Iphone X Camera Vs 8 Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It For The Photos

When Apple released both the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X in 2017, consumers were faced with a tough decision. On paper, both phones shared nearly identical hardware—same dual 12MP rear cameras, same aperture settings, and similar image signal processors. Yet, one carried a significantly higher price tag. The key differentiator wasn’t just Face ID or edge-to-edge display—it was how those cameras performed in practice. For photography enthusiasts, the question remains: Was the jump from iPhone 8 Plus to iPhone X truly worthwhile for photo quality?

Hardware Comparison: What’s Under the Hood

At first glance, the camera specs of the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus appear identical:

• Dual 12MP rear cameras (wide-angle and telephoto)
• f/1.8 wide-angle lens, f/2.4 telephoto lens
• OIS on the wide-angle sensor only
• True Tone flash and Portrait Mode support
• 4K video recording at 60fps

However, subtle but significant differences exist beneath the surface. The iPhone X features a newer generation image signal processor (ISP) integrated into the A11 Bionic chip, which enables more advanced computational photography. While the physical sensors are nearly the same, the X benefits from improved noise reduction, better dynamic range handling, and faster processing speeds.

Apple also optimized the iPhone X’s camera system for its new front-facing TrueDepth camera, introducing Portrait Mode for selfies—a feature absent on the iPhone 8 Plus. This highlights a shift in Apple’s design philosophy: prioritizing depth mapping and facial recognition not just for security, but for enhanced photo capabilities.

“Even with similar hardware, the software pipeline can make or break image quality. The iPhone X represents Apple’s first full commitment to computational imaging.” — David Pogue, Tech Journalist & Photographer

Image Quality: Real-World Performance Differences

In everyday shooting conditions, both phones produce excellent photos. But under scrutiny—especially in low light or high-contrast scenes—the iPhone X begins to pull ahead.

The most noticeable improvement is in dynamic range. The iPhone X captures slightly more detail in shadows and highlights, thanks to smarter tone mapping and exposure bracketing. In backlit scenarios, such as shooting against a sunset, the X preserves more sky detail without completely crushing shadow areas.

Low-light performance also sees a modest gain. While neither phone has Night Mode (that arrived later), the iPhone X applies more aggressive noise suppression while retaining fine textures like fabric or hair. This results in cleaner, more natural-looking night shots—even if both devices struggle compared to modern flagships.

Tip: To maximize low-light performance on either device, keep your hands steady and avoid digital zoom—use natural light sources when possible.

Portrait Mode: Depth and Detail

Both phones offer Portrait Mode on the rear cameras, but the iPhone X delivers more consistent edge detection and background blur (bokeh). This is due to enhanced depth mapping powered by the TrueDepth system and refined algorithms. Hair strands, glasses, and complex edges are rendered more accurately on the X.

More importantly, the iPhone X introduced Portrait Mode for the front camera—an exclusive feature. If you take frequent selfies in portrait style, this alone may justify the upgrade.

Front Camera and Selfie Photography

This is where the gap widens. The iPhone 8 Plus has a standard 7MP front-facing camera with f/2.2 aperture and no depth-sensing capability. It takes decent selfies in good light but lacks advanced features beyond basic HDR and Retina Flash.

In contrast, the iPhone X’s 7MP TrueDepth front camera enables:

• Portrait Mode with adjustable bokeh
• Better skin tone rendering using facial recognition data
• Improved low-light selfies via A11-powered noise reduction
• Animoji integration (a fun bonus, though not photo-related)

The depth sensor allows the front camera to create accurate depth maps, leading to more professional-looking selfies with natural background separation. For social media users or vloggers who rely on front-camera quality, the iPhone X offers a tangible leap forward.

Software and Computational Photography

Hardware matters, but software defines the user experience. The iPhone X was designed from the ground up to leverage machine learning for photography. The A11 Bionic chip includes a neural engine that processes facial data, enhances subject detection, and optimizes exposure decisions in real time.

For example, when detecting a face, the iPhone X adjusts white balance and focus priority differently than the 8 Plus. It also uses predictive focusing—anticipating movement based on prior behavior—which leads to sharper action shots.

