The iPhone X was a game-changer when it launched in 2017. As Apple’s first phone with Face ID and a nearly bezel-free OLED display, it ushered in a modern iPhone design language that remains in use to this day. Fast forward to 2025, and the iPhone X still appears in resale searches, especially for shoppers seeking a premium-feeling phone at a bargain price.
However, just because it resembles a modern iPhone doesn’t mean it performs like one. Before you consider buying a Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone X, let’s break down how old it is, whether it’s still supported by Apple, and if it’s truly worth your money in today’s market.
The iPhone X was officially released in November 2017, making it 8 years old in 2025. That’s well beyond Apple’s usual support window, which typically runs 5–6 years from launch. While the iPhone X still feels modern in the hand thanks to its design, the internal hardware and software are significantly outdated by 2025 standards.
Not really. Apple officially ended major iOS support for the iPhone X when it did not receive iOS 17 in 2023. That means the phone no longer gets new features, app compatibility improvements, or regular updates.
However, Apple did issue a final security patch for iPhone X in March 2025, which offered limited protection for users still on older devices. While this shows Apple’s continued concern for user safety, it’s not the same as ongoing support.
Without full iOS updates, the iPhone X:
So while that last security patch offers a brief safety net, the iPhone X is effectively no longer a supported device in Apple’s ecosystem.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished iPhone X models are very limited in supply due to age. Even when available, prices typically start around $130 or more, depending on condition and seller.
That might sound like a deal—until you realize that the iPhone 11 starts at $140+ and the iPhone 12 starts at $170+. Both offer better performance, longer support, and more modern features. With so little difference in price, the iPhone X no longer makes sense as a value buy.
Even if you find a Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone X for around $130, we don’t recommend buying it in 2025. The main reason is simple: Apple has stopped providing full iOS support. That means no new features, no regular security updates, and growing issues with app compatibility.
The hardware, while impressive in its time, is also starting to feel outdated. The A11 Bionic chip doesn’t keep up well with modern apps and multitasking demands. Battery life is another concern—most units have degraded batteries that struggle to last through the day.
On top of that, iPhone X uses older Face ID technology, lacks 5G, and isn’t compatible with MagSafe accessories. You’re essentially paying $130+ for a phone that feels behind in every key area—performance, security, and functionality.
If you're on a budget and considering older iPhones, the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 offer much better value than the iPhone X.
| Feature | iPhone X | iPhone 11 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2017 | 2019 | 2020 |
| Chipset | A11 Bionic | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Display | 5.8" OLED | 6.1" LCD | 6.1" OLED |
| Camera System | Dual 12MP | Dual 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Face ID | Yes (1st Gen) | Yes | Yes |
| 5G Support | No | No | Yes |
| MagSafe | No | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | Below average | Good | Excellent |
| iOS Support in 2025 | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Starting Price (2025) | ~$130+ | ~$140+ | ~$170+ |
Comes with the A13 Bionic chip (significantly faster than A11), Face ID, a dual-camera system, longer battery life, and ongoing iOS support in 2025. It’s a no-brainer upgrade over the iPhone X for just $10 more.
Adds 5G support, a sharper OLED display, a sleeker flat-edge design, and MagSafe compatibility. It uses the A14 Bionic chip, which is fast and efficient even by 2025 standards. For about $40 more than the iPhone X, the iPhone 12 gives you a much longer shelf life.
Bottom line: The iPhone X is outdated and unsupported. Spending a little more gets you a much better phone that will last longer and perform better every day.
You might be tempted by the iPhone XS—after all, it’s newer than the iPhone X and still supported (for now). But in 2025, we don’t think it’s a smart buy. Here’s why:
At UpTrade, we always recommend spending where it counts. The iPhone 11 and 12 give you much more future-proof value for nearly the same cost. That’s why we suggest skipping both the iPhone X and XS.
While the iPhone X was groundbreaking in 2017, it’s no longer a smart buy in 2025. Apple has ended major iOS updates for the iPhone X, and although it received a security patch in March 2025, that’s likely the final breath of support. With aging hardware, weaker battery life, and limited resale value, the iPhone X just doesn’t offer long-term reliability or modern features.
Instead, we strongly recommend looking at the iPhone 11 (starting at ~$140) or iPhone 12 (starting at ~$170). They’re newer, faster, more secure, and still supported by Apple. You’ll get a significantly better iPhone experience for just a little more money.
It starts around $130, but certified inventory is limited due to age.
No. The iPhone X no longer receives major iOS updates. It did get a security patch in March 2025, but that’s likely the last.
Technically yes—for basic tasks. But performance, battery, and app support are all limited.
The iPhone 11 starts at just $10 more, has better performance, battery, cameras, and longer iOS support. That makes the iPhone X a poor value.
The iPhone 11 is the best choice under $150. It’s fast, reliable, and still supported by Apple.
Only if it’s Certified Used from a trusted seller. But even then, we don’t recommend it in 2025 due to outdated support.
It costs more than the iPhone 11 but offers less battery life, shorter support lifespan, and no meaningful upgrade in performance.
Apple officially discontinued the iPhone X in September 2018—just one year after its release—when the iPhone XS and XR were launched. While refurbished or used models were available afterward, production stopped early. In 2025, it’s increasingly rare to find Certified Used units, and even when available, they’re no longer a smart buy due to lack of iOS support.
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