For years, the iPhone 8 Plus has been a reliable workhorse—known for its durability, solid performance, and classic design. But when Apple introduced the iPhone 11 Pro, it brought a significant leap in processing power, camera capabilities, and display technology. Now, in 2024, many long-time iPhone 8 Plus users are asking: is upgrading to the iPhone 11 Pro still worth it?
The answer isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no.” It depends on your usage patterns, expectations from a smartphone, and how much value you place on features like night photography, OLED displays, and longer software support. Let’s break down the key differences and determine whether this upgrade makes sense today.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 11 Pro represent two distinct eras of Apple design philosophy. The 8 Plus sticks with the traditional home-button layout, thick bezels, and aluminum-and-glass construction. In contrast, the 11 Pro adopts the modern edge-to-edge OLED Super Retina XDR display, Face ID, and a more compact stainless steel frame.
While both phones feel solid in hand, the 11 Pro offers a noticeably more premium experience. Its matte glass back resists fingerprints better than the glossy finish of the 8 Plus, and the surgical-grade stainless steel gives it extra heft and durability.
Display Technology: A Clear Winner
This is one area where the 11 Pro pulls far ahead. The iPhone 8 Plus uses a 5.5-inch LCD panel with a resolution of 1920x1080. While perfectly usable, it lacks the deep blacks, high contrast, and HDR support found in modern smartphones.
The iPhone 11 Pro, on the other hand, features a 5.8-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display. This means richer colors, true blacks, higher brightness (up to 1200 nits), and significantly better outdoor visibility. For anyone who watches videos, browses photos, or reads extensively on their phone, the difference is immediately noticeable.
“OLED displays have redefined visual fidelity on mobile devices. Once you experience true blacks and infinite contrast, going back to LCD feels like watching standard definition after HD.” — Mark Lin, Display Analyst at TechInsight Weekly
Performance and Software Longevity
Under the hood, the gap between these two models is substantial. The iPhone 8 Plus runs on the A11 Bionic chip, which was impressive in 2017 but now struggles with newer iOS updates and demanding apps. By comparison, the iPhone 11 Pro is powered by the A13 Bionic chip—one of Apple’s most efficient processors, capable of handling multitasking, AR applications, and future iOS versions with ease.
In practical terms, this means smoother animations, faster app launches, and better longevity. As of 2024, the iPhone 8 Plus supports up to iOS 16, while the 11 Pro continues to receive updates through iOS 17 and is expected to get iOS 18. That extra year or two of software support can make a big difference in security, app compatibility, and feature access.
| Feature | iPhone 8 Plus | iPhone 11 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A11 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 4GB |
| iOS Support (2024) | Up to iOS 16 | Supports iOS 17+, likely iOS 18 |
| Storage Options | 64GB / 256GB | 64GB / 256GB / 512GB |
Camera System: Night Mode and Beyond
If photography matters to you, the iPhone 11 Pro is a game-changer. The 8 Plus has a capable dual-camera setup (12MP wide + 12MP telephoto), delivering excellent portraits and decent low-light shots. However, it lacks Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and the ultra-wide lens that defines the 11 Pro’s versatility.
The 11 Pro introduces a triple-lens system: wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto. This allows for dramatic landscape shots, tighter zoom without quality loss, and creative framing previously impossible on older iPhones. Most importantly, Night Mode automatically activates in dim lighting, producing brighter, clearer, and more detailed photos than the 8 Plus can achieve—even with flash.
Videographers also benefit. The 11 Pro supports 4K video at 60fps across all lenses, extended dynamic range, and improved stabilization. Whether you’re filming family moments or creating social media content, the upgrade here is tangible.
Real Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Experience
Sarah, a freelance photographer and long-time iPhone 8 Plus user, upgraded to the 11 Pro in late 2023. She initially hesitated, thinking her old phone was “good enough.” But after shooting a dimly lit concert, she noticed something striking: her 8 Plus produced grainy, blurry images, while friends with newer iPhones captured crisp, vibrant shots.
After switching, she said: “I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I used Night Mode. My indoor food photos look professional now. And being able to zoom without losing detail? Huge for my side hustle.”
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 8 Plus had strong battery life for its time, often lasting a full day with moderate use. The 11 Pro improves on this slightly, despite having a smaller physical battery, thanks to the efficiency of the A13 chip and optimized power management.
More importantly, the 11 Pro supports faster charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with an 18W adapter) and wireless charging at 18W with MagSafe-compatible accessories. The 8 Plus only supports slow wireless charging (7.5W max) and comes with a 5W charger in the box—making daily top-ups slower and less convenient.
- iPhone 8 Plus: Up to 13 hours video playback
- iPhone 11 Pro: Up to 18 hours video playback
- Both support Qi wireless charging
- Only 11 Pro supports fast charging (adapter sold separately)
Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist
Before making the jump, ask yourself the following questions. Check off what applies to your situation:
- Do you frequently experience app crashes or lag on your 8 Plus? ✅
- Are you unable to install the latest iOS updates or new apps? ✅
- Do you take photos in low light and wish they were clearer? ✅
- Have you considered buying a second phone because your battery dies too quickly? ✅
- Do you value a sharper, more immersive display for streaming or reading? ✅
- Are you planning to keep your phone for another 2+ years? ✅
If you checked three or more items, the iPhone 11 Pro—or even a newer model—likely offers meaningful improvements. If not, your 8 Plus may still serve you well, especially if you're on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone 8 Plus still run popular apps in 2024?
Yes, but with limitations. Many newer apps require iOS 15 or later, and some may run slowly due to the older A11 chip. Apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Gmail still function, but advanced features or filters might not load properly.
Is the iPhone 11 Pro waterproof?
Yes. The 11 Pro has an IP68 rating, meaning it can survive submersion in up to 4 meters of water for 30 minutes. The 8 Plus is also splash-resistant but only rated to 1 meter for 30 minutes (IP67).
Can I save money by upgrading to a used 11 Pro?
Absolutely. Refurbished or second-hand 11 Pro units are widely available at $250–$350, making the upgrade far more affordable than buying new. Just ensure the battery health is above 80% and the device is unlocked.
Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
In 2024, the iPhone 11 Pro remains a compelling upgrade over the 8 Plus—not because the older phone is obsolete, but because the newer one delivers measurable improvements in display quality, camera performance, battery efficiency, and software longevity.
The 8 Plus still works, but it’s showing its age. If you rely on your phone for productivity, creativity, or staying connected, investing in a 11 Pro (or even a newer model like the 13 or 14) ensures you won’t be left behind as apps and services evolve.
Technology isn’t just about raw specs—it’s about experience. Smoother scrolling, crisper photos, longer update support, and better screens all add up to a more enjoyable, stress-free daily routine.
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