Iphone X Or Galaxy S8 Plus In 2024 Is The Iphone X Still Worth It

In 2024, choosing between two iconic smartphones from 2017—Apple’s iPhone X and Samsung’s Galaxy S8 Plus—might seem like a nostalgic exercise. Both devices were groundbreaking at launch, introducing edge-to-edge displays, facial recognition, and refined design languages that influenced their successors. But nearly seven years later, are either of these phones viable for daily use? And if so, does the iPhone X still hold an edge over the Galaxy S8 Plus?

This isn’t just about nostalgia. For budget-conscious buyers, refurbished markets, or those seeking a secondary device, older flagships can offer surprising value. However, longevity depends on more than just initial specs—it hinges on software updates, app compatibility, hardware durability, and ecosystem support.

Performance and Hardware: How Do They Hold Up?

The iPhone X was powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, paired with 3GB of RAM. At the time, this combination delivered industry-leading performance, particularly in single-core tasks. The Galaxy S8 Plus, on the other hand, launched with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 9810 (depending on region), with 6GB of RAM—an advantage on paper.

In 2024, neither chip meets modern performance expectations. High-end games, multitasking-heavy workflows, and even some social media apps now demand more processing power. However, the A11 Bionic’s efficiency and iOS optimization allow the iPhone X to remain functional for basic tasks: email, web browsing, messaging, and light photo editing.

Samsung’s One UI has become increasingly resource-intensive. While the S8 Plus had more RAM, its older GPU and fragmented software updates mean it struggles with newer Android versions. Many users report lag when switching between apps or using Google’s latest services.

Tip: If you're considering either device in 2024, ensure it's fully functional with no battery degradation—battery replacement may be necessary for usable daily performance.

Software Support and Security: The Deciding Factor

This is where the iPhone X pulls significantly ahead. Apple provided iOS updates for the iPhone X all the way up to iOS 16, released in 2022. While it did not receive iOS 17, iOS 16 remains stable, secure, and compatible with most mainstream apps as of 2024.

In contrast, the Galaxy S8 Plus received Android 9 (Pie) as its final major update. Samsung ended security patches for the model in 2020. That means the device hasn’t seen any official security updates in over four years—making it vulnerable to known exploits and incompatible with many modern banking, health, and productivity apps that require updated OS versions.

“Security isn’t optional. Devices without regular updates become liabilities, not tools.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Cybersecurity Analyst at MobileTrust Labs

Even if the hardware functions, the lack of security support makes the Galaxy S8 Plus a risky choice for any activity involving personal data.

Camera Quality: Still Impressive, But Limited

Both phones featured impressive cameras in their era. The iPhone X introduced Portrait Mode with advanced depth sensing and True Tone flash, while the Galaxy S8 Plus offered a bright f/1.7 aperture and excellent dynamic range in daylight.

In 2024, both cameras fall short in low-light conditions and lack computational photography features like Night Mode, Deep Fusion, or AI-enhanced HDR. Video stabilization is decent but outdated compared to current standards. Neither supports 4K at 60fps reliably across all apps.

That said, in optimal lighting, both can still capture pleasing photos. The iPhone X benefits from continued tuning in iOS’s Camera app and better color science. Its dual-camera system allows for optical zoom and superior portrait shots compared to the S8 Plus’s single rear lens.

Feature	iPhone X	Galaxy S8 Plus
Processor	A11 Bionic	Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 9810
Ram	3GB	6GB
Last OS Update	iOS 16 (2022)	Android 9 (2019)
Last Security Patch	2023	2020
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto)	Single 12MP
Front Camera	7MP with Face ID	8MP with iris scanner
Battery Capacity	2716 mAh	3500 mAh
Charging	Qi wireless, 5W wired	Qi wireless, 15W fast charging

Real-World Usability: A Mini Case Study

Consider Mark, a freelance writer who picked up a refurbished iPhone X in early 2023 for $75. He uses it solely for note-taking, audiobook listening, and occasional calls. With iOS 16, he runs Notes, Voice Memos, Safari, and WhatsApp without issue. Battery life lasts about a day with moderate use, and he charges it nightly.

