Iphone 8 Plus Vs Galaxy S8 Plus Was Upgrading Worth It Or Should I Stick With Samsung

In 2017, both Apple and Samsung released flagship devices that defined the high-end smartphone market: the iPhone 8 Plus and the Galaxy S8 Plus. For users caught between ecosystems—especially those considering a switch from Android to iOS—the decision wasn’t just about hardware. It involved ecosystem loyalty, long-term software support, user experience, and personal workflow integration. Years later, many still reflect on whether switching from the Galaxy S8 Plus to the iPhone 8 Plus was truly worth it—or if staying with Samsung would have been the smarter move.

This article breaks down the real-world differences between these two iconic phones, evaluates their longevity, usability, and ecosystem benefits, and helps you understand whether upgrading made sense at the time—or if sticking with Samsung offered better long-term value.

Design and Build: Glass, Curves, and Buttons

The Galaxy S8 Plus introduced a radical new design language for Samsung: an edge-to-edge \"Infinity Display,\" minimal bezels, and a sleek glass-and-metal body. In contrast, the iPhone 8 Plus retained the traditional home button and thicker bezels, but featured a premium glass back for wireless charging—a first for iPhones.

Samsung’s approach prioritized screen immersion and futuristic aesthetics. The curved display wrapped around the sides, offering a dramatic visual impact. However, this design sometimes led to accidental touches and glare in bright light. Apple took a more conservative path, focusing on durability and tactile feedback with its physical home button and flat display.

Tip: If you value one-handed usability and reduced accidental inputs, the iPhone 8 Plus’s flat screen and centered home button may be more practical than the S8 Plus’s curved edges.

Performance and Longevity: Chipset, Updates, and Real-World Speed

Under the hood, the iPhone 8 Plus ran Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, a 64-bit processor built on a 10nm process. On paper, it competed closely with the Galaxy S8 Plus’s Exynos 8895 (in international models) or Snapdragon 835 (in U.S. variants). But raw specs don’t tell the full story.

Apple’s tight integration between hardware and software allowed the A11 to deliver smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and longer peak performance over time. Even years after release, the iPhone 8 Plus continued receiving iOS updates—support lasted until iOS 16, nearly five years post-launch.

Samsung, at the time, committed to only two major Android OS upgrades. The S8 Plus launched with Android 7 Nougat and received updates to Oreo and Pie. By 2020, it was no longer eligible for major OS updates, though security patches trickled through mid-2021. This limited update window meant diminishing app compatibility and slower performance as newer apps demanded more from aging systems.

“iOS devices from this era often outlive their Android counterparts due to consistent software support.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechLongevity Group

Camera Comparison: Portrait Mode, Low Light, and Video Quality

Both phones featured dual rear cameras and were among the first to popularize portrait mode with depth sensing. The iPhone 8 Plus used a 12MP wide + 12MP telephoto setup, while the S8 Plus had a single 12MP sensor with variable aperture (f/1.7–f/2.4).

In daylight, both captured sharp, vibrant images. However, the iPhone excelled in consistency and color accuracy. Its portrait mode produced more natural bokeh effects and better edge detection. Apple’s image signal processing also handled dynamic range more effectively, preserving highlights and shadows without aggressive HDR artifacts.

The Galaxy S8 Plus shined in low-light photography thanks to its larger aperture and adaptive pixel technology. However, images could appear oversharpened or overly saturated. Video recording was another area where the iPhone pulled ahead: 4K at 60fps with stereo audio and superior stabilization gave it a clear pro-level advantage.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	Galaxy S8 Plus
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto)	Single 12MP (dual aperture)
Portrait Mode	Yes, with depth control	Simulated via software
Video Recording	4K @ 60fps, EIS	4K @ 30fps, basic stabilization
Low-Light Performance	Good	Excellent (f/1.7 aperture)
Front Camera	7MP, Retina Flash	8MP, autofocus

Ecosystem and User Experience: iOS vs Android in 2017

Switching from the Galaxy S8 Plus to the iPhone 8 Plus meant leaving behind Google’s deeply integrated services—Google Photos, Assistant, Chrome, and seamless Android Auto support—for Apple’s ecosystem: iCloud, Siri, Messages, and tighter integration with Macs and iPads.

