Iphone 8 Plus Vs Iphone 11 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It Or Is My Old Phone Still Good

If you're still using an iPhone 8 Plus in 2024, you might be wondering whether it’s time to make the jump to a newer model like the iPhone 11. After all, Apple continues to release compelling devices, but your current phone still powers on, takes decent photos, and runs most apps without major hiccups. So, is upgrading truly necessary—or is your iPhone 8 Plus holding up better than expected?

This isn’t just about new features; it’s about real-world value, longevity, and whether the improvements justify the cost. Let’s break down the key differences between the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 11 to help you make a confident decision.

Performance: A Noticeable Leap in Speed and Efficiency

The most significant difference between these two phones lies under the hood. The iPhone 8 Plus runs on Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, which was impressive in 2017 but now shows its age when multitasking or running graphics-intensive apps. In contrast, the iPhone 11 features the A13 Bionic chip—one of Apple’s most efficient processors, still capable of handling iOS 17 and future updates with ease.

In practical terms, this means:

• Faster app launches and smoother navigation
• Better performance in games and AR applications
• Improved background task management
• Longer software support—iPhone 11 will likely receive updates until at least 2025

Tip: If you frequently use productivity apps, edit photos, or play mobile games, the A13’s performance boost will be immediately noticeable.

While the iPhone 8 Plus handles basic tasks fine, users report increasing lag when switching between apps or loading high-resolution media. The iPhone 11 eliminates most of that friction.

Camera Comparison: More Than Just Megapixels

Both phones have dual rear cameras, but the way they perform couldn't be more different.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	iPhone 11
Rear Cameras	12MP wide + 12MP telephoto	12MP wide + 12MP ultra-wide
Front Camera	7MP	12MP TrueDepth
Night Mode	No	Yes (rear and front)
Portrait Mode	Limited to people	People, objects, pets
Video Recording	4K up to 60fps	4K up to 60fps + extended dynamic range

The addition of the ultra-wide lens on the iPhone 11 opens up creative possibilities—think sweeping landscapes, tight indoor shots, or group photos without backing up. Night mode is another game-changer, allowing usable low-light photos without a flash. The iPhone 8 Plus struggles in dim lighting, often producing grainy or blurry results.

“Even with the same megapixel count, computational photography in the iPhone 11 delivers dramatically better real-world images.” — Mark Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst

The front-facing camera also sees a substantial upgrade. Selfies and video calls are sharper, and with Night mode enabled, even late-night FaceTime sessions look clear.

Battery Life and Charging: Real Gains in Daily Use

Battery degradation is common in older iPhones, especially those used daily for two or more years. Even if your iPhone 8 Plus battery health is above 80%, it likely lasts only a full day under moderate use.

The iPhone 11 improves on this significantly:

• Up to 17 hours of video playback vs. 13 on the 8 Plus
• Supports faster charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with 18W adapter)
• Qi wireless charging still supported

For heavy users—those who stream music, navigate, or work remotely—the extra two to three hours of screen time can eliminate midday charging anxiety.

Tip: Check your iPhone 8 Plus battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If maximum capacity is below 80%, consider replacement before deciding to upgrade.

Durability and Design: Subtle But Meaningful Changes

Design-wise, both phones have aluminum frames and glass backs, but the iPhone 11 offers better water resistance (IP68 vs IP67), meaning it can survive submersion up to 2 meters for 30 minutes—double the depth of the 8 Plus.

The display size is nearly identical (6.5” on 8 Plus vs 6.1” on 11), but the iPhone 11 uses Apple’s True Tone technology more effectively and has slightly better brightness and color accuracy. It lacks 3D Touch, replaced by Haptic Touch—a software-based long-press alternative that works well but feels less responsive to some users.

One often-overlooked advantage: the iPhone 11 supports dual SIM (nano-SIM + eSIM), useful for travelers or those managing personal and work numbers.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had been using her iPhone 8 Plus since 2018. By 2023, she noticed her phone slowing down during Zoom meetings, struggling with Instagram filters, and dying by 3 PM. She hesitated to upgrade due to cost but finally traded in her 8 Plus for an iPhone 11.

Within a week, she reported: “It feels like I’ve gone from dial-up to broadband. Apps open instantly, my videos look sharper, and I don’t worry about battery anymore. The night photos of my kids’ soccer games are actually usable now.”

Her experience reflects a common pattern: gradual frustration with an aging device that still technically works—but no longer works well.

Is Your iPhone 8 Plus Still Good? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding to upgrade, assess your current device using this checklist:

1. Does your phone restart randomly or freeze often? – Sign of hardware or OS strain.
2. Have you upgraded to the latest iOS version? – iPhone 8 Plus supports iOS 17, but performance may suffer.
3. Is battery life under 6 hours of screen time? – Likely needs replacement or upgrade.
4. Do photos come out blurry or dark? – Indicates camera limitations.
5. Are newer apps slow or incompatible? – Some apps optimize for A12 and newer chips.
6. Can you get a fair trade-in value? – As of 2024, iPhone 8 Plus trades for $50–$90, reducing upgrade cost.

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the iPhone 11 could offer meaningful improvements.

FAQ: Common Questions About Upgrading

Will the iPhone 8 Plus stop working soon?

No. It will continue to function, receive security patches, and support essential apps for the foreseeable future. However, app developers are increasingly optimizing for newer hardware, which may affect long-term usability.

Is the iPhone 11 waterproof?

It has an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand being submerged in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes. This is ideal for accidental spills or rainy commutes, though Apple doesn’t cover liquid damage under warranty.

Can I keep using my iPhone 8 Plus case with the iPhone 11?

No. The dimensions, camera layout, and button placement differ. You’ll need a new case designed specifically for the iPhone 11.

Final Verdict: When the Upgrade Makes Sense

The iPhone 8 Plus remains a competent device for light users—those who mostly browse, text, and take occasional photos. If you’re satisfied with its performance and don’t mind shorter battery life, there’s no urgent need to upgrade.

However, if you value faster performance, better photos (especially in low light), longer battery life, and multi-year software support, the iPhone 11 is absolutely worth the investment. Priced lower than flagship models and widely available refurbished or secondhand, it offers excellent value.

Think of it this way: the upgrade isn’t just about having a newer phone—it’s about regaining reliability, speed, and confidence in a device you use every day.

💬 Still on the fence? Try using an iPhone 11 at a local store or borrow one for a day. Real-world experience often makes the decision clear. Share your thoughts—what’s keeping you on your iPhone 8 Plus, or what convinced you to upgrade?