and use lightweight apps (e.g., Twitter Lite, Firefox Focus) to improve responsiveness on older devices.

• Replace the battery every 2–3 years to maintain usability.
• Keep storage under 80% full to avoid slowdowns.
• Use trusted antivirus tools if sideloading apps (especially on unsupported Android).
• Enable automatic cloud backups regularly—your data outlives your device.
• Avoid installing resource-heavy apps like TikTok or Instagram Reels if performance lags.

FAQ

Can the iPhone X still receive security updates?

No. Apple ended security updates for the iPhone X with the discontinuation of iOS 16 support in 2023. It will not receive iOS 17 or beyond. While not completely insecure, using it for sensitive tasks like online banking carries increased risk.

Is the Pixel 3 camera still good in 2024?

In ideal lighting, yes—photos retain excellent detail and color science. However, the lack of ongoing camera app improvements, combined with degraded autofocus mechanisms over time, means reliability has diminished. Low-light shots show more noise and processing artifacts than before.

Should I buy either phone in 2024?

As a primary device, no. Both lack modern security, performance, and app compatibility. However, as a backup phone, gift for a child, or secondary device for music/camera use, a refurbished iPhone X with a new battery might be acceptable for light tasks.

Conclusion: Is the iPhone X Still Worth It?

Five years later, the iPhone X emerges as the more enduring device—not because it was superior at launch, but because Apple’s ecosystem supports longevity. It wasn’t just the hardware; it was the consistent software updates, app compatibility, and user experience refinement that allowed the iPhone X to remain functional long after the Pixel 3 faded into obsolescence.

The Pixel 3 was innovative and beloved, but its shorter update window and growing instability on modern networks make it impractical today. Meanwhile, the iPhone X, despite its aging processor and lack of Night Mode, still serves basic needs with dignity.

If you’re evaluating which phone aged better, the answer is clear: the iPhone X remains the more viable option even now. But more importantly, this comparison highlights a broader truth—when choosing a smartphone, future-proofing through software support matters more than any single feature at launch.

🚀 Still using an older phone? Share your experience—what’s working, what’s not? Your insights could help others decide whether to hold on or upgrade.