Iphone 8 Vs Iphone 9 Is The Upgrade Worth It Or Are You Better Off Saving Your Money

The decision to upgrade your smartphone should never be driven by hype alone. For many iPhone 8 owners, the idea of moving to an iPhone 9 (commonly known as the iPhone SE 2020) seems like a logical step—same compact size, updated internals, and a familiar design. But does the upgrade deliver meaningful improvements, or is it just a minor refresh that doesn’t justify the cost? Let’s examine the facts.

Design and Build: Familiar but Functional

The iPhone 8 and iPhone 9 share nearly identical physical designs. Both feature a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, Touch ID home button, glass back for wireless charging, and aluminum frame. The dimensions and weight are almost indistinguishable, making them equally pocket-friendly and comfortable for one-handed use.

This similarity means if you already own an iPhone 8, switching to the iPhone 9 won’t feel like a major leap in ergonomics. You’re not gaining edge-to-edge screens, Face ID, or modern bezel-less aesthetics. What you do get is continuity—a device that fits seamlessly into your existing lifestyle, case collection, and accessory ecosystem.

Tip: If you love the small form factor and Touch ID, the iPhone 9 preserves that experience without forcing adaptation to larger devices.

Performance: A Significant Leap Under the Hood

Where the iPhone 9 truly outshines its predecessor is under the hood. While the iPhone 8 runs on the A11 Bionic chip, the iPhone 9 is powered by the A13 Bionic—the same processor found in the iPhone 11 series at the time of its release. This difference translates to real-world advantages:

• Up to 2.5x faster CPU performance
• Nearly 3x faster GPU processing
• Better machine learning and AI capabilities
• Improved app launch times and multitasking fluidity

In practical terms, this means smoother gaming, faster photo editing, and better long-term software support. Apps that may have started to lag on the iPhone 8 will run more efficiently on the iPhone 9. iOS updates are also likely to be supported longer—Apple typically provides around 5–6 years of OS updates, and the iPhone 9 launched with iOS 13, compared to the iPhone 8’s iOS 11 base.

“Processor upgrades often matter more than cosmetic changes—they determine how long your phone remains usable.” — David Lin, Mobile Technology Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Comparison: Same Hardware, Smarter Software

Both phones feature a 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front-facing shooter. On paper, they look the same. However, the iPhone 9 benefits from computational photography enhancements made possible by the A13 chip.

Key differences include:

• Snapdragon HDR: Improved dynamic range in photos with better shadow and highlight detail.
• Portrait Mode: Available on the rear camera despite the single lens, thanks to advanced depth mapping via software.
• Faster autofocus and low-light performance: Enabled by the Neural Engine.

In daylight, both cameras produce very similar results. But in challenging lighting—indoors, at night, or backlit scenes—the iPhone 9 consistently delivers sharper, cleaner images with less noise. Portrait mode, while functional on the iPhone 9, still lags behind dual-lens models in edge detection accuracy, but it's a notable addition for a budget-friendly device.

Battery Life and Charging: Incremental Gains

Battery capacity between the two models is nearly identical, with both offering around 13–14 hours of mixed usage. Apple rated the iPhone 9 for slightly longer video playback (up to 13 hours vs. 12), but real-world usage shows minimal difference.

Charging remains slow by today’s standards. Neither model supports fast charging out of the box—though both are technically capable when paired with a 18W adapter (sold separately). Wireless charging works on both, using Qi-compatible pads.

If you're coming from an iPhone 8 with degraded battery health, the iPhone 9 will naturally offer better endurance simply because it has a fresh, full-capacity battery. But don’t expect groundbreaking improvements in efficiency or charging speed.

Total Cost of Ownership: Is the Upgrade Justified?

Pricing is where this decision becomes nuanced. When released, the iPhone 9 started at $399 (USD), while the iPhone 8 was discontinued but previously sold for $449. Today, used or refurbished iPhone 8 units can be found for $150–$220, depending on condition and storage.

Consider this: spending $400 on an iPhone 9 for modest gains in performance and camera intelligence might not be the best financial move if your current iPhone 8 still functions well. That same amount could go toward future-proofing options like an iPhone 13 or even contribute to savings.

Feature	iPhone 8	iPhone 9 (2020)
Release Year	2017	2020
Chipset	A11 Bionic	A13 Bionic
Rear Camera	12MP, f/1.8	12MP, f/1.8 + Portrait Mode
Front Camera	7MP	7MP with Portrait Mode
Battery Life	~13 hrs video	~13 hrs video
iOS Support Window	Likely ends 2022–2023	Expected through 2025+
Starting Price (Launch)	$449	$399

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had an iPhone 8 she bought in 2018. By late 2022, her phone felt sluggish—apps took longer to open, the camera struggled in dim light, and iOS updates occasionally caused instability. She considered upgrading to the iPhone 9 after seeing ads highlighting its “latest chip” and “portrait mode.”

She researched and realized her iPhone 8 still handled calls, texts, and basic apps fine. Instead of spending $400, she invested $40 in a battery replacement at an Apple Store. The result? Her phone felt noticeably faster, battery lasted all day again, and she delayed an upgrade for another 18 months—saving hundreds.

Sarah eventually moved to an iPhone 13 Mini in 2024, using funds she’d saved. Her takeaway: incremental upgrades rarely make financial sense unless your current device is failing.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

Before deciding, ask yourself the following:

1. Is my iPhone 8 experiencing frequent crashes or extreme slowness?
2. Have I already replaced the battery recently?
3. Do I need better photo quality, especially in low light?
4. Am I planning to keep my phone for 3+ more years?
5. Can I resell my iPhone 8 to offset upgrade costs?
6. Would this $400 be better spent on emergencies, savings, or a future flagship model?

If most answers are “no,” holding onto your iPhone 8—or refreshing it with a battery and screen fix—is the smarter path.

FAQ

Can the iPhone 8 still run the latest iOS?

The iPhone 8 supports up to iOS 16, but no further major updates are expected beyond that. It reached the end of official update support in 2023, meaning no new features or security patches will be guaranteed.

Is the iPhone 9 waterproof?

Yes, both the iPhone 8 and iPhone 9 have an IP67 rating, meaning they can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. However, water resistance degrades over time, especially after repairs.

Will apps stop working on my iPhone 8?

Some newer apps may drop support for older processors. Developers increasingly optimize for A12 and newer chips. Over time, you may find certain games or productivity tools no longer install or run properly.

Conclusion: Value Over Novelty

The iPhone 9 offers tangible improvements over the iPhone 8—primarily through its superior processor and enhanced camera software. However, these gains come at a cost that may not align with their real-world impact. If your iPhone 8 still powers on reliably and handles daily tasks, upgrading is more about convenience than necessity.

For users seeking longevity, investing in a higher-tier model later or extending the life of your current device through maintenance makes better financial sense. Technology moves fast, but smart ownership means knowing when to upgrade—and when to hold back.

🚀 Ready to make a confident decision? Assess your current phone’s health, compare real needs versus wants, and choose value over impulse. Your wallet—and future self—will thank you.