Iphone X Vs 8 Is The X Still Worth It Or Is The 8 Good Enough 5

When Apple released the iPhone 8 and iPhone X in 2017, they represented two divergent visions for the future of smartphones. The iPhone 8 was a refined evolution of Apple’s classic design—compact, familiar, with a home button and Touch ID. The iPhone X, meanwhile, was a bold leap forward: edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID, no home button, and a radically different form factor. Now, years later, both devices are available at steep discounts on the secondhand market. So which one makes more sense today? Is the iPhone X still worth the premium, or has time proven that the iPhone 8 is “good enough”?

Design and Build: Two Philosophies, One Era

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 8 and iPhone X lies in their design language. The iPhone 8 retains the traditional iPhone silhouette introduced with the iPhone 6. It features a 4.7-inch LCD screen, thick bezels, a physical home button with Touch ID, and an aluminum frame with a glass back for wireless charging.

In contrast, the iPhone X redefined what an iPhone could look like. Its 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display stretches from edge to edge, eliminating the home button entirely. The stainless steel frame feels heavier but more premium, and the front and back are both glass. While both phones support wireless charging and are splash, water, and dust resistant (IP67), the X’s design is undeniably more modern—even by today’s standards.

Tip: If you prefer one-handed use and compact ergonomics, the iPhone 8 is easier to handle. For immersive media and a futuristic feel, the X wins.

Display Quality: OLED vs LCD

The display is where the iPhone X pulls far ahead. Its 5.8-inch OLED panel delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast (1,000,000:1), and more vibrant colors than the iPhone 8’s 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD. OLED also enables true blacks by turning off individual pixels, improving battery efficiency when viewing dark content.

The iPhone 8’s LCD screen isn’t bad—it’s sharp at 326 ppi and well-calibrated—but it lacks the visual punch of OLED. It doesn’t support HDR either, limiting its appeal for video streaming. The X, on the other hand, supports Dolby Vision and HDR10, making it significantly better for watching movies or playing games.

Additionally, the X’s taller 19.5:9 aspect ratio provides more vertical space for web browsing and social media, while the notch houses the TrueDepth camera system required for Face ID.

Performance and Longevity

Both phones are powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, which was groundbreaking in 2017. In real-world usage, this means both devices can still run iOS 17 smoothly, handle multitasking, and manage most current apps without lag—though complex tasks like video editing or high-end gaming will show limitations.

However, the iPhone X benefits from more RAM (3GB vs 2GB), which helps with app switching and background processes. This becomes noticeable over time, especially when using multiple apps or newer versions of iOS. Users report that the X tends to stay usable longer before feeling sluggish.

“Even five years out, the A11 Bionic remains surprisingly capable. But hardware longevity isn’t just about the chip—it’s about ecosystem support. Apple’s software updates give these older devices remarkable staying power.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse

Camera Comparison: Still Relevant in 2024?

Both phones feature 12MP rear cameras with optical image stabilization, but the differences matter. The iPhone 8 has a single wide-angle lens. The iPhone X adds a second telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom and improved portrait mode effects with better depth sensing.

In low-light conditions, the X often produces slightly sharper images with more natural bokeh in portrait shots. The TrueDepth front camera on the X also allows for Animoji and superior facial recognition, plus better selfie quality thanks to advanced processing.

Feature	iPhone 8	iPhone X
Rear Cameras	Single 12MP wide	Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto)
Zoom	Digital only	2x optical zoom
Portrait Mode	People only (software-limited)	People + objects (better depth mapping)
Front Camera	7MP	7MP with TrueDepth
Face ID	No	Yes

If photography is important, the X clearly offers more versatility. However, for casual snapshots and social media posts, the iPhone 8’s camera is still competent.

Battery Life and Charging

The iPhone X has a slight edge in battery capacity and efficiency, largely due to the OLED screen’s ability to dim black pixels. Apple rated both for up to 13 hours of video playback, but real-world usage shows the X lasting about 30–60 minutes longer under mixed use.

Neither phone supports fast charging out of the box (without buying a $59 adapter), but both support Qi wireless charging. The X’s larger battery and more efficient display give it a modest advantage, especially if you’re using the phone as a daily driver in 2024.

Software Support and Future-Proofing

As of 2024, both devices run iOS 17, but their update path is nearing its end. Historically, iPhones receive around 5–6 years of major OS updates. Since both launched with iOS 11, they’re likely on their final or penultimate version. iOS 18 may not be supported, which could impact security and app compatibility in the coming year.

If you're buying now, consider this: even if the hardware holds up, lack of future updates reduces long-term viability. The iPhone X, with its extra RAM and more modern architecture, may hold up slightly better in app performance once iOS 18 rolls out—if it's supported at all.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance writer on a tight budget, needed a reliable iPhone in early 2023. She found both models used: an iPhone 8 for $120 and an iPhone X for $180. She prioritized screen quality for reading and writing, and wanted something that wouldn’t feel obsolete within a year.

She chose the iPhone X. Though $60 more, the larger OLED screen made a tangible difference in comfort during long work sessions. Face ID worked reliably, and the dual-camera system gave her flexibility when shooting blog photos. After 14 months, she reports smooth performance and no signs of slowdown, despite running the latest iOS version. Her takeaway: the extra cost was justified by better usability and longevity.

Checklist: Choosing Between iPhone 8 and iPhone X in 2024

• ✅ Assess your budget: Is saving $50–$100 worth sacrificing display and camera quality?
• ✅ Prioritize screen experience: Do you watch videos or read a lot? Choose the X.
• ✅ Consider ergonomics: Prefer small phones? The 8 fits better in pockets and one hand.
• ✅ Evaluate biometrics: Do you trust Face ID over Touch ID? Note: Face ID works less well with masks.
• ✅ Think long-term: Will you keep the phone for 1–2 years? The X is more future-proof.
• ✅ Check battery health: On used units, verify cycle count and battery capacity (below 80% is risky).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone X still secure without Touch ID?

Yes. Face ID on the iPhone X uses a 3D depth map via the TrueDepth camera, making it highly secure. It’s resistant to spoofing and unlocks quickly in most lighting conditions. However, it can struggle with sunglasses or in complete darkness.

Can the iPhone 8 run modern apps smoothly?

Most everyday apps (messaging, email, social media, banking) run fine. However, newer AR apps, photo editors, or games with heavy graphics may lag or not be supported. Performance depends heavily on free storage and iOS version.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The iPhone X held value longer due to its premium positioning, but both have depreciated significantly. Today, the gap is minimal—usually $30–$50. Condition and storage size matter more than model at this stage.

Final Verdict: Is the X Worth It, or Is the 8 Good Enough?

The answer depends on your priorities. If you want the most modern iPhone experience Apple offered in 2017—the full-screen design, Face ID, better camera, and richer display—the iPhone X is still worth the extra investment, even in 2024. It feels more current and delivers a noticeably better user experience, especially for media consumption and photography.

But if you prioritize affordability, compact size, and tactile feedback from a home button, the iPhone 8 remains “good enough” for basic smartphone tasks. It’s ideal for seniors, secondary devices, or users who don’t care about cutting-edge features.

Ultimately, the iPhone X represents a pivotal moment in Apple’s design history. It wasn’t just a phone; it was a statement. And even today, that statement carries weight. If you can stretch your budget, the X offers a more complete and forward-looking experience. The iPhone 8 is functional, but the X still feels like the future.

🚀 Ready to make a smart upgrade? Weigh your needs, check battery health on used models, and choose the phone that aligns with how you use technology—not just price. Share your thoughts: which would you pick today?