Iphone 13 Vs 8 Plus Is The Bigger Screen Of The 8 Plus Worth Sticking With

The iPhone 8 Plus may be one of Apple’s older models, but its 5.5-inch display still stands out in a market increasingly dominated by compact designs. Meanwhile, the iPhone 13, released five years later, features a slightly smaller 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display—technically larger, yet feels more modern and efficient. For users clinging to the 8 Plus for its screen size, the question arises: is that extra physical footprint truly worth sacrificing newer technology? The answer depends on how you use your phone and what you prioritize in daily performance.

Display Quality and Usability

At first glance, the iPhone 8 Plus appears to offer a generous viewing area with its 5.5-inch LCD screen at 1920x1080 resolution. It was considered large when launched in 2017 and remains comfortable for media consumption and multitasking. However, the iPhone 13’s 6.1-inch OLED display delivers superior contrast, deeper blacks, higher brightness (up to 1200 nits HDR), and better color accuracy. Despite being only marginally larger in diagonal measurement, the edge-to-edge design eliminates thick bezels, offering more usable screen real estate in a similar-sized body.

The 8 Plus also suffers from a lower pixel density (401 ppi vs 460 ppi), making text and images appear less sharp. Additionally, it lacks True Tone and high dynamic range support, which the iPhone 13 includes as standard. While the 8 Plus screen might feel “big,” it doesn’t deliver a modern viewing experience.

“Screen size matters, but not at the expense of quality. A sharp, vibrant display enhances everything from reading to video calls.” — David Lin, Mobile UX Analyst at TechInterface Labs

Tip: If you watch a lot of videos or read on your phone, prioritize display quality over raw size. OLED clarity reduces eye strain over time.

Performance and Longevity

Under the hood, the difference between these two phones is staggering. The iPhone 8 Plus runs on the A11 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 13 uses the A15 Bionic—Apple’s powerhouse processor at the time of its release. This isn't just a minor upgrade; it's generational leap in speed, efficiency, and machine learning capabilities.

In real-world use, the iPhone 13 launches apps faster, handles multitasking smoothly, and sustains performance during intensive tasks like photo editing or gaming. More importantly, iOS updates are optimized for newer chips. As of 2024, the 8 Plus no longer receives major OS updates, limiting access to new features and security patches. The iPhone 13, however, is expected to receive updates through at least 2027.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	iPhone 13
Processor	A11 Bionic	A15 Bionic
RAM	3GB	4GB
Latest iOS Support	iOS 16 (final)	iOS 17+, future updates expected
Benchmark (Geekbench 5 CPU)	~4,200	~17,000

For users who rely on their phones for productivity, navigation, or social apps, lag and outdated software can quickly become frustrating. The 8 Plus struggles with modern web browsing and app responsiveness, especially with background processes.

Camera Comparison: Generational Gap

The camera systems highlight perhaps the most dramatic improvement. The iPhone 8 Plus introduced Portrait Mode with its dual 12MP rear cameras—one wide, one telephoto. It was impressive in its day, but now feels limited. Low-light performance is weak, autofocus is slower, and there’s no Night Mode.

The iPhone 13 improves on every front: larger sensors, sensor-shift stabilization, Night Mode on all lenses, Cinematic Mode for video, and Smart HDR 4. Photos have better dynamic range, more accurate skin tones, and enhanced detail in shadows. Video recording jumps from 4K at 60fps to advanced Dolby Vision HDR, giving a professional-grade output.

• Night Photography: iPhone 13 captures bright, clear images in near darkness; 8 Plus produces grainy, blurry results.
• Front Camera: 8 Plus has 7MP without Night Mode; iPhone 13 offers 12MP with Ultra Wide lens and Night Mode support.
• Video Features: iPhone 13 supports Slo-mo, QuickTake, and cinematic depth effects—missing on the older model.

Battery Life and Charging

Despite having a physically larger body, the iPhone 8 Plus does not outperform the iPhone 13 in battery life. Apple improved energy efficiency so significantly that the smaller battery in the iPhone 13 lasts longer under typical usage. Real-world tests show the iPhone 13 lasting up to 10–12 hours of mixed screen-on time, compared to 6–8 hours on the 8 Plus (especially with aging battery health).

Additionally, the iPhone 13 supports faster charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with 20W adapter) and MagSafe wireless charging. The 8 Plus only supports slow Qi charging and maxes out at 7.5W with compatible accessories. Over time, this convenience adds up—especially if you're frequently on the move.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah had been using her iPhone 8 Plus since 2018. She loved the size—it fit comfortably in her hand, and she used it daily for scrolling news, taking family photos, and watching YouTube before bed. By late 2023, she noticed apps took longer to load, her camera struggled in dim lighting, and her battery died by mid-afternoon. After borrowing a friend’s iPhone 13, she was stunned by how fast Safari loaded articles, how clear her daughter’s night-time birthday footage appeared, and how the phone lasted a full day even with heavy use. Despite missing the lighter weight of the 8 Plus, she upgraded—and hasn’t looked back.

Is the Bigger Screen Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding whether to stick with the 8 Plus for its form factor, consider the following checklist:

1. ✅ Do you primarily use your phone for calls, texts, and light browsing?
2. ✅ Are you sensitive to heavier phones or prefer a non-pro glass back?
3. ✅ Is budget a major constraint, and do you avoid frequent upgrades?
4. ❌ Are you frustrated by slow performance or app crashes?
5. ❌ Do you take photos often, especially in low light?
6. ❌ Do you want to keep your phone for more than two years?

If most of your answers align with the first three, the 8 Plus might still serve you well. But if you checked any of the latter items, the iPhone 13 offers substantial long-term benefits that outweigh the slight change in ergonomics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 Plus still run popular apps?

Yes, but with limitations. Many newer versions of apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Google Maps require updated iOS versions no longer supported by the 8 Plus. Performance may also degrade due to hardware constraints.

Is the iPhone 13 too small compared to the 8 Plus?

While the 8 Plus has a taller body, the iPhone 13’s screen is actually larger in usable area thanks to minimal bezels. Most users adapt within a few days and appreciate the improved one-handed usability.

Should I wait for iPhone 15 or buy the iPhone 13 now?

If you’re upgrading from an 8 Plus, the iPhone 13 is already a massive leap. Waiting for newer models makes sense only if you need cutting-edge features like USB-C or Action Mode video. For most users, the 13 remains excellent value in 2024.

Final Verdict: Progress Over Preference

The iPhone 8 Plus holds nostalgic appeal and a familiar form factor, but clinging to it solely for screen size means missing out on transformative improvements. The iPhone 13 offers a sharper display, vastly superior camera, longer software support, better battery life, and a more future-proof ecosystem. Yes, the 8 Plus feels roomier—but modern smartphones optimize space intelligently, delivering more function in less bulk.

Technology evolves not just in specs, but in how seamlessly it integrates into your life. The iPhone 13 reduces friction: quicker unlocks, smoother scrolls, clearer photos, longer battery. These aren’t luxuries—they’re expectations today.

🚀 Ready to upgrade your mobile experience? Evaluate your current needs—not just comfort—with honesty. The right device isn’t the one that fits your palm best, but the one that keeps up with your life.