When Apple released the iPhone 8 Plus in 2017, many users of the iPhone 7 Plus were left wondering: is this upgrade truly meaningful, or is it just another incremental release designed to push sales? Both phones share nearly identical designs, similar camera systems, and the same screen size. But beneath the surface, key differences emerge—some subtle, others significant. For those still weighing whether to upgrade, a closer look at performance, hardware improvements, software longevity, and real-world usability reveals whether the jump from iPhone 7 Plus to 8 Plus delivers tangible benefits.
Design and Build: More Than Meets the Eye
At first glance, the iPhone 8 Plus and 7 Plus appear almost indistinguishable. Both feature a 5.5-inch display, aluminum frame, and physical Home button with Touch ID. The dimensions and weight are nearly identical, making them equally comfortable to hold. However, the most notable change lies in the materials used.
The iPhone 8 Plus introduced a glass back—a first for the Plus line—replacing the aluminum back of the 7 Plus. This wasn’t merely aesthetic; it enabled wireless charging, a feature absent in the 7 Plus. While the design remained boxy compared to later models, the glass finish gave the 8 Plus a more premium feel and better alignment with future iPhones like the X series.
However, the glass back is more prone to cracking than aluminum. Users upgrading from the 7 Plus should consider investing in a protective case to offset the increased fragility.
Performance: A Noticeable Leap Under the Hood
The core difference between the two devices lies in their processors. The iPhone 7 Plus uses the A10 Fusion chip, while the 8 Plus features the A11 Bionic—a 64-bit hexa-core processor with improved efficiency and graphics performance.
In real-world usage, the A11 Bionic provides a measurable boost in speed. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and augmented reality (AR) experiences run more reliably. Benchmark tests show the A11 delivering around 25–30% better CPU performance and up to 70% better GPU performance than the A10.
“While both phones handle daily tasks well, the A11 Bionic gives the 8 Plus a longer shelf life for demanding apps and future iOS updates.” — Mark Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst
This performance gap becomes increasingly relevant over time. As iOS evolves, newer versions place greater demands on hardware. Devices with older chips may see slower performance or lose support sooner. The iPhone 8 Plus received iOS updates for longer than the 7 Plus, staying compatible with iOS 16, while the 7 Plus topped out at iOS 15.
Camera Comparison: Subtle Improvements, Real Impact
Both phones feature dual 12MP rear cameras: one wide-angle and one telephoto, supporting 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode. On paper, they’re nearly identical. But Apple made behind-the-scenes upgrades to the 8 Plus’s camera system that enhance photo quality.
- Larger and deeper pixels improve low-light performance.
- Improved color accuracy thanks to a new True Tone flash with four LEDs.
- Faster autofocus and image processing due to the A11’s neural engine.
- Smart HDR (introduced via software update) enhances dynamic range on the 8 Plus.
In practical terms, photos taken with the iPhone 8 Plus tend to have better detail in shadows, more natural skin tones, and reduced noise in dim lighting. Portrait Mode also saw refinements, with more accurate edge detection and background blur.
| Feature | iPhone 7 Plus | iPhone 8 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A10 Fusion | A11 Bionic |
| Rear Camera | Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.8) | Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.8), larger pixels |
| Front Camera | 7MP (f/2.2) | 7MP (f/2.2), better low-light |
| Wireless Charging | No | Yes (Qi-compatible) |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 (slightly improved sealing) |
| Storage Options | 32GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB |
Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision
Sarah had been using her iPhone 7 Plus since 2016. By late 2018, she noticed apps were taking longer to open, and iOS updates occasionally caused minor lag. She considered sticking with her phone but decided to test the 8 Plus at an Apple Store.
After using the demo model for 20 minutes, she noticed how quickly apps launched and how smoothly the camera switched between modes. When she took a photo indoors, the image was noticeably brighter and clearer than what her 7 Plus produced under the same conditions. The ability to charge wirelessly was also a selling point—she often forgot her cable at home, and the convenience appealed to her.
Sarah upgraded and found that the extra performance extended her phone’s usability by nearly two additional years. Her 8 Plus handled iOS 15 and 16 without issue, whereas her old 7 Plus began struggling with iOS 14.
Battery Life and Charging: Incremental Gains
Apple claimed only a modest improvement in battery life for the 8 Plus—about two hours more talk time than the 7 Plus. In practice, most users report similar endurance: around 12–13 hours of mixed usage.
Where the 8 Plus pulls ahead is in charging flexibility. With the addition of wireless charging, users can place the phone on a pad instead of plugging it in. While not revolutionary, this small convenience adds up over time, especially for users who charge overnight on a bedside stand.
Neither phone supports fast charging out of the box. However, with a USB-C to Lightning cable and an 18W+ adapter (sold separately), the 8 Plus can charge up to 50% in about 30 minutes—a feature technically possible on the 7 Plus but less efficient due to hardware limitations.
Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist
If you're still deciding whether to make the switch, ask yourself the following:
- Is your iPhone 7 Plus showing signs of slowdown with current apps or iOS?
- Do you frequently take photos in low light and want better image quality?
- Would wireless charging fit naturally into your routine?
- Are you planning to keep your phone for more than two years?
- Do you value longer software support and future iOS compatibility?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone 8 Plus still run modern apps in 2024?
Yes, but with some limitations. Most major apps still support the A11 chip, though performance may degrade with very demanding applications like high-end games or video editing tools. iOS 16 was the last version to support the 8 Plus, so it won’t receive new features or security updates beyond that.
Is the camera significantly better on the 8 Plus?
Not dramatically, but the improvements are meaningful. Low-light performance, Smart HDR, and faster processing give the 8 Plus an edge, especially in challenging lighting. For casual photographers, the difference may be subtle. For enthusiasts, it’s noticeable.
Does the glass back make the 8 Plus less durable?
Yes. While both phones have IP67 water resistance, the glass back on the 8 Plus is more susceptible to cracking if dropped. Using a case is highly recommended to protect against impact damage.
Final Verdict: Worth It for Long-Term Use
The upgrade from iPhone 7 Plus to 8 Plus isn’t flashy, but it’s thoughtful. You’re not getting a redesigned device or groundbreaking new features. Instead, you’re gaining better performance, slightly superior photography, wireless charging, and extended software support.
For users who keep their phones for three years or more, the 8 Plus offers a longer, smoother experience. The A11 Bionic handles modern operating systems more gracefully, and the hardware upgrades—while subtle—add up in daily use. If you’re still on a 7 Plus and experiencing slowdowns, or if you value future-proofing, the upgrade makes sense.
But if you’re happy with your 7 Plus and don’t need wireless charging or enhanced camera processing, the difference may not justify the cost—especially given that both models are now discontinued and available primarily through secondhand markets.
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