Iphone 8 Plus Vs Galaxy S8 Plus Camera Is The Hype Real Or Are They Basically The Same

In 2017, two flagship smartphones dominated headlines: the iPhone 8 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus. Both devices arrived with premium specs, striking designs, and cameras that promised DSLR-like results in a pocket-sized form. Over time, debates have persisted about which device delivers superior photography. Was Apple’s computational imaging magic enough to outshine Samsung’s hardware-driven approach? Or were the differences so subtle that for most users, the cameras performed nearly identically?

This article dissects every aspect of their camera systems—hardware, software processing, low-light capabilities, zoom, video, and real-world use—to determine whether the hype was justified or if, in practice, these phones are effectively equals.

Camera Hardware: Specs Tell Only Part of the Story

The foundation of any smartphone camera lies in its hardware: sensor size, aperture, focal length, and additional features like optical image stabilization (OIS) and dual-lens setups.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	Galaxy S8 Plus
Rear Camera Setup	Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto)	Single 12MP Dual Pixel (Wide)
Aperture (Main)	f/1.8 (Wide), f/2.8 (Tele)	f/1.7
Zoom	2x optical, up to 10x digital	1x optical, up to 8x digital
OIS	Yes (on wide lens only)	Yes
Front Camera	7MP, f/2.2	8MP, f/1.7
Video Recording	4K at 60fps, 1080p at 240fps	4K at 30fps, 1080p at 240fps

On paper, the iPhone 8 Plus has an edge with its dual-camera system enabling true 2x optical zoom and portrait mode with depth sensing. The Galaxy S8 Plus, while limited to a single rear shooter, uses Samsung’s innovative Dual Pixel technology—which improves autofocus speed and accuracy, especially in motion or low light.

Despite having a slightly wider aperture (f/1.7 vs f/1.8), the S8 Plus doesn’t automatically produce better images. Light capture depends not just on aperture but also sensor efficiency and software tuning.

Tip: In low-light conditions, stability matters more than specs. Hold your phone steady or use a surface to avoid blur—even with OIS.

Image Processing: Apple’s Algorithm vs Samsung’s Natural Tone

Where these phones truly diverge is in how they process images after capture. Apple emphasizes natural color reproduction, balanced contrast, and minimal noise reduction. Its Smart HDR (introduced later via iOS updates) enhances dynamic range subtly, preserving highlights and shadows without oversaturation.

Samsung, by contrast, applies more aggressive processing. Colors are punchier, contrasts deeper, and skin tones often appear smoother—sometimes unnaturally so. This \"Samsung look\" appeals to social media users who want instantly vibrant photos but can feel overprocessed to purists.

“Smartphone photography isn’t just about sensors anymore—it’s a battle of algorithms. Apple prioritizes realism; Samsung leans into appeal.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK (2017 review era)

In daylight, both phones capture sharp, well-exposed images. The iPhone renders greens and blues more accurately, while the S8 Plus makes skies pop and grass look artificially lush. For professional-looking shots meant for print or editorial use, the iPhone’s consistency wins. For Instagram-ready snaps, the S8 Plus requires less editing.

Low-Light Performance: Where Real-World Use Matters Most

Night photography remains one of the toughest challenges for smartphone cameras. Neither the iPhone 8 Plus nor the Galaxy S8 Plus had Night Mode as we know it today—but both used multi-frame noise reduction and longer exposures to improve dim lighting results.

The S8 Plus, with its f/1.7 aperture and Dual Pixel AF, collects marginally more light and focuses faster in darkness. However, its processing often introduces smudging in shadow areas, losing fine detail in hair or fabric textures.

The iPhone 8 Plus takes a more conservative approach. It preserves more texture and avoids excessive smoothing, though images may appear darker overall. Its dual-lens system doesn’t help in low light since the telephoto lens lacks OIS and has a narrower aperture.

In head-to-head tests from independent reviewers at the time, the S8 Plus scored higher in brightness and color vibrancy in night scenes, while the iPhone earned praise for retaining realistic exposure and avoiding blown-out streetlights.

Real Example: Concert Photography Test

A music blogger attending a dimly lit indie show tested both phones. Shooting from the back of a small venue, the Galaxy S8 Plus captured brighter images with visible facial features under stage lights. However, the guitarist’s black jacket turned gray due to overexposure, and background details faded into haze.

