iPhone 11 vs 8: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can be a tough decision, especially when comparing older models with newer ones. Are you trying to decide between the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 8? This comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the best choice for your needs and budget.
The iPhone 8, a classic design, still holds its own in the smartphone market. It offers a reliable experience with a familiar feel. The iPhone 11, on the other hand, brings significant upgrades in several areas, including performance and camera capabilities.
We’ll delve into the specifics, examining the design, display, performance, camera, and battery life of both phones. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what each iPhone offers and which one is the better fit for you.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 4.7-inch |
| Display Type | Liquid Retina HD | Retina HD |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A11 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 2GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP Dual-camera | 12MP Single-camera |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Face ID | No | No |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Dimensions | 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- iPhone 11: Features a more modern design with a glass back and a larger display. It has a slightly thicker build than the 8 but offers a more premium feel. The camera bump is more prominent.
- 8: Maintains the familiar design of the iPhone 6/7 series with a glass back. It’s slimmer and lighter than the 11. Some may find the design dated compared to newer models.
- Winner: 11
Display
- iPhone 11: Features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display. It offers good color accuracy and brightness, but the resolution is lower than some competitors.
- 8: Boasts a 4.7-inch Retina HD display. It’s sharp and vibrant for its size, but smaller and lower resolution than the 11.
- Winner: 11
Processor
- iPhone 11: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, offering significant performance improvements over the 8. It delivers faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better graphics performance.
- 8: Equipped with the A11 Bionic chip, which is still capable but shows its age. It handles everyday tasks well, but may struggle with demanding games and applications compared to newer chips.
- Winner: 11
Camera
- iPhone 11: Features a dual-camera system with 12MP wide and ultrawide lenses. Offers improved low-light performance, Night mode, and better video stabilization.
- 8: Has a single 12MP wide-angle lens. Takes good photos in daylight, but lacks the versatility and low-light capabilities of the 11’s camera system.
- Winner: 11
Battery Life
- iPhone 11: Provides significantly better battery life than the 8, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use.
- 8: Offers decent battery life, but generally requires charging by the end of the day with moderate usage.
- Winner: 11
Storage Options
- iPhone 11: Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options.
- 8: Available in 64GB and 256GB storage options.
- Winner: 11 (due to larger range of storage options)
Durability
- iPhone 11: Offers improved water resistance (IP68) compared to the 8. The glass is also more resistant to scratches and cracks.
- 8: Has an IP67 rating, making it water-resistant, but less so than the 11. The glass is more prone to damage.
- Winner: 11
Price
- iPhone 11: Was originally more expensive but is now available at a lower price point, especially used or refurbished, making it a good value.
- 8: Generally available at a lower price point than the 11, especially used.
- Winner: 8 (due to lower price)
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | iPhone 11 |
| Performance | iPhone 11 |
| Camera | iPhone 11 |
| Battery Life | iPhone 11 |
| Design | iPhone 8 (for smaller size preference) |
| Value | iPhone 8 (depending on price) |
What They Have in Common:
- Wireless Charging: Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 8 support wireless charging, providing a convenient way to power up your device. This feature utilizes the Qi standard for compatibility with various charging pads.
- Water Resistance: Both phones offer water resistance, protecting them from splashes and brief submersion. However, the iPhone 11 has a slightly higher IP rating.
- Storage Options: Both models were offered with the same storage options, allowing users to choose between 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB configurations. This provides flexibility based on individual storage needs.
- 4K Video Recording: Both phones can record video in 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second, allowing for high-quality video capture. This feature is great for preserving memories in sharp detail.
- Portrait Mode: Both phones offer portrait mode, allowing users to capture photos with blurred backgrounds for a professional look. The iPhone 11’s portrait mode is enhanced.
iPhone 11 Vs 8 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPhone 11 boasts a significantly more powerful A13 Bionic chip compared to the A11 Bionic chip in the iPhone 8. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced graphics performance, particularly noticeable in demanding games and applications. The A13 also features improved machine learning capabilities, further boosting overall responsiveness. The iPhone 8, while still capable, lags behind in overall speed and efficiency, making the iPhone 11 a clear winner for demanding users.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 11 features a dual-camera system with a 12MP ultrawide lens, offering greater versatility in capturing photos and videos. This enables wide-angle shots and improved low-light performance through Night mode. The iPhone 8, with its single-lens 12MP camera, lacks these features, limiting its photographic capabilities. The iPhone 11 offers a more advanced and versatile camera experience, allowing for more creative and high-quality photography.
