Iphone 11 Pro Max Vs 8 Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It 2

For iPhone users still holding onto the iPhone 8 Plus, the decision to upgrade can feel like a crossroads. The device was a powerhouse in its time—solid build, excellent portrait mode, and long-term software support. But nearly six years later, newer models like the iPhone 11 Pro Max offer significant advancements. So, is upgrading from the 8 Plus to the 11 Pro Max truly worthwhile in 2024? This isn’t just about specs on paper; it’s about how those changes affect your daily experience.

Performance: A Quantum Leap in Speed and Efficiency

The iPhone 8 Plus runs on Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, which was groundbreaking in 2017. It handled multitasking, gaming, and photography with ease at launch. However, by today’s standards, it shows its age. Apps load slower, background processes struggle, and iOS updates have made the interface feel less fluid over time.

In contrast, the iPhone 11 Pro Max features the A13 Bionic chip—one of the most efficient processors Apple has ever built. Not only does it deliver up to 20% faster CPU performance and 25% faster GPU speeds compared to the A11, but it also excels in machine learning tasks that power modern camera systems, AR apps, and voice assistants.

Tip: If you frequently use navigation, streaming, or productivity apps, the A13’s efficiency means cooler operation and longer sustained performance.

Benchmarks show the A13 outperforms the A11 by over 80% in real-world usage scenarios. For example, exporting a 4K video takes half the time, and switching between camera modes feels instantaneous. This isn’t just an incremental improvement—it’s a transformation in responsiveness.

Camera System: From Good to Professional-Grade

The iPhone 8 Plus introduced dual cameras to the mainstream lineup: a 12MP wide and a 12MP telephoto lens. It delivered excellent portrait shots and 2x optical zoom, setting a high bar for smartphone photography in 2017.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max takes this further with a triple-camera system: ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses. This gives you a 120-degree field of view for landscapes, architectural shots, and group photos—something the 8 Plus simply can’t match.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	iPhone 11 Pro Max
Primary Sensor	12MP f/1.8	12MP f/1.8 (larger sensor)
Secondary Lens	12MP f/2.8 Telephoto	12MP f/2.0 Ultra-Wide + 12MP f/2.4 Telephoto
Night Mode	No	Yes (on all rear cameras)
Deep Fusion	No	Yes (AI-powered image processing)
Video Recording	4K at 60fps	4K at 60fps + Extended Dynamic Range

Night mode is perhaps the most impactful addition. In low-light conditions—like indoor dinners or evening walks—the 11 Pro Max captures dramatically brighter, clearer images with accurate colors. The 8 Plus struggles here, often producing grainy, underexposed shots.

“Smartphone photography isn’t just about megapixels anymore—it’s about computational imaging. The 11 Pro Max represents a generational leap.” — David Lin, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechLens Review

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance Matters

The iPhone 8 Plus was praised for its battery life in 2017, offering up to 13 hours of video playback. However, after years of charging cycles, most aging units now last only 6–8 hours under moderate use.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max improves on this significantly, boasting up to 20 hours of video playback. In real-world testing, it consistently lasts a full day—even heavy users find they don’t need to charge until bedtime. This is due to both a larger battery and the energy-efficient A13 chip.

Additionally, the 11 Pro Max supports fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with an 18W adapter) and wireless charging—neither of which the 8 Plus offers natively. While the 8 Plus can charge wirelessly with third-party cases, it lacks optimized speed or compatibility.

Tip: Pair your 11 Pro Max with a MagSafe-compatible charger for seamless alignment and consistent 7.5W wireless charging.

Display and Design: Modern Ergonomics vs Familiar Form

The iPhone 8 Plus features a 5.5-inch LCD Retina HD display with noticeable bezels and a home button. It’s comfortable for one-handed typing for some, but the screen-to-body ratio feels outdated next to modern smartphones.

The 11 Pro Max introduces a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with slimmer bezels, no home button, and Face ID. The OLED panel delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast (1,000,000:1), and better outdoor visibility. HDR video playback is noticeably richer, especially on platforms like Netflix and YouTube.

While the 8 Plus has a matte aluminum frame and glass back, the 11 Pro Max uses surgical-grade stainless steel and textured matte glass, making it more resistant to fingerprints and drops. However, it’s also heavier—226g vs 200g—which may be a consideration for prolonged use.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used her iPhone 8 Plus for four years. She loved the portrait mode and compact size but began noticing limitations. Low-light shots during events were unusable without flash, and editing 4K footage on her phone took minutes per clip.

After upgrading to the 11 Pro Max, she immediately noticed improvements. “I shot a wedding reception in dim lighting,” she said. “With Night mode, I got clean, vibrant images without touching my external light. That alone justified the upgrade.”

She also appreciated the larger screen for reviewing edits on-site and the extended battery life during full-day shoots. While she missed the tactile feedback of the home button initially, Face ID proved faster and more reliable once she adjusted.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before making the switch, consider these factors. Use the checklist below to evaluate your needs:

• Are you experiencing slow app launches or frequent crashes? → The A13 chip will resolve this.
• Do you take photos in low light? → Night mode makes a dramatic difference.
• Do you travel or work away from outlets? → The 11 Pro Max’s battery life is superior.
• Do you want future-proof software support? → The 11 Pro Max will likely receive iOS updates until 2025 or beyond.
• Are you attached to Touch ID or physical buttons? → Consider whether Face ID and gesture navigation suit your habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 Plus still run the latest iOS?

As of iOS 17, the iPhone 8 Plus is no longer supported. It maxes out at iOS 16, meaning no new features, security patches beyond 2023, or app compatibility guarantees moving forward.

Is the iPhone 11 Pro Max waterproof?

Yes. It has an IP68 rating, meaning it can survive submersion in up to 4 meters of water for 30 minutes. The 8 Plus has IP67 (1 meter for 30 minutes), offering less protection.

Should I wait for a newer model instead?

If budget allows, models like the iPhone 14 or 15 offer even better cameras, 5G, and longer support. But if you're upgrading from the 8 Plus, the 11 Pro Max is still a major leap and widely available at discounted prices secondhand.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Upgrade Makes Sense

The jump from iPhone 8 Plus to iPhone 11 Pro Max isn’t just about newer features—it’s about staying relevant in a mobile-first world. You gain faster performance, vastly improved photography, all-day battery life, and several more years of iOS support.

While the 8 Plus was a great phone in its era, technology has moved on. The 11 Pro Max delivers a modern smartphone experience: smoother interactions, smarter cameras, and better integration with Apple’s ecosystem. For anyone using an 8 Plus in 2024, upgrading isn’t just beneficial—it’s necessary to keep pace with everyday digital demands.

💬 Have you made the switch from 8 Plus to 11 Pro Max? Share your experience, tips, or questions in the comments—your insights could help others decide their next move.