Iphone X Or Galaxy S8 What Did People Prefer After Using Them

When the iPhone X and Samsung Galaxy S8 launched in 2017, they represented a turning point in smartphone design. Apple introduced its first edge-to-edge OLED display with Face ID, while Samsung refined its Infinity Display concept with slimmer bezels and an elegant curved screen. Both devices were flagship contenders, but which one won over users after months of daily use? Based on extensive user reviews, tech analyses, and real-world feedback, a clear picture emerges—not just about specs, but about long-term satisfaction, usability, and ecosystem loyalty.

Design and First Impressions

The Galaxy S8 made an immediate visual impact. Its symmetrical curved edges, minimal bezels, and sleek glass-and-metal build gave it a futuristic look that stood out even among premium phones. The 5.8-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED display offered vibrant colors and deep blacks, making media consumption a pleasure. Many users reported feeling \"wowed\" the first time they turned it on.

The iPhone X, by contrast, took some getting used to. The notch at the top disrupted the screen symmetry, and early software didn’t fully optimize for it. However, once users adapted, the flat OLED panel with True Tone and superior color accuracy appealed to those who valued clarity over flashiness. The stainless steel frame and glass back felt more substantial than the S8’s aluminum, though also more prone to fingerprints and scratches.

Tip: If you prioritize one-handed use, the slightly smaller footprint of the S8 may feel more comfortable despite its larger screen.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, both phones were powered by top-tier processors—Apple’s A11 Bionic and Samsung’s Exynos 9810 (or Snapdragon 835 in some regions). In raw benchmarks, the A11 held a slight edge, but real-world performance was smooth on both. Where they diverged significantly was in software experience and longevity.

iOS on the iPhone X delivered consistent updates, tighter app optimization, and smoother animations. Users praised the intuitive gesture navigation, which replaced the home button. Over time, iOS updates continued to support the iPhone X for five years—until iOS 17—making it one of the longest-supported smartphones ever.

Samsung’s Android experience, while highly customizable, had more variability. Some users reported occasional stutters or delayed app launches, especially as the phone aged. Although Samsung improved update policies starting with the S8 era, Android version upgrades slowed after two years. Security patches were more consistent, but not always timely across all carriers.

“After six months, my iPhone X still felt like new. My friend’s Galaxy S8 started showing lag in multitasking by month eight.” — Daniel R., mobile tech reviewer

Camera Comparison: Real-World Use

Both phones featured strong camera systems, but their philosophies differed. The Galaxy S8 had a single 12MP rear sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus and f/1.7 aperture—excellent in low light. It produced richly saturated photos that looked great on social media immediately, though sometimes oversharpened or overly warm.

The iPhone X introduced a dual-camera setup (12MP wide + 12MP telephoto), enabling true 2x optical zoom and better Portrait Mode depth effects. Apple prioritized natural color reproduction and dynamic range. In challenging lighting—like backlit scenes or mixed indoor/outdoor environments—users consistently rated the iPhone X higher for consistency and detail retention.

Front cameras told a similar story. The S8’s 8MP selfie shooter was sharp and included iris scanning, but struggled in dim conditions. The iPhone X debuted the TrueDepth camera system, enabling Animoji and reliable Face ID, while delivering balanced selfies with excellent skin tone rendering.

Feature	iPhone X	Galaxy S8
Rear Camera	Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.4)	Single 12MP (f/1.7)
Front Camera	7MP TrueDepth	8MP RGB
Portrait Mode	Yes (with depth control)	No native support
Low-Light Performance	Very good	Excellent
Video Recording	4K at 60fps, stereo audio	4K at 30fps, mono audio

Battery Life and Long-Term Reliability

Battery capacity favored the Galaxy S8 (3000mAh) over the iPhone X (2716mAh), yet real-world endurance was surprisingly close. iOS efficiency helped the iPhone X last through a full day of moderate use. The S8 could stretch further under light loads but drained quickly with high brightness or VR usage.

