iPhone 8 vs iPhone X: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Stuck between two iconic iPhones? The iPhone 8 and the iPhone X both represent pivotal moments in Apple’s smartphone history. Choosing between them can be tough, as they offer different experiences and features.
This comparison dives deep, helping you decide which phone best fits your needs and budget. We’ll explore the design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience of both the iPhone 8 and the revolutionary iPhone X.
Get ready to uncover the key differences and similarities that will guide you to your perfect iPhone match. Whether you prioritize value or cutting-edge technology, this guide is your ultimate resource. Let’s see how these titans of the smartphone world stack up against each other!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 8 | iPhone X |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7 inches | 5.8 inches |
| Display Technology | Retina HD | Super Retina |
| Processor | A11 Bionic | A11 Bionic |
| RAM | 2GB | 3GB |
| Main Camera | 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 |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- iPhone 8: Features a familiar design with a glass back and aluminum frame, similar to previous iPhones. Offers a comfortable grip and is available in various colors. However, the design feels dated compared to the newer models.
- iPhone X: Introduces a radical redesign with a nearly bezel-less display, stainless steel frame, and glass back. Features a more modern and premium look, but the protruding camera and notch can be divisive.
- Winner: iphone X
Display
- iPhone 8: Equipped with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, which is bright and sharp. Lacks the immersive experience of newer displays, and the bezels are noticeable.
- iPhone X: Boasts a 5.8-inch Super Retina display with OLED technology, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a higher contrast ratio. The display is larger and more immersive.
- Winner: iphone X
Processor
- iPhone 8: Powered by the A11 Bionic chip, which is still a capable processor, handling most tasks with ease. Performance is slightly slower compared to the A12 Bionic in the iPhone X.
- iPhone X: Also uses the A11 Bionic chip, providing excellent performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. It is fast and efficient.
- Winner: Tie
Camera
- iPhone 8: Features a single 12MP rear camera, which takes excellent photos in good lighting conditions. Lacks the telephoto lens and Portrait Mode capabilities of the iPhone X.
- iPhone X: Includes a dual 12MP rear camera system with a telephoto lens, enabling optical zoom and Portrait Mode with advanced features like Portrait Lighting. Offers more versatility in photography.
- Winner: iphone X
Face ID vs. Touch ID
- iPhone 8: Uses Touch ID, the traditional fingerprint sensor, for unlocking the phone and authenticating payments. It is reliable but can be less convenient than Face ID in certain situations.
- iPhone X: Introduces Face ID, a facial recognition system, for unlocking the phone and authenticating payments. It offers a more secure and convenient unlocking experience.
- Winner: iphone X
Battery Life
- iPhone 8: Offers decent battery life, but it can struggle to last a full day with heavy usage. It is not as efficient as the iPhone X.
- iPhone X: Provides slightly improved battery life compared to the iPhone 8, typically lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use.
- Winner: iphone X
Price
- iPhone 8: Typically available at a lower price point, making it a more affordable option.
- iPhone X: Was initially released at a higher price, reflecting its premium features and design.
- Winner: iphone 8
Storage Options
- iPhone 8: Offered in fewer storage configurations.
- iPhone X: Offered in more storage configurations.
- Winner: iphone X
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | iPhone X |
| Design | iPhone X |
| Performance | Tie |
| Camera | iPhone X |
| Features | iPhone X |
| Value | iPhone 8 |
What They Have in Common
- Processor: Both the iPhone 8 and iPhone X are powered by the A11 Bionic chip, providing similar performance in terms of speed and efficiency. This ensures smooth multitasking and fast app loading across both devices.
- Water Resistance: Both phones share an IP67 water resistance rating, meaning they can withstand splashes and brief submersion in water. This offers peace of mind against accidental spills and exposure to the elements.
- Wireless Charging: Both models support wireless charging, allowing users to conveniently charge their phones using compatible charging pads. This eliminates the need for cables.
- 4K Video Recording: Both iPhones can record 4K video at 60 frames per second, allowing for high-quality video capture. This makes them suitable for content creators.
- Operating System: Both phones run on iOS, ensuring a consistent user experience with access to the same apps and features. They receive software updates.
Performance Buying Guide
Processor and Speed
The iPhone 8 runs on the A11 Bionic chip, a powerful processor that delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming. It’s fast and efficient, handling most apps and games without lag. The iPhone X, however, also features the A11 Bionic chip, providing an identical level of performance. Both phones offer snappy responsiveness, ensuring a fluid user experience. While both share the same processor, real-world usage differences in speed are minimal. The A11 Bionic was a significant leap in mobile processing at the time.
