iPhone 8 vs Xs: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Stuck between choosing an older classic or a more modern marvel? The iPhone 8 and iPhone XS represent two distinct eras of Apple’s smartphone evolution. Choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many factors to consider like performance, camera capabilities, and overall value.
The iPhone 8, released in 2017, offered a familiar design and reliable performance. It was a solid choice for those seeking a dependable iPhone experience. Fast forward to 2018, and the iPhone XS arrived, boasting significant upgrades and a more premium feel, setting a new standard for Apple’s flagship devices.
This comparison dives deep into the key differences between the iPhone 8 and iPhone XS. We will examine their displays, processors, cameras, battery life, and price points. By the end of this analysis, you’ll have a clear understanding of which iPhone best suits your needs and budget, helping you make the perfect decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 8 | iPhone XS |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7 inches | 5.8 inches |
| Display Technology | Retina HD | Super Retina |
| Processor | A11 Bionic | A12 Bionic |
| RAM | 2GB | 4GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K at 60fps | 4K at 60fps |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Face ID | No | Yes |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 8: Features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. It offers good color accuracy and brightness for everyday use. However, the bezels are relatively large compared to modern phones.
- Xs: Boasts a 5.8-inch Super Retina display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels. This OLED display provides vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and excellent contrast, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience. It also has a significantly higher screen-to-body ratio due to the removal of the home button.
- Winner: xs
Processor
- iPhone 8: Powered by the A11 Bionic chip, which was a powerful processor at the time of its release. It still handles most tasks smoothly, but it is noticeably slower than more modern chips.
- Xs: Equipped with the A12 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance boost over the A11. The A12 is faster and more efficient, making for smoother multitasking and better gaming performance.
- Winner: xs
Camera
- iPhone 8: Features a single 12MP rear camera. It takes good quality photos in well-lit conditions, but struggles in low light. It offers features like Portrait Mode with a single lens, but the edge detection isn’t as precise as later models.
- Xs: Includes a dual 12MP rear camera system with wide-angle and telephoto lenses. This setup allows for improved Portrait Mode with more precise background blur, and optical zoom. The camera also performs better in low-light conditions.
- Winner: xs
Design
- iPhone 8: Retains the classic iPhone design with a glass back and aluminum frame. It has a physical home button and substantial bezels. It’s a familiar and comfortable design.
- Xs: Features an edge-to-edge display with a stainless steel frame and a glass back. It eliminates the home button in favor of gestures, offering a more modern and premium look.
- Winner: xs
Water Resistance
- iPhone 8: Offers IP67 water and dust resistance, which means it can withstand splashes and brief submersion in water.
- Xs: Boasts IP68 water and dust resistance, providing greater protection against water submersion. It can withstand being submerged in deeper water for longer periods.
- Winner: xs
Battery Life
- iPhone 8: Offers decent battery life, but it can struggle to last a full day with heavy use.
- Xs: Has improved battery life compared to the iPhone 8, typically lasting a full day with moderate use.
- Winner: xs
Storage Options
- iPhone 8: Available in 64GB and 256GB storage options.
- Xs: Available in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, providing users with more choices for storing files, apps, and media.
- Winner: xs
Price (at launch)
- iPhone 8: Started at a lower price point compared to the iPhone Xs.
- Xs: Positioned as a premium device, it launched at a higher price than the iPhone 8.
- Winner: iphone 8 (if considering launch price)
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | iPhone XS |
| Performance | iPhone XS |
| Camera | iPhone XS |
| Design | iPhone XS |
| Battery Life | iPhone XS |
| Value | iPhone 8 |
What They Have in Common
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing convenient ways to power up without the need for cables.
- Video Recording: Both iPhone models offer impressive video recording capabilities, including 4K at 60fps, allowing users to capture high-quality footage.
- Headphone Jack: Neither phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring users to use wireless headphones or a Lightning adapter.
- Wireless Connectivity: Both phones support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration with other devices and networks.
- Operating System: Both phones run on iOS, providing a consistent user experience with regular software updates.
iPhone 8 vs XS Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone XS boasts a significantly more powerful A12 Bionic chip compared to the iPhone 8’s A11 Bionic. This results in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in graphically intensive games. The XS also includes a neural engine for advanced machine learning tasks, enhancing features like Face ID and photo processing. While the iPhone 8 is still a capable phone for everyday tasks, the XS offers a noticeable boost in speed and responsiveness that is particularly apparent in demanding applications.
Display
The iPhone XS features a stunning 5.8-inch Super Retina display with OLED technology, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. This is a considerable upgrade from the iPhone 8’s 4.7-inch Retina HD display, which uses LCD technology. The XS’s display also supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision for enhanced video playback. The larger, more immersive display of the XS provides a significantly better viewing experience for watching videos, browsing the web, and playing games.
