Iphone 8 Plus Vs Samsung S8 Plus Is The Iphone Still Worth It

In 2017, both the iPhone 8 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus represented the cutting edge of smartphone technology. Today, nearly a decade later, many users still rely on these devices or consider them for budget purchases. But with rapid advancements in mobile tech, the question remains: Is the iPhone 8 Plus still worth choosing over the Galaxy S8 Plus—or at all?

This comparison goes beyond specs. It evaluates real-world usability, software support, ecosystem integration, camera quality, and long-term value to help you decide whether holding onto or picking up an iPhone 8 Plus makes sense in today’s context.

Performance and Longevity: The iOS Advantage

The iPhone 8 Plus runs Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, which was groundbreaking in its time. While not as powerful as modern processors, iOS optimization allows it to handle basic tasks—messaging, browsing, email, and even light gaming—with surprising fluidity, especially compared to Android devices of similar age.

In contrast, the Galaxy S8 Plus uses either the Exynos 8895 or Snapdragon 835, depending on region. Both were flagship chips in 2017, but Android’s less aggressive app optimization and fragmented update cycle mean that by 2024, the S8 Plus struggles with multitasking, app loading times, and background processes.

Apple continues to support the iPhone 8 Plus with iOS updates—though limited. As of 2024, it supports up to iOS 16, missing out on newer AI-driven features in iOS 17 and 18. Still, receiving six years of OS updates far exceeds Samsung’s typical three-year window. The S8 Plus stopped receiving major Android updates after Android 9 (Pie), severely limiting access to new features and security patches.

Tip: If you prioritize long-term software support and smoother day-to-day performance over raw specs, iOS devices like the iPhone 8 Plus often outlast their Android counterparts.

Camera Quality: Portrait Power vs Versatility

The iPhone 8 Plus features a dual 12MP rear camera system—one wide and one telephoto—enabling true optical zoom and superior portrait mode effects. Apple’s image processing delivers consistent color accuracy, dynamic range, and natural bokeh. Video recording remains strong at 4K@60fps, a feature unmatched by most phones at the time.

The Galaxy S8 Plus has a single 12MP rear sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus and f/1.7 aperture, offering excellent low-light performance for its era. However, lacking a second lens, it relies on digital zoom and software-based portrait modes, which often produce less convincing results than the iPhone’s hardware-assisted approach.

In daylight, both cameras perform admirably. In low light, the S8 Plus captures slightly brighter images, but with more noise and less detail. The iPhone favors balanced exposure, preserving highlights and shadows more effectively. Front-facing cameras are comparable, though the iPhone’s True Tone flash gives it an edge in selfies under uneven lighting.

“Even today, the iPhone 8 Plus produces some of the most reliable point-and-shoot photography from a legacy device.” — Mark Tran, Mobile Photography Analyst

Design and Display: Glass vs Infinity

The iPhone 8 Plus retains Apple’s traditional design language: flat edges, a home button with Touch ID, and a 5.5-inch LCD display with thick bezels. Its build quality is solid, featuring glass front and back with aluminum frame. While not waterproof, it has IP67 dust and water resistance.

The Galaxy S8 Plus introduced Samsung’s “Infinity Display”—a curved 6.2-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED screen with minimal bezels and a futuristic look. The vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high resolution make it visually superior, even by today’s standards. It also includes iris scanning alongside facial recognition and fingerprint authentication.

However, the curved screen poses practical drawbacks: accidental touches, higher repair costs, and glare in sunlight. The iPhone’s LCD, while lower resolution (1080p), offers better viewing angles and outdoor readability.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	Samsung S8 Plus
Display	5.5\" LCD, 1080p	6.2\" AMOLED, 1440p
Biometrics	Touch ID (fingerprint)	Fingerprint, Iris Scan, Face Unlock
Water Resistance	IP67	IP68
Ports	Lightning	USB-C
Headphone Jack	No (adapter required)	No

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

Battery degradation affects both models equally after seven years. Original batteries have likely diminished to 60–70% capacity unless replaced. That said, the iPhone 8 Plus typically lasts about 10–12 hours of mixed use on a full charge. The S8 Plus, with its larger 3,500mAh battery, can stretch to 13–15 hours under optimal conditions.

