In my view, the best iPhone of all time is the iPhone X. And yes, I know that may spark debate. It hit a turning point for Apple by resetting design, features, and expectations. While newer models improve in many ways, the iPhone X’s blend of form and function still deserves the crown.
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Why the iPhone X stands out
Here are the main reasons I picked iPhone X as the best Apple smartphone model of all time:
A pivotal shift in iPhone design
When Apple launched the iPhone X in 2017, it introduced several major changes: the elimination of the home button, a true edge-to-edge OLED screen branded “Super Retina”, and the debut of Face ID as the user authentication method (a dot-projector / infrared camera system), replacing Touch ID.
For example, the iPhone X uses a 5.8-inch OLED panel with 2,436×1,125 resolution and 458 ppi, offering wide colour (DCI-P3) and HDR support. The design shifted to gestures: you swipe up to go home rather than tapping a button.
Balanced innovation and maturity
What sets it apart is that iPhone X didn’t just chase specs; it combined a mature ecosystem with bold changes. Under the hood, it uses the A11 Bionic chip, built on a 10-nm process, with a neural engine that handles Face ID, Animoji, and machine-learning tasks.
The dual 12 MP rear cameras include optical image stabilization for both wide and telephoto lenses and support 4K video up to 60 fps. Wireless charging (Qi standard) and IP67 water/dust resistance also arrived with the iPhone X era.
Still relevant today
Even in a 2025 context, owning an iPhone X gives you a platform with modern features, solid ecosystem support, and a form factor many find usable. Although it lacks some newer extras (night mode camera improvements, bigger batteries, 5G), it ticks many of the important boxes: premium display, build quality, advanced biometrics, dual cameras. In other words, it stayed significant beyond its release year.
What I’d check if I were buying one now
- Battery health: At this age, the battery will likely be worn. Ensure a replacement or acceptable capacity.
- Software support: While Apple supports older models, having the latest iOS gives you longer life.
- Condition of the screen/camera: The design made the screen a standout feature; damage detracts more than on some other models.
- Storage size: For longevity, aim for 64 GB or higher.
- Value versus newer models: While this is a great pick, assess how much you’re giving up (e.g., 5G, more camera versatility) vs. how much you save.
FAQs
Because “best” doesn’t always mean “newest.” The iPhone X ticks major milestone boxes and still holds up, while newer models may edge ahead technically but don’t always redefine the lineup.
Models like the iPhone 12 or the iPhone 11 get strong mentions in rankings for value and longevity. But in terms of overall “all-time best,” I favour the iPhone X for its historical shift and lasting relevance.
Yes, for the most part. It still receives many updates and supports a large portion of the software ecosystem, though some newer sensors and features (e.g., the very latest camera modes or 5G) aren’t present.
Summary
- iPhone X ushered in the modern iPhone design.
- It balanced innovation with practicality rather than chasing specs only.
- It remains relevant and usable many years later, offering longevity.
- For many users, it hits the sweet spot of form, feature, and ecosystem.
- Depending on your budget and priorities, newer models may make sense, but as a “best of all time” pick, I favor the iPhone X.
Conclusion
If I were to pick one iPhone that best represents the brand’s evolution, I’d stick with the iPhone X. It wasn’t just incremental. It reset what an iPhone could be, and aligned design, user experience, and ecosystem in a way that still influences Apple’s phones today. For anyone looking at the iPhone legacy, it’s a strong benchmark.