Display Quality
The iPhone 8 features a Retina HD display, which is bright and offers accurate color reproduction, making images and videos look vibrant. The display is great for everyday use, and is a big improvement from previous models. The iPhone X boasts a Super Retina display, utilizing OLED technology. This delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and a more immersive viewing experience, especially when watching movies or playing games. The iPhone X offers a more modern and visually stunning display compared to the iPhone 8.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 8 features a design similar to previous iPhones, with a glass back and aluminum frame, offering a classic look and feel. The glass back enables wireless charging, a new feature at the time. The iPhone X introduced a radical design change, with an all-screen front, a stainless steel frame, and glass back. The larger display takes up almost the entire front of the phone, and features a more premium look. The iPhone X has a more modern and premium design.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 8 has a single 12MP rear camera that takes excellent photos in various lighting conditions. It offers features like Portrait Mode (on the Plus model), which adds a bokeh effect to your photos. The iPhone X features a dual 12MP rear camera system, offering wider shots and telephoto lens. This allows for improved portrait mode with more depth control and 2x optical zoom. The iPhone X provides more versatility and better image quality in a wider range of shooting scenarios.
Battery Life
The iPhone 8 offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. It’s sufficient for most users, but heavy users might need to charge the phone during the day. The iPhone X tends to offer slightly better battery life due to its more efficient OLED display and slightly larger battery capacity. Both phones perform similarly, but the iPhone X offers a slight edge, especially during longer usage sessions. Battery life can vary based on usage patterns.
Features and Innovation
The iPhone 8 offers features like wireless charging, which was new at the time, and improved camera capabilities. It’s a solid upgrade over previous models. The iPhone X introduced innovative features like Face ID, replacing the home button with a gesture-based navigation system. The iPhone X offers a more futuristic experience with Face ID and the edge-to-edge display, along with Animoji. The iPhone X marked a turning point in iPhone design and user experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 8 If…
- You prefer a smaller, more compact phone that’s easier to handle with one hand.
- You want a reliable iPhone experience without the higher price tag of the iPhone X.
- You prefer the classic home button design and Touch ID.
- You don’t prioritize the latest display technology or advanced features.
Buy iPhone X If…
- You want the latest design with a larger, edge-to-edge display.
- You’re interested in Face ID for secure unlocking and authentication.
- You value the improved camera system with dual lenses and Portrait Mode.
- You want a more premium, modern iPhone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in the display?
The iPhone 8 has a Retina HD display, while the iPhone X has a Super Retina display. The Super Retina display on the iPhone X uses OLED technology, delivering deeper blacks, higher contrast, and a more vibrant viewing experience compared to the LCD-based display on the iPhone 8. This results in a more immersive visual experience.
Does the iPhone X have a better camera?
Yes, the iPhone X has a better camera system. It features a dual-lens 12MP camera setup, offering a wider range of shooting options, including 2x optical zoom, and improved portrait mode capabilities with more depth control. The iPhone 8 has a single-lens 12MP camera, which is still excellent but lacks the versatility of the iPhone X’s dual-lens setup.
What about the design?
The iPhone X features a more modern design with an edge-to-edge display and a stainless steel frame, making it look premium. The iPhone 8 has a more traditional design with bezels and an aluminum frame. The iPhone X offers a more futuristic look, while the iPhone 8 continues the classic iPhone aesthetic.
Is Face ID better than Touch ID?
Face ID, introduced with the iPhone X, is a secure facial recognition system that replaces the Touch ID fingerprint sensor. Face ID is generally very secure and convenient to use, and is often faster than Touch ID. However, it may face issues in certain lighting conditions. Touch ID, while reliable, may be faster in certain circumstances.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone X generally has slightly better battery life than the iPhone 8. This is primarily due to the more efficient OLED display and a slightly larger battery capacity. However, the difference is not significant, and both phones should last a full day with moderate usage. Battery life can vary based on your usage patterns.
Does the iPhone X support wireless charging?
Yes, both the iPhone 8 and the iPhone X support wireless charging. Both phones feature a glass back, allowing them to be charged wirelessly using compatible Qi-certified chargers. This convenience provides cable-free charging options.
Which phone is more expensive?
At the time of release, the iPhone X was significantly more expensive than the iPhone 8. The iPhone X had a higher starting price due to its advanced features, innovative design, and premium materials. The iPhone 8 was positioned as a more affordable option.
Final Verdict
The iPhone X stands out with its stunning Super Retina display, innovative Face ID, and a more advanced dual-lens camera system. While the iPhone 8 is a capable device with good performance, the iPhone X offers a more modern and premium experience. The iPhone X also boasts a more futuristic design. The iPhone X is a clear winner due to its superior features and design.
Winner: iPhone X