10 Factors to Consider Before Ordering Apple’s iPhone X

Apple will start taking preorders for the iPhone X Oct. 27 before shipping the smartphone phone to buyers and distributors Nov. 3. Apple will be watching closely to see if the iPhone X ignites sales of its smartphones after early sales of the newly released iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus failed to match previous models. However, ordering the iPhone X means consumers around the world are prepared to pay for the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever offered. Before making the decision to order the iPhone X, consumers should consider the total cost of owning an iPhone X, potential operational glitches and some of the alternatives on the market. This slide show give users a full rundown of some factors to consider before spending more than $1,000 on an iPhone X.

Apple’s iPhone X is a major upgrade that includes features not available in any previous  smartphone. However, those features might not work as well as expected, at least at first. In fact, several reports said Apple had troubles with front-facing camera production and the iPhone X’s screen. Being an early adopter could be rewarding—or a big pain.

According to several reports, Apple had problems getting the desired number of units into its channel and will have only 2 million to 3 million iPhone Xs available at launch. That could be a problem for those wanting the device on the first day. With low supply, some buyers may need to scramble to find available product. It will be interesting to see how preorders and deliveries work.

It’s also worth noting that time is of the essence with the iPhone X. According to most market reports, demand for the handset is strong and there’s a good chance that reported supply problems will make it difficult to buy an iPhone X on day one, so people will rush to line up in Apple Stores and carriers.

Apple’s iPhone X has several important new features, including a Face ID facial scanner for enhanced security and wireless charging. Its revamped, bezel-free design means there’s no physical home button. The screen is the largest ever for an iPhone, at 5.8 inches, and the first from Apple to use OLED technology.

The iPhone X is by no means an inexpensive device. The 64GB version is priced at $999, making it the most expensive handset Apple has ever offered. Buyers who want a model with 256GB of onboard storage will pay $1,149.

Like its predecessors, the iPhone X is a carrier-agnostic smartphone that will be available to Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile network customers. Customers can also buy the iPhone X unlocked from Apple and move the smartphone from carrier to carrier without any delay. All of  Apple’s carrier partners will sell the iPhone X starting on launch day.

Apple’s retail partners also will carry the iPhone X. Chief among them are Best Buy, Walmart and Target, which will have Apple’s handset starting on launch day. Pricing will be the same at Apple’s third-party retail outlets as it is elsewhere.

The iPhone X will be available for pre-order at the Apple Store, Apple.com, carrier stores and third-party retailers starting at 3:01 a.m. EDT or 12:01 a.m. PDT starting Friday, Oct. 27. Customers also can preorder the iPhone X through Apple’s Apple Store mobile app.

All Apple retail stores, its online store, carrier outlets and third-party retailer stores will carry the iPhone X on launch day Nov. 3. But because of the short supply and high demand, there’s a good chance that those who didn’t preorder will experience long lines at retail outlets and delays to get an iPhone X.

Apple’s iPhone X is expensive, and its accessories and other equipment will make it even more costly. Few docks built for previous iPhones will fit the iPhone X, and since the screen covers the handset’s entire face, the smartphone should have a protective case. Apple included the Lightning connector in the iPhone X, which is good for accessories equipped with that feature, but the smartphone’s revamped design will render some third-party devices obsolete.