Iphone X Or Galaxy Note 8 Which One Still Makes Sense In 2024

Released within weeks of each other in 2017, the iPhone X and Samsung Galaxy Note 8 were flagship devices that defined a generation of smartphones. The iPhone X introduced Face ID and the notch, while the Note 8 doubled down on stylus functionality and dual cameras. Fast forward to 2024, and both devices are seven years old—ancient by smartphone standards. Yet, some users still rely on them daily. So, which one holds up better today? Is either worth using—or buying secondhand—in 2024?

This article examines both phones through the lens of modern expectations: app compatibility, security updates, battery longevity, performance with current apps, and overall user experience. The goal isn’t nostalgia—it’s practicality.

Software Support and Security Updates

One of the most critical factors in determining whether a phone \"still makes sense\" is ongoing software support. Without regular updates, devices become vulnerable to security threats and incompatible with newer apps.

The iPhone X launched with iOS 11 and received updates through iOS 16, released in 2022. Apple officially ended major OS support for the iPhone X in 2023, meaning it will not receive iOS 17 or any future versions. While it continues to run iOS 16.7.x with occasional minor patches, these are limited to critical security fixes and may cease entirely in 2024.

The Galaxy Note 8, on the other hand, shipped with Android 7 (Nougat) and was updated to Android 9 (Pie). Samsung provided security patches until late 2020. As of 2024, it has not received an update in over three years, leaving it exposed to known exploits and incompatible with many modern Android apps that require Android 10 or higher.

Tip: Avoid connecting older unsupported devices to sensitive accounts like banking or email unless they’re isolated from public networks.

Performance and Real-World Usability in 2024

Both phones were powered by top-tier hardware in their time—the iPhone X with Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, and the Note 8 with either the Snapdragon 835 (U.S.) or Exynos 9810 (international). By today’s standards, neither can handle heavy multitasking, modern games, or even smooth navigation in complex apps like Instagram or Google Maps.

The A11 Bionic, however, holds up remarkably well due to iOS optimization. Basic tasks—messaging, calling, light web browsing, and music playback—are still functional. However, app launches are noticeably slower, Safari tabs reload frequently, and background app refresh is almost non-existent.

The Note 8 struggles more. Android 9 on the Snapdragon 835 feels sluggish, especially with animations and transitions. Apps like WhatsApp and Chrome show frequent lag, and multitasking between split-screen windows—once a hallmark feature—is now frustratingly slow.

“After four years, even the best chips age fast. But Apple’s ecosystem efficiency gives older iPhones a longer usability tail.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Quality: How Do They Compare Today?

In 2017, both phones were camera leaders. The iPhone X offered excellent dynamic range and video stabilization, while the Note 8 brought dual 12MP rear cameras with 2x optical zoom and Live Focus for portrait shots.

In 2024, their photo quality remains decent in ideal lighting but falls short in low light and computational photography. Neither supports Night Mode, Deep Fusion (iPhone), or AI-enhanced HDR (Samsung), features now standard even on budget phones.

Video recording maxes out at 4K@60fps on the iPhone X and 4K@30fps on the Note 8. Both lack modern stabilization algorithms, making handheld footage shaky. Autofocus is slower, and color science feels outdated compared to current devices.

If you're using either phone primarily for casual photography, expect inconsistent results—especially indoors or at night.

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone X	Galaxy Note 8
Release Year	2017	2017
Last OS Version	iOS 16.7 (no iOS 17)	Android 9 (Pie)
Security Updates	Minimal (ended officially)	None since 2020
Chipset	A11 Bionic	Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 9810
RAM	3GB	6GB
Rear Cameras	12MP + 12MP (wide + telephoto)	12MP + 12MP (wide + telephoto)
Front Camera	7MP with Face ID	8MP (no iris scanner)
Battery Capacity	2716 mAh	3300 mAh
Stylus Support	No	Yes (S Pen)
Current Practical Usefulness	Marginal (basic tasks only)	Limited (sluggish performance)

Real-World Example: Can You Still Use One Daily?

Consider Mark, a freelance writer who held onto his iPhone X until early 2023. He appreciated its compact size and familiarity. But by late 2023, he noticed increasing issues: Gmail stopped syncing reliably, Google Docs crashed during editing, and WhatsApp Web failed to connect consistently. After switching to a used iPhone SE (2022), he gained iOS 17 support, faster performance, and improved battery life—all at a similar price point when bought refurbished.

Likewise, Sarah used her Galaxy Note 8 as a secondary device for note-taking with the S Pen. While she loved the handwriting experience, she found that Samsung Notes no longer synced properly with her newer tablet, and the device couldn’t install the latest version of Microsoft OneNote. She eventually migrated to a Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, which offered better integration and current software.

These examples highlight a key truth: even if the hardware works, the ecosystem around these phones has moved on.

Tips for Extending Life If You Still Use One

If you’re still holding on to either device—due to sentiment, cost, or simplicity—here are actionable steps to make it last a little longer:

Tip: Disable background app refresh and automatic updates to reduce strain on aging batteries and storage.

• Use lightweight alternatives: Replace Chrome with Firefox Focus, use Signal instead of WhatsApp if possible, and opt for offline-first apps.
• Limit app installations to essentials—every additional app increases system load.
• Keep storage free: Aim for at least 2GB of free space to prevent slowdowns.
• Replace the battery: Both phones support battery replacements. A fresh battery can restore 70–80% of original capacity.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi: Older devices lack modern encryption safeguards. Use cellular data or trusted networks only.

FAQ

Can the iPhone X get iOS 17?

No. Apple discontinued iOS 17 support for the iPhone X. Only iPhone XS and later models are compatible.

Is the Galaxy Note 8 safe to use in 2024?

Not recommended for secure tasks. With no security patches since 2020, it's vulnerable to known exploits. Use it only for offline purposes like media playback or sketching.

Which phone has better resale value now?

Neither holds significant resale value. Most buyers won’t pay more than $30–$50 for either in working condition. Refurbished modern phones offer far better value.

Final Verdict: Which Makes More Sense in 2024?

The iPhone X edges out the Galaxy Note 8—not because it’s objectively better, but because iOS optimization allows it to remain slightly more usable. Apps launch faster, the interface feels snappier, and Apple’s app ecosystem maintains backward compatibility longer than Android’s fragmented environment.

However, “more usable” doesn’t mean “recommended.” Both phones fail basic 2024 expectations: lack of security updates, poor app compatibility, degraded batteries, and no access to modern features like dark mode across all apps, voice assistants, or smart home integrations.

If you’re considering buying one secondhand to save money, don’t. For the same price—$80–$120—you can get a refurbished iPhone 11 or a new budget Android phone (like the Pixel 7a or Moto G Power) with five more years of support, better cameras, and significantly faster performance.

💬 Still using an iPhone X or Note 8? Share your experience below. We’d love to hear how long you’ve kept yours going—and what finally made you upgrade.