Iphone 11 Pro Vs Galaxy S8 Is Upgrading Really Worth It In Current Year 2

For users still holding onto a Galaxy S8, the question isn’t just about desire—it’s about practicality. Released in 2017, the Samsung Galaxy S8 was a flagship marvel of its time: sleek design, edge-to-edge display, and solid performance. Fast forward to today, and Apple’s iPhone 11 Pro—released in 2019—still holds up as a capable device with modern features. But does making the jump from a five-year-old Android flagship to a four-year-old iOS device make sense in 2024? The answer depends on your usage, expectations, and long-term goals.

Performance and Longevity: A Generational Leap

The Galaxy S8 ran on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 (or Exynos 8895 in some regions), which was top-tier in 2017. At the time, it handled multitasking, gaming, and daily apps with ease. However, by 2024 standards, this chip struggles with newer apps, background processes, and even basic animations in updated software environments.

In contrast, the iPhone 11 Pro uses Apple’s A13 Bionic chip—one of the most efficient and powerful processors of its generation. Even today, the A13 handles demanding tasks like 4K video editing, augmented reality apps, and high-end mobile gaming without breaking a sweat. More importantly, Apple’s tight hardware-software integration ensures that the iPhone 11 Pro continues to receive iOS updates—iOS 17 is supported, and iOS 18 may be available for it—giving it at least six years of software longevity.

Tip: If your current phone lags during app switching or takes more than two seconds to open common apps, it’s likely time for a hardware upgrade.

Camera Comparison: Night Mode, Zoom, and Computational Photography

The Galaxy S8 featured a single 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization and an f/1.7 aperture. For its era, it produced excellent photos in daylight and decent low-light shots. However, it lacks night mode, advanced HDR, and AI scene optimization—all standard now.

The iPhone 11 Pro changed the game with a triple-camera system: ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses. This setup allows for 2x optical zoom out and 2x zoom in, plus digital zoom up to 10x. More importantly, Apple’s Smart HDR and Deep Fusion technologies significantly improve dynamic range, texture, and color accuracy, especially in mixed lighting.

Night mode is where the difference becomes undeniable. While the S8 captures dim scenes with noticeable noise and blur, the iPhone 11 Pro stabilizes the shot and layers multiple exposures to deliver bright, detailed nighttime photos—even without a flash.

“Camera quality isn’t just about megapixels anymore—it’s about how the hardware and software work together to interpret light.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechVision Labs

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

The Galaxy S8 came with a 3,000mAh battery. In 2017, this provided about a day of moderate use. By 2024, after years of charge cycles, most S8 batteries have degraded significantly, often requiring midday charging even with light usage.

The iPhone 11 Pro packs a 3,046mAh battery and, thanks to the efficiency of the A13 chip and iOS power management, delivers up to 18 hours of video playback. In real-world use, it easily lasts a full day with heavy usage and stretches into a second day with lighter habits. It also supports fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with an 18W adapter) and wireless charging—neither of which were widely adopted when the S8 launched.

Feature	Galaxy S8	iPhone 11 Pro
Release Year	2017	2019
Processor	Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895	A13 Bionic
Rear Cameras	12MP (Single)	Triple: 12MP Ultra-Wide, Wide, Telephoto
Front Camera	8MP	12MP TrueDepth
Battery Capacity	3,000mAh	3,046mAh
Fast Charging	Yes (15W)	Yes (18W)
Wireless Charging	Yes	Yes
Water Resistance	IP68 (limited depth/time)	IP68 (deeper & longer rated)
Last OS Update	Android 9 (Security patches ended)	iOS 17 (likely iOS 18)

Real User Scenario: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria has used her Galaxy S8 since 2018. She loves its compact size and curved screen but has noticed increasing frustration: apps crash, GPS takes minutes to lock, and her social media photos look dull next to friends’ posts. Her battery dies by 3 PM, and she carries a bulky external charger.

After testing an iPhone 11 Pro at a friend’s house, she was struck by how quickly apps opened, how clear her FaceTime calls looked, and how her night photos finally made sense. She hesitated due to the larger size and iOS learning curve but ultimately upgraded. Six months later, she reports no battery anxiety, faster workflows, and better photo sharing with family—especially using iCloud syncing across devices.

Maria’s experience reflects a broader trend: users clinging to older flagships often do so out of loyalty or cost concerns, but once they cross the threshold, the productivity and reliability gains are immediate and lasting.

Upgrade Checklist: Is It Time for You?

Before deciding, assess your current pain points. Here’s a checklist to guide your decision:

• Does your phone take more than 10 seconds to boot up?
• Do apps frequently freeze or reload when switching between them?
• Is your battery health below 70%?
• Have you stopped receiving security updates?
• Are you unable to install the latest versions of key apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Google Maps)?
• Do you struggle with poor photo quality in low light?
• Do you rely on a case and screen protector just to keep it functional?

If three or more apply, upgrading is not just beneficial—it’s necessary for security, usability, and peace of mind.

Cost Considerations and Alternatives

The iPhone 11 Pro originally launched at $999. Today, refurbished or used units can be found for $250–$350, depending on condition and storage. That’s a fraction of the original price and competitive with mid-range Android phones.

However, consider alternatives: the iPhone SE (3rd gen) offers A15 performance at $429, or the Google Pixel 7a provides near-stock Android, excellent cameras, and guaranteed updates until 2027. If iOS isn’t essential, these may offer better value.

But if you’re invested in the Apple ecosystem—iCloud, AirPods, Apple Watch, or Mac—the iPhone 11 Pro remains a smart bridge to modern iOS features without paying flagship prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S8 still be used safely in 2024?

Technically yes, but not securely. With no official security patches since 2020, the S8 is vulnerable to malware, phishing, and unpatched exploits. Using it for banking or sensitive logins is strongly discouraged.

Will the iPhone 11 Pro get iOS 18?

While not officially confirmed, historical patterns suggest it will. Apple typically supports iPhones for 5–6 years, and the 11 Pro received iOS 17—making iOS 18 highly likely.

Is the iPhone 11 Pro too old to buy now?

No. For average users, it remains a powerful device. Its build quality, camera system, and software support make it one of the best “value legacy flagships” available. Just verify battery health before purchasing.

Final Verdict: Yes, Upgrading Is Worth It

Moving from a Galaxy S8 to an iPhone 11 Pro in 2024 isn’t just about new features—it’s about reclaiming reliability, speed, and confidence in your device. The leap in processing power, camera intelligence, battery life, and ongoing software support transforms the daily experience. What once felt sluggish becomes fluid; what was blurry now pops with clarity.

You’re not just upgrading hardware—you’re upgrading your digital quality of life. Whether you choose the iPhone 11 Pro or another modern device, stepping beyond a seven-year-old phone is a move toward security, efficiency, and enjoyment.

💬 Have you made the switch from an older Android to an iPhone? Share your experience or questions in the comments—we’d love to hear your story.