For millions still relying on the iPhone 8 Plus in 2024, the question isn’t just about desire—it’s about necessity. The iPhone 11, released in 2019, sits just a few generations ahead but brings significant changes under the hood. With iOS updates pushing older devices to their limits and app demands growing, now is a critical time to evaluate whether staying with the 8 Plus makes sense—or if it's finally time to move on.
The decision to upgrade shouldn't be based on marketing hype or release dates alone. It should come down to real improvements in daily usability, longevity, security, and future-proofing. This article breaks down every key aspect—from processor speed to camera quality, battery life to software support—so you can make an informed choice without regret.
Performance and Hardware: A Generational Leap
The iPhone 8 Plus runs on Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, a solid performer in its day. However, by today’s standards, especially when handling modern apps, multitasking, and newer versions of iOS, it shows its age. In contrast, the iPhone 11 features the A13 Bionic chip—one of Apple’s most efficient and powerful processors, even by 2024 benchmarks.
The difference isn’t subtle. Apps launch faster, background tasks switch seamlessly, and games run at higher frame rates on the iPhone 11. More importantly, the A13 handles iOS updates more efficiently, meaning smoother performance over time. Users upgrading from the 8 Plus often report that the speed boost feels like going from dial-up to broadband.
Camera Comparison: From Good to Great
The iPhone 8 Plus was among the first iPhones to feature a dual-camera system—12MP wide and telephoto lenses—allowing for 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode. While still capable of taking decent photos in daylight, its low-light performance is limited, and Smart HDR wasn’t available at launch (added later via software).
The iPhone 11 ups the ante with a redesigned dual-camera setup: a 12MP ultra-wide lens joins the standard wide lens, vastly expanding creative options. Night mode, introduced with the iPhone 11, transforms low-light photography. Indoor shots, nightscapes, and dimly lit environments gain clarity, color accuracy, and reduced noise—something the 8 Plus simply cannot match.
Video recording also sees a major improvement. The iPhone 11 supports 4K video at 60fps across all cameras, extended dynamic range, and better stabilization. For users who record family moments or create social media content, this is a meaningful upgrade.
“Even in 2024, the iPhone 11 delivers photo quality that competes with mid-tier Android flagships. Its computational photography sets a benchmark the 8 Plus never had.” — David Lin, Mobile Photography Analyst
Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Usage
Battery degradation is inevitable, especially in phones used daily since 2017–2018. Even if your iPhone 8 Plus hasn’t been replaced, its battery likely holds less than 80% of its original capacity—Apple’s threshold for noticeable decline.
The iPhone 11 offers up to 17 hours of video playback, compared to the 8 Plus’s 13 hours. In practical terms, that’s an extra hour or two of screen time, which adds up during travel, workdays, or heavy usage. More importantly, the iPhone 11 includes smarter power management thanks to the A13 chip’s efficiency.
Charging has evolved too. While both phones lack MagSafe and fast charging out of the box (unless you buy a separate adapter), the iPhone 11 supports faster wired charging with compatible equipment. It also supports Qi wireless charging natively—same as the 8 Plus—but benefits from improved thermal regulation during long charges.
Software Support and Longevity
This is perhaps the most crucial factor in 2024. Apple typically supports iPhones with iOS updates for five to six years. The iPhone 8 Plus launched with iOS 11 and received updates through iOS 16. As of 2024, it does not support iOS 17 or beyond.
No iOS 17 means no new features, no security patches, and increasing incompatibility with future apps. Developers optimize for newer operating systems, so over time, app crashes, missing features, and slow performance will worsen on unsupported devices.
In contrast, the iPhone 11 launched with iOS 13 and is fully compatible with iOS 17. It is expected to receive updates through at least 2025, possibly into 2026. That gives it another two to three years of secure, functional use—critical for anyone who relies on their phone for banking, communication, or productivity.
Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | iPhone 8 Plus | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2017 | 2019 |
| Chipset | A11 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| Rear Cameras | Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto) | Dual 12MP (Ultra-Wide + Wide) |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP |
| Night Mode | No | Yes |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 13 hours | Up to 17 hours |
| Fast Charging | Supports (with adapter) | Supports (with adapter) |
| Water Resistance | IP67 (up to 1m for 30 min) | IP68 (up to 2m for 30 min) |
| Max Supported iOS | iOS 16 | iOS 17+ (expected through 2025–2026) |
| Fall 2024 Status | Unsupported, declining app compatibility | Actively supported, secure, future-ready |
Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision
Sarah, a freelance photographer and mother of two, relied on her iPhone 8 Plus for five years. She used it for client communications, editing Lightroom presets, and capturing her kids’ milestones. By early 2023, she noticed delays in opening apps, frequent crashes in Instagram, and blurry night photos she couldn’t fix.
She considered buying a refurbished iPhone 11 instead of a newer model. After switching, she immediately noticed faster exports from editing apps, crisper nighttime shots of birthday parties, and longer battery life during full-day shoots. Most importantly, her phone stayed secure with regular updates, giving her peace of mind when using mobile banking.
For Sarah, the $300 investment paid off—not in flashy features, but in reliability, performance, and peace of mind. Her old 8 Plus now serves as a backup device for her teenager.
Checklist: Is It Time to Upgrade?
- ✅ Does your iPhone 8 Plus run iOS 16 or earlier?
- ✅ Do apps frequently crash or take more than 3 seconds to load?
- ✅ Is your battery health below 80%?
- ✅ Do you struggle to take clear photos in low light?
- ✅ Have you experienced issues with app logins or security warnings?
- ✅ Are you unable to use newer features like SharePlay or Live Text?
If you answered “yes” to three or more of these, upgrading to the iPhone 11 (or a similar supported model) is a practical, cost-effective move.
FAQ
Can the iPhone 8 Plus still be used safely in 2024?
Technically, yes—but with serious caveats. Without iOS updates, it lacks the latest security patches. Public Wi-Fi, online banking, and app logins become riskier. App developers may drop support, leading to functionality loss over time.
Is the iPhone 11 still worth buying in 2024?
Absolutely. Refurbished or second-hand iPhone 11 models are widely available for $150–$250. Given its A13 chip, dual cameras, and ongoing iOS support, it remains one of the best value smartphones for iOS users on a budget.
Will accessories from the 8 Plus work with the iPhone 11?
Most do. Cases require replacement due to different dimensions and camera layout, but chargers, cables, AirPods, and wireless chargers remain fully compatible.
Conclusion: The Value of Future-Proofing
Upgrading from the iPhone 8 Plus to the iPhone 11 isn’t about chasing novelty. It’s about ensuring your device keeps pace with how you live, work, and connect. In 2024, the iPhone 11 offers something the 8 Plus no longer can: relevance.
You don’t need the latest Pro model to stay secure, productive, and capable. The iPhone 11 delivers meaningful improvements in speed, camera quality, battery life, and—most critically—software support. For users clinging to aging hardware, this upgrade represents not just better performance, but continued access to the digital world.
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