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idealcheese

macrumors regular
Original poster
Sep 18, 2014
157
93
My background: I have owned every generation of the iPhone from the very first release to the 8 Plus *except* the 5S, because I was annoyed that Apple didn't release a larger screen model and bought the Samsung Note instead, which I promptly sold once I could get my hands on the 6 Plus. So yes, I love Apple products, but not blindly. (That being said, I didn't miss Android for a second, except for the multi-tap glide feature in Swype).

Lots of people are griping about the loss of the home button, the notch, Face ID, the small size compared to the Plus, etc. Here are my impressions.

The notch: no big deal, I'm already used to it. I kind of like having the two upper corners separated actually.

The missing home button: good riddance! Seriously! Swiping up from the bottom is so natural, I can't believe it took Apple this long to implement it. I was used to it within minutes of using the phone. And the new application switcher is not only easier to access (I really hated the double home button click for some reason), but it's so much easier to tap on the minus button to quit an app than to swipe up.

Face ID: I get that some people are having issues, so maybe I'm just lucky, but it just plain WORKS for me. With Touch ID, I could never get in the habit of checking my notifications before pressing the home button and thereby unlocking the device. I'd pick up the phone, press on the home button, and just as I was realizing I wanted to read the notifications, the home screen appeared. Now, I raise to wake, and as I'm checking the notifications the phone unlocks via Face ID and expands my notifications but stays on the lock screen. A quick swipe up once I'm done and I get to the home screen. When there have been no notifications and I need to swipe immediately, Face ID always unlocks before I swipe. It's crazy fast. I love it.

The size: I went to the Plus the minute the 6 Plus came out and then owned the 7 Plus and (briefly) the 8 Plus. I'm all about screen real estate. But the actual devices always felt just slightly too large for my hands and I have to admit I dropped them not infrequently (hello, AppleCare). The X hits the sweet spot in terms of screen real estate and physical size/shape. It fits perfectly in my average-size hand. Needless to say, it fits in pockets much better too. I thought I would use the Plus devices in landscape a lot more than I ever did, and in fact it seems that everyone else has pretty much adopted portrait as the default smartphone mode. I basically only rotate my phone to see a landscape photo larger, or to watch a video. Therefore I absolutely do not mind the fact that the X has a narrower screen vertically.

Overall: interactions with the phone are super smooth, fast, and extremely pleasant. The supreme ergonomics of no longer needing to switch between tapping/swiping and physically pressing a button cannot be overstated. The screen looks amazing. The flashlight and camera buttons on the lock screen are awesome.

I always get excited about a new iPhone release only to feel slightly let down when the device turns out to be not that life-changing. This is different. The X is so amazing to touch, hold, and use. It's gorgeous.

It's a masterpiece.
 

LD Curb

macrumors 6502
Apr 19, 2015
391
239
USA
I totally agree .. "Masterpiece" is a good word for it .... I love this phone!
 
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iModFrenzy

macrumors 6502a
Jan 15, 2015
896
873
Kamino
My background: I have owned every generation of the iPhone from the very first release to the 8 Plus *except* the 5S, because I was annoyed that Apple didn't release a larger screen model and bought the Samsung Note instead, which I promptly sold once I could get my hands on the 6 Plus. So yes, I love Apple products, but not blindly. (That being said, I didn't miss Android for a second, except for the multi-tap glide feature in Swype).

Lots of people are griping about the loss of the home button, the notch, Face ID, the small size compared to the Plus, etc. Here are my impressions.

The notch: no big deal, I'm already used to it. I kind of like having the two upper corners separated actually.

The missing home button: good riddance! Seriously! Swiping up from the bottom is so natural, I can't believe it took Apple this long to implement it. I was used to it within minutes of using the phone. And the new application switcher is not only easier to access (I really hated the double home button click for some reason), but it's so much easier to tap on the minus button to quit an app than to swipe up.

Face ID: I get that some people are having issues, so maybe I'm just lucky, but it just plain WORKS for me. With Touch ID, I could never get in the habit of checking my notifications before pressing the home button and thereby unlocking the device. I'd pick up the phone, press on the home button, and just as I was realizing I wanted to read the notifications, the home screen appeared. Now, I raise to wake, and as I'm checking the notifications the phone unlocks via Face ID and expands my notifications but stays on the lock screen. A quick swipe up once I'm done and I get to the home screen. When there have been no notifications and I need to swipe immediately, Face ID always unlocks before I swipe. It's crazy fast. I love it.

