iPhone X Deals & Offers
14,566 commentsAll iPhone X discounts and offers overview - April 2023
IPhone X price comparison from £7.99
iPhone X: Apple's High-End Smartphone
Described by some people as a “phablet” (a cross between a phone and a tablet) but really just an advanced smartphone, the iPhone X (pronounced as iPhone "ten") was launched in 2017 as the newest premium smartphone from the Apple brand.
Characterised by its huge screen, almost invisible bezels, new user interface, advanced video and photography features, and enhanced processor, the iPhone X is also the most expensive iPhone on the market.
This buyer's guide will explore what Apple's flagship phone has to offer, particularly compared with the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 8, which were released at almost the same time. It will provide some useful advice to purchasers who want to find the best iPhone X deals around.
iPhone X: Tenth Anniversary of the Premium Phone Range
The iPhone X was announced on 12 September 2017 by Apple CEO Tim Cook, and it's scheduled for a November 2017 release, so it doesn't have much of a history. However, it's the latest in a long line of revolutionary smartphones that has changed the way people communicate, so it's worth recapping where the phone comes from.
The first iPhone arrived in June 2007, and introduced several technologies that have become commonplace in the tech world. With its responsive touchscreen, Home button, web surfing abilities, and intuitive iOS operating system, the iPhone offered a suite of totally new ideas and was a massive success.
Since then, Apple has released 8 different generations of the iPhone with the latest being the iPhone 6s which came out in 2015, the iPhone 7 in 2016, and the iPhone 8, which also appeared in 2017. However, the iPhone X is seen by many as a watershed; with its radically altered screen design and Face ID technology, many people think that it represents the future of Apple's smartphone line.
A Quick Look at the Features of the iPhone X
Released in September 2017, the iPhone X was quickly dubbed “the most important iPhone ever launched” by gadgets magazine Tech Radar and with good reason. With this latest iteration of the incredibly successful iPhone series, Apple has tried to out-do their arch-rivals Samsung by creating an iPhone with the largest screen size yet. This time around, the X boasts a 5.8-inch Super Retina display that makes the phone “all screen” as the Apple website puts it. It's certainly a big step up from the iPhone 7 in this regard.
Not only is the screen super-large, it's also of a very high quality. Apple have opted for an OLED screen with a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 giving the iPhone X some remarkable visual abilities for a pocket-sized phone.
Apple have also updated the software that runs the iPhone X, making it smarter and more secure. Face ID allows you to unlock the phone with a glance, the phone features handy wireless charging, it's more waterproof than any other iPhone, and the cameras have been massively overhauled allowing users to take some of the sharpest selfies ever captured.
The internal architecture has been revolutionised too, thanks to the A11 Bionic processor, delivering a 70% efficiency boost over the previous generation. Even the trusty old battery has been revisited and refined to offer two hours more operation time between charges than the iPhone 7.
Then there's the new version of iOS. It's been optimised for Apple Music users making it easier than ever to scroll through music libraries and download the latest tracks, and it's also been improved from a gaming standpoint with more powerful augmented reality functions and better graphics processing capabilities.
Wherever you look, the iPhone X just has better attributes than the iPhones that came before it, and the competitors available right now. It commands a premium price tag for just those reasons -- although if you shop around with HotUKDeals, there should be plenty of ways to work around that issue.
Anyhow, before we talk about how to buy the iPhone X, let's look in a little more detail about its specifications and what it brings to the table relative to the iPhone 7.
Memories with iPhone X
iPhone X: Key Specifications in Comparison to the iPhone 7
Here's the nitty gritty that lies behind Apple's latest iPhone generation, iPhone X:
CPU: A11 Bionic Quad-Core chip featuring 64-bit architecture with an M11 motion coprocessor
Storage capacity: 64GB or 256GB
Dimensions: 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mm
Weight: 174g
Display: OLED multi-touch Super Retina HD display measuring 5.8-inches
Display resolution: 2436x1125 at 468ppi
Contrast ratio: 1,000,000:1
Cameras: Features 12MP telephoto and wide angle cameras along with a 7MP True Depth camera
Video recording: Able to record 4K Ultra HD at 24, 30, or 60fps
Includes FaceID facial recognition systems
Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0
Connectors: Includes a single Lightning connector, stereo speakers and microphones are built into the design.
Battery life: 21 hours talk time, 12 hours web usage, 60 hours audio playback
Operating system: iOS 11
SIM card: Nano SIM
Extras included in the box: AirPods, Lighting to 3.5mm jack adapter, Lightning to USB cable, USB adapter, manual
Just to understand how advanced some of these specs are, it's worth cross referencing with the iPhone 7, which came out not long ago and has (until now) been seen as a premium Apple device.
