Iphone 8 Plus Vs 11 Is It Finally Time To Upgrade What Am I Really Missing

If you’ve been holding onto your iPhone 8 Plus since its 2017 release, you’re not alone. Many users still rely on this durable, capable device. But with the iPhone 11 now widely available at competitive prices—and newer models pushing further ahead—it’s worth asking: is it finally time to upgrade? More importantly, what are you actually missing by staying on a five-year-old platform?

The answer isn’t just about specs or marketing buzzwords. It’s about real-world usability, longevity, security, and whether your current phone can keep up with how you live today. Let’s break down the key differences between the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone 11 to help you make an informed decision.

Performance: A Generational Leap

The iPhone 8 Plus runs on Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, which was groundbreaking in 2017. At the time, it delivered smooth multitasking, excellent app responsiveness, and strong gaming performance. Fast forward to today, and while the A11 still handles basic tasks well, it struggles with heavier apps, augmented reality experiences, and even some newer iOS updates that demand more processing power.

In contrast, the iPhone 11 features the A13 Bionic chip—one of Apple’s most efficient processors ever. Despite being two generations newer than the A11, the A13 delivers nearly twice the CPU performance and significantly better GPU capabilities. This means faster app launches, smoother scrolling, quicker photo and video editing, and better future-proofing for upcoming iOS versions.

Tip: If you notice frequent app reloads, slow camera startup, or lag when switching between apps, your processor may be holding you back.

Camera Upgrades That Actually Matter

One of the most tangible improvements from the iPhone 8 Plus to the iPhone 11 is the camera system. The 8 Plus has a solid dual-lens setup: 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto, allowing for 2x optical zoom and Portrait mode. However, it lacks Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR—features now considered standard.

The iPhone 11 introduces a new wide lens with a larger sensor and wider aperture (ƒ/1.8), capturing more light and detail. It also adds Night mode, which automatically activates in low-light conditions, producing dramatically brighter and clearer photos without a flash. Combined with Smart HDR and Deep Fusion, the iPhone 11 delivers sharper textures, better dynamic range, and more natural skin tones—even in challenging lighting.

While both phones have dual cameras, the iPhone 11 replaces the telephoto lens with an ultra-wide lens (120° field of view). This doesn’t give you optical zoom, but it opens up creative possibilities for landscapes, architecture, and group shots.

“Photography on modern iPhones isn’t just about megapixels—it’s about computational imaging. The A13 chip enables real-time scene analysis, noise reduction, and exposure tuning that older devices simply can’t match.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Specialist

Battery Life and Charging: Real Gains

Battery life is where many iPhone 8 Plus users start feeling the pinch. Even with a healthy battery, the 8 Plus typically lasts a full day under moderate use—but often requires midday charging if you’re streaming, navigating, or using GPS-heavy apps.

The iPhone 11 improves on this with a larger battery and far more efficient hardware. Apple claims up to one additional hour of battery life compared to the 8 Plus, but real-world testing often shows even greater gains—especially as older batteries degrade over time.

Additionally, the iPhone 11 supports faster charging (with a compatible adapter) and is rated IP68 for water resistance (up to 2 meters for 30 minutes), compared to the 8 Plus’s IP67 rating (1 meter for 30 minutes). That extra depth and improved sealing offer peace of mind in wet conditions.

Display and Design: Subtle but Meaningful Changes

The iPhone 8 Plus features a 5.5-inch LCD Retina HD display with thick bezels and a home button with Touch ID. It’s functional and familiar, but it feels dated next to modern smartphones.

The iPhone 11 moves to a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display with slimmer bezels and no home button. While still an LCD (not OLED), the screen offers better color accuracy, higher brightness, and True Tone technology. The notch design houses Face ID, which Apple claims is more secure than Touch ID, though preferences vary.

