Why I’m Glad I Waited a Year on the iPhone X

I didn’t get an iPhone X. I chose the 8 Plus instead for this year’s upgrade and I’m glad I did.

I wrangled and writhed over this year’s upgrade because Apple gave us more choices than ever and thus made my decision the toughest it’s been.

I quickly elminated the 8; I wanted a dual camera phone. So it became a question of “super new hotness, but a year of beta-ish features” versus “almost everything except way bigger and slightly less cool-factor."

I opted for the 8 Plus as the early look at the X (long before any reviews were out or hands-on had been had) made me worry about the software package on this new flagship. Control Center being in the top right was particularly worrisome (I use it dozens of times a day as my primary Home and TV app). It was a gamble and I knew no matter what I’d miss being on the latest, leading edge device.

But now that I’ve had my 8 Plus a few weeks and had a chance to go hands-on with the X, I feel sure I made the right choice.

The X is amazing and clearly a next-gen product. And yes, I am a little jealous of the FaceID fun, "Animoji Karaoke,” and general “check out the new hotness” lifestyle the X is offering. In just a few minutes with it at an Apple Store I can tell the home button would not be missed, the notch is no big deal, and that phone is overall leading-edge cool. Had I gone for it from the 7 I would have been very happy, no doubt.

But in just a few short weeks of the “#PlusLyfe,” the minute I picked it up it felt… small.

I never thought I’d feel that way. The Plus is big to me- like even now, I’m very aware of how it feels bigger and heaiver than any phone I’ve ever had. But I’ve so quickly grown accomstomed to it that even the edge to edge screen of the X felt cramped by comparison. Don’t get me started on the iPhone 5 screen I had to use for an Apple Store purchase. That was a freaking “nano."

After only a few weeks the thing I thought would be my compromise has become my norm. That big, spacious screen of the Plus is great and like a goldfish I have quickly grown to the size of my container such that the narrowness of even a 7 or X feels cramped. Not small; just squished.

There’s a ton more. I think the X has a lot to learn about it’s software. I’m hoping the camera “button” on the lock screen can be swapped out for Control Center since the swipe over camera gesture still works. I hope they find a more creative use for the space under the keyboard. I want every app to update for the X. There are lots of software design choices that I think will be better in iOS 12.

But more than anything, I’m looking forward to the iPhone 11 Plus. Because I’m not sure I could go back now. Yes, I want all the fun and futurism. But now I want it on an even bigger, more spacious screen.

So I’m glad I waited the year and opened my eyes to the Plus life. It’s better than expected. Now on to the iPhone 11 Plus.