Over time, iOS updates have favored the iPhone X with new camera features. While some Portrait Lighting effects eventually came to the 8 Plus, they often ran slower or with reduced accuracy. The X remained the preferred platform for Apple’s evolving camera roadmap.

Video Capabilities: Subtle but Meaningful Gains

Both phones record 4K at 60fps and 1080p at 240fps for slow motion. However, the iPhone X benefits from:

• Smoother electronic stabilization
• Better audio sync during quick movements
• Enhanced color grading in HDR-like conditions

These improvements stem from tighter integration between the gyroscope, ISP, and processor—allowing the X to deliver more cinematic footage, especially when walking or panning quickly.

Comparison Table: iPhone X vs iPhone 8 Plus Camera Features

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	iPhone X
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.4)	Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.4)
OIS	Wide-angle only	Wide-angle only
Front Camera	7MP, f/2.2	7MP TrueDepth, f/2.2 + depth sensor
Portrait Mode (Rear)	Yes	Yes (improved edge detection)
Portrait Mode (Front)	No	Yes
Portrait Lighting Effects	Limited, slower processing	Full suite, real-time preview
Low-Light Processing	Good	Better noise reduction, finer detail
Video Stabilization	Excellent	Superior motion tracking and smoothness
ISP & Neural Engine	A11 (shared)	A11 with optimized camera pipeline

Mini Case Study: Travel Photography in Varied Conditions

Sophia, a travel blogger, used the iPhone 8 Plus for her Southeast Asia trip in early 2018. When she upgraded to the iPhone X later that year, she re-shot many of the same scenes during a return visit. In Bangkok’s bustling markets, the X captured richer colors and better highlight control in harsh sunlight. In dimly lit temples, the X produced noticeably cleaner images with less grain.

Her biggest surprise was in portrait consistency. On the 8 Plus, she often had to retake selfies due to failed depth detection. With the X, even quick snaps resulted in accurate bokeh. She noted, “It felt like the camera finally understood what I wanted, not just what it could technically do.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone X camera better in low light than the 8 Plus?

Yes, marginally. The iPhone X applies more advanced noise reduction and retains better detail in shadows. However, the difference isn’t dramatic—both phones lack Night Mode, so results depend heavily on lighting and stability.

Can the iPhone 8 Plus use Portrait Mode on the front camera?

No. The 8 Plus lacks the depth-sensing hardware required for front-facing Portrait Mode. This feature is exclusive to iPhones with Face ID, starting with the iPhone X.

Should I upgrade just for the camera?

If you value selfie quality, Portrait Mode, and slightly better processing, then yes—the upgrade brings meaningful improvements. But if you primarily shoot landscapes or well-lit scenes, the gains may not justify the cost, especially today when both models are older.

Actionable Checklist: Maximizing Your iPhone Camera Experience

1. ✅ Clean your lenses regularly with a microfiber cloth
2. ✅ Use natural lighting whenever possible to reduce noise
3. ✅ Tap to focus and adjust exposure manually by sliding up/down
4. ✅ Avoid digital zoom; crop in post instead for better quality
5. ✅ Keep your iPhone updated to benefit from camera software enhancements
6. ✅ Use a tripod or stabilize your arms for low-light shots
7. ✅ Explore third-party apps like Halide or ProCamera for manual controls

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The answer depends on your priorities. If you're upgrading from an older iPhone and care about front-facing photography, depth effects, and smoother overall image processing, the iPhone X delivers a perceptible improvement over the 8 Plus. The addition of front Portrait Mode alone makes it appealing for selfie-centric users.

However, in terms of raw still photography under normal conditions, the differences are subtle. Both cameras capture stunning images. The X refines the experience with smarter software, better edge detection, and future-ready features—but it doesn’t redefine mobile photography the way later models would.

Today, with both phones discontinued and surpassed by newer generations, the decision is largely academic. But historically, the iPhone X marked a turning point: the moment Apple began prioritizing computational intelligence over pure hardware gains. For photographers attuned to nuance, that shift made the upgrade worthwhile—not because the camera was drastically better, but because it was smarter.

🚀 Still using an iPhone 8 Plus or X? Share your photo experiences below. Which camera did you prefer, and why? Your insights could help others understand the real-world impact of small tech upgrades.