Over time, battery degradation became a concern for both. However, Apple’s Battery Health feature (introduced in iOS 11.3) allowed users to monitor performance throttling and replace batteries easily—a move widely praised. Samsung lacked such transparency until later models.

Durability was another factor. While both phones were IP68-rated, the iPhone X’s glass back proved fragile in drops. The S8’s curved screen made screen protector application difficult and increased edge-crack risks. Users who didn’t use cases often faced costly repairs.

Tip: Enable Auto-Brightness and reduce motion effects to extend battery life on either device.

User Preference Trends After Extended Use

Initial excitement for the Galaxy S8 often faded after prolonged use, particularly due to software inconsistencies and slower update cycles. iPhone X owners, meanwhile, reported growing appreciation for ecosystem integration—especially with AirPods, iCloud, and Mac continuity features.

A 2018 Consumer Reports survey found that 89% of iPhone X users said they would buy another iPhone, compared to 76% of Galaxy S8 users opting for another Samsung. This gap reflected deeper loyalty to Apple’s ecosystem and confidence in long-term support.

One recurring theme in forums like Reddit and XDA Developers was the “switch regret” phenomenon. Some Android users who switched to iPhone X admitted initial hesitation but ultimately preferred iOS for its simplicity and reliability. Conversely, iPhone users trying the S8 often admired its screen and customization but missed seamless iMessage and FaceTime integration.

“The S8 feels like a sci-fi gadget. The iPhone X feels like a tool that just works.” — TechThread.net user discussion, March 2018

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Six-Month Switch

Sarah, a graphic designer from Portland, upgraded from an iPhone 7 to the Galaxy S8 for its display quality. She loved the screen for editing photos and watching videos. However, within four months, she noticed inconsistent app behavior, delayed notifications, and frustration with Samsung’s skin over Android. When her next project required collaboration via iMessage and Handoff with her MacBook, she switched back to an iPhone X. “The S8 looked amazing,” she said, “but the iPhone just fits how I work.”

Checklist: Choosing Between iPhone X and Galaxy S8 Today

While both phones are now legacy devices, this checklist helps understand what mattered most to users—and what still applies to modern equivalents:

• ✅ Prioritize long-term software updates? → iPhone X
• ✅ Need seamless Apple ecosystem integration? → iPhone X
• ✅ Prefer customizable Android interface? → Galaxy S8
• ✅ Want the best video recording? → iPhone X
• ✅ Value screen size and immersive viewing? → Galaxy S8
• ✅ Concerned about repair costs? → Consider third-party support availability
• ✅ Using heavily for photography? → Test sample images in your typical lighting

Frequently Asked Questions

Which phone lasted longer in daily use?

Most users reported the iPhone X maintained peak performance longer due to optimized hardware-software integration and extended iOS support. Battery replacement programs also extended its usable life beyond four years for many.

Was Face ID better than the S8’s biometrics?

Yes, over time. While the S8 offered facial recognition and iris scanning, both were less secure and slower than the iPhone X’s Face ID. Face ID adapted to changes in appearance and worked reliably in various lighting conditions.

Can I still use either phone in 2024?

Possibly, but not recommended for primary use. Neither receives security updates, leaving them vulnerable. App compatibility is declining, especially on iOS 16+ and modern Android versions. They may serve as backup or offline devices.

Final Verdict: What Did People Actually Prefer?

After months of real-world use, the iPhone X emerged as the preferred choice for the majority of users—particularly those valuing reliability, long-term support, and ecosystem cohesion. The Galaxy S8 won praise for innovation and display brilliance, but fell short in sustained performance and update consistency.

This preference wasn’t just about specs; it was about trust. Users came to rely on the iPhone X to work seamlessly every day, without surprises. The S8 dazzled, but the X endured.

🚀 Looking back at these flagships reminds us that innovation matters—but so does consistency. Whether you're choosing a vintage device or comparing today’s models, consider not just how a phone looks on day one, but how it performs on day 300. Share your own experience: did you prefer the iPhone X or Galaxy S8? Your insights could help others reflect on what truly makes a great smartphone.