The iPhone 8 Plus produced a darker frame, requiring post-processing to lift shadows. But when edited, it revealed far more usable detail—the texture of drum kits, crowd expressions, and accurate stage lighting colors. For archival or professional use, the iPhone delivered more flexibility.

Portrait Mode & Zoom: The iPhone’s Key Advantage

This is where the iPhone 8 Plus clearly pulls ahead. Its dual-camera setup enables true depth mapping for Portrait Mode, allowing precise edge detection around hair and glasses. While early versions struggled with complex backgrounds, iOS updates significantly improved segmentation accuracy.

The Galaxy S8 Plus lacked a second rear camera. Samsung simulated bokeh using software based on focus data and face detection—a feature called \"Live Focus\" introduced later on newer models. At launch, the S8 Plus could not produce native portrait photos with background blur.

For zoomed shots, the iPhone offers 2x lossless optical zoom. Need to get closer to a subject? The telephoto lens provides cleaner results than the S8 Plus’s digital crop. Beyond 2x, both phones rely on digital zoom, but the iPhone’s fusion of optical input and processing gives it a slight clarity advantage up to 5x magnification.

📋 **Quick Checklist: Which Phone Wins in Key Scenarios?**

• Portraits: iPhone 8 Plus – real depth sensor, better edge detection
• Zoomed Shots: iPhone 8 Plus – optical telephoto lens available
• Vibrant Social Media Pics: Galaxy S8 Plus – richer colors out of the box
• Low Noise & Detail Retention: iPhone 8 Plus – less aggressive sharpening
• Selfies in Low Light: Galaxy S8 Plus – brighter f/1.7 front camera
• Video Quality: iPhone 8 Plus – 4K at 60fps, superior audio recording

Video Capabilities: A Clear Winner Emerges

When it comes to video, the iPhone 8 Plus holds a decisive lead. It supports 4K resolution at 60 frames per second—an industry first at the time—compared to the S8 Plus’s 4K at 30fps. Higher frame rates mean smoother motion, essential for action shots or cinematic effects.

Additionally, the iPhone excels in audio recording, capturing spatial sound with reduced wind noise. Stabilization is also more consistent during walking shots. The S8 Plus performs well in daylight video, but exhibits more wobble in handheld scenarios and struggles earlier with autofocus hunting in changing light.

If you shoot vlogs, event clips, or want future-proof footage, the iPhone 8 Plus remains the better choice even years later due to its superior codec support and editing compatibility with macOS and Final Cut Pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S8 Plus do portrait mode?

No, not natively at launch. Samsung introduced software-based portrait effects in later models and through app updates, but the S8 Plus lacks the dual-camera hardware needed for true depth sensing. Third-party apps attempted simulation, but results were inconsistent.

Is the iPhone 8 Plus camera still good in 2024?

For casual photography, yes—especially in daylight. Its color science and dynamic range remain competitive. However, lack of modern AI enhancements, night mode, and outdated processing limit its usefulness compared to current mid-range phones. It's reliable but no longer exceptional.

Which phone has better battery life during photo sessions?

The Galaxy S8 Plus has a larger battery (3,500mAh vs 2,691mAh), giving it an edge during extended shooting. However, the iPhone’s efficient A11 chip and optimized camera app reduce power drain. In real-world testing, both lasted a full day of moderate photo use.

Final Verdict: The Hype Was Real—But Limited

So, is the hype real or are the cameras basically the same?

The answer is nuanced: for everyday snapshots in good light, the difference is minor. Both phones produce excellent 12MP images suitable for sharing online or printing at standard sizes. Casual users upgrading from older devices would be thrilled with either.

However, the iPhone 8 Plus offers tangible advantages: optical zoom, portrait mode, superior video, and more natural image processing. These aren't marketing gimmicks—they translate into real creative flexibility. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S8 Plus shines in selfie brightness and vivid color rendering, appealing to users who prioritize instant visual impact over editing latitude.

The hype wasn't exaggerated—it was just focused differently. Apple targeted photographers who valued control and fidelity. Samsung aimed at consumers who wanted dazzling results with zero effort.

💬 Have you used both phones for photography? Share your experience in the comments below—your real-world insights could help others decide what truly matters in mobile camera performance.