Iphone 8 Vs Galaxy A50 Is It Worth Upgrading In Current Year

For users still holding onto an iPhone 8, the question isn’t just about desire—it’s about practicality. Released in 2017, the iPhone 8 was a solid flagship with a design that marked Apple’s transition into modern iOS experiences. Fast forward to 2024, and many are wondering: can switching to a mid-range Android phone like the Samsung Galaxy A50 deliver meaningful improvements? More importantly, is it worth giving up the iOS ecosystem for newer hardware and features?

The answer depends on your priorities—battery life, software support, camera quality, and long-term usability. While the Galaxy A50 launched in 2019, it still offers several advantages over the aging iPhone 8. But with both devices now outside their prime support windows, this decision requires careful evaluation of real-world performance today.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

At launch, the iPhone 8 ran on Apple’s A11 Bionic chip—a powerhouse in its time. Even by 2024 standards, iOS optimization allows the device to handle basic tasks like messaging, browsing, and light app usage. However, multitasking, app launches, and newer versions of iOS (especially iOS 16 and beyond) have noticeably slowed performance. The 2GB of RAM limits background app retention, and games or AR applications often stutter or fail to run altogether.

In contrast, the Galaxy A50 came with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM and Samsung’s Exynos 9610 or Snapdragon 675 (region-dependent). While not a flagship-grade processor, the extra memory and more modern architecture provide smoother navigation through apps, better browser responsiveness, and improved gaming performance—even five years later.

Tip: If you frequently use multiple apps or rely on productivity tools, the Galaxy A50’s higher RAM will offer a tangible day-to-day improvement.

Storage is another consideration. The iPhone 8 maxed out at 64GB or 256GB, but lacks expandable storage. The Galaxy A50 starts at 64GB but supports microSD cards up to 512GB—ideal for users who take lots of photos or download media for offline use.

Display and Design Differences

The iPhone 8 sticks to a traditional 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD screen with thick bezels and a home button. Its color accuracy and brightness were excellent for its era, but by today’s standards, the small size and low screen-to-body ratio feel outdated. The resolution sits at 1334x750 pixels (~326 ppi), which remains sharp, but the lack of OLED means less contrast and deeper blacks.

The Galaxy A50 counters with a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display at 1080x2340 resolution (~403 ppi). This larger, edge-to-edge screen delivers vibrant colors, true blacks, and better visibility under sunlight. It also includes an in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock—features absent on the iPhone 8 beyond Touch ID.

Design-wise, the iPhone 8’s glass back and aluminum frame give it a premium feel, but it’s prone to cracks and lacks water resistance. The A50 uses plastic construction, which feels less luxurious but makes the phone lighter and more durable in everyday drops.

“Screen size and quality significantly impact user satisfaction in 2024. For streaming, reading, or social media, larger, modern displays reduce eye strain and increase engagement.” — David Lin, Mobile UX Analyst

Battery Life and Charging

This is where the Galaxy A50 shines. The iPhone 8 packs a modest 1,821mAh battery, which barely lasts a full day with moderate use in 2024. As lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, most surviving iPhone 8 units now require midday charging even with light usage.

The Galaxy A50, however, houses a 4,000mAh battery—more than double the capacity. In real-world testing, it consistently delivers 1.5 to 2 days of standby use or a full day of active screen time. It also supports 15W fast charging, allowing a 50% charge in about 30 minutes. The iPhone 8 only supports 5W charging unless you buy a separate adapter and USB-C cable.

If your current pain point is constantly hunting for outlets, upgrading to the A50 could dramatically improve your daily routine.

Camera Capabilities in 2024

The iPhone 8 has a single 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization and a capable 7MP front shooter. In good lighting, it still captures well-balanced, natural-looking photos. However, it lacks night mode, ultra-wide shots, and advanced computational photography. Low-light performance is poor compared to modern standards.

The Galaxy A50 introduces a triple-camera system: 25MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, and 5MP depth sensor. While megapixels don’t tell the whole story, Samsung’s scene optimizer and night mode significantly enhance photo quality after processing. The ultra-wide lens adds creative flexibility, and selfies benefit from AI beautification and wider framing.

Video recording remains a strong suit for the iPhone 8, supporting 4K at 60fps—something the A50 doesn’t match (limited to 4K at 30fps and no stabilization in high-res modes). But for most users taking casual photos and sharing on social media, the A50’s versatility outweighs the iPhone’s video precision.

