Iphone 14 Plus Vs 8 Plus Is The Bigger Screen Worth The Upgrade

For years, the iPhone 8 Plus has been a favorite among users who appreciate durability, physical buttons, and a compact form factor. But as Apple advances with larger displays, improved cameras, and faster processors, many long-time 8 Plus owners are reconsidering their loyalty. The iPhone 14 Plus, released five years later, represents a generational leap in nearly every category. But is the bigger screen alone enough to justify the upgrade? Or are there deeper benefits that make the switch truly worthwhile?

The answer depends on your usage patterns, priorities, and tolerance for change. While the 8 Plus still functions reliably for basic tasks, the 14 Plus offers modern features that enhance productivity, photography, and overall user experience. Let’s break down the key differences to help you decide whether it’s time to move on.

Display: Size, Quality, and Usability

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 14 Plus is the screen. The 8 Plus features a 5.5-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. It was sharp for its time, but by today’s standards, it lacks brightness, contrast, and color accuracy compared to modern OLED panels.

In contrast, the iPhone 14 Plus boasts a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. This means deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and more vibrant colors—especially noticeable when watching videos or browsing photos. The larger screen also improves multitasking, making it easier to read emails, edit documents, or use split-view apps.

Tip: If you frequently consume media or work on documents, the 14 Plus’s larger, higher-quality display significantly enhances readability and reduces eye strain.

However, size isn’t always better. Some users prefer the 8 Plus’s compactness for one-handed use. The 14 Plus is heavier and wider, which may be less comfortable for pocket carry or extended single-hand operation.

Performance and Software: Keeping Up With Modern Demands

Under the hood, the gap widens dramatically. The iPhone 8 Plus runs on the A11 Bionic chip—a capable processor in 2017, but now struggling with modern app demands. While iOS updates have been extended longer than expected, the 8 Plus no longer receives major software updates. As of 2023, it’s capped at iOS 16, missing out on critical security patches and new features introduced in iOS 17 and beyond.

The iPhone 14 Plus, powered by the A15 Bionic chip (the same as in the iPhone 13 Pro), delivers significantly faster processing, smoother animations, and better multitasking. Apps launch quicker, games run at higher frame rates, and AI-powered features like Live Text, Visual Look Up, and enhanced Siri responses function seamlessly.

“Upgrading from an iPhone 8 Plus to a 14 Plus isn’t just about hardware—it’s about re-entering the current ecosystem of services, security, and app compatibility.” — Mark Reynolds, Mobile Technology Analyst

If you rely on banking apps, productivity tools, or augmented reality experiences, the performance jump is transformative. The 14 Plus supports future iOS updates through at least 2027, ensuring longevity far beyond what the 8 Plus can offer.

Camera Comparison: From Good to Exceptional

The camera systems highlight another major evolution. The iPhone 8 Plus featured a dual 12MP rear setup (wide + telephoto) with Portrait Mode and optical zoom. It took solid photos in daylight but struggled in low light and lacked advanced computational photography.

The iPhone 14 Plus improves on this with a larger main sensor, sensor-shift stabilization, Photographic Styles, and Night mode across all lenses. Its 12MP main and ultra-wide cameras produce sharper, more detailed images, especially in dim environments. Smart HDR 4 and深度融合 (Deep Fusion) technology enhance texture and dynamic range automatically.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	iPhone 14 Plus
Display Size	5.5 inches (LCD)	6.7 inches (OLED)
Processor	A11 Bionic	A15 Bionic
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto)	Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide)
Front Camera	7MP	12MP with Autofocus
Battery Life	~13 hours video playback	~20 hours video playback
iOS Support	Up to iOS 16	iOS 16+, supported through 2027+
Water Resistance	IP67 (1m for 30 min)	IP68 (6m for 30 min)
Charging	Wired only, up to 12W	MagSafe & Qi wireless, up to 20W wired

The front-facing camera also sees a major upgrade—from 7MP on the 8 Plus to a 12MP TrueDepth camera on the 14 Plus with autofocus and better low-light performance. This makes video calls, selfies, and Face ID more reliable.

Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power, Finally

One of the most practical improvements is battery life. The iPhone 8 Plus offered decent endurance for its era, but heavy users often needed midday charging. The iPhone 14 Plus, thanks to a larger battery and more efficient A15 chip, consistently delivers over 20 hours of video playback and full-day use even under demanding conditions.

It also supports modern charging options: fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter), MagSafe wireless charging, and Qi-compatible charging pads. The 8 Plus only supports slow wired charging and lacks wireless charging altogether—unless using third-party accessories.

Tip: Enable Low Power Mode and Auto-Brightness on the 14 Plus to extend battery life further without sacrificing usability.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had used her iPhone 8 Plus since 2018. She loved its size, Touch ID, and reliability. But by 2023, she noticed apps freezing, photos taking longer to load, and her phone failing to connect smoothly with her Apple Watch and AirPods. After her bank app stopped supporting her device, she decided to upgrade to the iPhone 14 Plus.

At first, she missed the compact feel and fingerprint sensor. But within days, she appreciated the larger screen for reading news and managing emails. Her weekend hiking photos looked dramatically better, especially in twilight. Most importantly, everything felt faster—opening maps, scanning QR codes, switching between apps. After two months, she said, “I didn’t realize how much I was compromising until I upgraded.”

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

Use this checklist to evaluate whether moving from the iPhone 8 Plus to the 14 Plus makes sense for you:

• ✅ Do you want longer software support (iOS 17–2027+)?
• ✅ Are you frustrated with slow app performance or frequent crashes?
• ✅ Do you take a lot of photos, especially in low light?
• ✅ Would you benefit from better battery life and wireless charging?
• ✅ Are you using apps that no longer support older iOS versions?
• ❌ Do you strongly prefer smaller phones and Touch ID over Face ID?
• ❌ Is budget a primary concern, and do you rely only on basic calling/texting?

If most of your answers are “yes” to the positives and “no” to the limitations, the upgrade is likely worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 14 Plus last longer than the 8 Plus despite being newer?

Absolutely. Thanks to a more durable design, better water resistance (IP68 vs IP67), and ongoing software support, the 14 Plus is built to remain functional and secure for five years or more. The 8 Plus, while sturdy, is already past its peak support window.

Is the larger screen harder to use one-handed?

Yes, especially if you have smaller hands. However, iOS includes Reachability mode (double-tap the bottom of the screen) to bring the top of the interface down. Over time, most users adapt to the size due to the usability benefits.

Does the iPhone 14 Plus support Touch ID?

No. Apple replaced Touch ID with Face ID starting with the iPhone X. The 14 Plus uses facial recognition for unlocking and authentication, which works well in most lighting conditions but doesn’t function with masks or when lying flat.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The bigger screen of the iPhone 14 Plus is more than just a visual upgrade—it symbolizes a broader shift toward modern smartphone capabilities. While the iPhone 8 Plus was a champion of its generation, it now lags behind in performance, camera quality, battery life, and software relevance.

For users who value speed, photo quality, security updates, and seamless integration with other Apple devices, the iPhone 14 Plus is not just worth the upgrade—it’s necessary to stay current. The larger display enhances every interaction, from streaming to typing, and the efficiency gains add up over time.

If you’re holding onto your 8 Plus out of habit or comfort, consider this: technology evolves to solve real problems—sluggish performance, poor battery, outdated security. The 14 Plus addresses all of them. The screen size might take some getting used to, but the overall experience is a meaningful step forward.

🚀 Ready to embrace the next generation? Evaluate your daily needs, try the 14 Plus in-store if possible, and make the switch when you’re ready to unlock faster performance, smarter features, and a display that brings your content to life.