We Unboxed the iPhone X, and Here's What We Found Out

Last week, we spent a good deal of time playing around with the iPhone X. Were we supposed to be working? Yes. Did we want to stop playing with the iPhone X, and go back to work? Absolutely not. A little bit about the iPhone X – it’s smaller than the iPhone 8, and it fits in your hand beautifully. Still, it might not look so beautiful after a few hours because it smudges like it’s your very own, personal fingerprint magnet.

The Physical Package

While the iPhone X is smaller than its predecessors, it comes with a much bigger screen. How did Apple do this? Simple, they’ve gotten rid of the infamous button – you know the button, we all do. It’s been there since the very first iPod Touch was the must-have gadget, ten years ago. The iPhone X is all-screen – except for the little notch on top. It can be slightly disconcerting, especially if you’re trying to Netflix and Chill on your phone, but it doesn’t really affect the process otherwise. If it really bothers you, you can download an app to block it out.

The iPhone X also now not only has a glass front, but a glass rear as well, which means you’re definitely going to want a sturdy case for it. However, it doesn’t feel flimsy – probably due to its stainless-steel edges. It actually feels much studier than the previous aluminium sides. Also, they’ve made some changes to the camera; the fact that it’s been rotated is the most distinctive physical feature of the iPhone X, but it also sticks out a little more than the cameras on other iPhones.

Smile for the Camera

Speaking of the camera, it’s a total joy to use. Since Apple has broken out the FaceID tool, you know the camera on the iPhone X is going to be majestic. It’s fantastic for high-resolution shots, with several built-in selfie modes and filters that turns taking photographs into a really fun process. Honestly, this camera is guaranteed to make anyone look good – we tried it out several times, and can’t wait to use it again, given the chance.

The Face ID feature is really nifty, you have to be looking at the phone, with both eyes open, or it doesn’t work. It’s pretty accurate, although we’d love the chance to try it out on identical twins and see how that works. The FaceID also works brilliantly with the Animojis. If you’ve always wanted to be a talking robot, here’s your chance to live that dream, and it’s just as fun as it sounds. Plus, you can send animated videos of your personalized Animoji to the person of your choice!

What else is Different?

So, since the home button is a distant memory, Apple has optimized the screen of the iPhone X. Everything now runs on different swiping and holding patterns. It’s a nice change, and it makes you feel like you’re really making the most out of your phone. While it’s going to take a little while to get used to – as the owner of an iPhone 5S that’s still alive and kicking, I kept trying to press the non-existent home button – once you master these gestures, you’re good to go.

So, What’s the Verdict?

We like the iPhone X – a lot. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s a pretty fun device to use. It’s the perfect phone for the social media influencer, the blogger, the photographer. We can also see it becoming increasingly popular with parents, who want to take the cutest pictures of their little tots. Still, with a starting price of RM 5,149, it’s definitely not for everybody. Even so, what’s stopping you from “borrowing” a friend’s iPhone X, and taking it for a test spin?

You can get the iPhone X from Apple's online store, Lazada or opt for special packages at your favorite telco (we recommend Digi).