Galaxy S8 Vs Iphone X Why Are People Still Arguing About This

In 2024, it’s not unusual to see passionate online debates comparing the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the Apple iPhone X—two devices launched nearly seven years ago. On paper, both have long been succeeded by multiple generations of faster, smarter, and more capable smartphones. Yet, the conversation persists. Why? The answer lies not just in specs or performance, but in cultural impact, design revolutions, and the emotional resonance these devices created at a pivotal moment in mobile history.

The Galaxy S8 and iPhone X weren’t just new phones—they were statements. Released within months of each other in 2017, they represented the culmination of years of iterative design and introduced bold new directions for their respective brands. The S8 pushed the boundaries of screen-to-body ratio with its edge-to-edge Infinity Display, while the iPhone X marked Apple’s first step into a bezel-less future, ditching the home button and introducing Face ID. These weren’t incremental upgrades; they were redefinitions.

The Design Revolution That Changed Everything

Before 2017, smartphones followed predictable patterns: thick top and bottom bezels, physical navigation buttons, and designs constrained by fingerprint sensors placed on the front. Both the Galaxy S8 and iPhone X shattered those norms.

The S8 introduced curved edges that wrapped around the sides, creating a near-borderless experience. Its sleek glass-and-metal build, combined with an 18.5:9 aspect ratio, made it stand out instantly. Samsung also integrated Bixby, its AI assistant, and improved water resistance and camera performance—all within a package that felt futuristic.

Apple responded with the iPhone X (pronounced “ten”), celebrating the iPhone’s 10th anniversary. It removed the iconic home button, replaced Touch ID with Face ID, and introduced a notch to house advanced facial recognition hardware. The OLED display was Apple’s first in an iPhone, offering deeper blacks and richer colors. For many Apple users, this was a leap of faith—and for critics, a controversial one.

Tip: When evaluating older flagship phones today, consider not just raw specs but how they influenced future design language across the industry.

Cultural Impact and Brand Loyalty

The persistence of the debate reflects deeper currents in tech culture. For Android enthusiasts, the Galaxy S8 was proof that Samsung could innovate boldly and lead the market. For Apple loyalists, the iPhone X was a necessary evolution—albeit a jarring one—that preserved the brand’s identity through change.

“The S8 was the first phone where I truly felt like I was holding the future,” says Marcus Tran, a mobile designer based in San Francisco. “It wasn’t just about the screen—it was how everything fit together. Samsung finally matched Apple’s polish while pushing further visually.”

“The iPhone X was Apple’s riskiest move since the original iPhone. It asked users to trust a completely new way of interacting with their device.” — Lisa Park, Tech Historian & Author of *Interface Shifts*

This emotional connection explains why forums, Reddit threads, and YouTube videos continue to compare the two. People aren’t arguing over which phone has better battery life in 2024—they’re reliving a moment when their perception of what a smartphone could be changed forever.

Technical Comparison: How They Stack Up Today

While nostalgia plays a role, some comparisons remain grounded in real differences. Here's a breakdown of key specifications as they stood at launch and how they aged:

Feature	Galaxy S8	iPhone X
Release Date	April 2017	November 2017
Display	5.8” Quad HD+ AMOLED, 18.5:9	5.8” Super Retina OLED, 19.5:9
Processor	Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 9810	A11 Bionic
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.7, OIS	12MP f/1.8 + 12MP f/2.4 (dual)
Front Camera	8MP f/1.7	7MP f/2.2 with Portrait Mode
Biometrics	Fingerprint (rear), Iris Scan	Face ID only
Water Resistance	IP68	IP67
Software Updates	3 major OS updates	5+ years of iOS support

From a longevity standpoint, Apple’s extended software support gave the iPhone X a clear advantage. Even now, some iPhone X units can run iOS 17 (though unofficially), while the S8 stopped receiving security patches years ago. However, Samsung’s open ecosystem allowed for greater customization and earlier adoption of features like always-on display and multi-window mode.

Real-World Example: The Last Stand of a Power User

Jamie Reyes, a freelance photographer in Portland, used a Galaxy S8 as her primary device until late 2021. “I loved the screen quality for editing photos on the go,” she recalls. “And the microSD slot meant I could carry hundreds of gigabytes without cloud dependency.”

When her S8 finally failed, she switched to an iPhone—but not before spending weeks debating whether to go with an iPhone 12 or wait for rumors of the 13. “Part of me wanted to stick with Android because the S8 spoiled me. But another part missed seamless iCloud integration. In the end, I realized I wasn’t choosing between phones—I was choosing between ecosystems.”

Her story mirrors that of many users who found themselves at a crossroads in 2017. The S8 and iPhone X weren’t just devices—they were gateways into divergent digital lifestyles.

Actionable Insights for Modern Buyers

While few should consider buying either phone today, understanding their legacy offers valuable lessons for current purchasing decisions.

Tip: When a company introduces a radical redesign, evaluate not just the immediate benefits but how committed they are to supporting it long-term.

Checklist: What to Learn from the S8 vs iPhone X Era

• Assess how software update policies affect long-term usability
• Consider whether biometric systems align with your daily habits (e.g., Face ID in low light)
• Evaluate ecosystem lock-in before committing to a platform
• Pay attention to display technology—OLED became standard thanks to these devices
• Don’t underestimate the learning curve of new interaction models (swipe gestures, facial recognition)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Galaxy S8 still usable in 2024?

Technically, yes—for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light browsing. However, lack of security updates, app incompatibility, and degraded battery performance make it impractical as a daily driver.

Which phone had better cameras at launch?

The iPhone X had a slight edge due to its dual-lens system enabling optical zoom and portrait mode with depth control. The S8’s single lens performed excellently in low light but lacked versatility.

Did the S8 influence later iPhones?

Indirectly, yes. While Apple didn’t adopt curved screens, the push toward minimal bezels and higher screen ratios mirrored trends Samsung pioneered with the S8. The industry-wide shift to edge-to-edge displays owes much to Samsung’s early lead.

Conclusion: More Than a Phone, Less Than a Trend

The ongoing discussion around the Galaxy S8 and iPhone X isn’t about outdated hardware. It’s a reflection of how certain products become milestones—touchstones we measure progress against. These phones arrived at a turning point: the moment smartphones stopped looking like rectangles with buttons and started resembling seamless slabs of glass and light.

They also highlighted fundamental differences in philosophy. Samsung optimized for flexibility, openness, and visual innovation. Apple prioritized ecosystem cohesion, long-term software support, and controlled user experience. Neither approach is universally superior—but each resonates deeply with different types of users.

If you find yourself drawn into yet another “S8 vs iPhone X” thread, ask yourself: Are we really arguing about phones? Or are we remembering when our pockets got a little closer to science fiction?

🚀 Still using a classic device or remember upgrading to one of these? Share your story in the comments—let’s keep the conversation alive, not as a rivalry, but as a tribute to how far we’ve come.