Iphone 13 Vs Iphone 8 Is The Bigger Screen Worth Upgrading From The 8

For users still relying on the iPhone 8, the jump to the iPhone 13 isn’t just about screen size—it’s a generational leap in technology. While the larger display of the iPhone 13 is immediately noticeable, it's only one piece of a much broader upgrade. Whether you're clinging to your iPhone 8 for its compact design or familiarity, it’s time to evaluate whether the benefits of moving to the iPhone 13 justify the change—especially when screen real estate plays such a central role in modern smartphone use.

Display: More Than Just Size

The most apparent difference between the iPhone 8 and iPhone 13 is the display. The iPhone 8 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD screen with a resolution of 1334x750 pixels. In contrast, the iPhone 13 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display at 2532x1170 pixels. This means not only is the screen nearly 30% larger, but it also delivers deeper blacks, higher brightness (up to 800 nits), and improved color accuracy.

OLED technology allows individual pixels to turn off completely, enhancing contrast and reducing eye strain in low-light environments. For activities like streaming video, reading articles, or browsing social media, the iPhone 13 offers a significantly more immersive experience.

Tip: If you frequently watch videos or read on your phone, the larger, higher-quality screen of the iPhone 13 reduces scrolling and improves visual comfort.

Performance and Longevity

Beyond the screen, the internal differences are transformative. The iPhone 8 runs on the A11 Bionic chip, which was powerful in 2017 but now struggles with newer iOS versions and demanding apps. Multitasking, app loading times, and even basic animations can feel sluggish compared to today’s standards.

The iPhone 13, powered by the A15 Bionic chip, handles everything from augmented reality games to 4K video editing with ease. It has twice the RAM (4GB vs. 2GB) and a far more efficient neural engine, enabling faster Face ID recognition, better photo processing, and smoother overall performance.

“Upgrading from an iPhone 8 to an iPhone 13 is like switching from a flip phone to a smartphone in terms of speed and capability.” — David Lin, Mobile Technology Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

More importantly, Apple typically supports iPhones with software updates for five to six years. The iPhone 8, released in September 2017, likely reached its final major iOS update with iOS 16. The iPhone 13, launched in 2021, will receive updates through at least 2027. This extended support ensures access to new features, security patches, and compatibility with future apps.

Camera Comparison: Night Mode, Portrait Lighting, and More

The camera systems reflect how much smartphone photography has evolved. The iPhone 8 has a single 12MP rear camera without optical image stabilization for video and no Night mode. Low-light photos often appear grainy, and portrait effects require dual cameras—which the iPhone 8 lacks.

The iPhone 13 introduces a dual-camera setup: a main 12MP wide lens and an ultra-wide 12MP lens. This enables wider shots, better zoom control, and advanced computational photography features like Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Cinematic Mode for videos. Most notably, Night mode now works across all lenses, dramatically improving low-light performance.

Feature	iPhone 8	iPhone 13
Screen Size	4.7 inches	6.1 inches
Display Type	LCD	OLED (Super Retina XDR)
Processor	A11 Bionic	A15 Bionic
Rear Cameras	Single 12MP	Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide)
Night Mode	No	Yes (All cameras)
RAM	2GB	4GB
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 13 hours	Up to 19 hours
iOS Support Window (Estimated)	Ended ~2023	Through 2027+

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Impact

One of the biggest frustrations for long-time iPhone 8 users is battery degradation. After five years, even well-maintained batteries rarely last a full day under moderate use. The iPhone 13 addresses this with both hardware and software improvements.

Apple claims up to 19 hours of video playback on the iPhone 13, compared to 13 hours on the iPhone 8. In real-world mixed usage—including web browsing, messaging, music, and video—the iPhone 13 consistently lasts a full day and often stretches into a second with lighter use.

Charging has also evolved. The iPhone 8 supports only 5W wired charging and Qi wireless charging. The iPhone 13 supports 20W fast charging (reaching 50% in around 30 minutes) and MagSafe accessories for improved alignment and efficiency. These upgrades mean less time tethered to a cable and more flexibility in how you power your device.

Tip: Consider replacing your iPhone 8’s battery before upgrading—if it’s below 80% health—but know that other components (like the processor and camera) won’t improve.

Real User Experience: A Mini Case Study

Sarah, a freelance writer from Portland, used her iPhone 8 daily for emails, note-taking, and occasional photography. By 2023, she noticed apps crashing, slow Safari performance, and poor photo quality in dim lighting. She hesitated to upgrade due to the larger size, fearing it wouldn’t fit comfortably in her pocket.

After testing the iPhone 13 at an Apple Store, she realized the larger screen made typing easier and reduced eye strain during long writing sessions. Within a week of switching, she adapted to the size and appreciated the improved multitasking, faster app launches, and ability to edit photos directly on the phone. “I didn’t realize how much I was compensating for my phone’s limits until I stopped having to,” she said.

Her experience reflects a common pattern: users accustomed to older devices often underestimate how much performance bottlenecks affect their daily workflow until they’re removed.

Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready?

Before making the switch, consider these key factors:

• ✅ Is your iPhone 8 experiencing frequent crashes or app slowdowns?
• ✅ Do you struggle with battery life lasting only half a day?
• ✅ Have you avoided downloading newer apps due to storage or compatibility issues?
• ✅ Do you take photos in low light that come out blurry or dark?
• ✅ Are you unable to use the latest iOS features (e.g., Focus modes, Live Text)?
• ✅ Can your budget accommodate the upgrade or a refurbished model?

If you answered yes to three or more, upgrading to the iPhone 13 will likely enhance your daily digital experience beyond just screen size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the iPhone 13 feel too big if I’m used to the iPhone 8?

Initially, yes—it’s noticeably larger. However, most users adapt within a few days. The taller aspect ratio makes one-handed scrolling manageable, and the edge-to-edge design maximizes screen space without adding excessive width.

Can I keep using my iPhone 8 accessories?

Most Lightning cables and headphones will work, but cases won’t fit due to different dimensions and camera layout. Wireless chargers are compatible, but MagSafe accessories require the iPhone 13’s built-in magnets.

Is the camera upgrade really that significant?

Yes. Beyond megapixels, the iPhone 13’s computational photography, Night mode, Smart HDR, and cinematic video capabilities produce professional-grade results that the iPhone 8 simply cannot match.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Bigger Screen Is Worth It—But That’s Just the Start

The larger screen of the iPhone 13 is compelling, but it’s the gateway to a broader transformation. Upgrading from the iPhone 8 means gaining a faster processor, longer software support, superior cameras, better battery life, and a display that matches modern content consumption habits.

If you value responsiveness, reliability, and future-proofing, the iPhone 13 isn’t just an incremental upgrade—it’s a necessary evolution. The screen size may be the first thing you notice, but it’s the behind-the-scenes advancements that truly redefine what your phone can do.

💬 Thinking about upgrading? Share your experience with older iPhones or what’s holding you back from switching. Your insights could help others make the leap!