In an era where flagship smartphones boast triple-lens arrays, AI-powered night modes, and 100x zoom capabilities, it’s surprising that two phones from 2017—the iPhone 8 Plus and the Google Pixel 2—still deliver compelling camera performance. Despite being nearly a decade old, both devices continue to be praised by photography enthusiasts, casual users, and even some professionals for their image quality, color accuracy, and dynamic range. But what exactly allows these aging devices to remain relevant in today’s fast-moving mobile photography landscape?
The answer lies not in megapixels or hardware alone, but in thoughtful engineering, software optimization, and a clear understanding of what makes a photo feel “right.” While newer phones push computational boundaries, the iPhone 8 Plus and Pixel 2 mastered fundamentals that are still valued: natural tone reproduction, reliable autofocus, and consistent exposure. Their staying power is a testament to how well-balanced camera systems can outlive raw specs.
Camera Hardware: Simplicity with Purpose
The iPhone 8 Plus features a dual-camera system: a 12MP wide-angle lens (f/1.8) and a 12MP telephoto lens (f/2.8), enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode. Apple paired this with optical image stabilization on the primary sensor—a rarity at the time—and a True Tone flash. The Pixel 2, by contrast, relies on a single 12.2MP rear sensor (f/1.8) with larger 1.4µm pixels and electronic image stabilization. Notably, it lacks a secondary lens entirely.
On paper, the Pixel 2 seems less equipped. But Google bet on software over hardware complexity. Its HDR+ processing pipeline, developed years before neural networks became standard, stacked multiple underexposed frames to preserve detail in shadows and highlights. This approach minimized noise while maximizing dynamic range—something many multi-camera phones still struggle with today.
Image Processing: Where Software Meets Artistry
Apple and Google took divergent paths in image processing, yet both achieved exceptional results. The iPhone 8 Plus delivers photos with warm tones, deep contrast, and accurate skin rendering—characteristics favored by portrait photographers. Its Smart HDR (introduced later via iOS updates) enhanced local contrast without oversaturating colors, preserving a film-like realism.
Google’s Pixel 2, meanwhile, prioritized dynamic range and shadow recovery. Its HDR+ algorithm produced flatter-looking JPEGs straight out of the camera, which some initially criticized as “washed out.” However, those same files retained recoverable highlight and shadow data, making them ideal for post-processing. Over time, Google refined tone mapping to add more pop while maintaining fidelity.
“Even in 2024, I reach for my old Pixel 2 when I want a photo that looks like what I actually saw. No fake bokeh, no oversharpening—just honesty.” — Daniel Lin, Mobile Photographer & Tech Reviewer
Low-Light and Portrait Performance Compared
Night photography wasn’t a major selling point in 2017, but both phones handled dim environments surprisingly well. The Pixel 2 gained early acclaim for its Night Sight mode, introduced in 2018—an update that dramatically improved low-light capture through longer exposures and advanced noise reduction. This feature transformed the phone into a nighttime powerhouse, often outperforming contemporaries twice its price.
The iPhone 8 Plus lacked a dedicated night mode until iOS 11, and even then, its implementation was modest. It relied more on faster shutter speeds and aggressive noise reduction, which sometimes resulted in smudged details. However, its dual-lens setup gave it an edge in Portrait Mode, offering true depth sensing and better edge detection than the Pixel 2’s single-sensor approximation.
That said, Google’s machine learning-based segmentation in Portrait Mode was remarkably accurate, especially around hair and glasses. And because the Pixel 2 used computational blur rather than relying solely on parallax, it could simulate depth effects even in close-up shots where stereo disparity was minimal.
Comparison Table: Key Camera Features
| Feature | iPhone 8 Plus | Pixel 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Cameras | Dual: 12MP f/1.8 + 12MP f/2.8 | Single: 12.2MP f/1.8 |
| Optical Zoom | 2x | None |
| HDR Technology | Smart HDR (via update) | HDR+ |
| Night Mode | Limited (no Night Sight) | Yes (added via update) |
| Portrait Mode | Hardware-assisted depth | Software-only depth |
| Video Recording | 4K at 60fps, OIS | 4K at 30fps, EIS |
| Front Camera | 7MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.4 |
Why These Cameras Still Hold Up in 2024
Three key factors explain the enduring relevance of these cameras:
- Consistent Color Science: Both Apple and Google maintained stable white balance and color grading across firmware updates. Unlike some modern phones that shift tone dramatically between software versions, these devices offer predictable output.
- Minimal Computational Overprocessing: There’s no excessive sharpening, artificial saturation, or fake depth effects. Photos look authentic, not “enhanced” to the point of losing realism.
- Firmware Longevity: Both received major OS updates for four years. The iPhone 8 Plus supports iOS 16, while the Pixel 2 got Android 11. Later updates brought improved camera algorithms, extending their useful life.
A real-world example illustrates this longevity: Sarah Kim, a travel blogger based in Portland, used her Pixel 2 for all her Instagram content during a six-month backpacking trip across Southeast Asia in 2023. She chose it over newer models because “it doesn’t try too hard.” Her feed, composed entirely of Pixel 2 shots, garnered praise for its natural lighting and emotional authenticity—qualities she attributes to the phone’s restrained processing.
Checklist: Maximizing Your iPhone 8 Plus or Pixel 2 Camera Today
- Keep the lens clean with a microfiber cloth
- Use third-party apps like ProCamera (iOS) or Open Camera (Android) for manual controls
- Enable HDR+ on the Pixel 2 (or Smart HDR on iPhone) for high-contrast scenes
- Avoid digital zoom—crop instead for better quality
- Shoot in well-lit conditions to leverage sensor strengths
- Back up photos regularly—older storage may fail over time
- Update to the latest supported OS version for improved camera stability
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone 8 Plus or Pixel 2 still take professional-quality photos?
Yes, under the right conditions. While they lack the flexibility of modern flagships, both cameras excel in daylight and controlled lighting. With careful composition and editing, their output remains suitable for blogs, social media, and even print at small sizes.
Is the Pixel 2 better than the iPhone 8 Plus for photography?
It depends on your priorities. The Pixel 2 wins in dynamic range, HDR performance, and low-light clarity thanks to HDR+ and Night Sight. The iPhone 8 Plus offers superior zoom, more natural bokeh in portraits, and smoother video. For most users, the Pixel 2 edges ahead in still photography, but the iPhone provides more versatility.
Are these phones still usable in 2024?
As daily drivers, they face limitations—slower processors, outdated app support, and battery degradation. However, as dedicated point-and-shoot devices or backup cameras, they remain functional. Many users keep them solely for photography due to their reliability and nostalgic appeal.
Final Thoughts: Lessons from Lasting Design
The lasting appeal of the iPhone 8 Plus and Pixel 2 cameras isn’t nostalgia—it’s recognition of sound design principles. They prove that great mobile photography doesn’t require endless lenses or AI-generated skies. Instead, it hinges on consistency, intelligent software, and respect for photographic truth.
Modern smartphones often prioritize wow factor over subtlety, applying aggressive edits that distort reality. In contrast, these 2017 devices focused on capturing moments as they were—balanced, honest, and emotionally resonant. That philosophy continues to influence camera development today, with recent iPhones and Pixels dialing back overprocessing in favor of more natural results.
If you still own one of these phones, don’t dismiss it as obsolete. Clean the lens, charge the battery, and take it out for a walk. You might be surprised by how well it holds up—not just technically, but artistically.
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