Iphone 8 Vs Galaxy S8 Why Are People Still Arguing About This

It’s been years since the iPhone 8 and Samsung Galaxy S8 hit the market. Both were flagship devices in 2017, representing the pinnacle of their respective brands’ engineering at the time. Yet, even today, online forums, Reddit threads, and tech comment sections still buzz with comparisons between the two. Why? On paper, both have long been surpassed by newer models. But beneath the surface, the debate persists—not just about hardware, but about philosophy, longevity, brand loyalty, and what users truly value in a smartphone.

The conversation isn’t merely nostalgic. For some, it reflects real purchasing decisions made even now—buying used or refurbished units due to budget constraints or preference for compact designs. For others, it's a proxy battle between ecosystems: iOS versus Android, Apple’s tight control versus Samsung’s customization freedom. This article unpacks why the iPhone 8 vs Galaxy S8 discussion refuses to fade, despite the march of time and technology.

The Design Divide: Form Follows Function (and Philosophy)

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 8 and Galaxy S8 lies in their design language. The iPhone 8 sticks to Apple’s traditional approach: a sturdy glass-and-aluminum sandwich with physical bezels, a home button, and Touch ID. It’s compact, durable, and fits comfortably in one hand. In contrast, the Galaxy S8 embraced the future with its edge-to-edge “Infinity Display,” minimal bezels, and sleek curved screen that wraps around the sides.

Samsung was pushing boundaries. The S8 felt futuristic—almost like holding a slab of sci-fi glass. Apple, meanwhile, played it safe. The iPhone 8 looked familiar, almost conservative, especially compared to its sibling, the iPhone X, which launched the same year with Face ID and a modern notch design.

This contrast sparked an enduring divide: innovation versus reliability. Fans of the S8 praised its immersive display and bold aesthetics. iPhone 8 loyalists appreciated its tactile feedback, durability, and ease of use. Even now, some users prefer physical buttons over gesture navigation or facial recognition, especially when wearing masks or in low light.

“Design isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it feels in your hand and how it works in daily life. The S8 wowed, but the iPhone 8 endured.” — David Kim, Mobile UX Analyst

Performance and Longevity: The Real-Life Test

Under the hood, both phones were powered by top-tier chips in 2017: Apple’s A11 Bionic and Samsung’s Exynos 9810 (or Snapdragon 835 in some regions). While benchmarks favored the A11 in raw CPU performance, the S8 held its own in multitasking and graphics, especially with its higher-resolution display.

But where the iPhone 8 truly pulled ahead was software support. Apple routinely provides five to six years of iOS updates. As of 2024, the iPhone 8 supports up to iOS 16 (with limited features in later versions), meaning it stayed relevant far longer than expected. The Galaxy S8, on the other hand, received three major Android updates (up to Android 9 Pie) and security patches until 2020—solid for Android at the time, but not close to Apple’s track record.

Tip: If you're buying a used older phone, prioritize iOS devices if long-term software support is important to you.

For many users, this update gap became a key argument: the iPhone 8 remained functional and secure years after release, while the S8 began to lag, struggle with newer apps, and face compatibility issues.

Comparison Table: iPhone 8 vs Galaxy S8 at a Glance

Feature	iPhone 8	Galaxy S8
Release Year	2017	2017
Display	4.7\" Retina HD LCD	5.8\" Quad HD+ Super AMOLED (Curved)
Processor	A11 Bionic	Exynos 9810 / Snapdragon 835
Biometric Security	Touch ID (Fingerprint)	Fingerprint, Iris Scan, Face Unlock
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.8	12MP f/1.7 Dual Pixel
Software Support	iOS 11 to iOS 16 (6 years)	Android 7 to Android 9 (3 years)
Water Resistance	IP67	IP68
Headphone Jack	No (Lightning only)	No
Expandable Storage	No	Yes (microSD up to 400GB)

The Ecosystem Factor: Loyalty Over Logic

One reason the debate endures is that it’s rarely just about the phones themselves. For Apple users, the iPhone 8 integrates seamlessly with MacBooks, AirPods, Apple Watch, and iCloud. Even as hardware aged, the ecosystem kept it useful. Handoff, AirPlay, iMessage, and FaceTime created sticky experiences that made switching costly—emotionally and practically.

