Apple itself is calling it the future of the smartphone, the embodiment of what it’s been trying to achieve for a decade. But while the iPhone X is all about premium parts and an all-new experience, it was a huge gamble for the Cupertino brand too – which paid off, as every new iPhone since then had largely kept the design, until the iPhone 14 Pro did away with the notch – but even then, Face ID remains and the standard iPhone 14 still has a notch.

Losing known, reliable elements like the Touch ID fingerprint scanner, the home button; introducing new methods of navigating and unlocking the phone – and charging a lot more for the privilege – seems risky for a company that was already treading new ground by doing away with the traditional headphone jack.

But the iPhone X was the handset we’d been demanding from Apple for years – a world away from the increasingly-tired designs leading up to the iPhone 8 that have continued to live in the nearly identical-looking iPhone SE (2022). 

The fervor around this phone tells that story – everyone wants to know if the iPhone X is worth having, partly because it actually represents a new iPhone, and that fervor is such that they don’t seem to care about the cost. Thankfully, that cost has come down over the years, and it’s still a powerful phone.

So… is the iPhone X worth having? Did it change the direction of an industry where many of the specs Apple has put in – fast charging, wireless charging, bezel-less displays and face recognition – are already on the market?

We’ve had the iPhone X in our grasp for years now, and while it’s no longer one of the best smartphones around, it’s still an excellent handset – especially considering its age.

If you’re loving your iPhones X, or considering buying one, the package is a lot more tempting now that iOS 16 is out. Apple’s latest operating system brings many upgrades, like a customizable lock screen, improvements to Focus mode, and tweaks and changes to numerous other apps and features.

iPhone X price and release date

• Released on November 3 2017 worldwide
• Much cheaper than launch in 2020
• Comes in 64GB and 256GB storage sizes

It’s almost pointless to discuss the iPhone X price – it launched as the most expensive flagship phone on the market, but iPhone users are more willing than most to look past cost. 

But, while the focus here is going to be on the technology, we still need to at least mention the price and release date. It’s out now, having launched worldwide on November 3 2017. The price – at least at launch – was harder to swallow. 

At launch, the iPhone X cost $999 / £999 / AU$1,579 for the basic, 64GB model. If you wanted the larger 256GB model it cost $1,149 / £1,149 / AU$1,829.

Since then of course numerous newer models have landed, and Apple has discontinued the iPhone X. You can still find it at third-party retailers, but usually only refurbished models. The prices here vary but this has dropped from a high-end price to more of a lower mid-range one now.

Screen

• By far the best screen on an iPhone prior to XS
• Clear, vibrant colors
• Notch at top slightly irks, but doesn’t get in the way

The first thing you’ll notice about the new iPhone is hard to miss: the new screen blazes into your eyes the second you pick up the handset.

The 5.8-inch OLED display is, quite simply, the best thing Apple has ever crammed into an iPhone, or it was, until the iPhone XS arrived. It’s leaps ahead of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus for so many reasons: the sharpness, the quality, the fact that it fills the whole front of the phone, and the color reproduction.

It’s also using a new, longer, screen, but while it looks larger than the iPhone 8 Plus’ 5.5-inch display on paper, it’s only marginally bigger in terms of actual screen real estate – it’s just stretched upwards, so it’s taller, not wider.

OLED technology means you’re getting deeper blacks and more blinding whites, so everything from websites to the photos you take in will look a little better. 

Some will point to the fact that Samsung has been using OLED screens on its phones since the first Galaxy, but Apple counters that by saying it’s only now that the technology is good enough for its phones.

On the face of it that sounds defensive, but when you use the iPhone X you can see it’s a screen that’s incredibly, well, Apple. 

It’s not the sharpest or most colorful screen on a smartphone, but it’s clean, crisp and doesn’t suffer from terrible color shifts when you move it around. It’s a great display to look at from all angles, and that’s what you want on a mobile device.

It’s also been dubbed the best in the world, by the esteemed DisplayMate testing, showing that it’s the brightest and more color-accurate OLED on the market and good off-centre brightness shifts – showing Apple can tune the tech from Samsung really well.

The term ‘bezel-less’ has been bandied about for the iPhone X, but that doesn’t really tell the right story. Yes, there are slight bands around the edges of the screen as this isn’t a curved screen iPhone, but they don’t mar the experience – they give the fingers something to land on, preventing accidental touches of the screen.