CPU: A10 Fusion chip with 64-bit architecture and an M10 motion coprocessor
Storage capacity: 32GB and 128GB
Dimensions: Two models: 138 x 67 x 7mm and 158 x 78 x 7mm
Weight: 138g or 188g
Display: 4.7-inch or 5.5-inch HD Retina display
Display resolution: 1334x750 at 326ppi or 1920x1080 at 40ppi
Contrast ratio: 1,400:1 or 1,300:1
Cameras: 12MP wide-angle and telephoto cameras, no True Depth capabilities
Video recording: 4K at only 30fps
Included Touch ID for security, not Face ID
Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO and Bluetooth 4.2
Connectors: Single Lightning connector with built-in speakers and microphone
Battery life: 14 or 21 hours talk time, 12-15 hours web usage, 40-60 hours audio playback
Operating System: iOS 11
Different Ways to Purchase the iPhone X
As with all Apple products, there's more than one way to purchase an iPhone X. For starters, the phone comes in either Space Gray or Silver colours, so there's a choice you'll have to make (but the colour has no effect on the cost or features of the phone, so it's a purely cosmetic issue.) Here are the various options buyers will encounter:
iPhone X 64GB – If you want to buy the cheapest iPhone X package, this is the option to go for. You can order a 64GB version online for a monthly fee or a lump sum, and the final cost could be around £200 less than for the 256GB alternative. Why would you go for the 64GB version aside from lower cost? Well, there's no need for the extra space if a) you aren't a big app accumulator b) a hardcore mobile phone gamer or c) the kind of person who can't stop taking photographs or videos. If you are confident that you'll be restrained in your media consumption and you won't clog up the disk with data, there's really no need for the extra capacity.
iPhone X 256GB – Having said all that about the 64GB option, there's no denying that 192GB more space will be welcome for many iPhone owners. Modern games are space intensive, and video takes up a surprising amount of space as well. Just as a guide, expect a minute of 1080p HD footage to occupy 60MB, and a minute of 4K footage to take up 170MB. If you intend to capture hours of holiday video, school plays and that sort of thing, then 64GB can rapidly become very small indeed. However, if you are mainly into music, things aren't so clear cut. Apple Music lets you store purchases online, so the demands on your disk won't be huge. It's all a question of working out what kind of phone user you are and whether it's worth forking out extra cash on top of the high price for the iPhone X handset.
When you purchase an iPhone X via Apple (which is often the best way to do so), you'll also have the opportunity to sign up with AppleCare+, which is essentially an extended warranty service. Is it worth the yearly costs? Well, AppleCare+ provides some neat benefits such as a couple of screen replacements and coverage for defects and most forms of damage (but not wear and tear or theft). It also adds technical support for free, which some novice users could really benefit from. But it's probably not essential. You might be able to find better insurance coverage elsewhere, while tech support can be sourced for free online as well.
Is the iPhone X Worth Upgrading from the iPhone 7?
If you're a happy iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus owner, you're probably reading this and wondering whether there's any point in trading in your existing phone for the iPhone X. However, when you actually try out the iPhone X, you'll think again.
Not only is the OLED display larger with a higher resolution and better contrast, the phone is also easier to navigate, faster and more secure. For many people, this is how phones should be -- with as much screen as possible, and no wasted space. Most iPhone 7 owners will fall into that bracket, but not all of us. For some, the classic iPhone look is preferable, and screen size really doesn't matter. In that case, the iPhone X might seem less appealing than the iPhone 8 or 8 Plus.
But the superiority of the iPhone X in terms of sheer processing power and battery life can't really be denied. It's simply the best iPhone (technically) that's ever been released. Still, that doesn't mean that iPhone 7 owners will feel the need for it.
That's because unlocked iPhone 7s can be picked up more cheaply via eBay or other online retailers, and it remains a relatively powerful, functional phone. If you are more motivated by value than features, the impulse to upgrade will be much weaker. But if you're a tech-head or a video fan, give the X a try. You may well be persuaded.
How Does the iPhone X Compare with the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus?
For other buyers, the decision to upgrade has already been made, and it's time to choose between an iPhone X, an iPhone 8, or an iPhone 8 Plus. So, which one should you go for?
Firstly, it's worth noting some of the big differences between the two models. The 8 and 8 Plus come with larger bezels in the classic iPhone tradition, and they have noticeably smaller screens (4.7 or 5.5-inches respectively.) They use Touch ID, not Face ID, and have less sophisticated cameras although they do have the same storage options (64GB or 256GB).
Some commentators have called the iPhone 8 and 8 plus a minor upgrade on the iPhone 7, which isn't too far off the mark. It's a solid iPhone but not a game changer and will be perfect for people who are set in their ways and don't want to depart from the tried and tested formula. It's also lighter (well, the iPhone 8 is anyway) and slightly smaller. If you have short fingers or small hands, the smaller screen can also be an advantage, making the phone more usable. The Home button has been removed as well -- something that traditionalists won't appreciate.
