6 Reasons Why the iPhone X Definitely Isn’t ‘Dead’

Market analysts and other financial watchers seem to enjoy saying that the iPhone X is "dead." But there are big problems with that message: from the way that it's worded to what those analysts are actually saying.

Sure, Apple may discontinue the iPhone X in favor of an upgraded "iPhone XI" device this year. But that does not mean that the iPhone X is dead. For one, this year's stable of iPhones are all largely expected to feature iPhone X features. And while it may be replaced this year, the current-generation Apple flagship is hardly dying. Here's why.

6 A11 Bionic Is Still Blazing Fast

It happens every year. Apple releases an iPhone. Then, Android makers release their own devices which look a lot faster on paper. But when put to the test, the iPhone usually beats them out (and sometimes humiliates them).

There are a few reasons behind this cycle. But the simple truth is that iPhones are just generally faster than Android devices with better specs. The iPhone X, with its insanely powerful A11 Bionic chipset, is no exception. It’s been out for a little while, but it’s arguably the fastest smartphone chip currently available.

5 TrueDepth Is Still Unmatched

The iPhone X sports some amazing cameras, but its front-facing “selfie” camera warrants particular praise. According to many outlets, it’s the best selfie camera currently on the market, due to its combination of features and specifications — including its TrueDepth sensors.

The 3D-sensing TrueDepth platform is also years ahead of the competition. Face ID is more convenient and secure than other authentication methods, but TrueDepth has uses far beyond unlocking an iPhone. In fact, app developers are still innovating unique ways to leverage the advanced camera setup (and they’ll likely continue to).

4 Gesture Controls Are Intuitive

The iPhone X is the first Apple handset to do away with the ubiquitous Home button. That decision resulted in a cleaner look and an edge-to-edge design. But it also meant that Apple had to completely reimagine how users interact with the device — and it did quite well in this area.

Many tech critics and device reviewers praise how intuitive and fluid the iPhone X’s gesture control system is (with one reviewer wishing all of his devices adopted it). And it’s not just media professionals, a good portion of iPhone X owners love the gesture-based touchscreen controls.

3 It’s a Trendsetter

Fashion and aesthetics may only take a device so far, but it’s hard to argue that iPhones are stylish. It is an Apple device, after all. And while we can admit that it’s not the first with an OLED or edge-to-edge design, the iPhone X is still particularly stunning.

While the device’s sensor notch is a contentious subject, many Android makers are following Apple’s lead and adopting them on their own devices (that list includes Samsung). In other words: love it or hate it, the iPhone X is a trendsetter.

2 It’s an iPhone (and the Best One Yet)

Despite bringing many firsts to the Apple handset lineup, the iPhone X is still an iPhone. That means you’re getting a high level of quality control, an overall faster and easier-to-use device, and beyond some occasionally buggy software, a generally stable experience. But it also means you get iOS.

While some may disagree, iOS does a lot of things better than Android does. The lack of customization is outweighed by iOS’ security, data privacy, and ease-of-use. And you’ll get better apps: the iOS App Store is generally considered the best in the world.

Not just that, but after its announcement, most reviewers proclaimed the iPhone X to be Apple's best handset yet.

1 Discounts Are out There

It’s at this point that we have to address the iPhone X’s price point. We know it’s expensive. And while its cost may be justified by its quality and its range of features, it might also put the device out of the reach of many consumers.

But don’t give up hope of scoring the flagship just yet. Most carriers offer deals that can offset the price of a new iPhone X (though not outright discounts). And if you aren’t opposed to a used device, you can find plenty of previously owned iPhone Xs for hundreds of dollars off in various marketplaces.