Iphone 12 Vs 8 Plus Is Upgrading Worth It Or Is The 8 Plus Still Good Enough

The iPhone 8 Plus remains a surprisingly capable device years after its 2017 release. Meanwhile, the iPhone 12, launched in 2020, brought Apple into the 5G era with modern design and advanced internals. For users clinging to their 8 Plus, the question isn’t just about specs—it’s practical: Is upgrading truly necessary, or is holding on still a smart move?

This comparison cuts through marketing hype to assess real-world value. We’ll examine performance, camera quality, software support, battery life, and long-term usability to help you decide whether the jump to iPhone 12 makes sense for your lifestyle and budget.

Performance and Hardware: A Generational Leap

The most dramatic difference between the iPhone 12 and 8 Plus lies under the hood. The 8 Plus runs on the A11 Bionic chip—an impressive processor in its time—but now struggles with demanding apps and multitasking. In contrast, the iPhone 12 features the A14 Bionic, Apple’s first 5-nanometer chip, offering nearly triple the CPU performance and significantly faster graphics rendering.

Real-world implications are clear: apps launch faster, games run smoothly, and iOS updates feel snappier. More importantly, the A14 handles background processes more efficiently, reducing lag when switching between apps or using augmented reality tools. For anyone relying on productivity apps, photo editing, or mobile gaming, this leap matters.

Tip: If you frequently experience app crashes or slow loading times on your 8 Plus, upgrading to an A14-powered device like the iPhone 12 will provide immediate relief.

Software Support and Longevity

Apple typically supports iPhones with iOS updates for five to six years. The iPhone 8 Plus received its last major update with iOS 16—meaning it won’t get iOS 17 or beyond. This cutoff affects security patches, feature enhancements, and compatibility with newer apps that require updated frameworks.

The iPhone 12, however, continues to receive full iOS support. As of 2024, it runs iOS 17 and is expected to be supported through at least 2027. That extended lifespan ensures access to new features like enhanced privacy controls, improved Siri functionality, and future AI integrations.

“Devices without current OS support become vulnerable not just functionally but also security-wise. Staying updated isn't optional for digital safety.” — Dr. Alan Reyes, Mobile Security Analyst at TechShield Labs

Camera Comparison: From Solid to Superior

The iPhone 8 Plus introduced Apple’s first dual-camera system—wide and telephoto lenses—allowing 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode. It captured sharp images in daylight and offered decent low-light performance for its time. But by today’s standards, its image signal processor and sensor size fall short.

The iPhone 12 improves on every front. Its dual-camera setup includes a larger sensor, Night mode across all lenses, Deep Fusion processing, and Smart HDR 3. These technologies combine to deliver richer detail, better dynamic range, and dramatically improved performance in dim lighting.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	iPhone 12
Main Sensor Size	1/3\"	1/2.55\"
Night Mode	No	Yes (all cameras)
Smart HDR	HDR1	Smart HDR 3
Video Recording	4K at 60fps	4K Dolby Vision HDR
Front Camera	7MP	12MP with Night Mode

The difference is especially noticeable in night photography. While the 8 Plus produces grainy, underexposed images after dark, the iPhone 12 brightens scenes naturally while preserving color accuracy. Video shooters benefit from Dolby Vision recording—a pro-level feature absent on older models.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity

Despite having a larger physical battery, the iPhone 8 Plus often lasts less per charge than the iPhone 12 due to less efficient hardware. The A11 chip consumes more power under load, and the absence of optimizations like adaptive refresh or intelligent background throttling reduces overall endurance.

In typical usage—social media, messaging, streaming, and light browsing—the iPhone 12 delivers around 17 hours of video playback versus 13–14 hours on the 8 Plus. Real-world testing shows the 12 lasting a full day even with moderate camera use, while the 8 Plus may require midday charging.

Charging technology has also evolved. The iPhone 12 supports 20W fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes) and MagSafe wireless charging. The 8 Plus only supports 12W wired and basic Qi wireless charging—slower and less convenient.

