Iphone 11 Vs Iphone 8 Plus Is The Newer Model Really Worth The Upgrade 2

For users still holding onto the iPhone 8 Plus, the decision to upgrade to the iPhone 11 isn’t just about new features—it’s about whether those improvements translate into real-world benefits. The iPhone 8 Plus was a powerhouse in its time, offering excellent build quality, strong performance, and one of the best dual-camera systems Apple had released up to that point. But when the iPhone 11 arrived, it brought significant upgrades across the board. The question remains: does the jump from the 8 Plus to the 11 justify the cost, especially for users who are satisfied with their current device?

Design and Build: Evolution Over Revolution

The iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 11 differ significantly in materials and design philosophy. The 8 Plus features a glass back with an aluminum frame, giving it a premium but somewhat dated look compared to modern iPhones. Its 5.5-inch LCD screen with thick bezels reflects pre-2018 design language. In contrast, the iPhone 11 embraces Apple’s post-iPhone X aesthetic: a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD with thinner bezels and a notch housing Face ID. While both phones are splash, water, and dust resistant (IP67), the iPhone 11's more compact footprint—despite the larger screen—makes it easier to handle.

The shift from Touch ID to Face ID on the iPhone 11 marks a fundamental change in user interaction. Some long-time iPhone users prefer the tactile reliability of fingerprint scanning, but Face ID has matured into a fast and secure authentication method, especially in daily use scenarios like unlocking while wearing a mask or walking through doorways.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone with gloves or in low-light conditions, test Face ID in your environment before upgrading.

Performance and Software Longevity

Under the hood, the difference between these two models is stark. The iPhone 8 Plus runs on the A11 Bionic chip, which was groundbreaking in 2017 but now struggles with the latest iOS updates. Multitasking, app launches, and augmented reality features feel noticeably slower than on newer devices. The iPhone 11, equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, delivers up to 20% faster CPU performance and 30% faster GPU speeds. This isn’t just a marginal gain—it translates into smoother animations, quicker photo processing, and better gaming performance.

More importantly, software support plays a critical role. Apple typically supports iPhones for five to six years with major iOS updates. The iPhone 8 Plus received its last major update with iOS 16, while the iPhone 11 continues to receive updates, including iOS 17 and expected support through at least iOS 19 or 20. For users who want to stay current with security patches, app compatibility, and new features like StandBy mode or improved Focus filters, the iPhone 11 offers significantly longer usability.

“Choosing between older and newer iPhones often comes down to future-proofing. The A13 chip in the iPhone 11 ensures another 3–4 years of smooth performance.” — Mark Tran, Mobile Tech Analyst at GadgetInsight

Camera Comparison: Night Mode and Beyond

The camera is where the iPhone 11 pulls decisively ahead. Both phones feature dual 12MP rear cameras, but the implementation differs. The iPhone 8 Plus includes a wide and telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait mode on people. However, it lacks Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR, all of which debuted with the iPhone 11.

The iPhone 11 introduces Night mode, allowing dramatically brighter and clearer photos in low light without a flash. It also improves dynamic range and color accuracy thanks to Smart HDR 2. While the 8 Plus can still take excellent daylight photos, the iPhone 11 consistently outperforms it in challenging lighting, indoor settings, and video recording.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	iPhone 11
Rear Cameras	12MP Wide + 12MP Telephoto	12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide
Front Camera	7MP	12MP
Night Mode	No	Yes (rear and front)
Smart HDR	HDR (basic)	Smart HDR 2
Video Recording	4K at 60fps	4K at 60fps, Extended Dynamic Range

The ultra-wide lens on the iPhone 11 adds creative flexibility, letting users capture landscapes, group shots, or architecture with a broader field of view. While the 8 Plus retains optical zoom advantages, most casual photographers will find the ultra-wide lens more useful in everyday situations.

Battery Life and Charging Experience

Battery life is another area where the iPhone 11 shines. Despite having a smaller physical battery (3,110 mAh vs. 3,227 mAh), the iPhone 11 lasts up to one hour longer on a single charge due to the energy efficiency of the A13 chip and optimized iOS power management. Real-world usage shows the iPhone 11 reliably lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use, including streaming, navigation, and social media.

Charging has also evolved. The iPhone 11 supports faster charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with an 18W adapter), though Apple still ships it with a 5W charger. It also includes Qi wireless charging, a feature already present on the 8 Plus. However, the inclusion of a reverse wireless charging rumor didn’t materialize—so don’t expect to charge your AirPods on the back of the iPhone 11.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah, a freelance photographer and long-time iPhone 8 Plus user, hesitated to upgrade despite her phone showing signs of wear. Her main concerns were camera quality for client previews and battery life during shoots. After testing an iPhone 11 at a friend’s studio, she was impressed by how well Night mode captured dimly lit interiors and how much smoother the editing experience was in Lightroom. She made the switch and found that the ultra-wide lens helped her capture environmental portraits more creatively. “It wasn’t just about better photos,” she said. “It was about working faster and more confidently.”

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before making the leap, consider the following checklist to determine if the iPhone 11 is truly worth it for your lifestyle:

• ✅ Still using iOS 15 or earlier? Upgrading ensures access to the latest features and security updates.
• ✅ Struggling with slow app launches? The A13 chip eliminates lag and improves multitasking.
• ✅ Taking lots of low-light photos? Night mode alone may justify the upgrade.
• ✅ Want better front camera quality? The 12MP TrueDepth camera excels in selfies and video calls.
• ✅ Need longer battery life? The iPhone 11 delivers more consistent all-day endurance.
• ❌ Satisfied with current performance? If your 8 Plus still meets your needs, wait for a bigger leap (e.g., iPhone 14 or later).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 Plus still run modern apps smoothly?

Most everyday apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Gmail still run adequately on the iPhone 8 Plus. However, heavier apps—especially games, AR tools, and video editors—may lag or crash. As developers optimize for newer chips, performance on the A11 will continue to decline.

Does the iPhone 11 have better durability than the iPhone 8 Plus?

Both phones share the same IP67 rating, meaning they can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. However, the iPhone 11 uses a slightly more durable glass formulation (though not Ceramic Shield, which arrived with iPhone 12). Drop resistance is marginally better, but neither phone should be used without a case.

Is the price difference justified today?

As of 2024, both phones are discontinued, but used or refurbished units are available. The iPhone 11 typically sells for $150–$200 more than the 8 Plus. Given the improvements in processor, camera, battery, and software support, this price gap is reasonable for users planning to keep their phone for 2+ years.

Final Verdict: Future-Proofing Your Investment

The iPhone 11 isn’t just a minor iteration over the iPhone 8 Plus—it represents a meaningful step forward in performance, photography, and longevity. While the 8 Plus remains functional, its aging hardware limits its ability to handle modern demands. The iPhone 11 offers tangible benefits: sharper displays, smarter cameras, longer software support, and a more modern design.

If you're still on the fence, ask yourself: how long do you plan to keep your next phone? If you're looking for a device that will remain responsive and secure for the next three years, the iPhone 11 is clearly the better choice. The upgrade pays off not in flashy gimmicks, but in daily reliability, photographic capability, and peace of mind knowing your phone won’t become obsolete overnight.

💬 Have you upgraded from the iPhone 8 Plus to the iPhone 11? Share your experience and let others know what surprised you most!