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

When Apple released the iPhone X alongside the iPhone 8 in 2017, it marked a turning point in smartphone photography. While both devices featured 12MP rear cameras, the differences between them were far from cosmetic. For photographers and everyday users alike, the question remains: Is upgrading from the iPhone 8 to the iPhone X truly worthwhile just for better photos? The answer depends on how you use your phone’s camera and what kind of images matter most to you.

Hardware Differences That Actually Matter

The iPhone 8 and iPhone X share a similar rear camera sensor — a 12MP f/1.8 wide-angle lens — but the X introduces key hardware upgrades that directly affect image quality. Most notably, the iPhone X includes a second 12MP telephoto lens (f/2.4), enabling true 2x optical zoom and improved depth sensing. The iPhone 8, by contrast, has only a single rear camera with digital zoom beyond 1x.

This dual-camera system on the iPhone X unlocks features like Portrait Mode for more subjects and improved background blur (bokeh) accuracy. Additionally, the X benefits from larger and deeper pixels, enhanced optical image stabilization (OIS), and a brighter True Tone flash with four LEDs compared to the 8’s two.

Feature	iPhone 8	iPhone X
Rear Cameras	Single: 12MP f/1.8	Dual: 12MP f/1.8 + 12MP f/2.4
Optical Zoom	No optical zoom	2x optical zoom
Portrait Mode	Limited to people (iOS 11+)	People, objects, better edge detection
Image Stabilization	Optical (rear), Digital (video)	Improved OIS + better software stabilization
Front Camera	7MP f/2.2	7MP f/2.2 with Portrait Mode & Face ID sensors

Tip: Use the telephoto lens on the iPhone X to avoid digital zoom loss when shooting distant subjects — tap the \"2x\" button before capturing.

Low-Light Performance: Where the X Pulls Ahead

In dim environments — restaurants, evening walks, indoor events — the iPhone X consistently outperforms the iPhone 8. This advantage stems not just from hardware, but from smarter processing. The X uses advanced noise reduction algorithms and longer exposure times made possible by its superior OIS. As a result, night shots retain more detail, exhibit less grain, and maintain truer colors.

Apple’s A11 Bionic chip powers both phones, but the iPhone X leverages it more efficiently for computational photography. Features like Smart HDR (introduced later via iOS updates) and improved tone mapping allow the X to balance shadows and highlights even in challenging lighting.

“Even with the same base sensor, the iPhone X processes light differently — it captures more data per frame and makes better decisions about shadow recovery.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMark

Portrait Mode and Depth Control: A Clear Upgrade

If you frequently take photos of people or objects with blurred backgrounds, the iPhone X offers a tangible improvement. With dual rear cameras, it can calculate depth maps more accurately than the iPhone 8, which relies solely on software estimation for Portrait Mode after iOS 11.

The iPhone X also supports post-capture depth adjustment — a feature absent on the iPhone 8. This means you can tweak the bokeh effect *after* taking the photo, giving creative control over focus and background blur intensity.

Moreover, the front-facing camera on the iPhone X enables Portrait Mode selfies using the TrueDepth system, which analyzes facial contours in 3D. The iPhone 8 lacks this capability entirely, limiting self-portraits to standard flat shots.

Real Example: Family Dinner Photos

Sarah, a parent in San Francisco, upgraded from an iPhone 8 to an iPhone X primarily for better family photos. At her daughter’s birthday dinner in a softly lit Italian restaurant, she noticed immediate improvements. On the iPhone 8, her earlier attempts resulted in noisy, slightly blurry images where faces lacked definition. With the iPhone X, the same scene produced cleaner exposures, accurate skin tones, and smooth background blur in Portrait Mode — all without flash.

She particularly valued being able to adjust the depth effect afterward, fine-tuning each shot to emphasize her child’s smiling face while gently blurring string lights in the background.

Dynamic Range and HDR: Subtle But Significant

High Dynamic Range (HDR) performance is another area where the iPhone X gains an edge. Both phones support auto-HDR, but the X produces more natural-looking results with fewer artifacts. In scenes with strong contrasts — such as a person standing in front of a bright window — the iPhone X better preserves highlight details while lifting shadows.

This is due to tighter integration between the dual cameras and the image signal processor. When HDR is enabled, the X captures multiple frames across different exposures simultaneously, aligning them faster and blending them with reduced ghosting. The iPhone 8 performs similarly but shows more motion blur in fast-moving subjects and occasional banding in skies.

Step-by-Step Guide: Getting the Most From Your iPhone X Camera

1. Enable Smart HDR: Go to Settings > Camera and ensure Smart HDR is turned on (available from iOS 12).
2. Use 2x Zoom for Portraits: Tap the “2x” option in the Camera app to engage the telephoto lens, ideal for flattering portraits.
3. Shoot in Good Light When Possible: Even with improved low-light capabilities, natural light yields the best color and clarity.
4. Edit Depth After Capture: Open a Portrait Mode photo, tap \"Edit,\" then adjust the depth slider to refine background blur.
5. Lock Focus and Exposure: Tap and hold on your subject until \"AE/AF Lock\" appears, ensuring consistent exposure in tricky lighting.

Is the Upgrade Worth It for Photography?

For casual shooters who mostly capture daylight scenes and share casually on social media, the difference between the iPhone 8 and iPhone X may not justify the cost of upgrading. The iPhone 8 still takes excellent photos under good conditions and handles basic tasks reliably.

However, if you value creative control, low-light performance, portrait photography, or zoom flexibility, the iPhone X delivers meaningful advancements. The dual-camera system, superior depth sensing, and refined image processing make it a noticeably better tool for intentional photography.

Consider this: If you often find yourself disappointed by soft zoomed-in shots, struggling with dark indoor photos, or wishing you could edit depth effects, the iPhone X addresses those frustrations directly.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade for Better Photos?

• ☐ Do you shoot in low light often? → iPhone X wins
• ☐ Do you use Portrait Mode regularly? → iPhone X offers better results and editing
• ☐ Do you need optical zoom for travel or events? → iPhone X provides 2x zoom
• ☐ Are you satisfied with iPhone 8 photos in daylight? → Upgrade may be optional
• ☐ Do you edit photos post-capture? → iPhone X gives more flexibility

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 take Portrait Mode photos?

Yes, but only of people and only after updating to iOS 11 or later. It uses software-based depth estimation, so edges may appear less accurate than on the iPhone X.

Does the iPhone X have better video quality?

Yes. Both support 4K at 60fps, but the iPhone X benefits from extended dynamic range for video, better stabilization, and stereo recording. It also supports slo-mo at 1080p/240fps, compared to the 8’s 1080p/120fps.

Is the front camera better on the iPhone X?

Significantly. Beyond resolution parity, the X’s TrueDepth system enables Portrait Mode selfies, Animoji, and more precise facial recognition, leading to sharper, more detailed selfies with depth effects.

Final Verdict: A Measured Leap Forward

The iPhone X isn’t a revolutionary leap in raw megapixels, but it represents a thoughtful evolution in mobile photography. Its dual-camera system, smarter processing, and attention to detail in areas like low-light performance and depth control make it a superior choice for anyone serious about their photos.

While the iPhone 8 remains capable, the X closes critical gaps in versatility and image quality. If photography plays a central role in how you use your phone — whether capturing memories, creating content, or simply expressing creativity — the upgrade from iPhone 8 to iPhone X is absolutely worth it.

🚀 Ready to elevate your mobile photography? Revisit your last few photos — would optical zoom, better night shots, or editable depth have made a difference? Share your thoughts and experiences below.