Iphone 11 Pro Max Vs Galaxy S8 Plus Is Upgrading Really Worth It 3

The Galaxy S8+ was a flagship powerhouse in 2017, setting new standards for design, display, and mobile photography. Fast forward to today, and many users still rely on this durable Android device. But if you're considering an upgrade—especially to the iPhone 11 Pro Max from 2019—the question arises: is the leap truly worth it? This isn’t just about specs on paper; it’s about real-world usability, longevity, ecosystem integration, and whether your daily experience will meaningfully improve.

This comparison cuts through marketing hype and focuses on practical differences that impact everyday use. Whether you’re clinging to your S8+ out of loyalty or necessity, we’ll help you determine if now is the right time to move on—and what you gain (or lose) by switching to Apple’s 2019 flagship.

Performance: From Flagship Past to Modern Powerhouse

The Galaxy S8+ ran on either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 9810, depending on region—both were top-tier chips in 2017. At launch, they delivered smooth multitasking, excellent app loading, and solid gaming performance. However, after six years of OS updates, background bloat, and app evolution, even high-end hardware from that era struggles with consistency.

In contrast, the iPhone 11 Pro Max features Apple’s A13 Bionic chip—a 7nm processor designed for efficiency and speed. It outperforms the Snapdragon 835 in nearly every benchmark category. More importantly, iOS is tightly optimized for its hardware, meaning sustained performance remains stable even under heavy load.

Tip: If your S8+ feels sluggish when opening apps or switching between them, it's not just age—it's architectural obsolescence. The A13 Bionic handles modern apps with ease, reducing wait times significantly.

Real-world testing shows the iPhone 11 Pro Max launches apps up to 2.5x faster than the S8+. Multitasking doesn't stutter. Even demanding tasks like video editing in LumaFusion or exporting large photo batches happen without throttling.

Camera Comparison: Night Mode, Zoom, and Computational Photography

One of the most compelling reasons to upgrade lies in the camera department. The Galaxy S8+ featured a capable 12MP rear sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus and optical image stabilization. In daylight, it produced vibrant, detailed images. But low-light performance was limited, and there was no night mode or advanced HDR processing.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max introduced triple-lens system: ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses. Combined with Apple’s Deep Fusion and Night Mode, the difference in photo quality—especially after dark—is dramatic.

Feature	Galaxy S8+	iPhone 11 Pro Max
Rear Cameras	Single 12MP (f/1.7)	Triple: 12MP Ultra-Wide, Wide, Telephoto
Night Mode	No	Yes (on all rear cameras)
Front Camera	8MP (f/1.7)	12MP TrueDepth (f/2.2), supports 4K video
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 60fps, extended dynamic range, stereo audio
Zoom	Digital only	2x optical zoom in, 10x digital zoom with improved clarity

A side-by-side test in dim lighting reveals how far smartphone photography has come. The S8+ produces grainy, underexposed shots with blown-out highlights. The iPhone preserves detail in shadows and highlights alike, thanks to Smart HDR and machine learning-based noise reduction.

“Night Mode alone makes older phones feel outdated. It’s not just brightness—it’s texture, color accuracy, and realism.” — David Lin, Mobile Photographer & Tech Reviewer

Battery Life and Charging: Real Usage Over Time

The S8+ came with a 3,500mAh battery, which was generous for its time. With moderate use, it could last a full day. But battery degradation over five-plus years means most units now struggle to make it past midday, especially with newer versions of Android running in the background.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max packs a larger 3,969mAh battery and benefits from Apple’s power-efficient architecture. Apple officially rated it for up to 20 hours of video playback—significantly more than the S8+’s 13-hour claim. In real usage, the iPhone consistently delivers 6–8 hours of screen-on time, compared to the aging S8+’s 3–4 hours.

Charging is another differentiator. The S8+ supports fast charging (but requires a compatible charger sold separately) and wireless charging. The iPhone 11 Pro Max also supports both, but adds improved Qi wireless charging efficiency and optional 18W fast charging (adapter sold separately).

Tip: Replace old charging cables and use certified adapters. Degraded batteries charge slower and heat up more—this affects both devices, but impacts older models like the S8+ more severely.

Ecosystem and Software Support: Longevity Matters

Software support is where the gap widens dramatically. Samsung provided four major Android updates for the S8+, ending with Android 9 Pie, though security patches continued into 2020. Today, the device receives no official updates, leaving it vulnerable to security flaws and incompatible with some modern apps.

In contrast, the iPhone 11 Pro Max launched with iOS 13 and received updates through iOS 17—with iOS 18 expected to support it as well. That’s at least six years of OS upgrades, ensuring access to new features, privacy tools, and app compatibility.

If you rely on cloud services, smart home devices, or wearables, Apple’s ecosystem offers tighter integration. Messages, FaceTime, iCloud Photos, AirDrop, and Handoff create a seamless experience across Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches. Android alternatives exist, but lack the same level of cohesion.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had used her Galaxy S8+ since 2017. By 2023, she noticed constant app crashes, slow email syncing, and difficulty uploading photos due to file size limitations. She upgraded to the iPhone 11 Pro Max primarily for camera improvements and longer software support.

Within a week, she found herself taking more photos—especially at night. iMessage replaced SMS for group chats with family. iCloud automatically backed up everything without prompting. After pairing with AirPods, she realized how much latency had been affecting her listening experience on the older phone.

“I didn’t think I needed a new phone,” she said. “But once I switched, I saw how much I’d been compensating for limitations I’d accepted as normal.”

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If You Should Upgrade

Not everyone needs to upgrade—even if their device is old. Use this timeline to evaluate your situation objectively:

1. Assess current pain points: Does your S8+ freeze often? Fail to install app updates? Struggle with battery life?
2. Check app compatibility: Try installing essential apps (banking, social media, productivity). Do they run smoothly or crash?
3. Test camera performance: Take a photo in low light. Is it usable without heavy editing?
4. Review backup status: Are your photos and contacts securely backed up? If not, migrating later becomes risky.
5. Compare costs: Weigh the price of a refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max (~$250–$350) against repair costs or productivity loss from a failing device.
6. Try before you buy: Visit a carrier store or borrow a friend’s iPhone to test iOS navigation and features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S8+ still be used in 2024?

Yes, but with significant caveats. It can handle basic calls, texts, and simple apps. However, lack of security updates, poor app optimization, and degraded battery make it unreliable for daily driving. Not recommended for banking, shopping, or messaging sensitive data.

Is the iPhone 11 Pro Max still supported?

As of 2024, yes. It runs iOS 17 and is expected to receive iOS 18. Apple typically supports iPhones for 5–6 years post-release, making this model one of the longest-supported smartphones available secondhand.

Will my Android data transfer to iPhone?

Yes. Apple provides the “Move to iOS” app for Android, which transfers contacts, messages, photos, calendars, and free apps during initial setup. Google account data like Gmail and Drive syncs seamlessly via built-in support.

Final Verdict: Is Upgrading Worth It?

For most long-term Galaxy S8+ users, upgrading to the iPhone 11 Pro Max represents not just a change in brand, but a meaningful leap in reliability, performance, and future-proofing. The combination of superior camera systems, longer software support, better battery life, and ecosystem integration makes this transition highly worthwhile—especially at current resale prices.

You’re not just buying a newer phone. You’re gaining peace of mind that your device will remain functional, secure, and compatible for years to come. And for those who depend on their phone for work, parenting, or creative projects, that stability is invaluable.

💬 Have you made the switch from Galaxy S8+ to iPhone 11 Pro Max? Share your experience, tips, or concerns in the comments below—your insights could help someone decide their next move.