Charging is where differences emerge. The iPhone 8 Plus supports wireless charging—a rarity among iPhones before this model—but only at 7.5W with MagSafe compatibility absent. It lacks fast charging; without a 18W adapter (sold separately), it charges slowly via the included 5W brick.

The S8 Plus supports fast charging (Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0) and Adaptive Fast Charging with compatible Samsung chargers, reaching 50% in about 30 minutes. It also supports Qi wireless charging at up to 9W, making it more versatile in charging options.

Step-by-Step: Maximizing Battery Life on Legacy Devices

1. Replace the battery if capacity is below 80%.
2. Enable Low Power Mode (iOS) or Power Saving Mode (Android).
3. Reduce screen brightness and set auto-lock to 30 seconds.
4. Disable background app refresh and location services for non-essential apps.
5. Use Wi-Fi instead of cellular data when possible.

Ecosystem and Practical Value in 2024

Choosing between these phones isn’t just about hardware—it’s about ecosystem fit. The iPhone 8 Plus integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices: AirPods, Apple Watch, MacBooks, and iCloud. Messages, FaceTime, iMessage effects, and Handoff work flawlessly within the ecosystem. For families using Apple products, continuity features add tangible daily value.

The S8 Plus fits well into Samsung’s ecosystem—SmartThings, Galaxy Buds, DeX mode, and Samsung Health—but requires additional investment in Samsung hardware to unlock full potential. Android’s openness allows greater customization, sideloading, and file management, appealing to tinkerers and power users.

However, app support is declining on both platforms for these older models. Many newer apps no longer support iOS 16 or earlier, and Google Play Services updates may exclude Android 9 devices. Banking apps, streaming services, and social media platforms increasingly demand newer APIs and security protocols.

Tip: Before buying or continuing to use either device, verify that your essential apps (e.g., banking, ride-sharing, healthcare) still support the OS version.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah has used her iPhone 8 Plus since 2017. She loves its durability and how well it works with her MacBook and AirPods. By 2023, she noticed apps crashing, slower Safari performance, and Instagram failing to load stories. After replacing the battery, performance improved slightly, but iOS 16 lacked dark mode in some apps and didn’t support new Siri shortcuts.

She tested a refurbished S8 Plus. The screen impressed her, and multitasking felt snappier initially. But within days, she missed iMessage, couldn’t share files easily with her husband’s iPad, and found Google Messages unreliable. Ultimately, she upgraded to an iPhone SE (3rd gen), keeping her ecosystem while gaining modern performance.

FAQ

Can the iPhone 8 Plus run modern apps smoothly in 2024?

Basic apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, and Safari still function, but performance varies. Apps with heavy graphics or AI features (e.g., TikTok filters, AR tools) may lag or not be supported. iOS 16 is the last compatible version, so future app updates may drop support entirely.

Is the Galaxy S8 Plus better for media consumption?

Yes. Its larger, higher-resolution AMOLED display with curved edges provides a more immersive experience for videos and games. Combined with stereo speakers tuned by AKG, it outperforms the iPhone 8 Plus in multimedia playback.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The iPhone 8 Plus generally retains higher resale value due to brand loyalty and longer software support. Even in 2024, unlocked models sell for $50–$80, while S8 Plus units fetch $30–$60, depending on condition.

Final Verdict: Is the iPhone 8 Plus Still Worth It?

In a direct comparison, the iPhone 8 Plus wins on long-term reliability, software support, and ecosystem integration. While the Galaxy S8 Plus offered a more futuristic design and superior display, its shorter update lifecycle and declining app compatibility make it less viable today.

For users already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, the iPhone 8 Plus remains a functional secondary device or emergency phone. But as a primary smartphone in 2024, it shows its age—especially in processing speed, camera features, and lack of modern iOS capabilities.

If you’re considering purchasing one of these phones now, proceed with caution. Neither should be bought at full price. Refurbished units under $50 might serve as backups or for kids, but expect limitations. For better value, consider newer budget models like the iPhone SE (2022) or Samsung Galaxy A series, which offer modern performance, security updates, and app compatibility.

🚀 Ready to upgrade wisely? Evaluate your needs, check app compatibility, and prioritize software support over nostalgia. Your next phone doesn’t need to be expensive—just reliable and future-ready.