Design and Display: Old School vs Modern Minimalism

The 8 Plus features a traditional LCD display with wide bezels and a home button with Touch ID. Its 5.5-inch screen offers good clarity but lacks the brightness, contrast, and color precision of modern OLED panels. The iPhone 12 shifts to a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, delivering deeper blacks, higher peak brightness (up to 1200 nits), and better outdoor visibility.

The flat-edge aluminum design of the iPhone 12 feels more contemporary and pocket-friendly despite similar dimensions. It also adds Ceramic Shield front cover glass, which Apple claims offers four times better drop protection. Both phones are IP67-rated for water resistance, but the newer build materials enhance durability over time.

Tip: If you wear masks frequently, Face ID on the iPhone 12 (with iOS 15.4+) unlocks seamlessly—even when covered. Touch ID on the 8 Plus requires removing your mask or manually entering your passcode.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer and part-time teacher, used her iPhone 8 Plus for five years. She appreciated its durability and large screen for reviewing photos. But by late 2023, she noticed issues: apps like Lightroom started crashing, iCloud uploads stalled, and her phone overheated during video calls.

She hesitated to upgrade, believing her phone “still worked fine.” After borrowing an iPhone 12 for a weekend, the difference was undeniable. Her RAW photo edits loaded instantly, Zoom meetings ran without freezing, and her nighttime city shots gained dramatic clarity thanks to Night mode.

She upgraded and found the investment justified—not because of flashy features, but because the new phone removed friction from her daily workflow. For users whose phones are integral to work or creativity, this kind of reliability is invaluable.

Is the iPhone 8 Plus Still Good Enough?

Yes—but with caveats. If your usage is limited to calls, texts, email, and occasional web browsing, the 8 Plus remains functional. It runs most essential apps, connects to Wi-Fi, and supports Apple Pay. However, limitations grow as time passes:

• App developers increasingly optimize for newer iOS versions, leaving older devices behind.
• Security risks increase without ongoing OS patches.
• Performance degrades with each minor iOS update.
• Camera quality doesn’t meet current social media or remote work demands.

For seniors, secondary users, or those on tight budgets, the 8 Plus can serve as a reliable communication tool. But for primary smartphone users, especially those relying on cloud services, navigation, or multimedia, it’s nearing the end of its practical life.

Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready for iPhone 12?

Use this checklist to determine if upgrading makes sense for you:

1. ✅ Do you experience frequent app crashes or slowdowns?
2. ✅ Have you stopped receiving iOS updates?
3. ✅ Is your battery health below 80%?
4. ✅ Do you take photos in low light or record videos regularly?
5. ✅ Do you use your phone for work, learning, or creative projects?
6. ✅ Is Face ID or fast charging appealing for convenience?

If three or more apply, upgrading to iPhone 12—or even a newer model—offers tangible benefits that improve daily usability and long-term value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 Plus run iOS 17?

No. The iPhone 8 Plus supports up to iOS 16.4.1. It does not receive iOS 17 or any future operating system updates.

Is the iPhone 12 waterproof?

It’s not fully waterproof but has an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This provides solid protection against rain and accidental spills.

Will my accessories work with the iPhone 12?

Most cases won’t fit due to different dimensions and camera layout. Lightning cables and AirPods remain compatible, but MagSafe chargers and wallets require the iPhone 12 or later.

Conclusion: Making the Right Move for Your Needs

The iPhone 8 Plus earned its reputation as a durable, user-friendly device. But technology evolves, and so do our expectations. The iPhone 12 isn’t just faster—it’s more secure, more capable, and built for the next few years of app innovation and connectivity trends like 5G and AI-enhanced photography.

Upgrading isn’t mandatory, but it is advisable for anyone who depends on their phone for more than basics. If your 8 Plus is showing signs of age—slow performance, poor battery, outdated software—the time to consider a change is now. The iPhone 12 strikes a balance between cutting-edge features and accessible pricing, especially in the refurbished market.

💬 Still on the fence? Share your experience with the iPhone 8 Plus or your thoughts on upgrading. Your story could help others make a confident decision.