IPhone X Or IPhone 8 Plus Which Camera Actually Takes Better Photos

When Apple released both the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus in 2017, consumers were presented with two compelling options—one a futuristic flagship with Face ID and OLED display, the other a powerful continuation of Apple’s dual-lens legacy. While both phones shared many internal components, their camera systems had subtle but meaningful differences that still influence photo quality today. For users deciding between these models—whether for purchase, resale, or everyday use—the question remains: which device actually captures better images under real conditions?

This isn’t just about megapixels or marketing claims. It's about how each camera performs in dim lighting, how accurately it renders color, and how consistently it handles dynamic scenes. The answer depends on usage patterns, environment, and personal preference—but there are measurable truths worth unpacking.

Camera Hardware: Specs Tell Only Part of the Story

The iPhone 8 Plus features a dual 12MP rear camera system: one wide-angle lens (f/1.8 aperture) and one telephoto lens (f/2.8). This setup enables 2x optical zoom and Apple’s early implementation of Portrait Mode using depth mapping from both sensors. The front-facing camera is 7MP with an f/2.2 aperture.

The iPhone X also has a dual 12MP rear system with identical apertures—wide at f/1.8, telephoto at f/2.8—and adds optical image stabilization (OIS) to *both* lenses, whereas the 8 Plus only stabilizes the wide lens. Its front camera is more advanced: a 7MP sensor integrated into the TrueDepth system, enabling Portrait Mode selfies and Animoji, but also contributing to improved facial recognition and low-light tuning.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	iPhone X
Rear Camera (Wide)	12MP, f/1.8, OIS	12MP, f/1.8, OIS
Rear Camera (Telephoto)	12MP, f/2.8, no OIS	12MP, f/2.8, with OIS
Front Camera	7MP, f/2.2	7MP, f/2.2, TrueDepth
Portrait Mode (Rear)	Yes (dual-camera fusion)	Yes (improved edge detection)
Portrait Mode (Front)	No	Yes
Low-Light Performance	Good	Better (dual OIS + processor tuning)

On paper, the hardware is nearly identical. But small upgrades like dual OIS and enhanced computational photography give the iPhone X a technical edge—especially when motion or poor lighting is involved.

Image Processing and Computational Photography

Both devices run the A11 Bionic chip, which powers Apple’s image signal processing (ISP) and machine learning algorithms. However, the iPhone X benefits from tighter integration between its cameras and facial recognition system, allowing for smarter exposure adjustments and noise reduction.

In practice, this means the iPhone X applies more refined tone mapping in high-contrast scenes. Shadows retain detail without crushing blacks, and highlights are preserved even in bright sunlight. The 8 Plus often leans toward contrast-heavy rendering, which can look punchy but sometimes sacrifices nuance.

Tip: In mixed lighting, aim your shot so the subject isn’t backlit. The iPhone X handles backlighting slightly better due to improved HDR processing, but both benefit from manual exposure adjustment by tapping and holding the screen.

Apple introduced “Smart HDR” in later models, but neither the iPhone X nor 8 Plus has it. Instead, they rely on basic HDR merging from multiple exposures. The iPhone X does this faster and with less ghosting thanks to faster shutter coordination and buffer handling.

Low-Light and Nighttime Photography

This is where the iPhone X begins to pull ahead. With optical image stabilization on both rear lenses, handheld shots in dim environments are noticeably sharper. Whether you're shooting indoors, at dusk, or under streetlights, the extra stability reduces blur caused by hand movement during longer exposures.

The front camera also benefits. Because the TrueDepth system maps depth in real time, the iPhone X can create more accurate bokeh effects in low light—even when the subject moves slightly. The 8 Plus lacks this capability entirely for selfies, limiting its versatility.

“Even without Night Mode (introduced in iPhone 11), the iPhone X’s dual OIS gives it a half-stop advantage in usable light sensitivity.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK (2017 review)

In side-by-side tests, the iPhone X maintains cleaner shadows and less chroma noise in dark scenes. While both phones increase ISO aggressively below certain light levels, the X’s photos appear more natural post-processing, making them easier to edit if needed.

