Iphone 8 Vs Samsung Galaxy S8 Camera Still Worth The Upgrade Or Are There Better Options Now

Released within months of each other in 2017, the iPhone 8 and Samsung Galaxy S8 represented the cutting edge of smartphone photography at the time. The iPhone 8 brought Apple’s refined portrait mode and improved low-light performance, while the Galaxy S8 introduced a bright f/1.7 aperture and advanced HDR processing. Fast-forward to 2024, and both devices are over six years old. While they may still function, the real question is whether upgrading from an older phone to either of these models makes sense—or if far superior alternatives have rendered them obsolete.

Camera Specifications Compared

The foundation of any camera comparison starts with hardware. Though both phones were flagship devices in their day, their imaging capabilities reflect the philosophies of their respective brands: Apple's focus on consistency and color accuracy versus Samsung’s emphasis on dynamic range and resolution.

Feature	iPhone 8	Samsung Galaxy S8
Rear Camera (Main)	12 MP, f/1.8, OIS	12 MP, f/1.7, OIS, Dual Pixel AF
Front Camera	7 MP, f/2.2	8 MP, f/1.7
Video Recording	4K at 60fps, 1080p slo-mo	4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps
Portrait Mode	Yes (software-based on single lens)	No native mode (third-party workarounds only)
Low-Light Performance	Good for its time, smaller sensor	Better due to wider aperture and Dual Pixel tech

The Galaxy S8 edges ahead in low-light conditions thanks to its f/1.7 aperture and faster autofocus system. However, the iPhone 8 delivers more natural skin tones and consistent white balance—hallmarks of Apple’s image processing pipeline. Portrait mode on the iPhone 8 was groundbreaking for a single-lens setup, using depth mapping via software, whereas the S8 lacked this feature entirely out of the box.

Tip: If you're holding onto an iPhone 7 or earlier Android model, either the iPhone 8 or S8 will offer a noticeable photo quality boost—but not by today’s standards.

Real-World Photo Quality in 2024

While specs provide a baseline, actual photo quality depends on processing, lighting, and use case. In daylight, both phones produce sharp, well-exposed images. The S8 tends to oversharpen and push saturation, giving photos a “punchy” look that some find appealing but others see as artificial. The iPhone 8 favors realism—colors are accurate, contrast is moderate, and highlights are preserved more naturally.

In low light, the advantage shifts slightly toward the S8. Its larger aperture allows more light, and Dual Pixel autofocus maintains clarity even in dim environments. However, both phones struggle with noise and motion blur without a tripod or steady hand. Neither supports Night Mode, a standard feature on virtually every mid-range phone today.

“Cameras from 2017 simply can’t compete with modern computational photography. Even budget phones now use multi-frame stacking and AI enhancement to deliver cleaner, brighter night shots.” — Lena Torres, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechSight Review

Better Alternatives Available Today

If your goal is meaningful photo improvement, skipping the iPhone 8 and S8 entirely is the smarter move. For the same price—or less—you can acquire devices with vastly superior cameras. Consider the following upgrades available in 2024:

• iPhone SE (2022 or 2023): Retains the iPhone 8’s form factor but features the A15 chip and the same 12 MP main camera as the iPhone 13, including Night Mode, Smart HDR 4, and Deep Fusion.
• Google Pixel 6a: Offers exceptional point-and-shoot photography with Magic Eraser, Night Sight, and best-in-class HDR, all at a sub-$400 price.
• Samsung Galaxy A54: Features a 50 MP main sensor, OIS, and advanced AI processing, outperforming both legacy flagships in detail and dynamic range.

Even second-hand markets offer newer models like the iPhone 11 or Galaxy S20 FE at competitive prices, bringing dual or triple camera systems, ultrawide lenses, and significantly better video stabilization.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah had been using an iPhone 6 since 2015. By 2023, her camera struggled to capture clear photos of her toddler’s birthday parties. She considered buying a used iPhone 8 for $120 but hesitated after reading reviews comparing it to newer budget phones. Instead, she spent $280 on a refurbished iPhone SE (2022). The difference was immediate: night photos of family dinners became usable, portrait shots had smoother bokeh, and videos were stabilized. She later realized she’d gained five years of camera technology for just double the cost of the iPhone 8.

Step-by-Step Guide: Should You Upgrade?

Deciding whether to upgrade requires assessing your needs, budget, and expectations. Follow this timeline to make an informed choice:

1. Evaluate your current phone. If you’re on an iPhone 6 or Android device from 2016 or earlier, any upgrade will help—but don’t stop at outdated flagships.
2. Define your priorities. Are you focused on social media content, family memories, or professional-looking shots? High-resolution sensors and AI editing matter more for the former.
3. Set a realistic budget. Used iPhone 8 units sell for $80–$130. Stretching to $250 opens access to dramatically better cameras.
4. Research current mid-tier options. Look at recent models with Night Mode, ultrawide lenses, and software updates guaranteed until at least 2026.
5. Test sample photos. Websites like DxOMark, GSMArena, and YouTube reviewers provide side-by-side comparisons under real conditions.
6. Buy from trusted sources. Opt for certified refurbished models from Apple, Samsung, Best Buy, or Swappa to ensure reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone 8 camera still good in 2024?

It captures acceptable photos in ideal lighting, but lacks modern features like Night Mode, deep learning enhancements, and ultrawide capability. It’s functional but outdated for serious photography.

Can the Galaxy S8 compete with new budget phones?

No. Despite its strong low-light performance for its era, the S8 doesn’t match the computational photography of current $300 phones like the Pixel 7a or OnePlus Nord N30, which offer sharper detail, better dynamic range, and AI-powered editing tools.

Should I upgrade to an iPhone 8 or S8 if I have an older phone?

Only if you cannot afford a newer device. While both represent an improvement over phones from 2015 or earlier, the incremental gain isn’t worth the investment when better options exist at similar price points.

Final Verdict: Skip the Past, Invest in the Present

The iPhone 8 and Galaxy S8 were excellent cameras in their prime. But smartphone photography has evolved rapidly. Computational photography, multi-frame exposure, AI scene detection, and advanced sensor designs now define what “good” means. Holding onto 2017-era hardware limits your creative potential and forces compromises no longer necessary at any price tier.

Instead of upgrading to yesterday’s flagship, consider what today’s market offers. Even modest investments unlock features once reserved for high-end models: astrophotography modes, real-time HDR previews, and studio-quality portrait lighting. Your future photos deserve that advantage.

🚀 Ready to take sharper, brighter, more vibrant photos? Explore certified refurbished models from 2021 or later and experience the leap in mobile photography. Share your upgrade journey in the comments!