Design-wise, the iPhone 11 uses tougher glass (both front and back), aluminum edges, and comes in vibrant colors like purple, green, and yellow—offering a fresh aesthetic compared to the more conservative palette of the 8 Plus.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	iPhone 11
Processor	A11 Bionic	A13 Bionic
Rear Cameras	12MP Wide + 12MP Telephoto	12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide
Front Camera	7MP	12MP (supports 4K video)
Low-Light Performance	No Night Mode	Night Mode enabled
Battery Life	Up to 13 hours video playback	Up to 17 hours video playback
Water Resistance	IP67 (1m for 30 min)	IP68 (2m for 30 min)
Biometric Security	Touch ID	Face ID
Charging	Slow charging (5W adapter)	Faster charging (18W capable with adapter)

Software Support and Longevity

This is perhaps the most critical factor. As of 2024, the iPhone 8 Plus supports iOS 16, but it’s unlikely to receive iOS 18 or beyond. Apple typically provides 5–6 years of OS updates, and the 8 Plus is nearing the end of that window.

The iPhone 11, however, launched with iOS 13 and is fully compatible with iOS 17—with a strong likelihood of receiving iOS 18 and possibly iOS 19. That means several more years of security patches, feature updates, and app compatibility.

Consider this: newer apps increasingly require advanced hardware features like ARKit 3, machine learning accelerators, and background segmentation—all powered by chips like the A13 and later. Staying on an older device could soon mean being locked out of essential apps or services.

Real Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah, a freelance photographer, used her iPhone 8 Plus for client communication, social media posting, and occasional mobile shoots. By late 2023, she noticed her editing apps were crashing during exports, her camera struggled in evening light, and Instagram stopped supporting certain filters on her device.

After upgrading to the iPhone 11, she immediately benefited from Night mode for event photography, faster export times in Lightroom, and seamless Face ID unlock while wearing gloves (via Apple Watch pairing). The ultra-wide lens also allowed her to capture tighter spaces without stepping back. For her, the upgrade wasn’t just about new features—it was about maintaining professional reliability.

Is It Finally Time to Upgrade? A Checklist

Still unsure? Use this checklist to evaluate your situation:

• ✅ Do apps frequently crash or reload when you switch between them?
• ✅ Is your battery draining faster than it used to, even after calibration?
• ✅ Are you unable to install the latest iOS version or key app updates?
• ✅ Do photos come out blurry or dark in low light?
• ✅ Have repair costs (battery, screen) added up to over $100 in the past year?
• ✅ Do you want better water resistance or faster charging?

If three or more apply, upgrading to the iPhone 11—or even a newer model—makes practical sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 Plus still run everyday apps smoothly?

Yes, for basic tasks like calling, texting, email, and light browsing. However, performance degrades with demanding apps like video editors, navigation tools, or AR games. Future app updates may eventually drop support for the A11 chip.

Is Face ID on the iPhone 11 better than Touch ID?

Apple claims Face ID is 20 times more secure than Touch ID. In practice, Face ID works well in most lighting conditions and allows for faster unlocking, especially when wearing masks (if paired with Apple Watch). Some users still prefer the tactile feedback of Touch ID, particularly with wet fingers.

Should I wait for a newer model instead?

If budget allows, consider the iPhone 12 or later for 5G, OLED displays, and longer software support. But if you’re coming from the 8 Plus, the iPhone 11 represents the most cost-effective leap in performance, camera, and longevity.

Final Thoughts: What You’re Really Missing

Sticking with the iPhone 8 Plus isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about comfort. But comfort has a cost. You’re missing smarter cameras that work in the dark, a processor that keeps up with modern demands, longer battery life, better durability, and several more years of software support.

The iPhone 11 isn’t just an incremental upgrade. It’s a bridge to the current generation of iPhone experiences. If you’ve been hesitating, now may be the ideal moment. Refurbished iPhone 11 models are available for under $200, making this one of the most affordable ways to gain years of improved performance and peace of mind.

🚀 Ready to make the jump? Evaluate your current pain points, check your battery health, and consider trading in your iPhone 8 Plus today. The difference might be bigger than you expect.