iPhone 8 Plus
The iPhone 8 Plus came out in 2017, and it might look old now, but it still works well. Even though it doesn’t get the latest iOS updates, it can still do a lot. Let’s look at its features, how well it works, and if it’s a good idea to buy one in 2024.
Should You Buy It?
In case you required a second phone or do not have much money, then the iPhone 8 Plus may still be suited for you. However, it cannot be used as your main phone in 2024 as a primary device for communication and interaction with the surrounding world. You get no new software updates, looks old, and does not include the ultra-wide camera.
If you really want a better phone, consider going slightly up the chain to get a more recently released model, such as the iPhone 11 or even the iPhone 13. These phones are faster, contain more new features and looks more modern.
iPhone 8plus still good for gaming
The iPhone 8 Plus, even though it’s old, can still be good for gaming in 2024. It has a strong chip and 3 GB of memory, which helps it run many games smoothly.
But, it might have trouble with some of the newest and most demanding games. If you play games that aren’t too heavy on graphics, the iPhone 8 Plus should work just fine.
iphone 8 plus specs
| Feature | iPhone 8 Plus |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 2017 |
| Operating System | iOS 11, upgradable to iOS 16.x |
| Chipset | Apple A11 Bionic |
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (three-core graphics) |
| RAM | 3 GB |
| Storage Options | 64 GB, 256 GB |
| Display | 5.5 inches, 1080 x 1920 pixels, 401 ppi |
| Display Type | Retina HD, IPS LCD |
| Primary Camera | Dual 12 MP, f/1.8 (wide) + f/2.8 (telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 7 MP, f/2.2 |
| Battery | 2691 mAh |
| Fast Charging | Yes (50% in 30 min) |
| Wireless Charging | Yes |
| Dimensions | 158.4 x 78.1 x 7.5 mm |
| Weight | 202 g |
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Water and Dust Resistance | IP67 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Colours | Space Gray, Silver, Gold, Red |
Camera
Having a dual-camera system with a 12MP wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens, the iPhone 8 Plus allows you to zoom in with the help of optical zoom and also has portrait mode, which blurs your background, hence making your subject stand out. Portrait lighting adds different lighting effects that make your pictures look professional.
In two thousand four, the camera on the iPhone 8 Plus may not be the latest and greatest, but it still takes amazing photos as well as videos. It can record 4K videos at sixty frames per second and also one thousand eighty slo-mo at two hundred forty frames per second, which are features that some new phones lack.
For everyday photography or social media, the iPhone 8 Plus is still a solid choice. It suits those who want high-quality photographs without spending much on the latest model.
iOS Updates
Currently, the iPhone 8 Plus supports up to iOS 16 and still receives security updates. However, it won’t get the latest iOS versions, like iOS 17 or iOS 18.
Apple is likely to provide bug fixes for another few years, ensuring the phone remains secure.
Performance
iPhone 8 Plus has 3GB of RAM and is built with the Apple A11 Bionic chip. It is available in two variants, 64 GB of storage space and 256 GB of storage space.
The latest model of an iPhone, the iPhone 15 Pro, has 8 GB of memory and up to 1 TB of data storage. The iPhone 8 Plus is older, but it is quite functional for regular tasks.
Performance Comparison: iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone 8 Plus
| Feature | iPhone 7 Plus | iPhone 8 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2016 | 2017 |
| Chipset | A10 Fusion (16 nm) | A11 Bionic (10 nm) |
| CPU | Quad-core 2.34 GHz | Hexa-core (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) |
| GPU | PowerVR Series7XT Plus (six-core graphics) | Apple GPU (three-core graphics) |
| RAM | 3 GB | 3 GB |
| Storage Options | 32/128/256 GB | 64/256 GB |
| Display | 5.5 inches, 1080 x 1920 pixels, 401 ppi | 5.5 inches, 1080 x 1920 pixels, 401 ppi |
| Primary Camera | Dual 12 MP, f/1.8 & f/2.8 | Dual 12 MP, f/1.8 & f/2.8 |
| Front Camera | 7 MP, f/2.2 | 7 MP, f/2.2 |
| Battery | 2900 mAh | 2691 mAh |
| Fast Charging | No | Yes (50% in 30 min) |
| Wireless Charging | No | Yes |
| Operating System | iOS 10, upgradable to 15.7 | iOS 11, upgradable to 16.x |
| Weight | 188 g | 202 g |
| Dimensions | 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm | 158.4 x 78.1 x 7.5 mm |
| Build | Aluminum body | Glass front and back, aluminum frame |
| True Tone Display | No | Yes |
| HDR10 | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Water and Dust Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
Battery life
It has a 2691mAh battery, which is not as big as newer iPhones.While battery life might have been ok at the time, it is now starting to show its age.
Conclusion: iPhone 8 Plus Still Worth It
iPhone 8 Plus can be seen for about $120. It’s a good deal, but you might also look at other options like the iPhone SE 2, which costs around $100 and gets the latest updates. If you can spend a little more, the iPhone SE 3 or iPhone 12 Mini, which are about $200, are great choices.
However, if you prefer bigger phones with home buttons, then the iPhone 8 Plus is still a good choice. Its’ good as a second phone or anyone who wants a larger screen and battery without spending too much.
Therefore, in 2024, when looking for a bigger phone that functions well but with not so high cost implications, this phone is still amazing.
