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

When Apple released both the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X in 2017, they represented two distinct paths for the company’s flagship lineup. The iPhone 8 Plus offered a refined version of the traditional design with powerful internals, while the iPhone X introduced a futuristic edge-to-edge display and advanced camera software. For photographers and everyday users alike, the decision between upgrading often came down to one key question: Is the iPhone X’s camera truly better than the iPhone 8 Plus—and is it worth the premium price?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as specs might suggest. While both phones share many core hardware features, differences in software processing, depth sensing, and portrait mode capabilities create meaningful gaps in real-world performance. This article breaks down every aspect of their cameras—from sensor technology to computational photography—to help you decide if the jump from the 8 Plus to the X delivers tangible value.

Camera Hardware: More Similar Than You Think

At first glance, the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus appear nearly identical on paper. Both feature dual 12MP rear cameras: a wide-angle lens (f/1.8) and a telephoto lens (f/2.8). They support optical image stabilization (OIS) on the wide lens, 2x optical zoom, and Portrait Mode with depth control. Even video recording maxes out at 4K@60fps on both devices.

However, subtle but significant improvements were made in the iPhone X’s sensor and image signal processor (ISP), part of the A11 Bionic chip. The X uses a newer generation sensor with better pixel efficiency and improved color accuracy. Combined with enhanced machine learning algorithms, this allows for smarter exposure balancing and noise reduction—especially noticeable in mixed lighting conditions.

Tip: Clean your lens regularly with a microfiber cloth. Smudges are more visible on the flush-mounted lenses of the iPhone X due to its lack of raised bezel protection.

Portrait Mode: Where the iPhone X Pulls Ahead

One of the most compelling reasons to upgrade is the improvement in Portrait Mode. While both phones offer this feature, the iPhone X leverages facial recognition data from the TrueDepth front camera system to generate more accurate depth maps. On the iPhone 8 Plus, depth estimation relies solely on software analysis of the dual-lens parallax, which can struggle with fine details like hair or glasses.

In practice, the iPhone X produces sharper subject isolation and smoother background blur (bokeh). It also introduced **Portrait Lighting** modes—Natural Light, Studio Light, Contour Light, Stage Light, and Stage Light Mono—which simulate professional lighting setups using real-time face mapping. These effects are not available on the iPhone 8 Plus, even via software updates.

“Portrait Lighting was a game-changer. For casual users, it brought studio-quality lighting into the palm of their hand.” — David Kim, Mobile Photography Instructor at SF Media Arts

Low-Light Performance and Smart HDR

Low-light photography remains a critical benchmark for smartphone cameras. Here, the iPhone X holds a slight but consistent edge over the 8 Plus. Thanks to faster processing and improved tone mapping, the X applies more aggressive noise suppression without sacrificing detail. Its photos retain cleaner shadows and more natural skin tones in dim environments.

Additionally, the iPhone X benefits from early implementations of what would later evolve into Smart HDR. By capturing multiple frames at different exposures and intelligently blending them, the X preserves highlight and shadow detail better than the 8 Plus, particularly in high-contrast scenes like backlit portraits or sunset shots.

Real-World Example: Nighttime City Walk

Consider a user walking through downtown after dark, snapping photos of neon signs and street performers. Using the iPhone 8 Plus, the images may appear slightly grainy, with blown-out highlights around bright lights. The dynamic range compression isn’t as smooth, leading to flatter-looking results. In contrast, the iPhone X adjusts exposure more dynamically, preserving texture in darker areas while taming overexposure—resulting in richer, more balanced night photos.

Front-Facing Camera: A Clear Winner

This is where the gap becomes undeniable. The iPhone 8 Plus has a 7MP FaceTime camera with an f/2.2 aperture, capable of decent selfies and basic video calls. But the iPhone X introduces the 7MP TrueDepth camera system—a technological leap that enables secure Face ID and dramatically improves selfie quality.

The TrueDepth camera captures infrared data and depth information, allowing for accurate facial modeling. This translates to superior Portrait Mode selfies with realistic bokeh and lighting effects. Moreover, the front camera benefits from auto image stabilization (via digital cropping) and better low-light focusing thanks to the flood illuminator.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	iPhone X
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto)	Dual 12MP (Improved sensors)
Portrait Mode (Front)	No	Yes, with depth mapping
Portrait Lighting	No	Yes (5 modes)
Front Camera Aperture	f/2.2	f/2.2 (with IR & dot projector)
Low-Light Processing	Good	Better (enhanced ISP)
Video Stabilization	Optical (rear), Digital (front)	Optical + Advanced Digital

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

If you're still deciding whether the iPhone X is worth moving up from the 8 Plus, consider these factors:

• You take a lot of selfies: If self-portraits are part of your daily routine, the X’s TrueDepth camera and Portrait Lighting offer unmatched quality.
• You value future-proof software features: The X received longer support for new iOS features, including Animoji, Memoji, and AR apps.
• You shoot in low light frequently: Slightly better noise handling and exposure balance make the X more reliable indoors or at night.
• You care about design and screen quality: Though not strictly camera-related, the OLED display on the X makes reviewing and editing photos significantly more accurate and immersive.
• You’re sensitive to price: At launch, the X cost $999 vs. $799 for the 8 Plus. Today, both are discontinued, but used prices still reflect that gap. Evaluate whether the camera gains justify the extra cost.

Tip: Use third-party camera apps like Halide or ProCam to unlock manual controls. Both phones support RAW capture, giving advanced users greater post-processing flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 Plus use Portrait Lighting?

No. Despite having dual rear cameras, the 8 Plus lacks the facial depth-mapping hardware required for Portrait Lighting. Apple restricted this feature exclusively to devices with TrueDepth cameras, starting with the iPhone X.

Does the iPhone X have better zoom quality?

Not significantly. Both phones offer 2x optical zoom and up to 10x digital zoom. However, the X’s improved image processing yields slightly crisper results when zooming digitally, especially in well-lit conditions.

Which phone lasts longer on battery during photo sessions?

The iPhone 8 Plus generally outperforms the X in battery life due to its larger 2691mAh cell compared to the X’s 2716mAh (despite similar capacity, efficiency favors the 8 Plus). During extended photography or video recording, the 8 Plus may last 10–15% longer.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

For most average users, the camera upgrade from iPhone 8 Plus to iPhone X is modest in daylight photography but transformative in specific scenarios—particularly selfies, portrait work, and creative lighting effects. If your primary use case involves social media content creation, vlogging, or artistic experimentation, the iPhone X offers tools the 8 Plus simply cannot match.

However, if you mostly shoot landscapes, documents, or well-lit indoor scenes, the difference may be too subtle to justify the cost—especially today, given both models are several generations old. The 8 Plus remains a highly capable camera phone, and its larger battery and lower price point continue to appeal to budget-conscious buyers.

Ultimately, the “worth it” factor depends less on raw specs and more on how you use your phone. The iPhone X wasn’t just an incremental upgrade—it was a pivot toward AI-driven photography and immersive experiences. If you wanted to be on the leading edge of mobile imaging in 2017, the X delivered. But if practicality and value ruled your decision, the 8 Plus held its ground remarkably well.

🚀 Ready to test the difference? Try side-by-side sample shots in your environment—natural light, low light, and portrait mode. See which camera fits your style best before making any move.