Camera
The iPhone XS introduces a dual-camera system with a wide-angle and telephoto lens, enabling features like Portrait mode with advanced bokeh effects and optical zoom. The XS’s Smart HDR technology significantly improves image quality in various lighting conditions. The iPhone 8, on the other hand, has a single-lens camera that takes good photos but lacks the versatility and advanced features of the XS. The XS’s camera system is a major upgrade, offering better low-light performance, more detail, and creative options.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone XS features a sleek all-screen design with a stainless steel frame and glass back, offering a premium feel and improved durability. The iPhone 8 has a more traditional design with thick bezels and an aluminum frame. The XS also boasts IP68 water and dust resistance, while the iPhone 8 has IP67. The XS’s design is more modern and refined, with a focus on premium materials and improved protection against the elements. The XS feels more luxurious and durable.
Battery Life
While battery life improvements are not drastic, the iPhone XS typically offers slightly better battery performance compared to the iPhone 8. This is primarily due to the more efficient A12 Bionic chip and software optimizations. The difference in battery life might be noticeable during heavy usage, but both phones should easily last a full day of moderate use. The XS provides a small advantage, especially for users who frequently use demanding apps and games.
Price and Value
The iPhone 8 is generally available at a lower price point than the iPhone XS, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the XS offers a significant upgrade in terms of performance, display, camera, and design. The value proposition depends on individual needs and priorities. If budget is a primary concern, the iPhone 8 is a good choice. However, the iPhone XS provides a more premium experience and a longer lifespan, potentially offering better value in the long run.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 8 If…
- You’re looking for a more affordable iPhone.
- You prefer a smaller, more compact phone size.
- You don’t need the latest processor or camera upgrades.
- You are satisfied with a single-lens camera.
Buy iPhone XS If…
- You want the best performance and latest features.
- You desire a larger, more immersive display with a higher resolution.
- You want a more advanced camera system with dual lenses and improved low-light performance.
- You want Face ID for secure and convenient unlocking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The iPhone XS is equipped with the A12 Bionic chip, significantly outperforming the iPhone 8’s A11 Bionic. This means faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in graphically intensive games. The A12 also includes a dedicated neural engine for advanced machine learning tasks, enhancing features like Face ID and photo processing. The XS offers a noticeable speed and responsiveness boost.
How does the display quality compare?
The iPhone XS features a 5.8-inch Super Retina display with OLED technology, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The iPhone 8 has a 4.7-inch Retina HD display using LCD technology. The XS’s display supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision. The XS offers a significantly better viewing experience and a more immersive display for videos, web browsing, and gaming.
What camera features does the XS have that the 8 doesn’t?
The iPhone XS boasts a dual-camera system with a wide-angle and telephoto lens, enabling features like Portrait mode with advanced bokeh effects and optical zoom. Smart HDR technology also improves image quality significantly. The iPhone 8 has a single-lens camera, which lacks the versatility and advanced features of the XS. The XS offers enhanced low-light performance and creative options.
Is the design of the XS better than the 8?
The iPhone XS features a sleek all-screen design with a stainless steel frame and glass back, providing a premium feel and enhanced durability. The iPhone 8 has a more traditional design with thick bezels and an aluminum frame. The XS also has IP68 water and dust resistance, while the iPhone 8 has IP67. The XS’s design is more modern and feels more luxurious.
How does the battery life compare between the two phones?
The iPhone XS generally offers slightly better battery performance than the iPhone 8, primarily due to the more efficient A12 Bionic chip and software optimizations. The difference in battery life might be noticeable during heavy usage. Both phones should last a full day of moderate use. The XS provides a marginal advantage, especially for users who use demanding apps.
What is the water resistance rating for each phone?
The iPhone XS has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 8 has an IP67 rating, which means it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The XS offers a slightly improved level of protection against water and dust.
Which phone is a better value for the money?
The iPhone 8 is generally more affordable. However, the iPhone XS offers significant upgrades in performance, display, camera, and design. The best value depends on individual needs. If budget is a priority, the iPhone 8 is a good choice. However, the XS offers a more premium experience and potentially better long-term value due to its advanced features and longer lifespan.
Final Verdict
The iPhone XS is a clear winner, offering significant improvements over the iPhone 8 in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and design. While the iPhone 8 remains a capable device, the XS provides a more premium experience and advanced features that justify its higher price. The XS excels in nearly every category, making it the superior choice for those seeking the best possible iPhone experience.
Winner: iPhone XS