Iphone X Or Note 8 Which Phone Still Wins In Current Year

In 2024, smartphones evolve at a breakneck pace. Flagships from just five years ago are often considered obsolete. Yet, two iconic devices—Apple’s iPhone X and Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8—still linger in conversations among enthusiasts and budget-conscious users. Both were groundbreaking in 2017, introducing design languages that shaped their brands for years. But when comparing them today, which one truly holds up better in the modern context?

This isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about practicality: battery life, app compatibility, software updates, camera performance, and everyday usability. For someone considering a used or refurbished device—or simply curious about legacy tech—this deep dive reveals which 2017 powerhouse still delivers a usable experience.

Design and Build: First Impressions That Lasted

The iPhone X introduced Apple’s all-screen “Face ID” era, ditching the home button for a notch and edge-to-edge OLED display. The stainless steel frame and glass back gave it a premium feel, though it was prone to fingerprints and scratches. At 174 grams, it felt solid but not heavy.

The Galaxy Note 8 took a more traditional dual-curved approach with its 6.3-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display. Slightly larger and heavier at 195 grams, it carried the S Pen—a defining feature for productivity-focused users. Its glass-and-metal build echoed the Galaxy S8 series but with a refined look and IP68 water resistance, which the iPhone X also offered.

Tip: If you value stylus functionality for notes or drawing, the Note 8 remains one of the few high-end options from its era with full S Pen integration.

While both phones have glass backs that demand cases in daily use, the Note 8’s larger screen offers more real estate for multitasking. However, the iPhone X’s compact size makes it easier to handle with one hand—a rarity among modern flagships.

Performance and Software Support: The Real Decider in 2024

Hardware specs tell only part of the story. The true test is how well these devices run modern apps and operating systems.

The iPhone X ran iOS 11 at launch and received updates all the way to iOS 16—six major OS versions. As of 2024, it no longer receives updates, leaving it on iOS 16.7.x. While most apps still function, newer versions of social media, banking, and productivity tools may drop support due to minimum iOS version requirements.

The Note 8 launched with Android 7 (Nougat) and was updated to Android 9 (Pie), with security patches ending in 2020. By 2024, it runs an outdated OS with known vulnerabilities and limited app compatibility. Google Play Services and many mainstream apps either don’t install or crash frequently.

“Software longevity separates good phones from great ones. Apple’s extended support gives older iPhones functional relevance long after Android counterparts fade.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

In practice, the iPhone X handles basic tasks like web browsing, messaging, and streaming better than the Note 8 in 2024. Safari loads modern sites more efficiently, and iMessage remains fully functional. The A11 Bionic chip, while dated, is optimized by iOS to manage background processes effectively.

Camera Comparison: Legacy Lenses in a High-Resolution World

Both phones were camera leaders in 2017. Let’s assess how they stack up now.

Feature	iPhone X	Note 8
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto)	Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto)
Front Camera	7MP TrueDepth	8MP
Video Recording	4K@60fps, HDR	4K@30fps
Low-Light Performance	Moderate noise, decent detail	Pronounced grain, slower focus
Portrait Mode	Natural depth, edge detection	Less accurate, harsh edges

The iPhone X’s portrait mode benefits from advanced facial mapping via the TrueDepth system, resulting in smoother bokeh effects. Its video stabilization and dynamic range remain impressive for casual shooters. The Note 8, while offering optical zoom and dual apertures, struggles with inconsistent autofocus and white balance in mixed lighting.

For social media sharing, the iPhone X produces more consistent, color-accurate images out of the box. The Note 8 can capture sharper daylight shots but requires manual tuning in Pro mode to match results.

Battery Life and Charging: Surviving a Full Day?

Neither phone had large batteries by today’s standards. The iPhone X packs a 2,716mAh cell, while the Note 8 has a slightly larger 3,300mAh unit. However, real-world endurance depends on software optimization and usage patterns.

On iOS 16, the iPhone X typically lasts 8–10 hours of screen-on time under light use: messaging, email, and occasional browsing. Heavy use drains it within 5–6 hours. Fast charging works with compatible adapters (not included), but wireless charging is slow (Qi standard).

The Note 8, burdened by an aging Android 9 system and inefficient background processes, often struggles to reach 6 hours of screen time. Apps like Chrome and Facebook consume excessive power due to lack of optimization. Wireless and fast charging are supported, but battery degradation is common in units over five years old.

Tip: Replace the battery if purchasing used. A fresh battery can add 2–3 extra hours of life and improve thermal performance on both devices.

Real-World Example: Can Either Phone Be a Daily Driver in 2024?

Consider Maria, a freelance writer looking for a secondary device for travel. She found a refurbished iPhone X and a Note 8 for $75 each. After testing both for two weeks:

• The Note 8 failed to reliably receive WhatsApp messages and lagged in Google Docs editing.
• The S Pen was useful for sketching ideas, but app crashes disrupted workflow.
• The iPhone X opened PDFs smoothly, synced iCloud Notes instantly, and handled voice memos without issue.
• iCloud backup made setup effortless, while Android migration required sideloading tools.

Maria kept the iPhone X as her travel companion. Though the screen was small and storage limited (64GB), its ecosystem integration and stability made it far more dependable.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Maximize an Old Flagship in 2024

If you’re using or considering either device, follow this checklist to extend usability:

1. Replace the battery – Both models suffer from capacity loss; a new cell costs $30–$50.
2. Install essential apps only – Avoid social media bloat; use lightweight alternatives like Firefox Lite or DuckDuckGo.
3. Disable background refresh – On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. On Android, restrict battery usage per app.
4. Use offline tools – Download Google Maps areas, use Notes apps without cloud sync.
5. Enable grayscale mode – Reduces eye strain and makes aging screens appear less washed out.
6. Keep storage free – Maintain at least 2GB of free space for system operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone X run iOS 17?

No. The iPhone X supports up to iOS 16.7.6. iOS 17 requires an iPhone XS or later.

Is the Note 8 secure to use in 2024?

Not recommended for sensitive tasks. Without security patches since 2020, it’s vulnerable to known exploits, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Which phone has better resale value today?

The iPhone X retains higher value due to brand loyalty and longer software support. Expect $50–$90 depending on condition. The Note 8 sells for $30–$60, mostly to collectors or parts harvesters.

Final Verdict: The iPhone X Still Wins—But With Caveats

In a head-to-head battle today, the iPhone X emerges as the more functional device. Its superior software optimization, longer update cycle, and tighter app ecosystem give it a critical edge. While neither phone matches modern mid-range devices in raw speed or camera quality, the iPhone X remains capable of handling essential tasks reliably.

The Note 8 shines only in niche scenarios: users who need the S Pen, prefer larger screens, or rely on DeX for desktop-like experiences (though DeX support is now obsolete). For everyone else, its outdated Android interface and app instability make it impractical.

That said, both phones should be viewed as temporary solutions or backups—not primary devices. If you’re buying one, ensure it has a replaced battery, clean IMEI, and minimal physical wear.

🚀 Ready to breathe new life into an old device? Share your experience with legacy smartphones or ask questions in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!