He briefly tried a Galaxy S8 Plus around the same time but returned it after two weeks. Despite a larger screen and better speaker balance, the phone failed to load his bank’s app due to OS incompatibility. Gmail frequently crashed, and location services were inconsistent. “It felt like carrying a brick with a screen,” he said.

Mark’s experience reflects a broader trend: for limited, focused use, the iPhone X remains serviceable. The Galaxy S8 Plus, while once a powerhouse, now faces insurmountable software limitations.

Step-by-Step: Should You Buy One in 2024?

If you’re considering either device today, follow this evaluation process:

1. Assess your needs: Are you looking for a primary phone or a backup? If primary, neither is recommended. If secondary—for reading, calls, or media—proceed cautiously.
2. Check software version: Ensure the iPhone X runs iOS 16 or the S8 Plus at least Android 9 with all available patches applied.
3. Test battery health: On iPhone, check via Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Below 80% capacity requires replacement. On Android, use diagnostic codes or third-party apps.
4. Evaluate app compatibility: Try installing essential apps (banking, messaging, maps). If they won’t install or crash, the device isn’t viable.
5. Consider repair costs: Screen replacements for both models are expensive relative to their market value. Factor in potential repairs before purchase.

Tip: Always buy from reputable refurbishers who provide warranty and disclose battery health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone X run iOS 17?

No. The iPhone X is not compatible with iOS 17. The last supported version is iOS 16.7.8, released in late 2023. While it no longer receives feature updates, it still gets critical security fixes from Apple on an ad-hoc basis.

Is the Galaxy S8 Plus safe to use in 2024?

Generally, no. Without security updates since 2020, the device is vulnerable to malware, phishing, and unpatched vulnerabilities in the Android framework. It should not be used for sensitive tasks like online banking or email.

Which has better battery life today?

On paper, the S8 Plus has a larger battery (3500 mAh vs. 2716 mAh), but aging batteries and inefficient software diminish real-world gains. Most tested units of both models now require daily charging, sometimes twice. The iPhone X’s optimized power management gives it a slight edge in consistency.

Final Verdict: Is the iPhone X Still Worth It?

In a head-to-head comparison with the Galaxy S8 Plus in 2024, the iPhone X is clearly the better choice—but with strong caveats. It remains marginally usable thanks to Apple’s long software support and ecosystem integration. For very light use, such as a dedicated e-reader, music player, or emergency phone, it can still serve a purpose.

However, calling it \"worth it\" depends entirely on context. At a price under $50 and with a new battery, it might be a fun retro experiment or a simple communication tool for a child or elderly user. At any higher cost, or for anyone needing reliability, app access, or security, even entry-level 2024 smartphones outperform it in every category.

The Galaxy S8 Plus, while once a technological marvel, has effectively reached end-of-life. Its lack of updates, growing app incompatibility, and hardware wear make it unsuitable for practical use.

“The lifespan of a smartphone isn’t measured in years, but in ongoing support. Without updates, even the best hardware becomes obsolete.” — Carlos Mendez, Tech Longevity Researcher

Conclusion

The iPhone X stands as a testament to Apple’s commitment to long-term software support, outliving its Android rival by several critical years. In 2024, it’s not a recommendation—but it’s not entirely irrelevant either. For niche uses and minimal budgets, it survives where others have faded.

But technology waits for no one. If you're relying on a 2017 flagship in 2024, it’s time to consider upgrading. Modern budget phones offer better performance, security, cameras, and battery life at comparable prices. Honor the legacy of the iPhone X and Galaxy S8 Plus—not by clinging to them, but by appreciating how far we’ve come.

💬 Used an iPhone X or Galaxy S8 Plus recently? Share your experience—was it smooth sailing or time to let go? Join the conversation below.