Iphone 12 Vs Iphone 8 Is Upgrading Still Worth It In 2024

For millions of iPhone users still holding onto an iPhone 8, the question isn’t just about desire—it’s about necessity. As we move deeper into 2024, Apple continues to push software updates, app requirements, and hardware capabilities forward at a rapid pace. The iPhone 8, once a flagship device, now sits firmly in legacy territory. Meanwhile, the iPhone 12 remains fully supported, capable, and relevant. But is the jump from iPhone 8 to iPhone 12 still justified today?

This isn’t just a comparison of specs. It’s about real-world usability, longevity, value, and whether your daily experience will meaningfully improve. Let’s break down every critical factor to help you decide if now is the time to upgrade.

Performance: A Quantum Leap in Speed and Efficiency

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 8 and iPhone 12 lies under the hood. The iPhone 8 runs on Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, a solid performer in its day but now over seven years old. By contrast, the iPhone 12 features the A14 Bionic—the first 5nm chip Apple ever released—delivering dramatically faster processing, better energy efficiency, and superior graphics performance.

In practical terms, this means apps launch instantly on the iPhone 12, multitasking feels seamless, and demanding tasks like video editing or gaming are handled with ease. On the iPhone 8, even basic operations like switching between Safari tabs or loading high-resolution photos can feel sluggish, especially as newer versions of iOS demand more resources.

Tip: If your current phone takes more than two seconds to open frequently used apps, it’s likely holding back your productivity and enjoyment.

Apple continues to optimize iOS for modern hardware. While iOS 17 supports the iPhone 8, future updates may not. Industry analysts predict iOS 18 will be the last version compatible with devices using the A11 chip or older. That makes 2024 a pivotal year for upgrade decisions.

Design and Display: From Classic to Modern

The design language shift between these two phones is stark. The iPhone 8 retains the traditional home button, thick bezels, and a 4.7-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1334x750. In contrast, the iPhone 12 embraces the edge-to-edge Super Retina XDR OLED display (6.1 inches, 2532x1170), offering deeper blacks, higher brightness, and significantly better color accuracy.

The move to Face ID and a glass-and-ceramic body also modernizes the user experience. The iPhone 12 is thinner, lighter, and feels more immersive during media consumption. Plus, it’s IP68-rated for water and dust resistance—a feature absent on the iPhone 8, which only has basic splash resistance.

“Display quality affects every interaction you have with your phone. Upgrading from LCD to OLED is one of the most noticeable improvements users report.” — David Lin, Mobile UX Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Capabilities: Night Mode, Portrait Mode, and Beyond

If photography matters to you, the iPhone 12 is a massive leap forward. The iPhone 8 has a single 12MP rear camera without optical image stabilization for video and lacks night mode entirely. Low-light photos often appear grainy, and dynamic range is limited.

The iPhone 12 introduces a dual-camera system: a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. This allows for greater creative flexibility—zooming out without losing quality, capturing sweeping landscapes, or fitting more people into group shots. More importantly, it includes Night mode on both rear cameras and the front-facing camera, enabling clear, detailed photos in near-dark conditions.

Video recording sees an even bigger upgrade. The iPhone 12 supports Dolby Vision HDR recording at up to 4K/60fps, while the iPhone 8 maxes out at 4K/30fps with no advanced color grading. For social media creators, vloggers, or anyone who shares moments regularly, this difference is substantial.

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone 8	iPhone 12
Release Year	2017	2020
Chipset	A11 Bionic	A14 Bionic
Display	4.7\" Retina HD (LCD)	6.1\" Super Retina XDR (OLED)
Resolution	1334x750	2532x1170
Rear Cameras	12MP Wide	12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide
Front Camera	7MP	12MP
Night Mode	No	Yes (all cameras)
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 60fps + Dolby Vision HDR
Battery Life	Up to 13 hours video playback	Up to 17 hours video playback
Charging	Wired only (no fast charging included)	MagSafe & Fast Charging (20W adapter sold separately)
Water Resistance	Splash resistant	IP68 rated (up to 6m for 30 mins)
iOS Support (Expected End)	2024–2025 (iOS 18 likely final)	2027+ (likely through iOS 21+)

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had been using her iPhone 8 since 2018. She loved its compact size and familiar interface. But by early 2024, she noticed growing frustration: WhatsApp took 10 seconds to load, her banking app frequently crashed, and her daughter’s school required uploading videos via an app that timed out on her device.

After upgrading to a refurbished iPhone 12, her experience transformed. Messages loaded instantly, video uploads completed smoothly, and Face ID worked reliably—even with masks. She also began using Apple Fitness+ and found the larger screen and better speakers made workouts more engaging. Most surprisingly, she didn’t miss the small form factor as much as she expected. “It felt big at first,” she said, “but now I wonder how I managed without it.”

Is Upgrading Still Worth It in 2024?

The answer depends on your usage, expectations, and budget—but for most iPhone 8 users, the upgrade to iPhone 12 is not only worth it, it’s overdue.

Consider this: Apple typically provides five years of major iOS updates. The iPhone 8 received iOS 17, but iOS 18 could be its limit. In contrast, the iPhone 12 will likely receive updates through 2027, ensuring compatibility with new apps, security patches, and features like enhanced Siri integration and AI-powered tools expected in upcoming iOS versions.

Battery degradation is another key factor. After six years, even well-maintained iPhone 8 batteries rarely hold more than 70–80% capacity, leading to frequent charging and performance throttling. The iPhone 12 offers longer battery life out of the box and benefits from optimized power management in newer iOS versions.

Tip: Check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If maximum capacity is below 80%, consider replacement or upgrading.

Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready?

• ✅ Has your iPhone 8 slowed down noticeably in the past year?
• ✅ Do apps crash or fail to install due to compatibility issues?
• ✅ Is your battery lasting less than a full workday?
• ✅ Are you unable to use features like Night mode or 4K video recording?
• ✅ Do you want access to newer iOS features (e.g., StandBy mode, improved Focus filters)?
• ✅ Is your phone showing physical wear (cracks, unresponsive buttons, charging port issues)?

If three or more apply, upgrading makes strong financial and functional sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the iPhone 8 stop working in 2024?

No, the iPhone 8 will continue to function in 2024. However, it may no longer receive major iOS updates beyond iOS 17, limiting access to new features and long-term app compatibility.

Can I save money by repairing my iPhone 8 instead?

You can replace the battery or screen, but hardware limitations remain. Even with a new battery, the A11 chip and outdated camera system won’t improve. For long-term value, investing in a newer model often makes more sense.

Is the iPhone 12 still available new?

Apple discontinued the iPhone 12 after the release of the iPhone 13. However, certified refurbished models are widely available through Apple and trusted retailers, often with warranties and at significant discounts.

Final Verdict: Time to Move Forward

The iPhone 8 was a milestone device—reliable, beautifully built, and ahead of its time in many ways. But technology evolves, and so do our needs. In 2024, the iPhone 12 offers a future-proof platform with superior performance, display, camera, and software support.

Whether you're motivated by speed, photo quality, battery life, or simply staying connected in a world that increasingly demands capable devices, upgrading from iPhone 8 to iPhone 12 delivers tangible, lasting benefits. You don’t need the latest Pro model to enjoy a modern smartphone experience. Sometimes, the smartest upgrade is the one that balances capability, cost, and longevity.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Explore certified refurbished iPhone 12 options today and unlock a faster, brighter, and more capable mobile experience. Your future self will thank you.