The size: I went to the Plus the minute the 6 Plus came out and then owned the 7 Plus and (briefly) the 8 Plus. I'm all about screen real estate. But the actual devices always felt just slightly too large for my hands and I have to admit I dropped them not infrequently (hello, AppleCare). The X hits the sweet spot in terms of screen real estate and physical size/shape. It fits perfectly in my average-size hand. Needless to say, it fits in pockets much better too. I thought I would use the Plus devices in landscape a lot more than I ever did, and in fact it seems that everyone else has pretty much adopted portrait as the default smartphone mode. I basically only rotate my phone to see a landscape photo larger, or to watch a video. Therefore I absolutely do not mind the fact that the X has a narrower screen vertically.

Overall: interactions with the phone are super smooth, fast, and extremely pleasant. The supreme ergonomics of no longer needing to switch between tapping/swiping and physically pressing a button cannot be overstated. The screen looks amazing. The flashlight and camera buttons on the lock screen are awesome.

I always get excited about a new iPhone release only to feel slightly let down when the device turns out to be not that life-changing. This is different. The X is so amazing to touch, hold, and use. It's gorgeous.

It's a masterpiece.

I absolutely love my X
 

jetydosa

macrumors member
Jun 23, 2015
88
130
Agree 100% on all points. This is the exact review I would write in fact, even down to briefly switching to Android phones during the 5S days.
 

dogslobber

macrumors 601
Oct 19, 2014
4,670
7,809
Apple Campus, Cupertino CA
My background: I have owned every generation of the iPhone from the very first release to the 8 Plus *except* the 5S,
You've clearly drunk the cool aid for iphones based on what you say But to the impartial observer they look at it and wonder what amount of craziness allow the notch to be released, and they laugh at the $1k starting price. It's truly a complete rip off and insult to working class Americans to expect people to pay a weeks wages for a telephone.
 
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TrueBlou

macrumors 601
Sep 16, 2014
4,531
3,619
Scotland
I really don't know why there are so many people hating on the X. After only 24 hours with it I couldn't fathom going back to a previous model. It's a close to perfection as any device I've ever owned.


Everyone’s tastes are different, it’s only natural there are going to be people not willing to compromise for the X.

When I say compromise, I just mean the slightly thinner screen. Because as far as I can tell everything else is better with the X.

I new I would like it, I’ve babbled on before about doing enough research to be sure of your purchases. I did and I knew I’d be happy with it.

I was wrong though, I’m not happy with it, I’m completely overjoyed with it. The X is by far the best iPhone I’ve ever owned.
 
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HEK

macrumors 68040
Sep 24, 2013
3,547
6,080
US Eastern time zone
You are entitled to your opinion. Just realize that said opinion is subjective and may not be the best upgrade ever for others. If you believe it is for you, fine. Don't see the need to try and convince others. If they don't., so what.
Who is trying to convince others?
Simply stating their feelings. Many agree, some don’t. So what, it’s not a contest. There are other choices if it’s not for you.

Never understand why people that don’t like something feel so put upon when others like something and say so.
 

HEK

macrumors 68040
Sep 24, 2013
3,547
6,080
US Eastern time zone
You've clearly drunk the cool aid for iphones based on what you say But to the impartial observer they look at it and wonder what amount of craziness allow the notch to be released, and they laugh at the $1k starting price. It's truly a complete rip off and insult to working class Americans to expect people to pay a weeks wages for a telephone.
Then don’t. I am paying half a week’s wages in installments over 12 months. You don’t have to pay the full price if you don’t want to. Entirely your choice
 

Costino1

macrumors 6502a
Oct 1, 2012
767
696
You've clearly drunk the cool aid for iphones based on what you say But to the impartial observer they look at it and wonder what amount of craziness allow the notch to be released, and they laugh at the $1k starting price. It's truly a complete rip off and insult to working class Americans to expect people to pay a weeks wages for a telephone.

***a week’s wage for a computer that fits into your pocket
[doublepost=1509842091][/doublepost]
Who is trying to convince others?
Simply stating their feelings. Many agree, some don’t. So what, it’s not a contest. There are other choices if it’s not for you.

Never understand why people that don’t like something feel so put upon when others like something and say so.

They have to talk themselves out of not wanting it because they can’t get it for some reason at the moment.
 
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dogslobber

macrumors 601
Oct 19, 2014
4,670
7,809
Apple Campus, Cupertino CA
***a week’s wage for a computer that fits into your pocket
That people try to rationalize such costs are saddest of all. People up to their necks in debt because they feel pressurized to keep up the false image. As I say, Apple Marketing has people well trained.
[doublepost=1509842559][/doublepost]
Then don’t. I am paying half a week’s wages in installments over 12 months. You don’t have to pay the full price if you don’t want to. Entirely your choice
Debt trap. Shame.
 

