Iphone 8 Plus Vs Galaxy A54 Is It Finally Time To Ditch My Old Iphone

If you're still using an iPhone 8 Plus in 2024, you're part of a shrinking but loyal group. Launched in 2017, the iPhone 8 Plus was a powerhouse in its day—solid build, excellent cameras, and iOS optimization that kept it running smoothly for years. But technology moves fast. Samsung’s Galaxy A54, released in 2023, represents a new generation of mid-range Android phones with modern features, larger displays, and long-term software support. So, is it finally time to let go of your trusty iPhone 8 Plus and make the switch? The answer depends on what you value most: familiarity and ecosystem loyalty, or modern performance and functionality.

Design and Display: A Generational Leap

The design philosophies between these two phones couldn’t be more different. The iPhone 8 Plus sticks to Apple’s classic form: a compact glass-and-aluminum body with thick bezels and a home button featuring Touch ID. It’s sturdy, fits comfortably in one hand, and has a timeless look—but by today’s standards, it feels outdated.

In contrast, the Galaxy A54 embraces current trends. It features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with slim bezels, no physical home button, and a hole-punch front camera. The screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling, gaming, and general navigation significantly smoother than the iPhone 8 Plus’s 60Hz LCD panel. The larger, edge-to-edge display is ideal for media consumption, multitasking, and web browsing.

Tip: If you use your phone for videos, reading, or social media, a modern high-refresh-rate screen like the A54’s will feel like a major upgrade.

The A54 also improves on durability with IP67 water and dust resistance—a feature absent on the iPhone 8 Plus. While both phones have glass backs (for wireless charging on the iPhone), the Galaxy uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5, offering better scratch resistance.

Performance and Software: Old Efficiency vs. Modern Power

Under the hood, this comparison highlights a dramatic shift in mobile computing. The iPhone 8 Plus runs on Apple’s A11 Bionic chip—an impressive processor for its time, and remarkably well-optimized by iOS updates. Even now, it handles basic tasks like messaging, email, and light apps without major hiccups. However, demanding apps, multitasking, and newer games can cause noticeable lag or app reloads due to only 3GB of RAM.

The Galaxy A54, powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1380 (or Snapdragon 7-series in some regions), comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and runs Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI 5.1. This means faster app launches, smoother background switching, and better handling of resource-heavy applications. The 120Hz display is fully supported by the hardware, unlike the iPhone 8 Plus, which simply wasn’t designed for such demands.

Software support is another key factor. Apple typically provides iOS updates for around five to six years, and the iPhone 8 Plus received its last major update with iOS 16. It will not get iOS 17 or beyond, meaning no future security patches or feature improvements. On the other hand, the Galaxy A54 is guaranteed four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches—meaning it will likely receive updates through 2028.

“Long-term software support is now just as important as hardware specs. A phone that stays secure and functional for five years offers far better value.” — Lena Torres, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera Comparison: Nostalgia vs. Versatility

The iPhone 8 Plus was renowned for its dual 12MP camera system—one wide, one telephoto—capable of producing excellent portrait shots with natural depth and color accuracy. Its photos still hold up well in good lighting, and video recording remains solid at 4K/60fps.

The Galaxy A54 steps into a different league with a triple rear setup: a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 5MP macro lens. The higher resolution and advanced image processing allow for sharper detail, better low-light performance, and greater creative flexibility. The ultra-wide lens opens up new shooting possibilities, while AI enhancements improve dynamic range and color balance.

However, consistency matters. While the A54 captures more data, early versions of One UI had issues with oversharpening and unnatural skin tones. Recent firmware updates have improved this, but the iPhone 8 Plus still delivers reliable, consistent results—especially for users who prefer minimal post-processing.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	Galaxy A54
Main Camera	12MP f/1.8	50MP f/1.8
Secondary Cameras	12MP telephoto (2x zoom)	12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro
Front Camera	7MP f/2.2	32MP f/2.2
Video Recording	4K@60fps	4K@30fps
Night Mode	No	Yes

Battery Life and Charging: From All-Day to Multi-Day Stamina

The iPhone 8 Plus packs a 2,691mAh battery. In 2017, this was adequate for a full day with moderate use. Today, with aging batteries and heavier app demands, many users report needing midday charges—even after battery replacements.

The Galaxy A54 comes with a much larger 5,000mAh battery. Combined with efficient software and a 120Hz display that dynamically adjusts to 48Hz when possible, it routinely lasts a full day and often stretches into a second. Heavy users may still need to charge daily, but the margin for error is far greater.

Charging options differ too. The iPhone 8 Plus supports 7.5W wireless charging and 12W wired charging (with adapter not included). The A54 supports 25W fast charging (adapter sold separately) but lacks wireless charging. For users tired of waiting hours to recharge, the A54’s faster charging is a tangible improvement.

Real-Life Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had been using her iPhone 8 Plus since 2018. She loved the compact size and how seamlessly it worked with her MacBook and AirPods. But over time, she noticed apps took longer to load, her camera struggled in dim lighting, and her battery barely lasted until lunchtime.

After researching, she switched to the Galaxy A54. At first, the lack of iMessage and FaceTime was jarring. But she quickly adapted using WhatsApp and Google Messages. She found the larger screen made reading easier, the camera handled night shots better, and the battery consistently lasted two days with light use. After three months, she said, “I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I upgraded. The speed alone changed how I use my phone every day.”

Upgrade Checklist: Is It Time for You?

Before making the leap, consider these factors:

• ✅ Has your iPhone 8 Plus slowed down noticeably during daily tasks?
• ✅ Do you frequently run out of battery before the day ends?
• ✅ Are you missing features like modern night mode, ultra-wide photography, or fast charging?
• ✅ Is your phone no longer receiving iOS updates?
• ✅ Have you considered how attached you are to the Apple ecosystem?
• ✅ Are you open to learning a new operating system (Android)?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my data from iPhone 8 Plus to Galaxy A54 easily?

Yes. Samsung’s Smart Switch app allows seamless transfer of contacts, messages, photos, calendars, and even app data over Wi-Fi or cable. Some apps (like iMessage) won’t carry over, but most content moves smoothly.

Will my accessories work with the Galaxy A54?

Most Bluetooth devices (headphones, speakers) will pair without issue. However, Lightning cables and docks won’t work—you’ll need USB-C alternatives. MagSafe accessories are incompatible.

Is the Galaxy A54 worth the price compared to used iPhones?

Absolutely. Priced around $400–$450, the A54 offers modern hardware, long-term updates, and features that even recent used iPhones (like the iPhone XR or 11) may lack—such as a high-refresh-rate display and better water resistance.

Conclusion: Time to Move Forward?

The iPhone 8 Plus was a remarkable device, and its longevity speaks volumes about Apple’s engineering. But nearly seven years later, it’s reached its limits. The Galaxy A54 isn’t just a newer phone—it’s a fundamentally different experience built for how we use smartphones today: larger screens, faster performance, better cameras, and longer-lasting batteries.

If you rely on your phone for productivity, creativity, or staying connected, upgrading could dramatically improve your daily digital life. Yes, leaving the Apple ecosystem requires adjustment. But the benefits—modern capabilities, future-proof software, and enhanced usability—are hard to ignore.

🚀 It might be time to say goodbye to your old iPhone. Explore what modern smartphones can do—and reclaim the speed, clarity, and reliability you’ve been missing.