Feature	iPhone 8	Galaxy A50
Operating System (2024)	iOS 16/17 (limited updates)	One UI 5 (based on Android 13)
RAM	2GB	4GB / 6GB
Battery Capacity	1,821mAh	4,000mAh
Charging	5W (slow)	15W fast charging
Rear Cameras	12MP (single)	25MP + 8MP + 5MP (triple)
Front Camera	7MP	25MP
Display	4.7\" LCD (Retina)	6.4\" AMOLED
Expandable Storage	No	Yes (up to 512GB)
Fingerprint Sensor	No (Touch ID)	Yes (in-display)

Software Support and Longevity Outlook

Apple continues to support the iPhone 8 with iOS updates—remarkably, it received iOS 17 in 2023. However, future updates may drop support, especially as Apple shifts focus to newer chips. Performance on iOS 17 is already sluggish for some users, indicating diminishing returns.

Samsung ended major OS updates for the Galaxy A50 after Android 11, though it received security patches until late 2022. In 2024, neither device receives regular updates, making both vulnerable to emerging security threats. However, Android’s open nature allows installation of custom ROMs (like LineageOS) for technically inclined users, potentially extending the A50’s lifespan.

If software longevity is critical, consider that the iPhone 8 benefits from tighter app optimization and longer app compatibility. Many newer apps still support older iOS versions longer than their Android counterparts support older hardware.

Tip: Before upgrading, back up your iPhone data and verify cloud sync settings (iCloud, Google Account) to ensure smooth transfer.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah had used her iPhone 8 since 2018. By 2023, she found herself charging twice daily, struggling with slow app loads, and unable to join group video calls without lag. She considered buying a new iPhone but found prices prohibitive. Instead, she opted for a used Galaxy A50 at $120.

Her experience transformed overnight: videos loaded faster, photos looked sharper, and she finally had enough battery to get through her workday. The learning curve with Android was minimal thanks to Google’s intuitive interface. After three months, she reported feeling “freed” from constant charging anxiety and appreciated the larger screen for reading and maps.

However, she missed iMessage and FaceTime integration with her family, who all use iPhones. She now uses WhatsApp universally, which solved most communication gaps.

Upgrade Checklist: Is the Move Right for You?

Ask yourself these questions before switching:

• Do I need longer battery life than my iPhone 8 currently provides?
• Am I frustrated by slow app performance or frequent crashes?
• Do I want better selfie and landscape photography (ultra-wide shots)?
• Am I willing to adapt to Android and leave iMessage behind?
• Is cost a major factor, and would spending under $150 meet my needs?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the Galaxy A50 upgrade makes practical sense in 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy A50 replace an iPhone effectively in 2024?

Yes, for most everyday tasks—calling, messaging, browsing, social media, and photography—the Galaxy A50 performs better than the iPhone 8. The trade-offs involve leaving the iOS ecosystem and accepting limited future software support.

Will apps run smoothly on the Galaxy A50 today?

Most mainstream apps (Google Suite, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, banking apps) run well. Heavy games or professional editing tools may show lag, but general use is fluid, especially with 6GB RAM models.

Is it safe to use a phone without official software updates?

It carries risks. Without security patches, both the iPhone 8 and Galaxy A50 are more vulnerable to malware. Avoid suspicious links, don’t sideload unknown apps, and use trusted antivirus tools if possible.

Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?

Upgrading from the iPhone 8 to the Galaxy A50 in 2024 isn’t about getting cutting-edge technology—it’s about reclaiming usability. The A50 delivers a larger screen, vastly superior battery life, better cameras, and more RAM, all at a fraction of new smartphone costs. If you're tired of constant charging, frozen apps, and outdated hardware, the switch offers real, measurable improvements.

That said, staying within Apple’s ecosystem has undeniable benefits—especially iMessage, seamless iCloud syncing, and longer app support. If those matter more than hardware upgrades, consider investing in a newer budget iPhone like the SE (2022 or 2024) instead.

For users prioritizing function over brand loyalty, the Galaxy A50 remains a compelling second-life upgrade path from the iPhone 8—one that breathes new energy into your mobile experience without breaking the bank.

🚀 Ready to make the leap? Evaluate your usage patterns, back up your data, and test a Galaxy A50 in person if possible. Sometimes, the best upgrade isn’t the newest phone—but the one that fits your life right now.