Iphone 8 Camera Vs Iphone 7 Is The Upgrade Worth It For The Photos

When Apple released the iPhone 8 in 2017, it arrived without the radical redesign of the iPhone X, but with meaningful internal upgrades. One of the most debated changes was the camera system. For users still on the iPhone 7, the question remains: Is upgrading to the iPhone 8 truly beneficial for photography? While both phones share a similar design language and single-lens setup, subtle yet significant improvements in hardware and software make the iPhone 8 a compelling step up—especially for those who value photo quality.

Camera Hardware: What Changed?

The iPhone 7 introduced a 12-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, optical image stabilization (OIS), and a six-element lens. At the time, it was considered a major leap in smartphone photography. The iPhone 8 kept the same megapixel count and lens structure but made key enhancements that directly impact photo performance.

The most notable hardware upgrade is the use of a larger and faster sensor. Although Apple didn’t increase the megapixel count, the new sensor captures more light, which improves dynamic range and low-light performance. Combined with a better color filter and deeper pixels, the iPhone 8 delivers cleaner images with less noise, especially in dim environments.

Tip: In low-light conditions, hold your iPhone steady for at least 1–2 seconds after taking a photo—the processing continues even after the shutter sound.

Additionally, the iPhone 8 supports gigabit-class LTE and uses the A11 Bionic chip, which powers advanced image signal processing. This means faster autofocus, improved noise reduction, and real-time scene detection—all contributing to sharper, more consistent photos.

Image Quality Comparison: Real-World Differences

To understand whether the upgrade matters, consider how the two cameras perform in common shooting scenarios.

Daylight Photos

In well-lit conditions, both phones produce excellent results. Colors are accurate, detail is crisp, and HDR handling is strong. However, the iPhone 8 tends to preserve more highlight detail in bright skies and better shadow recovery in darker areas. This expanded dynamic range gives photos a more balanced, professional look straight out of the camera.

Low-Light Performance

This is where the iPhone 8 pulls ahead. Thanks to its improved sensor and enhanced OIS, it captures brighter nighttime shots with less grain. Images taken indoors or during dusk appear clearer, with fewer artifacts and better color fidelity. The A11 chip’s machine learning capabilities also help reduce blur caused by hand movement.

Portrait Mode and Depth Control

Here’s a critical difference: The iPhone 7 does not support Portrait Mode, while the iPhone 8 does—not through dual cameras, but via software simulation using facial recognition and depth mapping. While not as refined as the iPhone 8 Plus or later models, the iPhone 8 can simulate bokeh effects on human subjects. This feature alone may justify the upgrade for portrait enthusiasts.

“Even without a second lens, the iPhone 8 leverages computational photography to deliver depth effects that were impossible just two years earlier.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMark

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone 7	iPhone 8
Rear Camera	12MP, f/1.8, OIS	12MP, f/1.8, OIS (larger sensor)
Front Camera	7MP, f/2.2	7MP, f/2.2 (better tone mapping)
Portrait Mode	Not supported	Supported (software-based)
Video Recording	4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps	4K at 60fps, 1080p at 240fps slo-mo
Image Signal Processor	A10 Fusion	A11 Bionic (Neural Engine)
Smart HDR	No	No (introduced later), but better local tone mapping

While the table shows incremental changes, their combined effect is noticeable. The ability to shoot 4K video at 60fps makes the iPhone 8 significantly better for action footage or cinematic clips. Similarly, 1080p at 240fps allows for smoother slow-motion videos than the iPhone 7’s 120fps limit.

Real Example: A Week of Everyday Shooting

Sarah, a freelance blogger and casual photographer, used her iPhone 7 for three years before switching to the iPhone 8. Over one week, she shot identical scenes with both devices: morning coffee by a window, midday park walks, evening street food, and indoor family portraits.

She noticed immediate differences. Her sunrise shots on the iPhone 8 retained more detail in the clouds. Indoor dinner photos showed truer skin tones and less orange tinting—a known issue with the iPhone 7’s white balance in mixed lighting. Most impressively, she captured a spontaneous toddler moment in a dimly lit nursery using Portrait Mode on the iPhone 8. The background blur wasn’t perfect, but it gave the image a storytelling depth she couldn’t achieve before.

“I didn’t expect such a difference from a ‘minor’ upgrade,” Sarah said. “It’s not just about resolution—it’s about confidence. I now trust my phone camera more in tricky lighting.”

Step-by-Step: How to Maximize Photo Quality on Either Device

Whether you keep the iPhone 7 or upgrade to the iPhone 8, these steps will help you get the best possible photos:

1. Clean the lens regularly. Smudges are the silent killer of sharpness.
2. Tap to focus and adjust exposure. Press and hold to lock AE/AF for consistent shots.
3. Use natural light whenever possible. Position your subject facing the light source.
4. Enable Grid in Settings > Camera. Apply the rule of thirds for balanced composition.
5. Avoid digital zoom. Step closer instead to maintain image quality.
6. Edit subtly. Use built-in tools like Light, Color, and Sharpness sparingly.
7. For iPhone 8 users: Try Portrait Mode in good light. It works best when the subject is 6–8 feet from the background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 take better selfies than the iPhone 7?

The front cameras have the same 7-megapixel resolution and f/2.2 aperture, but the iPhone 8 benefits from better processing. Skin tones appear more natural, and low-light selfies show less noise due to improved tone mapping and noise reduction powered by the A11 chip.

Is Portrait Mode on the iPhone 8 reliable?

It works well under ideal conditions—good lighting, clear subject separation, and steady hands. It struggles with pets, glasses, or complex hair, and lacks adjustable depth control (added in iPhone 8 Plus and later). Still, it’s a functional tool for basic portrait experiments.

Should I upgrade just for the camera?

If you primarily take photos in daylight and don’t need Portrait Mode or 4K/60fps video, the iPhone 7 remains capable. But if you frequently shoot in low light, record videos, or want access to modern editing features, the iPhone 8 offers tangible improvements that enhance creative flexibility.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The jump from iPhone 7 to iPhone 8 isn’t revolutionary, but it’s meaningful. You’re not getting a second lens or Night Mode, but you are gaining a smarter, faster, and more capable imaging system. The combination of a better sensor, improved processor, and software features like Portrait Mode adds up to a noticeably better photography experience—especially in challenging conditions.

For users who view their phone as their primary camera, the upgrade is justified. The iPhone 8 handles dynamic scenes more gracefully, produces cleaner images, and unlocks creative options previously unavailable. Even years after release, its photo-processing pipeline holds up remarkably well against newer budget smartphones.

🚀 Ready to test the difference? Borrow an iPhone 8 or visit an Apple Store. Take side-by-side shots with your iPhone 7 and see the improvement for yourself. Sometimes, the best answer comes through your own lens.