For users already invested in Samsung’s DeX, Knox security, or multi-window functionality, the transition could feel limiting. iOS lacked split-screen multitasking and file system access, which power users missed. However, iPhone owners gained access to a more curated App Store, stricter privacy controls, and longer app support cycles.

Notifications, customization, and voice assistant performance also differed significantly. Google Assistant on the S8 Plus was more conversational and context-aware than Siri, which felt rigid by comparison. Yet, iPhone notifications were cleaner and less intrusive, and message syncing across devices worked seamlessly via iMessage and FaceTime.

Tip: If you rely heavily on Google services, switching to iPhone requires adjusting habits. Consider using third-party apps like Gmail and Google Drive to maintain continuity.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Cross-Ecosystem Switch

Sarah had used Samsung flagships since the Galaxy S5. When her S8 Plus began slowing down in 2019, she considered upgrading within the Galaxy line—but opted for an iPhone 8 Plus instead, drawn by its camera quality and iOS reputation for longevity.

At first, she struggled. She missed the flexibility of Android widgets and found iMessage confusing when group chats mixed iPhone and Android users. Transferring photos to iCloud was slow, and she disliked the lack of expandable storage.

But over six months, the switch paid off. Her phone stayed fast. Apps updated reliably. She appreciated the consistency of FaceTime and AirDrop when collaborating with colleagues who used MacBooks. By 2022, her iPhone 8 Plus still ran daily tasks smoothly, while her friend’s S8 Plus had become sluggish and unsupported.

“I wouldn’t say iOS is better,” Sarah reflected. “But for me, the long-term reliability made the learning curve worth it.”

Step-by-Step: Evaluating Whether to Upgrade or Stay

If you’re facing a similar choice today—even retrospectively—here’s how to assess your priorities:

1. Assess your current device’s health: Is the battery swollen? Is performance degraded? Use diagnostic tools to check battery cycle count (iPhone) or battery health (Samsung).
2. Review software support status: Check if your device still receives security updates. The S8 Plus stopped in 2021; the iPhone 8 Plus received patches into 2023.
3. Map your app and service dependencies: Do you use Google Workspace, Samsung Pay, or Apple-exclusive apps like Notes or Health?
4. Test drive both ecosystems: Borrow an iPhone or Android phone for a week. Try common tasks: messaging, photo editing, navigation.
5. Consider resale and trade-in value: iPhones generally retain value longer. An iPhone 8 Plus in 2023 might fetch $50–70; the S8 Plus, $30–50.
6. Think long-term: Will you keep the phone for 3+ years? iOS offers longer support. Do you prefer customization? Android wins here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the iPhone 8 Plus receive more updates than the Galaxy S8 Plus?

Yes. The iPhone 8 Plus received five major iOS updates (from iOS 11 to iOS 16) and regular security patches for over five years. The Galaxy S8 Plus received two major Android OS updates (up to Android 9) and security updates until 2021.

Which phone has better battery life?

Battery capacity favored the S8 Plus (3,500 mAh vs. 2,691 mAh), but real-world usage varied. The iPhone’s efficient A11 chip and optimized software often delivered comparable or better endurance despite the smaller battery, especially under mixed use.

Is it still worth buying either phone in 2024?

As daily drivers, neither is ideal. Both lack modern features like 5G, advanced AI photography, or robust app compatibility. However, they can serve as budget secondary phones or emergency backups. Just ensure they’re updated to the latest supported OS version for basic security.

Final Verdict: Was Upgrading Worth It?

For users prioritizing long-term reliability, consistent software updates, and seamless ecosystem integration, upgrading from the Galaxy S8 Plus to the iPhone 8 Plus was a smart move. The A11 chip’s efficiency, combined with Apple’s extended support cycle, ensured a smoother experience over time.

However, if customization, cutting-edge design, and immediate feature access mattered more, staying with Samsung—and upgrading to the S9 or Note series—offered better continuity. Samsung’s rapid innovation during that period meant newer models quickly surpassed the S8 Plus in camera, performance, and water resistance.

In hindsight, the iPhone 8 Plus provided better longevity and lower total cost of ownership. But the decision ultimately hinged on personal preference: iOS stability versus Android flexibility.

🚀 Still debating between ecosystems? Reflect on how you use your phone daily—productivity, photography, gaming, or connectivity. Your answer lies not in specs, but in how each device fits your life. Share your upgrade story in the comments below.