Display Quality
The iPhone 11 sports a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, providing vibrant colors and good brightness. The iPhone 8 features a smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD display. While both offer sharp visuals, the iPhone 11’s larger screen is better for media consumption and gaming. The iPhone 11 screen is also generally brighter, offering a better viewing experience in direct sunlight. The overall experience is more immersive.
Battery Life Comparison
Battery life is a significant improvement in the iPhone 11. It can easily last a full day of moderate to heavy use, thanks to its larger battery and the efficiency of the A13 Bionic chip. The iPhone 8, with its smaller battery, often struggles to last a full day, especially with intensive usage. This makes the iPhone 11 a more reliable choice for users who prioritize battery longevity.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones share a similar design language with glass backs and aluminum frames. However, the iPhone 11 has a slightly more modern look with a larger display and the dual-camera setup. The iPhone 8 is more compact. Durability is comparable, with both phones using durable glass. The iPhone 11 is generally more resistant to scratches and impacts, due to advancements in glass technology.
Software and Updates
Both phones run iOS, but the iPhone 11 will receive software updates for a longer period. The iPhone 11, being the newer model, will be supported with the latest iOS versions for several years to come, ensuring access to new features and security patches. The iPhone 8 is still supported, but its update cycle will eventually end sooner than the iPhone 11’s. This ensures iPhone 11 users will have access to the latest software and security features for longer.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 11 If…
- You want a larger and more vibrant display.
- You prioritize a significantly better camera system with Night mode.
- You want longer battery life.
- You desire a more powerful processor for faster performance.
Buy iPhone 8 If…
- You prefer a smaller, more compact phone.
- You are on a tighter budget.
- You don’t need the advanced camera features of the iPhone 11.
- You are upgrading from an older iPhone and want a familiar design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The iPhone 11 uses the A13 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance boost over the A11 Bionic in the iPhone 8. This results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced graphics performance in games and other demanding applications. The A13 chip also has improved machine learning capabilities, which makes the overall user experience more responsive and fluid. This difference is very noticeable in everyday use.
How does the camera compare between the two phones?
The iPhone 11 has a dual-camera system with an ultrawide lens and Night mode, providing greater versatility and improved low-light performance. The iPhone 8 has a single-lens camera. The iPhone 11’s camera offers superior image quality, wider dynamic range, and more creative options. The addition of Night mode is a significant advantage, delivering vastly improved low-light photos and videos.
What is the battery life like on each phone?
The iPhone 11 provides substantially better battery life than the iPhone 8, often lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use. The iPhone 8’s battery may not last a full day for some users, especially those who use their phone extensively. The iPhone 11’s improved battery efficiency, combined with its larger battery capacity, makes it a much more reliable choice for all-day use.
Is the display quality different?
The iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, while the iPhone 8 has a 4.7-inch Retina HD display. The iPhone 11’s larger screen is better for media consumption and gaming. The iPhone 11’s display is also generally brighter, offering a more immersive viewing experience, especially when compared to the smaller screen on the iPhone 8.
Which phone is more durable?
Both phones have glass backs and aluminum frames, providing a decent level of durability. However, the iPhone 11 uses newer glass technology, which is generally more resistant to scratches and impacts. While both phones are relatively durable, the iPhone 11 may offer slightly better protection against everyday wear and tear, due to its improved glass composition.
How long will each phone receive software updates?
The iPhone 11 will receive software updates for a longer period than the iPhone 8. Apple typically supports its iPhones with the latest iOS versions for several years after their release. The iPhone 11, being the newer model, will continue to receive updates for longer, ensuring access to the latest features and security patches. The iPhone 8’s support lifespan will eventually end sooner.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone 11 is better for gaming due to its more powerful A13 Bionic chip, larger display, and improved graphics performance. The A13 chip allows for smoother gameplay and faster loading times in demanding games. The larger screen of the iPhone 11 provides a more immersive gaming experience. The iPhone 8 is still capable, but the iPhone 11 offers a superior gaming experience overall.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 11 offers significant improvements over the iPhone 8, including a more powerful processor, a superior camera system with an ultrawide lens and Night mode, a larger and brighter display, and significantly improved battery life. While the iPhone 8 remains a capable device, the iPhone 11 provides a much more modern and enhanced user experience across all key aspects.
Winner: iPhone 11