iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone X: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can be tough, especially when you’re looking at older models that still pack a punch. The iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X, both released in the late 2010s, offer a compelling blend of features and performance, making the decision even harder. Both phones represent significant advancements in Apple’s smartphone lineup, but they cater to slightly different preferences and budgets.
The iPhone 8 Plus, with its classic design, features a familiar Home button and a robust build. It was a well-regarded device known for its excellent battery life and reliable performance. The iPhone X, on the other hand, marked a major design shift for Apple, introducing the all-screen display and Face ID.
This comparison delves into the key differences between the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X. We’ll examine their displays, cameras, performance, and overall user experience. This guide will help you determine which iPhone best suits your needs and budget, helping you make an informed decision for your next phone purchase.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 8 Plus | iPhone X |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.5 inches | 5.8 inches |
| Display Technology | Retina HD | Super Retina |
| Processor | A11 Bionic | A11 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 3GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K at 60fps | 4K at 60fps |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Face ID | No | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- iPhone 8 Plus: Features a familiar design with an aluminum frame and glass back. It retains the traditional thick bezels and the physical home button. This design is comfortable for some but is beginning to look dated compared to newer models.
- iPhone X: Introduces a radical design with an edge-to-edge OLED display, stainless steel frame, and glass back. It eliminates the home button in favor of gestures, offering a more modern and immersive experience.
- Winner: iPhone X
Display
- iPhone 8 Plus: Equipped with a 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD display. While it offers good color accuracy and brightness, it lacks the contrast and vibrancy of OLED displays.
- iPhone X: Showcases a 5.8-inch Super Retina display (OLED) with higher resolution, deeper blacks, and wider color gamut. The edge-to-edge design enhances the viewing experience.
- Winner: iPhone X
Processor
- iPhone 8 Plus: Powered by the A11 Bionic chip, which provides fast performance and efficient power management. It handles everyday tasks and demanding apps smoothly.
- iPhone X: Also utilizes the A11 Bionic chip, delivering identical performance to the iPhone 8 Plus. Both phones offer excellent speed and responsiveness.
- Winner: Tie
Camera
- iPhone 8 Plus: Features a dual 12MP camera system with wide-angle and telephoto lenses. Offers Portrait Mode with advanced features and good overall image quality.
- iPhone X: Also has a dual 12MP camera system, but with improved sensors and image processing. Offers Portrait Mode with Portrait Lighting, and generally slightly better image quality.
- Winner: iPhone X
Face ID vs Touch ID
- iPhone 8 Plus: Uses Touch ID for biometric authentication, utilizing a fingerprint sensor built into the home button. It’s a secure and familiar method.
- iPhone X: Replaces Touch ID with Face ID, a facial recognition system. It’s more secure, but some users might find it less convenient.
- Winner: iPhone X
Battery Life
- iPhone 8 Plus: Provides good battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage.
- iPhone X: Offers similar battery life to the iPhone 8 Plus, with comparable performance.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone 8 Plus: Typically available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- iPhone X: Was more expensive when new, and even used models often command a higher price.
- Winner: iPhone 8 Plus
Storage Options
- iPhone 8 Plus: Offered in storage options like 64GB and 256GB.
- iPhone X: Offered in storage options like 64GB and 256GB.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design | iPhone X |
| Display | iPhone X |
| Features | iPhone X |
| Performance | Tie |
| Value | iPhone 8 Plus |
What They Have in Common
- Processor: Both phones are powered by the A11 Bionic chip, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications.
- Camera Quality: Both devices feature dual 12MP rear cameras that capture excellent photos and videos, including 4K video recording.
- Wireless Charging: Both the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- Water Resistance: Both phones are rated IP67, offering protection against water and dust.
- Storage Options: Both offer a variety of storage options, allowing users to choose the amount of space that best suits their needs.
iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone X Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone X boasts a more powerful A11 Bionic chip compared to the iPhone 8 Plus’s A11 Bionic. While both phones deliver snappy performance, the X handles demanding tasks and graphics-intensive games with slightly more ease. The X’s neural engine also aids in machine learning tasks, contributing to improved face recognition and augmented reality experiences. The 8 Plus still performs admirably, but the X takes the lead in overall processing power and future-proofing.
The iPhone X also has a slight advantage in RAM, which allows for better multitasking and smoother switching between applications. Both phones run iOS efficiently, but the X’s enhanced performance ensures a more responsive user experience, particularly when running the latest iOS updates. Ultimately, the X offers a more potent performance profile.
Design & Display
The iPhone X introduced a radical redesign with its edge-to-edge OLED display, eliminating the home button and featuring a notch at the top. This results in a larger screen real estate within a similar-sized body compared to the iPhone 8 Plus. The 8 Plus retains the classic design with thick bezels and a physical home button. The X’s display is sharper and offers vibrant colors, while the 8 Plus has a good LCD screen.
The iPhone X’s glass back also supports wireless charging, a feature absent in the iPhone 8 Plus. The X feels more modern and sleek, while the 8 Plus offers a more familiar and comfortable grip for some users. The design difference is a major factor, with the X being a more visually appealing option, especially for users wanting a contemporary look.
