Iphone 8 Plus Or Iphone X Is The X Still Worth It In Current Year

In 2024, the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus are no longer new—they were released in 2017. Yet, both devices still surface in secondhand markets, repair shops, and casual conversations among budget-conscious buyers. The question isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s practical: Can either of these phones still deliver a usable experience today? More specifically, does the iPhone X—once Apple’s bold leap into the future—still justify attention when newer models dominate the market?

The answer depends on your needs, expectations, and how you use a smartphone. While neither device supports the latest iOS features at full capacity, they represent two very different philosophies in Apple’s design history. One clings to tradition; the other pioneered a new era.

Design and Display: A Tale of Two Eras

The iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X showcase divergent paths Apple took in 2017. The 8 Plus retains the classic iPhone formula: physical Home button, thick bezels, and Touch ID. It features a 5.5-inch LCD screen with respectable color accuracy but lacks the contrast and deep blacks of OLED technology.

In contrast, the iPhone X introduced the “notch,” Face ID, edge-to-edge OLED display, and gesture-based navigation. Its 5.8-inch Super Retina HD display remains sharp and vibrant by 2024 standards, especially for media consumption. Even now, watching videos or scrolling through photos on the X feels more immersive than on the 8 Plus.

From a durability standpoint, both have glass backs (for wireless charging) and aluminum frames. However, the X’s taller, narrower form factor makes it slightly more pocketable despite similar weight. That said, its all-glass construction is more prone to cracking upon impact—especially without a case.

Tip: If buying used, always inspect the front and back glass of an iPhone X for micro-cracks or discoloration near the edges.

Performance and Software Support in 2024

Both phones run the A11 Bionic chip—an impressive piece of silicon for its time. In 2024, this processor still handles basic tasks like messaging, web browsing, and music streaming without major lag. However, real limitations emerge when multitasking, using modern apps, or attempting to run games optimized for newer hardware.

As of iOS 17, Apple has officially ended support for both devices. They max out at iOS 16.7.x, meaning no future security updates beyond late 2023–early 2024. This raises concerns about long-term app compatibility and vulnerability exposure.

Many developers are beginning to phase out support for older iOS versions. Apps like Instagram, TikTok, and banking platforms may continue functioning—but expect slower load times, reduced feature sets, or eventual abandonment.

“Devices stuck on outdated operating systems become increasingly vulnerable—not just to bugs, but to exploits that newer software patches would otherwise prevent.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at CyberShield Labs

Camera Comparison: Portrait Mode Pioneer vs. Dual-Lens Reliability

The iPhone X was the first to introduce portrait mode with advanced depth sensing on both front and rear cameras. Its 12MP dual-camera system includes optical image stabilization (OIS) on both lenses, enabling sharper low-light shots and better zoom performance compared to the 8 Plus, which only has OIS on the wide lens.

While both phones produce decent daylight photos, the X pulls ahead in consistency and facial recognition accuracy thanks to its TrueDepth camera system. Face ID unlocks work reasonably well under good lighting, though they’re noticeably slower than current iPhones.

Video recording is limited to 4K at 60fps on both, but the X benefits from improved noise reduction and dynamic range processing. For casual vloggers or social media users, the difference is subtle but present.

Camera Features at a Glance

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	iPhone X
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto)	Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto)
OIS	Wide only	Both lenses
Front Camera	7MP	7MP with Face ID & Portrait Mode
Portrait Mode (Rear)	Yes	Yes, improved depth mapping
Portrait Mode (Front)	No	Yes
Slow Motion Front	No	1080p at 240fps

Real-World Use Case: Can You Still Rely on an iPhone X in 2024?

Meet Sarah, a college student who bought a refurbished iPhone X in early 2023 for $120. She needed a phone primarily for notes, email, WhatsApp, and occasional photography. After 14 months, her experience reflects broader trends among legacy iPhone users.

Sarah reports that the phone works “most of the time,” but she’s noticed increasing friction. Safari crashes during research-heavy sessions. Google Maps takes up to 15 seconds to load routes. Instagram scrolls with visible stuttering. Battery life dropped below 4 hours of screen-on time within nine months, forcing her to carry a power bank.

She upgraded to an iPhone SE (2022) after six months of frustration. “It wasn’t broken,” she says, “but it felt like I was constantly fighting the device instead of using it.”

This scenario illustrates a critical point: older iPhones don’t fail suddenly—they degrade gradually until usability becomes compromised.

When the iPhone X Might Still Be Worth It

Despite its age, the iPhone X can still serve specific niches:

• Secondary device: As a dedicated e-reader, music player, or car dashboard unit.
• Kids or elderly users: Limited app access reduces complexity and exposure to aggressive in-app purchases.
• Budget emergency backup: If found free or under $50, it’s better than no phone at all.
• iOS familiarity training: For someone transitioning from Android to Apple ecosystem basics.

But for anyone relying on daily productivity, social connectivity, or secure transactions, investing in even a base-model iPhone SE (2022 or later) offers dramatically better longevity, performance, and peace of mind.

Tip: Never activate an old iPhone as your primary device without checking iCloud Activation Lock status first. A locked device is unusable without the original owner’s credentials.

Step-by-Step: How to Evaluate a Used iPhone X Today

1. Verify iOS version: Check if it runs iOS 16. If not, it may have unresolved issues.
2. Test Face ID: Try unlocking in various lighting conditions. Repeated failures suggest sensor damage.
3. Inspect screen burn-in: Display solid white, black, red, green, and blue screens. Look for persistent shadows or discoloration.
4. Check battery health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Anything below 80% indicates significant wear.
5. Run app stress test: Open five apps simultaneously (e.g., YouTube, Safari, Camera, Messages, Spotify). Switch between them to check for reloading or crashing.
6. Review storage: Ensure there’s enough free space. 64GB fills quickly with photos and updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone X get iOS 17?

No. The iPhone X is not compatible with iOS 17. It supports up to iOS 16.7.6, which means no further official updates from Apple.

Is the iPhone 8 Plus better than the iPhone X for battery life?

Surprisingly, yes—in some scenarios. The 8 Plus has a larger battery (2,691 mAh vs. 2,716 mAh), and its LCD screen consumes less power than the X’s OLED when displaying bright content. However, real-world usage shows similar endurance: around 6–8 hours of mixed use when battery health is above 85%.

Which should I buy if both are the same price?

Choose the iPhone X—if the screen and battery are in good condition. Its design language aligns better with modern iPhones, and the Face ID + OLED combo enhances daily usability despite the shared hardware limitations.

Final Verdict: Is the iPhone X Still Worth It?

In 2024, the iPhone X is no longer a practical choice for most people. While it was revolutionary in 2017, its lack of software updates, aging battery, and diminishing app support make it a liability rather than an asset. The iPhone 8 Plus, while more durable physically, lags further behind in user experience due to its outdated interface and absence of Face ID.

If you're considering either model solely because of cost, expand your search to include newer budget options. The iPhone SE (2022 or 2023) delivers twice the performance, five more years of expected support, and modern features like Touch ID, Center Stage, and 5G—all for under $400 new.

The iPhone X deserves respect as a milestone device—the one that redefined what an iPhone could be. But respecting its legacy doesn’t mean using it as your daily driver in 2024.

🚀 Ready to upgrade wisely? Share your thoughts on legacy iPhones or leave a comment about your own experience with older models—we’d love to hear what worked (or didn’t) for you.