Iphone 8 Plus Vs Galaxy S8 Plus In Hindsight Was It Worth The Upgrade

In 2017, smartphone buyers faced a pivotal decision: stick with Apple’s established ecosystem or embrace Samsung’s bold new direction. The iPhone 8 Plus and Galaxy S8 Plus represented flagship offerings from two tech giants at a turning point. Years later, with both devices out of active support and replaced by newer models, we can assess them objectively. Was upgrading to either device truly worth it at the time — and how do they hold up now?

This retrospective analysis dives into design, performance, camera quality, software updates, and long-term usability to answer that question with clarity and context.

Design and Build: Form Meets Function

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 8 Plus and Galaxy S8 Plus lies in their design philosophy. Apple stuck with its familiar aluminum-and-glass sandwich, featuring physical bezels, a home button, and Touch ID. While sturdy and comfortable in hand, the design felt conservative compared to what Samsung introduced.

Samsung took a risk with the S8 Plus, embracing an edge-to-edge \"Infinity Display\" with minimal bezels, curved edges, and a sleeker footprint despite its larger screen. It was one of the first phones to prioritize screen real estate over traditional navigation buttons. The result was a futuristic look that influenced the entire industry.

Tip: If you value one-handed usability, the iPhone 8 Plus’s compactness may still appeal — even today.

However, the glass back on both devices made them prone to cracks without protection. The iPhone 8 Plus supported wireless charging (a first for Apple), matching Samsung’s inclusion of the feature since the Galaxy S6. In terms of durability, both required cases for daily peace of mind.

Performance and Longevity

Under the hood, the iPhone 8 Plus featured Apple’s A11 Bionic chip — a powerhouse even by modern mid-tier standards. iOS optimization ensured smooth multitasking, responsive animations, and consistent app performance well into the 2020s. Users reported reliable operation for over four years with moderate use.

The Galaxy S8 Plus used either the Exynos 8895 (international) or Snapdragon 835 (U.S.), both capable chips for their time. While powerful initially, thermal throttling and less aggressive software optimization led to noticeable slowdowns after three years. Android skin bloat and background processes also contributed to reduced battery efficiency over time.

“Apple’s tight hardware-software integration gives older iPhones staying power that few Android rivals match.” — David Linder, Senior Analyst at TechInsight Group

Software update support further widened the gap. The iPhone 8 Plus received five major iOS updates (from iOS 11 to iOS 16), allowing continued compatibility with modern apps. In contrast, the Galaxy S8 Plus topped out at Android 9 with limited security patches beyond 2020, leaving users vulnerable and functionally outdated.

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results

Both phones featured dual rear cameras, but their approaches differed significantly.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	Galaxy S8 Plus
Rear Cameras	12MP wide + 12MP telephoto	12MP wide (f/1.7) + no telephoto zoom
Portrait Mode	Natural depth control, live preview	Simulated effect, post-capture only
Low-Light Performance	Solid, balanced exposure	Better night shots early on, degraded over time
Video Recording	4K at 60fps, stereo audio	4K at 30fps, decent stabilization

The iPhone excelled in consistency. Its portrait mode offered real-time preview and superior edge detection. Video quality remained unmatched in its class, especially for vloggers and casual creators. Color science stayed true across lighting conditions.

The S8 Plus had advantages in low light thanks to its wider aperture, but image processing often oversharpened details or introduced noise in shadows. Over time, lens calibration issues and lack of firmware updates diminished photo reliability.

Real-World Example: Two Users, Two Paths

Consider Sarah and James, both upgrading in mid-2017.

Sarah chose the iPhone 8 Plus. She valued simplicity, long-term support, and seamless integration with her MacBook and AirPods. For three years, she experienced zero performance hiccups. Even in 2022, she could browse, stream, and use banking apps without frustration. When she finally upgraded to an iPhone 13, she sold her 8 Plus for $120 — a testament to residual value.

James opted for the Galaxy S8 Plus, drawn by the stunning display and cutting-edge design. He loved the immersive viewing experience and always-on display. But by late 2020, his phone struggled with app launches and frequent crashes. Security warnings appeared regularly. Unable to install newer versions of WhatsApp or Google apps, he replaced it earlier than expected — and received almost nothing when trading it in.

In hindsight, Sarah’s choice delivered better long-term value despite a higher initial price.

Was the Upgrade Worth It?

For users coming from older iPhones (like the 6s or earlier), the iPhone 8 Plus offered tangible benefits: faster processor, improved cameras, wireless charging, and stronger build quality. Its extended software support meant fewer forced upgrades down the line.

The Galaxy S8 Plus wowed at launch, but its impact faded faster. Those upgrading from older Samsung models saw dramatic improvements in screen quality and design. However, the lack of sustained software investment undermined its potential. Enthusiasts enjoyed features like DeX and iris scanning, but mainstream users found them underutilized.

• iPhone 8 Plus advantage: Longevity, resale value, ecosystem synergy.
• Galaxy S8 Plus advantage: Display innovation, slimmer profile, expandable storage (via microSD).

Tip: If you plan to keep a phone for more than three years, prioritize software update policies over specs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can either phone run modern apps in 2024?

The iPhone 8 Plus supports iOS 16, which allows most current apps to function, though some newer ones may exclude it due to minimum requirements. The Galaxy S8 Plus cannot officially run Android 10 or later, making many updated apps incompatible or unstable.

Which has better battery life today?

Neither holds a charge well after years of degradation. However, the iPhone 8 Plus tends to manage battery health more transparently via iOS settings. Third-party battery replacements are widely available and effective for both, but calibration is more reliable on iOS.

Is it safe to still use these phones?

Security is a concern, especially for the S8 Plus, which no longer receives patches. The iPhone 8 Plus remains safer due to ongoing app-level protections and sandboxing in iOS, but users should avoid sensitive transactions or storing confidential data.

Checklist: Evaluating Legacy Phones in 2024

1. Verify official software support status (OS version and patch history)
2. Test core functions: camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular connectivity
3. Check app compatibility with essential services (banking, messaging, email)
4. Assess battery health through built-in diagnostics
5. Determine resale/trade-in value to inform upgrade decisions
6. Evaluate peripheral compatibility (headphones, chargers, smart accessories)

Final Verdict

Looking back, the iPhone 8 Plus emerges as the more prudent upgrade for most consumers. Its combination of robust performance, extended software support, and strong ecosystem integration provided lasting utility. The Galaxy S8 Plus was a design milestone, pushing boundaries that others followed — but its shorter lifespan and abrupt end to updates limited its practical value.

Technology isn’t just about how impressive a device feels on day one. True worth is measured in years of dependable service, adaptability to changing needs, and resistance to obsolescence. By those metrics, the iPhone 8 Plus delivered a better return on investment.

If you're considering a legacy device today — whether for a backup phone, gift, or budget option — prioritize models with proven update histories and active developer ecosystems. The lessons from 2017 remain relevant: innovation matters, but sustainability matters more.

🚀 Ready to make smarter upgrade choices? Share your own experience with these devices — what did you learn from using them long-term? Your insights could help others avoid costly mistakes.