In 2024, the iPhone X and iPhone 8 may seem like relics from a bygone era of smartphone design. Released in 2017, both devices marked pivotal moments in Apple’s evolution—yet only one embraced the future. The iPhone X introduced Face ID, an edge-to-edge OLED display, and a radical redesign. The iPhone 8, while reliable, stuck with Touch ID and a traditional LCD screen. Now, nearly seven years later, the question isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about practicality. Is the iPhone X still a viable option today? And how does it stack up against the even more dated iPhone 8?
The answer depends on your needs, budget, and expectations. While neither phone should be anyone’s first choice for a new device in 2024, understanding their current capabilities helps if you’re considering a secondhand purchase, helping a family member upgrade, or simply curious about long-term iOS device viability.
Design and Display: A Clear Generational Divide
The most immediate difference between the iPhone X and iPhone 8 lies in their design philosophy. The iPhone X was Apple’s first modern iPhone—no home button, slimmer bezels, and a glass back that enabled wireless charging. Its 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display delivered deeper blacks, better contrast, and higher brightness than the iPhone 8’s 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD.
The iPhone 8, though compact and comfortable to hold, feels outdated in 2024. Its thick top and bottom bezels, home button, and lower-resolution screen make it feel like a device from another decade—because it is.
| Feature | iPhone X | iPhone 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.8 inches | 4.7 inches |
| Display Type | OLED (Super Retina) | LCD (Retina HD) |
| Resolution | 2436 × 1125 | 1334 × 750 |
| Face ID / Touch ID | Face ID | Touch ID |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP67 (up to 1m for 30 mins) | IP67 (same) |
The iPhone X’s taller screen offers more usable space for web browsing, multitasking, and video consumption—still relevant in 2024, especially when running newer apps optimized for full-screen experiences.
Performance and Software Support: Can They Run iOS 17?
Both phones launched with the A11 Bionic chip. However, Apple equipped the iPhone X with 3GB of RAM compared to the iPhone 8’s 2GB—a meaningful difference for multitasking and app longevity.
As of 2024, both devices support iOS 17, but performance varies significantly. The iPhone X handles the latest OS with moderate success: basic tasks like messaging, email, and social media run smoothly, but switching between apps can trigger reloads due to limited memory. The iPhone 8 struggles more—animations are choppier, app launches slower, and background app refresh is frequently interrupted.
“By 2024, any iPhone older than the iPhone XR is operating on borrowed time. The hardware wasn’t designed for the demands of modern iOS.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Insights
iOS 17 will likely be the last major update for both devices. Future versions such as iOS 18 may not be compatible, meaning users risk being left behind in security patches and feature updates within the next year.
Camera Quality: Still Surprisingly Capable
Despite their age, both phones deliver respectable photo quality in daylight. The iPhone X holds a clear advantage with its dual 12MP rear cameras (wide and telephoto), enabling 2x optical zoom and better portrait mode effects. The iPhone 8 has only a single 12MP wide lens, limiting depth control and low-light performance.
In low light, the iPhone X produces sharper, more detailed images thanks to improved sensor stabilization and computational photography enhancements carried forward through software updates. Night mode is absent on both devices, but the X benefits from Smart HDR and better noise processing.
- Front Camera: iPhone X – 7MP with Portrait Mode; iPhone 8 – 7MP without depth sensing
- Video: Both support 4K at 60fps, but the X has better stabilization and stereo audio recording
- Portrait Mode: Available on both, but more accurate on the X due to dual-camera input
For casual photographers, either camera can still capture high-quality images in good lighting. But for anyone serious about mobile photography, the limitations—especially in dynamic range and night shots—are apparent.
Real-World Example: A Senior Citizen’s Upgrade Dilemma
Maria, a 68-year-old retiree, recently replaced her iPhone 6s. Her son offered her his old iPhone X, while her daughter suggested buying a used iPhone 8 online for less. Maria values ease of use, good call quality, and the ability to video chat with her grandchildren.
She chose the iPhone X. Though slightly larger, the Face ID unlock was faster and more intuitive than pressing a home button. The larger screen made text easier to read, and the front camera produced clearer FaceTime calls. She also appreciated the extra storage (64GB vs 64GB) and smoother scrolling when using Facebook and YouTube.
This case illustrates that even non-tech-savvy users benefit from the iPhone X’s modern interface and usability advantages—especially those upgrading from pre-2017 devices.
Checklist: Is an iPhone X or 8 Right for You in 2024?
Before purchasing either phone secondhand, consider this checklist:
- ✅ Do you need iOS 17 compatibility? (Both support it, but X runs it better)
- ✅ Will you use it daily for apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, or banking? (X handles multitasking better)
- ✅ Is camera quality important for photos or video calls? (X wins decisively)
- ✅ Are you sensitive to smaller screens or thick bezels? (Avoid iPhone 8 if so)
- ✅ Is battery life a priority? (Both degrade after 6+ years; expect 4–6 hours screen time)
- ✅ Can you accept no future iOS updates beyond 2024? (Likely end-of-life soon)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone X and iPhone 8 still get security updates?
Yes, both received the January 2024 security update and are expected to receive patches throughout 2024. However, major OS updates will likely stop after iOS 17, putting them at growing risk over time.
Which phone has better battery life in 2024?
Originally, the iPhone X had slightly better efficiency, but after six years, battery degradation affects both equally. Most units now require replacement batteries to function reliably. With a new battery, the X lasts longer due to better power management.
Is it safe to buy an iPhone X or 8 in 2024?
Only under specific conditions: if it’s for a temporary user (like a child or backup), the battery is healthy, and you accept that app performance will decline. Avoid relying on either as a primary device unless absolutely necessary.
Conclusion: The iPhone X Wins—But Barely
In a head-to-head comparison in 2024, the iPhone X outperforms the iPhone 8 in every meaningful category: display, camera, biometrics, multitasking, and overall user experience. It was the more forward-looking device in 2017, and that investment in future-proofing still pays modest dividends today.
However, “still worth it” doesn’t mean “recommended.” Neither phone belongs in the hands of someone who relies on their smartphone for work, communication, or content creation. For those purposes, even an iPhone XR or iPhone 11 offers dramatically better performance, longer support, and improved battery life at similar secondhand prices.
If you're considering one of these models, do so with eyes open: they are legacy devices operating on borrowed time. The iPhone X is the better choice between the two—but only if you have no other options.
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