Costino1

macrumors 6502a
Oct 1, 2012
767
696
That people try to rationalize such costs are saddest of all. People up to their necks in debt because they feel pressurized to keep up the false image. As I say, Apple Marketing has people well trained.

Nope. I’m a free thinker and I love it. I don’t pinch pennies on two things: my mattress and phone. Why? Because I spend the majority of my time with both of them. 6-8 HRs a day on my mattress and my phone which is always on my person for leisure, entertainment, and work. I will always get the latest and greatest phone, whether it’s apple or Samsung or JoeBlow. You don’t know my finances to assume that I’m brainwashed by Apple’s marketing - admittedly it’s great. The one tangible item I buy yearly and spoil myself with is a $800-$1k phone. My cars I’ll drive til they fall apart, shoes as well. Can’t assume we’re all sheep just due to your own personal opinion and your finances.
 

HEK

macrumors 68040
Sep 24, 2013
3,547
6,080
US Eastern time zone
That people try to rationalize such costs are saddest of all. People up to their necks in debt because they feel pressurized to keep up the false image. As I say, Apple Marketing has people well trained.
[doublepost=1509842559][/doublepost]
Debt trap. Shame.
Zero interest no debt .....money invested earning interest, using their money to pay for it. Paying 1/24 per month to use it. :) :apple:X

Curious....Do you smoke, drink booze, buy Starbucks, lease or finance a car, have home mortgage? Shame or are you Unibomber living in shack in the woods? Oh wait......you on here too, so must have some device...shame.:cool:
 
Last edited:

AdonisSMU

macrumors 604
Oct 23, 2010
7,315
3,075
I absolutely love my X
Ehhh O K o_O
[doublepost=1509846397][/doublepost]
Nope. I’m a free thinker and I love it. I don’t pinch pennies on two things: my mattress and phone. Why? Because I spend the majority of my time with both of them. 6-8 HRs a day on my mattress and my phone which is always on my person for leisure, entertainment, and work. I will always get the latest and greatest phone, whether it’s apple or Samsung or JoeBlow. You don’t know my finances to assume that I’m brainwashed by Apple’s marketing - admittedly it’s great. The one tangible item I buy yearly and spoil myself with is a $800-$1k phone. My cars I’ll drive til they fall apart, shoes as well. Can’t assume we’re all sheep just due to your own personal opinion and your finances.
Drag it!
 
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mbguy4950

macrumors member
Mar 7, 2012
32
29
Bham, AL
That people try to rationalize such costs are saddest of all. People up to their necks in debt because they feel pressurized to keep up the false image. As I say, Apple Marketing has people well trained.
[doublepost=1509842559][/doublepost]
Debt trap. Shame.

The pain you will feel most of all...is living inside your own head...you have checked out of “Hotel Reality”...get some help.
 
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gemnilocs

macrumors 6502
Jan 26, 2011
354
74
california
I wish I didn't have to put it in a case...I got the silver...it's beautiful....I got the otterbox case that has the see through back but I'm so tempted to not carry in a case cause it's so beautiful and hefty...and using it for the last few hours has been nice...I'm coming from the 7plus....
 

HEK

macrumors 68040
Sep 24, 2013
3,547
6,080
US Eastern time zone
I wish I didn't have to put it in a case...I got the silver...it's beautiful....I got the otterbox case that has the see through back but I'm so tempted to not carry in a case cause it's so beautiful and hefty...and using it for the last few hours has been nice...I'm coming from the 7plus....
I hear you, i’m Using Apple leather case only because it’s so damn slippery.
 

lordofthereef

macrumors G5
Nov 29, 2011
13,161
3,721
Boston, MA
I personally would give it to the 3g (where we could actually do things online away from WiFi) it the 4 (where the screen was just an incredible upgrade).

I love the X but nothing knocked my socks off. I guess it doesn’t help Samsung has had a lot of what the x has for a while. No, this isn’t a “samsung Did it first” response, it’s just that I had seen a lot of what we got with the X elsewhere already.
 
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KPOM

macrumors P6
Oct 23, 2010
18,305
8,308
You've clearly drunk the cool aid for iphones based on what you say But to the impartial observer they look at it and wonder what amount of craziness allow the notch to be released, and they laugh at the $1k starting price. It's truly a complete rip off and insult to working class Americans to expect people to pay a weeks wages for a telephone.
Apple has a range of phones now from $349 to $1149.
 
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