Apple could reduce these further in the future and offer a more visually-appealing iPhone, but on the X the experience is still striking.

Talking of visual appeal, the notch at the top of the iPhone X is something that’s been divisive, and that’s fair. Apple has taken this little chunk out of the top of the screen to house the new TrueDepth camera, and it encroaches on the display. A lot newer Android phones, including the OnePlus 6, copy this style, though even newer phones such as the OnePlus 6T are offering much smaller notches.

In portrait mode it’s hard to notice it’s there, and the way the notifications bar spills around it is nice. 

However, place the phone in landscape mode and it’s far more noticeable; it’s an irritant when you’re watching movies, as when we wanted to expand them to fill the screen (one of the real beauties of having a longer display) elements of the action were cut out by the notch.

The longer screen is also thinner though – this means there’s less real estate for typing. We didn’t notice this at the start, but when flipping between the X and an older iPhone, you’ll really see there’s less space for your digits to tap onto.

While we’re talking about that longer screen, the 18:9 format is something we’ve seen on a number of other phones this year, and in the Android world the apps are largely encoded to fill the display just fine.

On the iPhone X, however, that’s not the case, with many apps we used packing massive black bars above and below the display. That’s quickly started to improve though, and each day more apps update for the longer screen.

The issue with apps using the black bars is that it makes the iPhone X look like any other handset from Apple – even an iPhone 3GS – and given the screen is the main visual differentiator on this phone, and you want every app to fill the display nicely. There are now very few apps left that have these bars above and below, with most expanding the screen to fill the whole front of the phone and curve around the notch.

The new display on the iPhone X also showcases a new feature for Apple: HDR playback. The phone can show movies encoded in the HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats, and combined with the OLED display the images offer so much more depth and realistic color reproduction.

If you’re watching a scene with explosions in it, the effect is incredible on the iPhone X – much like with all OLED screens.

However, it’s inherently harder to make out detail in darker scenes in HDR movies – that’s something you’ll need to adjust to. 

Compared to the LCD screen of the iPhone 8 Plus, there are times when you can see less of the action, but compare them side by side and you’ll see that the overall richness, depth and quality for watching movies is just higher on the iPhone X.

Like the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, the X uses a True Tone display, which mimics the lighting conditions around it and will adjust the white balance accordingly. It’s not a reason to buy the phone on its own, but it’s a really premium little extra that you’ll grow to like.

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Pexels is a website and app that hosts thousands of stock media files that are available to all internet users.

The website accumulated and curated the media files with online creatives, particularly web designers, in mind.

Pexel’s goal is to provide visual elements that help creatives tell their story.

Pexels’ library contains high-resolution and compositionally-sharp media to help web designers achieve their creative vision.

What is Pexels Used For?

The flexibility of Pexels makes it a valuable resource for web designers and content creators alike.

It is a royalty-free stock-media platform owned by popular graphic design platform, Canva.

Pexels boasts a vast library of photography stills and video clips that are free for anyone with an internet connection and a little technical know-how.

Pexel’s media library design is intuitive.

The platform’s prominent search bar ensures users can easily navigate the breadth of quality media available for use.

All media on Pexels can be used without attribution for commercial or personal use.

Pexel’s media can also be edited and reproduced at will.

This is a great option for spicing up a blog, as these media files can be used for a WordPress featured image that makes your blog look great.

How Pexels Works

Pexels is a straightforward platform for users; users simply need to browse media, download it, and create their vision.

Pexels relies on a global network of photographers and videographers to provide quality content for the platform.

Contributors upload their media to Pexels for free in exchange for a modest payment and exposure.

Pexels users can explore media contributions without limitation according to subject or contributor.

Pexels also offers users a discovery feature that allows content creators to follow an organic creative process.

Once users find a media file they like, they are free to download it and use it in whatever capacity they wish.

Pexels’ flexible reproduction license allows users to reproduce content without worrying about copyright or trademark infringement.

Notable Features of Pexels

Pexels offers users and contributors many notable features that enhance the creative process.

1. Organized Library of Thousands of Media Files

Pexels’s largest draw is its easily navigable library of thousands of quality media files.

The website’s intuitive and easy-to-use search function allows users to quickly sift through the platform’s numerous offerings to locate prime visual media for their projects.

Users also benefit from a global contributor community that consistently uploads diverse media from cultures worldwide.