But the iPhone X is demonstrably superior in the video and photography stakes thanks to its larger OLED screen. When you start watching movies, taking your own HD videos (or playing games, for that matter), you'll very quickly notice the huge advances that Apple has made. The cameras on the iPhone X also incorporate True Depth, a technique which allows you to take wide angle portrait shots with blurred backgrounds and sharp foregrounds. The iPhone X furthermore has an all-glass corpus on the back and features the new wireless charging technology.
Whether these things away you or not is a personal matter, but it's a good idea to see both the iPhone 8 and the iPhone X in action before you buy. And with hundreds of pounds difference between the models (in some cases), it's not a small issue.
Are There Any Must Have Accessories for the iPhone X?
When you purchase an iPhone X, the mix of accessories you buy at the same time can have a big effect on how much use and enjoyment you get out of your phone. Here are some key accessories that Apple have come up with:
The USB-C Power Adapter – While the iPhone X comes with a power adapter and wireless charging, to really achieve lightning fast charging, you'll need this specialist adapter from Apple. Some merchants realise that there's a market for bundling the fast charger with the iPhone X, so stay alert for combo deals which can make it cheaper to equip yourself properly.
iPhone cases – Cases don't just protect your prized iPhone against knocks and scratches. They are also the best way to add a bit of character to your device. Apple offer colours like rose red and saddle brown, and look out for third-party cases from retailers like Case Mate too.
The Morphie wireless charging base – Manufactured by Morphie, this stylish little device lets you pop your iPhone X on the disc and leave it until it charges. It might feel a little bit like heating your phone on the stove at first, but it's a great hassle free way to top up your charge without any effort at all.
Merge VR headsets – One of the great strengths of the iPhone X is its capacity to handle “augmented reality” (or VR to most of us). Headsets like the Merge VR hook up with the new iPhone allowing phone owners to lose themselves in virtual worlds.
Apple AirPods – Apple's own Bluetooth enabled earphones are a must-have item if you have any interest in music. While the in-built iPhone X speakers are pretty formidable for a phone, you can get the best audio performance (and make commutes much more enjoyable) with these little guys.
Should I Buy From Apple or from a Mobile Phone Network Provider?
For many buyers, this is the crux of the matter. Whenever a new iPhone is launched, companies like O2, Three, and Virgin add it to their product range and combine it with their mobile tariffs -- and they don't always come up with deals that represent great value.
Mobile companies will often offer the lowest upfront charges to get hold of an iPhone X (or an iPhone 8 for that matter), but that's usually a marketing tactic more than anything else. When you factor in the original cost and the monthly charges over the length of your contract, you'll generally find that the overall cost exceeds what you would have paid if you'd chosen to buy the phone outright and then purchased a SIM only deal.
Of course, that's just a generalisation, and there are always going to be some great deals that slip through the net. That's what HotUKDeals is for: hooking up people who want an iPhone X with offers that reduce the overall cost. But bear in mind that you have a choice. Often it's better to buy from Apple or electronic merchants like Currys or John Lewis and then purchase the phone contract or SIM separately.
Another thing to watch out for are deals that charge a lump sum for the phone and then more for the contract. Sometimes these offer great value, but there have been instances of companies charging well over even Apple's price for the iPhone 8/X, resulting in mammoth overall costs.
How to Upgrade to the iPhone X as Cheaply as Possible
With iPhone Xs retailing for almost £1,000, nobody should be paying full price for Apple's flagship smartphone. Although the price will still be much higher than an unlocked iPhone 7 or even an iPhone 8, you can find big iPhone X reductions by shopping at HotUKDeals.
If you are committed to upgrading to the X, decide whether you want to go for the 64GB or 256GB model, then have a look at the HotUKDeals iPhone X listings. You'll find any current deals from Apple themselves as well as electronics merchants like John Lewis, Currys, Argos, and Carphone Warehouse, and there should also be contract deals from mobile phone providers. Scour them all (but keep your wits about you) to compare prices and find the best deal.
Bear in mind that there are numerous ways to pay for an iPhone X. There are upfront purchases, long-term finance, and mobile phone contracts. Check each deal and total up the overall costs to find one that matches your financial situation.
Another great money saving tip is to hold off until Black Friday in November. As the Christmas season gets underway, tech companies like Apple often slash their prices, and you can bet that the iPhone X will be part of the fun. But be quick. Black Friday deals don't last long and can be available in limited numbers.
HotUKDeals Helps Customers to Find the iPhone X at the Best Price
Apple's iPhone X is top of the class in 2017, offering incredible visuals, a massive OLED screen, a whole new way of securing your phone, a super-fast processor, and plenty of other features and capabilities. Anyone who wants to experience a truly cutting edge smartphone can do so for less by searching the HotUKDeals iPhone X listings.