Iphone 8 Plus Vs Iphone 10 Is The X Still Worth It In 2024

In 2024, choosing between an iPhone 8 Plus and an iPhone X (also known as iPhone 10) might seem like a decision from the past—but for budget-conscious buyers or those seeking reliable secondary devices, these models still circulate in the secondhand market. Both launched in 2017, they represent two divergent philosophies in Apple’s design evolution. The iPhone 8 Plus clung to the familiar home button and thick bezels, while the iPhone X introduced Face ID, edge-to-edge OLED display, and a radical redesign. But nearly seven years later, does either phone hold up? And more importantly, is the iPhone X still worth choosing over the 8 Plus today?

Design and Display: A Clash of Eras

The most immediate difference between the two phones lies in their design language. The iPhone 8 Plus maintains the traditional iPhone form factor with wide bezels, a physical Touch ID home button, and a 5.5-inch LCD screen. It’s sturdy, comfortable to hold, and feels familiar—especially if you’re upgrading from earlier iPhones.

In contrast, the iPhone X was a leap into the future. Its 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display stretches edge to edge, offering deeper blacks, higher contrast, and richer colors. The absence of a home button forces navigation through gestures, which took some getting used to back in 2017 but now feels standard across modern iOS devices.

The iPhone X’s stainless steel frame and glass back give it a premium feel, though it’s more prone to fingerprints and scratches than the 8 Plus’s aluminum body. It’s also slightly heavier despite being smaller overall. From a usability standpoint, the taller aspect ratio of the X makes multitasking and media consumption more immersive.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone one-handed, the iPhone 8 Plus may be easier to manage due to its wider but shorter layout.

Performance and Longevity in 2024

Both phones are powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chip—a 64-bit hexa-core processor that was groundbreaking in 2017. While outdated by today’s standards, the A11 remains surprisingly capable for basic tasks like web browsing, messaging, and social media. However, the gap in real-world performance becomes apparent when running modern apps or multitasking.

The iPhone X benefits from better thermal management and a more efficient display driver, allowing it to sustain performance slightly longer under load. More importantly, Apple’s software optimization favors devices with gesture-based navigation and newer sensor arrays, giving the X a subtle edge in system responsiveness.

As of 2024, both devices max out at iOS 16. They do not support iOS 17 or later, meaning no future security updates beyond late 2024 or early 2025. This lack of ongoing software support is a critical limitation. Without updates, vulnerabilities won’t be patched, and newer apps may drop compatibility.

“Even with strong hardware, software obsolescence is the true end-of-life moment for any smartphone.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst

Camera Comparison: Portrait Mode and Low-Light Performance

On paper, both phones feature dual 12MP rear cameras. The 8 Plus has a wide and telephoto lens setup, enabling 2x optical zoom and portrait mode with depth control. The iPhone X shares this configuration but benefits from improved image signal processing thanks to tighter integration with the TrueDepth front camera system.

In practice, the iPhone X delivers slightly better dynamic range and color accuracy, especially in mixed lighting. Its front-facing 7MP camera with Portrait Mode and Animoji support gives it a clear advantage for selfies and video calls. The 8 Plus lacks Face ID hardware, so its selfie camera is functionally limited to standard photos and FaceTime.

Low-light performance is mediocre on both, as neither includes Night Mode (introduced in 2019). However, the X’s larger pixel size and better noise reduction algorithms produce cleaner images in dim conditions.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	iPhone X
Display Type	LCD	OLED
Screen Size	5.5 inches	5.8 inches
Resolution	1920×1080	2436×1125
Biometric Security	Touch ID	Face ID
Front Camera	7MP, standard	7MP, TrueDepth with Portrait Mode
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 14 hours	Up to 13 hours
Latest iOS Supported	iOS 16	iOS 16

Real-World Use Case: Can Either Phone Be a Daily Driver in 2024?

Consider Maria, a college student who picked up a used iPhone X for $80 in early 2023. She needed a reliable device for note-taking, email, and staying connected with classmates. For nearly a year, the phone performed adequately—until she installed a new learning app that required iOS 17. Suddenly, the app wouldn’t install, and existing apps began crashing more frequently. By mid-2024, her experience had degraded significantly.

She switched to an older iPhone 8 Plus temporarily and noticed similar limitations. While the battery lasted longer on the 8 Plus, the lack of modern features like App Tracking Transparency and optimized notifications made both devices feel outdated.

This scenario illustrates a key truth: even if hardware functions, software stagnation renders older iPhones less secure and less functional over time. Neither the 8 Plus nor the X supports iCloud Advanced Data Protection, Lockdown Mode, or modern privacy tools introduced in recent iOS versions.

Should You Buy One in 2024? A Practical Checklist

If you're considering either phone today—not as a primary device, but as a backup, gift for a child, or emergency phone—here’s what to evaluate:

• Verify iOS version: Ensure the device runs iOS 16. Avoid any unit stuck on iOS 15 or earlier unless you can update it.
• Check battery health: Anything below 80% will require replacement or suffer poor daily usability.
• Test Face ID or Touch ID: On the X, ensure Face ID works consistently. On the 8 Plus, confirm the home button is responsive.
• Assess storage: 64GB is the minimum usable capacity today; avoid 32GB or 16GB models.
• Confirm carrier compatibility: Some older models lack support for modern LTE bands or VoLTE, affecting call quality.
• Inspect physical condition: Look for cracked screens, water damage indicators, or swollen batteries.

Tip: Always reset the device before purchase to verify it isn’t Activation Locked to a previous owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone X still get security updates?

No. Apple ended major OS updates for the iPhone X with iOS 16. Limited security patches may have been issued through 2023, but no further updates are expected beyond early 2024. Using the device online carries increasing risk.

Which has better battery life: iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone X?

The iPhone 8 Plus generally lasts longer due to its larger 2691mAh battery compared to the X’s 2716mAh (despite slightly better efficiency). In real-world usage, the 8 Plus often provides 30–60 minutes more screen-on time.

Is the iPhone X waterproof?

Yes, the iPhone X has an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. However, water resistance degrades over time, especially on older units. Do not rely on it for swimming or underwater use.

Final Verdict: Is the iPhone X Still Worth It?

In 2024, the iPhone X is no longer worth buying as a primary device. While its design was revolutionary in 2017, the lack of iOS 17+ support, declining app compatibility, and aging hardware make it a liability rather than an asset. The same applies to the iPhone 8 Plus, though its longer battery life and lower price point on the used market give it marginal utility as a backup phone.

If you already own either device, continue using it cautiously—avoid downloading unknown apps, disable unnecessary permissions, and consider limiting its use to offline tasks. But if you're shopping today, even entry-level modern smartphones like the iPhone SE (2022 or later) offer far better longevity, performance, and security.

The iPhone X marked the beginning of a new era for Apple. But like all technology, its time has passed. Appreciate it for its innovation, but don’t depend on it in 2024.

💬 Used an iPhone 8 Plus or X recently? Share your experience—did it hold up, or was it time to upgrade? Join the conversation and help others make informed decisions.