Iphone 8 Vs Galaxy S8 Was Upgrading Really Worth It 7

In 2017, smartphone buyers faced a pivotal decision: stick with Apple’s trusted ecosystem or embrace Samsung’s bold innovation. The iPhone 8 and Galaxy S8 represented the flagship choices from each brand that year—both released within months of each other, both promising premium experiences. But for users debating an upgrade, the real question wasn’t just which phone was better on paper, but whether making the switch—or even upgrading at all—was truly worth it.

This isn’t just a specs showdown. It’s about real-world usability, longevity, ecosystem loyalty, and how each device held up over time. Whether you were coming from an older iPhone or an aging Android, understanding the trade-offs between these two devices can still offer valuable insights into what makes a meaningful upgrade.

Design and Build: Glass Meets Curves

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 8 and Galaxy S8 lies in their design language. Apple returned to glass with the iPhone 8, pairing a glass back with an aluminum frame—a nod to wireless charging and a callback to the iPhone 4 era. While elegant, this design proved prone to cracking under drops, especially on hard surfaces.

Samsung took a different route. The Galaxy S8 featured a nearly bezel-less “Infinity Display,” with curved edges wrapping around the sides. This gave it a futuristic look and maximized screen real estate in a compact footprint. Its aluminum frame and glass sandwich offered durability, though the curved screen occasionally triggered accidental touches.

Tip: If you prioritize one-handed use, the iPhone 8’s shorter height may feel more manageable despite its thicker bezels.

Both phones supported IP68 water resistance, a significant advantage over previous models. However, the S8 introduced this feature earlier in Samsung’s lineup, while the iPhone 8 marked Apple’s first true water-resistant design at this level.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, both devices delivered flagship-tier performance, but through different philosophies.

The iPhone 8 ran Apple’s A11 Bionic chip—an industry-leading processor at the time. Paired with iOS 11, it offered smooth multitasking, excellent app optimization, and long-term software support. Apps launched instantly, AR experiences were fluid, and even years later, the iPhone 8 received updates until iOS 16, a testament to Apple’s commitment to longevity.

The Galaxy S8 used either the Exynos 8895 (in international markets) or Snapdragon 835 (in the U.S.). Both were powerful, but real-world performance varied slightly due to thermal throttling in sustained tasks. Combined with Samsung’s TouchWiz (later rebranded as Samsung Experience), the interface felt heavier than stock Android or iOS. Bloatware and inconsistent update schedules weakened the long-term appeal for some users.

“Apple’s tight hardware-software integration ensures consistent performance over time.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

iOS offered simplicity and reliability; Android provided customization and flexibility. For users deeply embedded in either ecosystem, switching meant adapting to new workflows, cloud syncing habits, and app preferences.

Camera Comparison: Consistency vs Versatility

The iPhone 8 featured a 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS)—a first for a single-lens iPhone. It excelled in natural lighting, producing accurate colors, strong dynamic range, and reliable portrait mode using software depth mapping. Video recording reached 4K at 60fps, setting a benchmark for mobile filmmaking.

The Galaxy S8 also had a 12MP sensor but used a wider aperture (f/1.7 vs f/1.8), giving it a slight edge in low-light conditions. However, early firmware caused over-sharpening and washed-out skies. Samsung improved this with updates, but consistency lagged behind Apple’s point-and-shoot reliability.

Feature	iPhone 8	Galaxy S8
Rear Camera	12MP, OIS, f/1.8	12MP, f/1.7, dual-pixel AF
Front Camera	7MP, f/2.2	8MP, f/1.7, autofocus
Video Recording	4K @ 60fps	4K @ 30fps
Portrait Mode	Software-based (iOS 11+)	No native support

If you valued point-and-shoot excellence and video quality, the iPhone 8 had the edge. For selfie takers and those prioritizing brighter low-light shots, the S8’s front camera and wider lens made a difference.