2. Pexels App

In addition to its website, Pexels offers users a free application available for download on Apple and Android devices.

The app allows busy creatives to realize their vision on the go.

3. Leaderboard

Pexels leaderboard highlights the platform’s top contributors.

Users can gain inspiration for their projects by browsing collections from Pexel’s top contributors.

Top contributors distinguish themselves for their artistic approach and productivity.

4. Free Stock Video Clips

In addition to still imagery, Pexels also offers a large library of stock video clips.

Pexels regularly tops the top eight for best websites offering stock video.

5. Challenges

Pexels hosts what it calls challenges.

Challenges are specific subjects or topics that Pexels incentivizes users to cover.

For example, in the weeks leading up to Earth Day, Pexels hosted an Earth-specific challenge that incentivized its contributors to capture Earth Day-related imagery.

Pexels users find challenges like the Earth Day challenge useful because they receive numerous media files about a single, salient topic.

Are There any Minimum Requirements Necessary To Use Pexels?

Users need a computer and an internet connection to use Pexels.

How Much Does Pexels Cost?

Pexels offers a single plan that is free for all users.

There are no subscription or membership fees to use Pexels—users may download and use Pexels photos even if they lack a Pexels account.

All users enjoy unlimited access to thousands of still images and video clips.

Pexels does ask that media be used responsibly in a way that does not disparage the media producer or platform.

Pexel’s free plan includes access to its media library, downloads and reproduction of stock media, and flexibility in stock media use.

Does Pexels Have an Enterprise Version Available?

Again, Pexels is 100% free for all users.

Media is available for commercial and personal use free of charge.

Pexels Promotions & Savings

Pexels does not offer special promotions or savings.

Does Pexels Have a Free Trial?

Users can enjoy Pexel’s services and products for free without limitations.

Does Pexels Offer Coupon Codes?

Pexels does not offer coupon codes.

Does Pexels Have a Lifetime Deal?

For now, Pexels is freely available to everyone.

Does Pexels Usually Offer Black Friday or Cyber Monday Discounts?

Pexels does not offer Black Friday or Cyber Monday discounts.

Who Are Pexels’ Main Alternatives?

Despite Pexels’s popularity, the platform is far from the first to offer consumers royalty-free images and videos.

Pexels is one of many companies that offer consumers access to a vast media library for personal and commercial use.

The top three alternatives to Pexels are PixaBay, Shutterstock, and Unsplash.

1. PixaBay

Pixabay is an online community of image creators who upload their work for royalty-free use on the internet.

PixaBay offers users over a million media files that can be freely downloaded and used for personal or commercial use.

Most media on PixaBay is free to use without attribution.

Some media files require either attribution or purchase.

The primary difference between PixaBay and Pexels is that the latter does not require either.

2. Shutterstock

Shutterstock is one of the most popular stock media websites.

Shutterstock’s media library is vast, with over 200 million images available for user use.

The catch is that many of these images are pay-per-use or require attribution, unlike Pexels’ media.

3. Unsplash

Unsplash is a new website for sharing stock imagery.

Founded in 2013, Unsplash features an impressive library of over three million photographs.

The website is similar in layout and function to its parent company, Getty Images. Like Pexels, Unsplash allows users to download and reproduce stock media for free without limitations.

Unlike Pexels, Unsplash has a limited supply of stock video clips.

How Does Pexels Differentiate Itself from Competitors?

Pexels stands out from other stock media sites because it has no hidden fees.

All of Pexels’ media can be freely used and reproduced, making it a boon for creators looking to cut costs.

Pexels has also created a vibrant community of media contributors.

It has implemented proprietary leaderboards and challenges.

Pexel’s thriving contributor community lets users enjoy a constant supply of cutting-edge visual media for their projects.

Who is Pexels Best For?

Pexels is an extraordinary media resource for web designers looking to add visual appeal to their websites.

Pexels is also useful for content creators looking to add visual interest to their content.

Pexels is best for web designers on a budget.

Web designers have numerous details to organize and execute when developing a website.

Pexels’s vast media library allows web designers to quickly source visual elements for the layout of their website in an engaging and screen-friendly way.

Why is Pexels Best For Content Creation?

Pexels is a valuable resource for content creation because it is 100% free to use.

It hosts a global community of professional photographers and videographers.