A Real-World Example: Concert Photo Shoot

Consider Sarah, a music blogger covering local gigs. She owns an iPhone 8 Plus and borrows a friend’s iPhone X for a bar show with red stage lights and fast-moving performers. Using both phones in automatic mode, she notices distinct differences:

• The 8 Plus struggles with motion blur during close-ups, especially with the telephoto lens.
• Colors appear oversaturated, particularly reds turning muddy.
• The iPhone X produces crisper shots of the lead singer mid-jump, thanks to stabilized capture and faster frame alignment.
• Sarah also uses Portrait Mode on the crowd before the show; the X detects edges around hats and hair more accurately than the 8 Plus.

While neither phone replaces a DSLR in such conditions, the iPhone X delivers more publishable images straight out of the camera—fewer retakes, fewer blurry frames.

Portrait Mode Quality and Edge Detection

Portrait Mode was still evolving in 2017. Both phones use data from the dual cameras to estimate depth, but the iPhone X incorporates facial geometry from the TrueDepth system—even for rear portraits—to refine subject separation.

Results show fewer errors around complex edges like frizzy hair, glasses, or pets. The 8 Plus occasionally misjudges depth in tight compositions, creating halos or unnatural blurring across shoulders or background objects.

Additionally, the iPhone X supports six lighting effects (Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono, High-Key Light), while the 8 Plus only offers the first three. These aren’t just filters—they simulate directional light based on face shape, adding dimensionality impossible on the older model.

Video Capabilities and Stabilization

For videographers, stabilization matters as much as stills. Both phones shoot 4K at 60fps and 1080p at 240fps for slow motion. Audio recording is stereo on both.

However, the iPhone X’s five-axis digital stabilization combined with dual OIS creates smoother handheld footage. Walking shots show less jitter, and panning motions feel more cinematic. Electronic image stabilization crops the frame slightly, but the trade-off is worthwhile for casual creators.

Tip: For steady video without a gimbal, enable Grid in Camera Settings and move slowly. Let the phone do the work—don't over-pan or rush transitions.

Checklist: Choosing Based on Your Needs

Use this checklist to determine which camera suits your priorities:

1. I take lots of selfies in Portrait Mode → Choose iPhone X (only one with front-facing depth control).
2. I shoot concerts, events, or indoor scenes → iPhone X wins due to dual OIS and better low-light clarity.
3. I prefer larger screens and longer battery life → iPhone 8 Plus has a bigger display and battery, though camera lags slightly.
4. I value zoom quality over stabilization → Both offer 2x optical zoom, but 8 Plus may suffice if you avoid shaky hands.
5. I want future-proof software support → iPhone X received updates longer due to newer architecture, though both are now near end-of-life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 Plus take professional-quality photos?

Yes, absolutely. Many photographers still use the 8 Plus for editorial work, especially in daylight. Its color science is true to life, and RAW shooting via third-party apps unlocks significant potential. However, consistency in variable lighting requires more skill and post-processing compared to the X.

Is the difference noticeable in everyday photos?

For casual snapshots in good light—family dinners, parks, travel—the difference is minimal. Friends scrolling through Instagram won’t know which phone took the photo. But when conditions get challenging (low light, action, portraits), the iPhone X consistently delivers more reliable results with less effort.

Does the iPhone X have a better front camera sensor?

Not necessarily a higher-resolution sensor, but yes—it’s functionally superior. Thanks to infrared dot projection and flood illuminator, the TrueDepth system improves autofocus accuracy, skin tone rendering, and low-light focusing. This translates to clearer selfies even in near-darkness.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Is Better?

If all factors are equal—lighting, composition, subject matter—the iPhone X produces marginally better photos across most categories. The improvements aren’t revolutionary, but they’re consistent: sharper telephoto shots, cleaner night images, more accurate portraits, and superior selfie capabilities.

The iPhone 8 Plus remains a capable shooter, especially for those who prioritize screen size, replaceable batteries, or lower cost. But the X represents a generational step forward in integration, stabilization, and intelligent processing.

Ultimately, the “better” camera depends on how you shoot. For static daytime photography, the 8 Plus holds up well. For dynamic, varied, or creative shooting—including self-portraits and dimly lit moments—the iPhone X earns its premium with tangible photographic advantages.

💬 Have experience with both phones? Share your photo comparisons or tips in the comments—your insights could help others choose wisely!