Camera Capabilities
Both phones feature dual 12MP rear cameras, but the iPhone X offers some advantages. The X’s telephoto lens has optical image stabilization, which improves low-light performance and video recording. Both phones take great photos, but the X’s camera system provides slightly better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The X also has a superior front-facing camera.
The iPhone X introduces Portrait Mode with Portrait Lighting on both the front and rear cameras, offering more advanced effects. While the 8 Plus has Portrait Mode, the X’s implementation is generally considered superior. Both record 4K video, but the X’s stabilization and overall image processing give it a slight edge. The X offers a more versatile and refined camera experience.
Battery Life
The iPhone 8 Plus generally offers slightly better battery life than the iPhone X. Its larger body allows for a bigger battery capacity. The X’s edge-to-edge display and advanced features contribute to higher power consumption. However, the difference in battery life isn’t dramatically significant for most users. Battery performance depends on usage patterns.
Heavy users might notice the 8 Plus lasting longer on a single charge. Both phones can easily last a full day with moderate use. Ultimately, the 8 Plus provides slightly better battery endurance, which is a key consideration for power users who prioritize longer usage times without needing to recharge.
Price & Value
When initially released, the iPhone X was significantly more expensive than the iPhone 8 Plus. Today, both phones are available at varying price points depending on their condition and the seller. Considering their age, the 8 Plus often offers better value for money, especially if you prioritize functionality over cutting-edge features. The price difference can be a significant factor.
The value proposition depends on your budget and needs. If you’re looking for a more affordable option that still delivers excellent performance, the iPhone 8 Plus can be a smart choice. However, if you want the latest features and are willing to pay a premium, the iPhone X remains a solid option. Consider your budget and priorities.
Features & Innovations
The iPhone X introduced several innovative features, including Face ID, the notch, and an edge-to-edge display. Face ID replaced the home button, providing a secure and convenient way to unlock the phone and authenticate purchases. The X also supports Animoji and Memoji, adding fun and engaging features to the user experience.
The iPhone 8 Plus, while still a capable phone, lacks these key innovations. It retains the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, which is still a reliable security feature. Both phones run iOS and support all the core Apple services, but the X offers a more futuristic and immersive experience due to its unique features and design elements. The X showcases more advancements.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 8 Plus If…
- You prefer a physical home button.
- You want a larger screen size.
- You prefer a more traditional iPhone design.
- You want a slightly more affordable option.
Buy iPhone X If…
- You want the latest design with a nearly bezel-less display.
- You want Face ID for secure unlocking and authentication.
- You prioritize a more immersive display experience.
- You want a phone that feels more modern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Face ID and Touch ID?
Face ID uses facial recognition to unlock your phone and authenticate purchases, replacing the fingerprint sensor. Touch ID uses your fingerprint. Face ID is generally considered more secure and offers a more immersive experience. Both are reliable, but Face ID offers a more modern approach. The X has Face ID, the 8 Plus, Touch ID.
Does the iPhone X have a headphone jack?
No, the iPhone X, like the iPhone 8 Plus, does not have a headphone jack. Both phones require the use of Lightning EarPods or Bluetooth headphones. Apple also includes a Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter in the box for connecting traditional headphones. This was a move away from the traditional headphone port.
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone X has a superior display. It features an OLED display with richer colors, deeper blacks, and higher contrast compared to the iPhone 8 Plus’s LCD display. The X’s edge-to-edge design also provides a more immersive viewing experience. The X’s display is sharper and more vibrant, making it better for media consumption.
Does the iPhone 8 Plus have wireless charging?
Yes, the iPhone 8 Plus, like the iPhone X, supports wireless charging. Both phones have a glass back that allows them to charge wirelessly using Qi-compatible chargers. This feature offers a convenient way to charge your phone without plugging it in. Wireless charging is a key feature in both phones.
Which phone has a better camera for low-light photography?
The iPhone X’s camera system generally performs better in low-light conditions. The X’s telephoto lens has optical image stabilization, which helps reduce blur and improve image quality in challenging lighting. Both phones take excellent photos, but the X offers slightly better performance in low-light situations, especially when using the telephoto lens. The X’s performance is superior.
Which phone is more durable?
Both phones are made of glass and aluminum, making them susceptible to damage from drops and impacts. It is recommended that you use a case to protect both phones. There is no significant difference in durability between the two models. Both are durable with proper care, but a case is recommended for maximum protection.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone X has a slight edge in gaming due to its more powerful A11 Bionic chip and slightly better graphics performance. However, both phones can handle most mobile games without any issues. The X’s more powerful processor ensures smoother performance in graphically intensive games. Both phones provide enjoyable gaming experiences.
Final Verdict
The iPhone X offers a more modern design, superior display, and slightly enhanced performance and camera capabilities. While the iPhone 8 Plus remains a capable device, the X’s innovative features and overall user experience place it above the 8 Plus. The X provides a more refined and cutting-edge experience.
Despite the excellent value of the 8 Plus, the X’s technological advancements and premium features make it the superior choice for most users, particularly those seeking the latest Apple innovations. The X provides a more future-proof and immersive experience. It has a better display, camera and overall performance.
Winner: iPhone X