Pexels’s simple interface allows busy content creators to locate media fast to improve their content’s visual appeal.

Pexels’s flexible license allows content creators to focus on their projects instead of worrying about legal infringements.

Is Pexels Easy To Use?

Users laud Pexels for its intuitive layout and utilitarian design. In general, users have a positive experience with Pexels.

In short, Pexels is easy to use.

Pexels is under the Canva domain, which means that the website works well and features the quick loading times that Canva users expect.

A simple and effective search function offers users a quick and painless way to sort through Pexels’s numerous offerings.

Overall, Pexels is intuitive to use.

What Features Do Some Users Love?

Pexels users return to the platform because of the high-quality images available in any file format.

They also love downloading files without attribution.

Pexels users appreciate the platform’s high-quality stock video.

The feature has proven increasingly useful as more and more online content creators use videography.

Users also enjoy Pexels’s flexible license that allows creators to edit stock media.

Once a creator has edited a stock image, it becomes copyrighted, which is convenient for creators looking to achieve a particular aesthetic.

The fact that users can create copyrightable content from free-source media is one of Pexels’s most valuable perks.

What Features Do Some Users Find Frustrating?

Most Pexels users are 100% satisfied with their experience, but some mention drawbacks.

Pexels often photoshops or edits imagery to achieve its media’s professional, stylized aesthetic, making it difficult for users to add their edits.

The drawback is a minor ding to the platform’s overall usability.

Pexels’ search functionality was designed to be beginner-friendly.

Pexels uses a subject-based search function that allows users to search for media based on a particular topic.

While the intuitive design is a plus for most users, some advanced users have noted that the search function is limited.

Users who use stock media for commercial use have niche interests.

They are not easily searchable using Pexels’ current search function.

Wrapping Up

Pexels is a stock media provider targeted at creative content producers.

Pexels offers users thousands of images and videos that cover a wide range of subjects from architecture to nature.

Pexels is a stand-out amongst comparable stock media websites because it is 100% free.

Pexels has a friendly user interface.

Its brimful library of quality, royalty-free media makes it an ideal resource for web designers and content creators.

We ask that you leave a review if you have used Pexels before to help our community better understand Pexels’ unique user experience.

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Apple has rules every user needs to follow if they want to get a refund on a purchase. For example, there are limits when it comes to the refund time, and if what you bought has been used or not. This is what you need to keep in mind if you think there is a chance you might return your purchase.

How to Get a Refund from the App Store Using Your iPad or iPhone

If what you purchased is an app, then these are the instructions for you. Open the Mail app on your iOS device and look for the receipt Apple sent you. Once your receipt is open look for the Report a Problem link.

When you get to Apple’s report a problem page, you’ll need to enter your Apple ID. Select Choose Problem and when the menu options show up choose the one that explains why you want a refund.

You can choose from options such as:

• I’d like to request a refund
• I didn’t authorize this purchase
• Didn’t approve this purchase
• Didn’t receive or unable to find purchase within the app
• App (or in-app) fails to install or won’t download
• The app doesn’t work or behave as expected

To finalize your refund request, follow the prompt and it gives you options to either visit the iTunes Store support, submit your problem, or to either contact the developer. Don’t panic if you don’t hear from Apple immediately since they should get back to you in a few days, a week at the most.

How to Get a Refund From Apple App Store From Any Browser

There is no obligation to use your iPhone or iPad to get a refund on an app. You can use any browser, and the process is just as easy as if you were using your iPad. First, you’ll need to go to Apple’s Report a Problem page.

Add your Apple ID  username or your Emails, either is fine and don’t forget to add your password. Click on the tab that describes what you’re going to return, such as a book, music, TV shows, apps, etc.

To the right of your purchase, you will see the Report a Problem link. Click on it and choose the reason for your return. Depending on the reason, Apple will either advise you to contact the developer directly, will accept your request, or direct you to iTunes Store support. You should hear from Apple within a few days.

Keep in mind that you can only make return 90 days from the day of your purchase. Don’t be surprised if you’re contacted by Apple to explain further why you want to return the app. If you say that you simply didn’t like the app or that you only needed to use it once, there is a good chance that Apple will deny your request for a refund.

Conclusion

No matter how much research you do, there will always come a time when you’ll need to return an app. The app could be overrated, and when you give it a try, it is not what you expected and only crashes. After you try and return your purchase, don’t forget to share your experience with me in the comments below.

