Iphone 8 Plus Vs Galaxy S8 Plus Which Phone Still Holds Up In Current Year

In the fast-moving world of smartphones, few devices from 2017 are still relevant today. Yet, two flagships—the iPhone 8 Plus and the Galaxy S8 Plus—continue to surface in secondhand markets and budget-conscious buyer conversations. Both were top-tier phones in their time, but how do they fare nearly seven years later? For users seeking affordable entry into smartphone ownership or those nostalgic for classic designs, this comparison cuts through the noise to reveal which device still delivers a usable experience in 2024.

Design and Build: Form Meets Function

The design philosophies of Apple and Samsung diverged significantly in 2017. The iPhone 8 Plus retained Apple’s traditional home-button layout with thick bezels and a glass-and-aluminum sandwich. In contrast, the Galaxy S8 Plus introduced Samsung’s “infinity display,” featuring curved edges and minimal bezels—a radical shift at the time.

The S8 Plus feels more modern in hand due to its taller 6.2-inch screen and slimmer profile, despite being only slightly larger than the iPhone 8 Plus’s 5.5-inch display. However, the iPhone's build offers better drop resistance thanks to its sturdier frame and iOS optimization for one-handed use. The S8 Plus’s curved screen, while visually striking, is prone to accidental touches and more fragile in drops.

Tip: If you're buying used, inspect the S8 Plus’s screen edges for micro-cracks—common on older units due to lack of structural reinforcement.

Performance and Software Support: The Longevity Divide

This is where the most critical difference emerges. Apple’s iOS update policy consistently supports devices for five to six years. The iPhone 8 Plus, released in September 2017, received updates all the way through iOS 16 (released in 2022) and can run many current apps efficiently—even in 2024.

Samsung, by contrast, offered only four years of major Android updates for the S8 Plus. It launched with Android 7 (Nougat), was updated to Android 9 (Pie), and stopped receiving security patches around 2020. As of 2024, the S8 Plus cannot install most modern apps that require newer OS versions or enhanced security protocols.

“Long-term software support is the single biggest factor in a phone’s usable lifespan. Apple’s ecosystem gives older hardware far greater relevance.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechLongevity Insights

Under the hood, the iPhone 8 Plus uses Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, which—thanks to iOS efficiency—still handles messaging, web browsing, email, and even light gaming. The S8 Plus runs on either the Exynos 8895 or Snapdragon 835, both of which were powerful in 2017 but now struggle with multitasking and app loading times, especially on outdated firmware.

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

Battery degradation is inevitable after six years, but usage patterns matter. The iPhone 8 Plus has a 2691 mAh battery, modest by today’s standards. However, iOS power management helps stretch charge further. With a replaced battery (widely available and inexpensive), it can last a full day under light use.

The S8 Plus packs a larger 3500 mAh battery, but the AMOLED screen and background-hungry Android skin reduce efficiency over time. Even with a new battery, users report needing midday charging under moderate use. Neither phone supports fast charging out of the box, though third-party chargers can push limited speeds.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	Galaxy S8 Plus
Battery Capacity	2691 mAh	3500 mAh
Original OS	iOS 11	Android 7.0
Last Major Update	iOS 16 (2022)	Android 9 (2019)
Current App Compatibility	Good (most apps work)	Poor (many apps unavailable)
Wireless Charging	Yes (Qi-compatible)	Yes (Qi-compatible)
Water Resistance	IP67 (1m for 30 mins)	IP68 (1.5m for 30 mins)

Camera Performance in 2024: Nostalgia vs. Utility

The camera systems reflect each brand’s approach. The iPhone 8 Plus features a dual 12MP rear setup (wide + telephoto), enabling true 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode with excellent depth processing. Photos remain well-balanced, with natural color science and strong dynamic range—especially in daylight.

The S8 Plus has a single 12MP rear sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus and variable aperture (f/1.7–f/2.4). While innovative then, it lacks a telephoto lens, relying on digital zoom. Low-light performance was ahead of its time, but without computational photography upgrades, results now appear soft and noisy compared to modern standards.

Front cameras tell a similar story: the iPhone’s 7MP shooter handles FaceTime and selfies reliably, while the S8 Plus’s 8MP camera struggles with skin tones and autofocus in dim lighting.

Tip: Clean your camera lens regularly—dust and oils degrade image quality more noticeably on older sensors with less software correction.

Real-World Example: Can These Phones Handle Daily Use?

Consider Maria, a retiree looking for a simple phone to stay in touch with family. She bought a refurbished iPhone 8 Plus for $80. After replacing the battery ($30), she installed WhatsApp, Gmail, YouTube, and Facebook. Messages sync instantly, video calls work smoothly, and she enjoys taking photos of her garden. The phone receives occasional security updates via iOS 16, and app stores still support her device.

Her friend Carlos chose a Galaxy S8 Plus at the same price. He found that Google Play Store blocks several newer app installations. WhatsApp works but lags when opening media. Battery drains by noon, and he must restart the phone daily to maintain speed. Over time, the lack of updates made banking apps incompatible, forcing him to borrow a newer device.

Maria’s experience highlights the importance of ongoing software support—even on aging hardware.

Checklist: What to Evaluate Before Buying Either Phone in 2024

• ✅ Check battery health: Below 80% capacity means poor endurance
• ✅ Verify iOS version (iPhone): Must be iOS 15 or 16 for app compatibility
• ✅ Confirm Android security patch date (S8 Plus): Anything before 2021 is risky
• ✅ Test Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and speaker function—common failure points
• ✅ Ensure iCloud lock (iPhone) or FRP lock (Samsung) is removed
• ✅ Prefer models with replaced batteries and clean casing
• ❌ Avoid if planning to use mobile banking, ride-sharing, or modern social apps

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 Plus still get security updates?

No official updates beyond iOS 16 have been released, but Apple may issue emergency patches for critical vulnerabilities. Most core services like iMessage and Safari remain secure under iOS 16.

Is the Galaxy S8 Plus safe to use in 2024?

Not recommended for sensitive tasks. Without security updates since 2020, it’s vulnerable to exploits. Public Wi-Fi and untrusted apps pose significant risks.

Which phone charges faster?

Neither supports fast charging natively. Third-party chargers may deliver up to 15W on the iPhone 8 Plus with compatible accessories, while the S8 Plus supports Adaptive Fast Charging—but only with original Samsung chargers.

Final Verdict: One Holds Up Better Than the Other

The iPhone 8 Plus clearly outperforms the Galaxy S8 Plus in longevity. Its continued software support, efficient processor, and robust app ecosystem make it surprisingly capable in 2024—provided the battery is fresh. It won’t replace a modern flagship, but as an emergency phone, gift for kids, or basic communication tool, it remains functional.

The Galaxy S8 Plus, while groundbreaking in design, has fallen off a cliff in usability. Outdated software, app incompatibility, and degraded performance limit it to offline use or as a media player. Even with a new battery, the experience feels sluggish and insecure.

If you’re considering either phone today, prioritize the iPhone 8 Plus—and only if you’re okay with compromises. For less than $100, it offers a safer, more reliable experience than its Android counterpart.

💬 Have you used an iPhone 8 Plus or Galaxy S8 Plus recently? Share your experience—does it still work for you, or has it finally given up? Join the conversation below.