When Apple released both the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X in 2017, they represented two divergent visions for the future of smartphones. The iPhone 8 Plus was a refinement of Apple’s classic design—familiar, reliable, and powerful. The iPhone X was a bold leap forward: edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID, and a sleek glass-and-stainless-steel body. Over six years later, both devices are discontinued and no longer supported with iOS updates, but many users still rely on them or consider buying one secondhand. So, if you're choosing between the two today, which makes more sense? Is the iPhone X still worth chasing, or is the iPhone 8 Plus good enough for everyday use?
Design and Build: Two Philosophies, One Era
The most immediate difference between the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X lies in their design language. The 8 Plus sticks to Apple’s pre-X formula: thick bezels, a home button with Touch ID, and an aluminum frame. It’s sturdy, functional, and comfortable to hold, especially for users who prefer physical buttons. Its 5.5-inch LCD screen may not be as sharp or vibrant as newer panels, but it remains serviceable.
In contrast, the iPhone X introduced a radical redesign. It features a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display that stretches edge to edge, eliminating the home button entirely. Face ID replaced Touch ID, using the TrueDepth camera system for facial recognition. The stainless steel frame and glass back give it a premium feel, though the glass makes it more prone to cracks when dropped.
Display Quality and Usability
The iPhone X’s OLED display is objectively superior. With deeper blacks, higher contrast, and better color accuracy, it delivers a richer visual experience—especially for video consumption and dark-mode interfaces. The resolution (2436×1125) and pixel density (458 ppi) outperform the iPhone 8 Plus’s 1920×1080 LCD at 401 ppi.
However, real-world usability depends on personal preference. Some users still miss the tactile feedback of the home button. The 8 Plus offers easier one-handed navigation and avoids accidental swipes that can occur near the notch on the X. Additionally, the X’s taller aspect ratio means some older apps don’t fully optimize for the screen, leading to letterboxing.
“Even in 2024, the iPhone X’s display holds up remarkably well against budget modern phones. But its notch and fragility remain pain points.” — David Lin, Mobile Tech Analyst at GadgetScope
Performance and Software Support
Both phones launched with the A11 Bionic chip, which was groundbreaking at the time. In day-to-day tasks like browsing, messaging, and light gaming, both devices perform similarly. However, the iPhone X benefits from slightly better thermal management due to its internal layout, allowing for marginally better sustained performance.
Critically, both devices stopped receiving iOS updates with the release of iOS 16 in 2022. They are stuck on iOS 15.7.9, meaning no new features, security patches, or app compatibility guarantees beyond what developers choose to support. Many newer apps either won’t install or run poorly due to outdated frameworks.
If your usage is limited to basic functions—calls, texts, email, light social media—the performance gap between the two is negligible. But for anyone needing modern app functionality (banking, health tracking, productivity tools), neither phone is future-proof.
Camera Comparison: Portrait Mode and Beyond
Both phones feature dual 12MP rear cameras: wide and telephoto lenses. The hardware is nearly identical, but software processing differs slightly due to the X’s advanced TrueDepth front camera and improved computational photography.
The iPhone X has a clear edge in portrait mode selfies thanks to its ability to map facial depth accurately. Its rear camera also benefits from marginally better low-light processing and faster autofocus. Video recording is strong on both—4K at 60fps with optical image stabilization—but the X handles dynamic range a bit better in challenging lighting.
The iPhone 8 Plus does very well for its age. Its portrait mode works reliably on people and objects, and its larger physical size allows for slightly better heat dissipation during long recordings. For casual photographers, the difference may not justify seeking out the X solely for camera gains.
| Feature | iPhone 8 Plus | iPhone X |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.5\" Retina HD LCD | 5.8\" Super Retina OLED |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 | 2436×1125 |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Touch ID (front) | No |
| Biometric Auth | Fingerprint | Face ID |
| Front Camera | 7MP, f/2.2 | 7MP, f/2.2 with Depth Sensing |
| Battery Life (Video) | Up to 13 hours | Up to 12 hours |
| iOS Support Cutoff | iOS 15 | iOS 15 |
| Water Resistance | IP67 (1m for 30 min) | IP67 (1m for 30 min) |
Real-World Example: Choosing Based on Lifestyle
Consider Maria, a freelance writer who travels frequently and needs a phone primarily for writing, communication, and reading. She found a used iPhone 8 Plus for $80 and an iPhone X for $110. After testing both, she chose the 8 Plus. Why? She wears gloves often in colder climates, making Face ID unreliable. She also disliked the notch obstructing her e-reader apps. While the X had a sharper screen, the 8 Plus offered better battery life and felt more secure in her hand without slipping.
On the other hand, James, a photography enthusiast on a tight budget, opted for the iPhone X despite its chipped screen. He valued the superior selfie portraits and OLED display for editing photos on the go. For him, the trade-off in durability was acceptable given his indoor, careful usage.
Checklist: Should You Buy Either Phone in 2024?
- ✅ Need a temporary backup phone or gift for a child/elderly relative?
- ✅ Using only essential apps (Phone, Messages, Safari, Camera)?
- ✅ Comfortable with no future iOS updates or security patches?
- ✅ Purchasing for under $100 with tested battery health?
- ❌ Need modern banking apps, AR features, or current iOS-only services?
- ❌ Planning to keep the phone longer than a year?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone X or 8 Plus get iOS 17 or later?
No. Both models were excluded from iOS 16 onward. They are capped at iOS 15.7.9, meaning no new features, improvements, or official security updates from Apple.
Which has better battery life?
The iPhone 8 Plus generally lasts longer. Its larger battery capacity (2691 mAh vs. 2716 mAh) combined with less power-hungry LCD technology gives it an edge in real-world usage, especially for streaming or navigation.
Is the iPhone X fragile?
Yes. The glass back and front make it significantly more prone to cracking than the 8 Plus. Third-party repair costs are high, and original replacement parts are scarce. If you’re accident-prone, the 8 Plus is the sturdier option.
Final Verdict: Is the iPhone X Still Worth It?
The iPhone X was revolutionary in 2017, setting the template for every flagship iPhone since. Today, however, its advantages are mostly nostalgic. The OLED display and Face ID were cutting-edge, but they come with trade-offs: shorter lifespan, higher failure rates, and poor resale durability.
The iPhone 8 Plus, while visually dated, offers a more practical experience for users who value reliability, battery life, and ease of use. It lacks the wow factor, but for someone needing a basic smartphone without spending $500+, it remains a surprisingly capable device—if found in good condition.
Ultimately, neither phone is “worth it” in the traditional sense of being a smart long-term investment. But if you're constrained by budget and need a short-term solution, the iPhone 8 Plus delivers better value. The iPhone X might appeal to collectors or those deeply invested in Apple’s design evolution, but functionally, it doesn’t outshine its sibling enough to justify extra cost or risk.
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