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1. Reboot Your Mac

Mac troubleshooting is sometimes as simple as rebooting your computer. This is a quick fix as Macs tend to reboot quickly. There are a few different issues that rebooting may help. The main one being when an individual application is acting up. It may also help when the App Store isn’t working properly. If this doesn’t fix your problem, one of the other common tricks might.

2. Boot Mac Into Safe Mode

Booting your Mac into safe mode is just as easy as rebooting your mac the regular way. However, it does require a few additional steps. First, you’ll restart your Mac and instantly press and hold down the shift key. You’ll only hold shift down until a progress bar pops up at the bottom of the screen. This bar means your Mac is booting into safe mode that deletes additional caches.

3. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)

Resetting the SMC will be done differently depending on if you are using a desktop Mac or a MacBook. The steps for resetting the SMC on a desktop Mac include:

1.   Shut down the Mac

2.   Unplug the power cord

3.   Wait for 15 seconds

4.   Plug the power cord back in

5.   Wait five seconds before powering on the Mac

If you have a MacBook, the steps will be different. Here are the steps for those looking to reset the SMC on their MacBook:

1.   Shut down the MacBook

2.   Unplug the USB-C power adapter or MagSafe

3.   Press Shift-Control-Option and the power button at the same time

4.   Hold these buttons for 10 seconds before releasing the keys

5.   Reconnect the power adapter

6.   Press the power button to turn on the MacBook

It’s rare for a Mac user to need to reset the SMC, but this is one of the Mac troubleshooting tools you’ll want to know just in case.

If you are facing frequent issues with your mac then maybe it’s time to switch to a window pc. We would suggest you prefer a custom made one as they provide more value for money.

4. Reset Safari

You can only reset Safari on older versions of macOS. For newer versions, you can still clear caches even without the Reset Safari option. You’ll just need to click Safari and then Clear History.

For those using an older version of macOS, you can reset Safari and clear the caches by opening the application. Once opened, look in the upper left corner of the screen and click on the word ‘Safari’ and then select ‘Reset Safari.’ This will prompt a pop-up that will allow you to reset several things including your passwords.

5. Update Your Mac

Updating your Mac to the latest version of OS can help fix bug issues and much more. If your Mac can’t connect to app store, this could be your solution.

Apple tends to be proactive about fixing problems in its latest releases. You should always upgrade to the newest version when your Mac prompts you to do so.

6. Run Apple Diagnostics

When you can’t get down to the problem, you can run Apple diagnostics. This test will tell you if any problems are found and show you suggestion codes.

You may still have Mac troubleshooting questions after this test is complete. This is completely normal as some solutions are more complex than others. In some cases, you may have to take your Mac to a professional for help.

To run this Mac troubleshooting software, you’ll need to boot your Mac up while holding the D key down. Continue to do this until you are prompted to choose a language.

If this doesn’t work for you, reboot your system while holding down Option + D. This will carry out Apple diagnostics through the internet instead.

This will lead to the utility automatically checking the system. On older Mac systems, the test is called Apple Hardware Test.

7. Reconnect to the WiFi

Dealing with WiFi issues is frustrating and can happen on a Mac desktop or a MacBook. If you’ve ever let your computer sleep, you may find that you have no internet connection when it is back up and running.

Although not a serious issue, when it keeps happening, it is an annoying one. There is no long-term solution to fix the overall problem (that we know of). However, you can forget your WiFi network and reconnect to it whenever it happens.

To do this, you can click on the WiFi icon in the top right corner of your screen. You can disconnect from your network there or turn the WiFi off completely and then back on again.

You can also go to the Network page in System Preferences to disconnect from your network. By clicking the Advanced button, a list of preferred networks will show up. These are all of the networks you’ve connected to before.

You can highlight your WiFi network then press Remove to forget it. When the network is forgotten, you can use the WiFi icon to reconnect to the same network. Don’t forget your WiFi password!

Mac Troubleshooting for Every User

Mac troubleshooting will vary depending on the issue you are dealing with. Whether you have a desktop Mac or a MacBook, we hope one of these solutions works for you.

If not, your best bet may be to visit an Apple store or repair store for help. Some Mac problems will be too complex to deal with on your own.

Next time you have an issue with your computer, try one of these troubleshooting tips.

For more articles about tech and more, check out the other posts on our blog.

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