Real-World Upgrade Value: A Case Study

Consider Mark, a long-time iPhone 6 user who upgraded to the Galaxy S8 in 2017. He wanted a modern screen, faster performance, and better battery life. The Infinity Display impressed him immediately—the immersive screen made streaming and browsing feel fresh again. He appreciated the expandable storage via microSD and the convenience of always-on display.

But challenges emerged. Transferring iMessage history wasn’t possible. Some banking apps didn’t support Android Pay as seamlessly. Over time, he noticed slower OS updates—Samsung rolled out Android 8.0 Oreo nine months after Google’s release. By 2019, his phone no longer received monthly security patches.

Meanwhile, Sarah switched from a Galaxy Note 5 to the iPhone 8. She missed customizable themes and split-screen apps but quickly adapted. iMessage integration with her family’s group chats was seamless. She kept her phone until 2022, benefiting from five years of iOS updates—a rarity in the Android world at the time.

Their experiences highlight a crucial truth: the “worth” of an upgrade depends not just on specs, but on ecosystem fit and long-term support.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If Upgrading Was Worth It

Looking back, here’s a practical timeline to evaluate whether moving from your old device to either the iPhone 8 or Galaxy S8 made sense:

1. Assess your current phone’s condition – Was it slow, cracked, or lacking updates?
2. Determine your usage needs – Did you need better photos, longer battery, or a modern screen?
3. Evaluate ecosystem lock-in – Were you tied to iCloud, Google services, or specific apps?
4. Compare update policies – Apple typically offers 5–6 years of OS updates; Samsung offered 2–3 at the time.
5. Test real-world handling – Visit a store. Try holding both. Check button placement, screen reach, and weight.
6. Project long-term ownership – Would you keep the phone for 3+ years? If so, iOS generally aged better.

Tip: Don’t overlook resale value. In 2017–2019, iPhones retained value significantly better than Android flagships.

Checklist: Was Your Upgrade Justified?

• ✅ Improved performance over your previous device
• ✅ Access to newer features (wireless charging, water resistance)
• ✅ Better camera results in daily shooting conditions
• ✅ Long-term software support aligned with your ownership plans
• ✅ Seamless transition of data, apps, and accounts
• ✅ Physical design suited your grip and pocketability needs

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the iPhone 8 support Face ID?

No. The iPhone 8 retained Touch ID via the home button. Face ID debuted on the iPhone X, released alongside the iPhone 8.

Which phone had better battery life?

Battery capacity favored the Galaxy S8 (3000mAh vs 1821mAh), but efficiency mattered more. Real-world usage showed the S8 lasting slightly longer, though both required daily charging. Fast charging was supported on both, but chargers were sold separately.

Can either phone run modern apps smoothly today?

The iPhone 8 can still run most apps efficiently, thanks to iOS optimization—even in 2024, it handles social media, navigation, and streaming well. The Galaxy S8 struggles more with newer Android versions and resource-heavy apps, particularly after third-party security patches ended.

Final Verdict: Was It Worth It?

For many, upgrading to either the iPhone 8 or Galaxy S8 in 2017 was absolutely worth it—if they were coming from a device more than two years old. Both represented major leaps in build quality, performance, and features like water resistance and wireless charging.

However, the deeper answer lies in longevity and experience. The iPhone 8 offered a more consistent, future-proof path. Its extended software support, superior app optimization, and stronger resale value gave it an edge for long-term owners. The Galaxy S8 dazzled with its screen and innovation but fell short in update discipline and ecosystem cohesion outside of Samsung’s circle.

Ultimately, if your goal was a reliable, long-lasting device with minimal friction, the iPhone 8 likely delivered better return on investment. If you craved cutting-edge design and customization—and planned to upgrade again within two years—the S8 offered a thrilling, forward-looking experience.

💬 Still using one of these phones? Or did you make the switch back? Share your story—your experience could help others reflect on what truly makes an upgrade worthwhile.