Iphone 8 Plus Vs Iphone 15 Plus Is Upgrading Really Worth It

The iPhone 8 Plus was a flagship in its time—solid build, excellent portrait photography for 2017, and one of the last iPhones with a home button. Fast forward to today, and the iPhone 15 Plus represents Apple’s current mid-tier powerhouse: advanced cameras, USB-C, Dynamic Island, and A16 Bionic performance. If you're still holding onto your iPhone 8 Plus, the question isn’t just about desire—it’s about practicality. Is upgrading from an iPhone 8 Plus to an iPhone 15 Plus truly worth the investment?

The answer depends on your usage, expectations, and how much you value modern features. Let’s break down the real differences—not just specs on paper, but how they impact daily life.

Design and Build: From Glass Sandwich to Modern Elegance

The iPhone 8 Plus featured a classic design: aluminum frame, glass back, thick bezels, and that iconic Touch ID home button. It was sturdy and familiar, but by today’s standards, it feels bulky and outdated. The 4.7-inch display may have been standard then, but now it's considered small for media consumption or multitasking.

In contrast, the iPhone 15 Plus offers a sleeker, more contemporary look. It has slimmer bezels, a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, and a pill-shaped Dynamic Island replacing the notch. The flat edges return with a refined finish, and the device uses Color-infused融玻璃 and aerospace-grade aluminum for improved durability. Most importantly, it supports Face ID and lacks the home button, marking a full transition into gesture-based navigation.

Tip: If you rely heavily on one-handed use, consider that the iPhone 15 Plus is significantly taller and wider than the 8 Plus—test the size before switching.

Performance: Night-and-Day Difference

This is where the gap becomes undeniable. The iPhone 8 Plus runs on the A11 Bionic chip—a capable processor in its day, but now over six years old. While iOS updates kept it functional, app loading times are slower, multitasking is limited, and newer games or AR applications either don’t run or stutter frequently.

The iPhone 15 Plus, powered by the A16 Bionic (same as iPhone 14 Pro), delivers lightning-fast performance. Apps launch instantly, background processes are seamless, and even demanding tasks like video editing or playing AAA mobile titles run smoothly. According to benchmark data, the A16 is roughly **5x faster** in CPU tasks and up to **8x faster** in GPU performance compared to the A11.

“Upgrading from an iPhone 8 Plus to any current-gen iPhone is less of a step and more of a leap into a new era of responsiveness.” — David Lin, Mobile Tech Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera Comparison: More Than Just Megapixels

The iPhone 8 Plus introduced dual cameras to the mainstream iPhone lineup: a 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto setup. It delivered strong portrait shots and 2x optical zoom, which was impressive in 2017. However, low-light performance was average, and video maxed out at 4K30fps without advanced stabilization.

The iPhone 15 Plus improves dramatically. It keeps the dual-camera system but upgrades the main sensor to 48MP with pixel binning for superior detail. The ultra-wide lens adds versatility, and computational photography enhancements like Smart HDR 5, Photonic Engine, and Night mode across all lenses make a tangible difference. Video capabilities now include Cinematic Mode in 4K HDR, Action Mode for shake reduction, and better audio isolation.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	iPhone 15 Plus
Main Camera	12MP f/1.8	48MP f/1.6 with OIS
Ultra-Wide Lens	❌ Not available	✅ 12MP f/2.4
Front Camera	7MP f/2.2	12MP f/1.9 with Autofocus
Video Recording	4K@30fps, no Action Mode	4K@60fps, Dolby Vision, Action Mode
Night Mode	❌ No	✅ All lenses

If you take photos regularly—especially in dim lighting or want flexibility with framing—the camera upgrade alone could justify the switch.

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

The iPhone 8 Plus offered decent battery life for its era—around 12–13 hours of mixed use. However, after years of charging cycles, most units today suffer from reduced capacity, often needing a top-up by midday.

The iPhone 15 Plus excels here. With a larger battery and power-efficient A16 chip, it consistently delivers **up to 26 hours** of video playback. In real-world use, heavy users can get through a full day, while moderate users might stretch to a day and a half. Additionally, it supports faster wired and wireless charging, and crucially, it uses USB-C instead of Lightning—finally aligning with global standards.

Tip: Use a USB-C PD charger (30W or higher) to charge the iPhone 15 Plus from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes.

Software Support and Future-Proofing

Apple typically provides around 5–6 years of iOS updates. The iPhone 8 Plus launched with iOS 11 and received updates through iOS 16—but support ended with iOS 17. That means no future security patches or feature upgrades, leaving it vulnerable and incompatible with upcoming apps.

The iPhone 15 Plus, released in 2023, will likely receive updates until 2029 or beyond. This ensures compatibility with new technologies, services like Apple Intelligence (AI features rolling out in 2024), and evolving app requirements. For long-term ownership, this is a major advantage.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had been using her iPhone 8 Plus since 2018. By 2023, she noticed her phone struggled to load maps, couldn’t scan QR codes quickly, and often froze when switching between messaging apps. She relied on it for work emails and taking product photos for her Etsy store. After researching, she upgraded to the iPhone 15 Plus. The difference was immediate: emails loaded instantly, her product photos looked sharper thanks to the 48MP sensor, and Face ID made unlocking smoother. Most importantly, her phone no longer overheated during video calls. Six months later, she says it was “the best tech decision I’ve made in years.”

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before making the jump, ask yourself the following:

• Does your iPhone 8 Plus struggle with basic tasks like opening apps or browsing the web?
• Have you noticed frequent crashes or freezing?
• Is the battery dying before lunchtime, even after replacement?
• Do you want better photo quality, especially in low light?
• Are you missing features like fast charging, USB-C, or modern Face ID?
• Do you plan to keep your phone for 3+ years?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, upgrading is not just worthwhile—it’s practical.

Cost Considerations and Trade-In Options

The iPhone 15 Plus starts at $899. However, Apple and carriers offer trade-in credits. As of 2024, an eligible iPhone 8 Plus can fetch up to $110 in credit toward a new model. Third-party resellers may offer slightly more depending on condition. While the upfront cost is significant, spreading it over 24–36 months via financing makes it manageable for many.

Consider this: spending $700–$800 net on a phone that will last 5+ years with full software support is often more economical than buying cheaper Android devices every two years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 Plus still be used in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. It runs older apps and lacks support for iOS 17 and beyond. Security risks increase over time, and performance bottlenecks are common. It’s usable for calls, texts, and light browsing—but not ideal for modern smartphone demands.

Will my accessories work with the iPhone 15 Plus?

Most won’t. The shift to USB-C means you’ll need new cables and possibly new chargers. Cases are completely different due to size and camera layout. However, AirPods, MagSafe wallets (with adapter), and other Bluetooth accessories remain compatible.

Is the iPhone 15 Plus waterproof like the 8 Plus?

Yes, and better. Both have IP67 ratings, but the 15 Plus can survive deeper water immersion (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes vs. 1 meter). It’s also more resistant to dust and everyday spills.

Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not?

For most iPhone 8 Plus users, upgrading to the iPhone 15 Plus isn’t just about keeping up with trends—it’s about reclaiming reliability, speed, and functionality. The improvements in display, camera, battery, and long-term software support are substantial and directly impact daily usability.

If you’re still on an iPhone 8 Plus, you’re living in the past—not because you’re behind, but because the technological leap in seven years has been extraordinary. The iPhone 15 Plus isn’t merely a new phone; it’s access to a smarter, faster, and more secure experience.

💬 Thinking about upgrading? Share your experience below—what’s holding you back, or what surprised you after switching?