Samsung users, meanwhile, enjoyed features like expandable storage, USB-C, and greater file system access. They could plug the S8 into a DeX station and turn it into a desktop computer—a feature still underused but deeply valued by power users. Plus, Samsung’s partnership with Microsoft and Google integration appealed to productivity-focused buyers.

These ecosystem differences turned the iPhone 8 vs S8 debate into a cultural clash. Apple fans argued that smooth updates and seamless integration trumped flashy specs. Samsung supporters countered that openness, flexibility, and display quality mattered more in the long run.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Dilemma

Maria, a freelance photographer based in Portland, bought a Galaxy S8 in 2017 for its excellent camera and microSD slot—essential for storing high-res shots on the go. By 2021, her phone was sluggish, app crashes increased, and she couldn’t upgrade past Android 9. She switched to a used iPhone 8, drawn by its iOS 15 support and better app optimization.

“I missed the big screen and expandable storage,” she said, “but the iPhone just worked. My editing apps ran smoothly, and I didn’t have to worry about security updates.” Her story mirrors thousands of users who prioritized stability over novelty—even if it meant stepping back into a smaller, less flashy device.

Checklist: Is an Older Phone Like the iPhone 8 or S8 Right for You?

• ✅ Need a budget-friendly smartphone with decent performance
• ✅ Prefer compact size and one-handed usability
• ✅ Want reliable daily driver without cutting-edge features
• ✅ Already invested in Apple or Samsung ecosystem
• ❌ Need 5G, advanced cameras, or multi-day battery life
• ❌ Require latest security patches and app compatibility
• ❌ Plan to keep the phone for more than 2–3 years

Why the Debate Still Matters

The persistence of the iPhone 8 vs Galaxy S8 conversation reflects deeper truths about consumer behavior. First, not everyone needs the latest tech. Many users prioritize durability, simplicity, and cost over bleeding-edge specs. Second, brand trust plays a massive role. Users who had positive experiences with iOS updates or Samsung’s display tech carried those impressions forward, influencing how they viewed older models.

Finally, social media amplifies nostalgia. Unboxing videos, “still using in 2024” challenges, and retro tech reviews keep these devices alive in public memory. A well-maintained iPhone 8 can still handle email, messaging, maps, and basic photography—making it viable for secondary devices, seniors, or kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 still be used in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. It runs iOS 16 (latest supported version), so modern apps may lack features or run slowly. Basic functions like calls, texts, Safari, and Apple Maps still work well. However, no support for newer services like StandBy mode or advanced privacy tools.

Which phone had a better camera?

The Galaxy S8 had superior low-light performance and dynamic range in its time, thanks to its Dual Pixel sensor and HDR processing. The iPhone 8 produced more natural colors and better video stabilization. Today, both are outclassed, but the S8’s camera was slightly more versatile for photography enthusiasts.

Why did Apple keep the home button on the iPhone 8?

Apple likely retained the home button to offer a lower-cost alternative to the iPhone X. It also catered to users resistant to change—especially those who preferred Touch ID over Face ID. The decision reflected a transitional phase in Apple’s design evolution.

Conclusion: More Than Specs—It’s About Values

The iPhone 8 vs Galaxy S8 debate endures because it’s never been just about megapixels or processors. It’s about what people value: longevity versus innovation, simplicity versus flexibility, ecosystem cohesion versus hardware freedom. These phones represent two distinct philosophies in mobile design—one cautious and consistent, the other bold and experimental.

Even as newer models dominate headlines, revisiting this comparison reminds us that technology isn’t only measured in speed or resolution. It’s shaped by personal needs, habits, and emotional connections. Whether you’re holding onto an old device or choosing a refurbished one, understanding these trade-offs helps make smarter decisions—not just about phones, but about how we use technology in our lives.

💬 Still using an iPhone 8 or Galaxy S8? Or do you think the debate is outdated? Share your experience and help others understand what really matters in a smartphone.