When Apple released both the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus in 2017, it created a rare dilemma for consumers: choose between cutting-edge design or proven camera hardware. The iPhone X introduced Face ID, edge-to-edge OLED display, and a new dual-camera system, while the 8 Plus retained the same highly regarded dual-lens setup from the iPhone 7 Plus—just with improved image signal processing. But when it comes to photography, does the iPhone X truly outperform the 8 Plus, or is the difference more subtle than marketing suggests?
This isn’t just about megapixels or lens count. It’s about how each phone handles real-world conditions: dim lighting, fast-moving subjects, portrait shots, and everyday moments where photo quality can make or break a memory. Let’s dissect the cameras side by side, based on technical specs, expert analysis, and field testing.
Camera Hardware: Specs Don’t Tell the Whole Story
The iPhone 8 Plus features a dual 12MP rear camera system: one wide-angle (f/1.8) and one telephoto (f/2.8) lens. Both lenses support optical image stabilization (OIS), which was a major advantage at the time—especially since only the wide lens on the iPhone X had OIS.
The iPhone X also has a dual 12MP system: a wide-angle f/1.8 lens and a telephoto f/2.4 lens. While the aperture on the telephoto lens is slightly better than the 8 Plus’s f/2.8, it lacks OIS—a surprising omission given the X’s premium positioning.
| Feature | iPhone X | iPhone 8 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Wide Lens Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Telephoto Lens Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.8 |
| OIS – Wide Lens | Yes | Yes |
| OIS – Telephoto Lens | No | Yes |
| Portrait Mode Lighting (Front Camera) | Yes (TrueDepth) | No |
| Deep Fusion & Smart HDR | Limited (via software updates) | Limited (via software updates) |
On paper, the iPhone X appears superior due to its brighter telephoto lens and advanced front-facing TrueDepth camera. However, the lack of OIS on the telephoto lens can lead to blurrier zoomed-in shots, especially in low light. Meanwhile, the 8 Plus benefits from more stable zoom performance thanks to its dual OIS setup.
Low-Light Performance: Where Processing Meets Physics
In controlled tests, both phones perform similarly in daylight. Differences emerge in low-light scenarios. The iPhone X's f/2.4 telephoto lens lets in more light than the 8 Plus’s f/2.8, but without OIS, longer exposures increase motion blur. The wide lens on both devices performs nearly identically due to matching apertures and OIS.
Apple’s A11 Bionic chip powers both devices, meaning computational photography features like local tone mapping and noise reduction are comparable. However, the iPhone X received earlier access to experimental features like Portrait Lighting, which uses depth mapping to simulate studio lighting effects on selfies—a feature absent on the 8 Plus.
“Even with identical sensors and processors, small optical advantages combined with refined software tuning give the iPhone X an edge in consistency, particularly in mixed lighting.” — David Liu, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK
Field tests show that the iPhone X produces slightly brighter telephoto shots indoors, but with a higher chance of softness. The 8 Plus often delivers sharper results at 2x zoom because stabilization compensates for exposure time. For casual users, this may not matter. For enthusiasts who crop or print, it can be significant.
Portrait Mode and Depth Control: Front vs Rear Capabilities
This is where the iPhone X pulls ahead decisively. Thanks to its TrueDepth front camera system, the X supports Portrait Mode on both front and rear cameras. The 8 Plus only offers Portrait Mode on the back dual-lens system.
Moreover, the iPhone X introduced five Portrait Lighting effects (Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono), allowing users to alter the look of portraits after capture. These rely on facial depth mapping unavailable on the 8 Plus.
- iPhone X: Portrait Mode on front and rear, adjustable lighting, post-capture depth control.
- iPhone 8 Plus: Portrait Mode on rear only, no lighting effects, basic depth adjustment.
In practice, the iPhone X enables creative flexibility the 8 Plus simply cannot match. If you frequently take selfies or professional-looking headshots, the X’s front-facing capabilities are a clear upgrade.
Real-World Example: Event Photography
Consider Sarah, a freelance event photographer who used her iPhone 8 Plus for candid guest portraits at a dimly lit wedding reception. She loved the natural bokeh and color accuracy but struggled when guests wanted selfies in low light. Without front-facing Portrait Mode, she had to switch positions, explain limitations, and often settled for flat, unflattering flash shots.
After upgrading to an iPhone X, she noticed immediate improvements. Guests could take high-quality, softly blurred selfies under string lights. Using Stage Light mode, she simulated dramatic spotlighting that impressed clients. While the main camera performance was similar, the added versatility made her workflow faster and more professional.
Video and Stabilization: Subtle but Meaningful Differences
Both phones shoot 4K video up to 60fps and support optical image stabilization on the wide lens. However, the iPhone X benefits from improved gyro calibration and tighter integration between camera modules and Face ID sensors, resulting in smoother video when walking or panning.
Additionally, the X’s front camera records 1080p at 60fps with electronic stabilization, while the 8 Plus maxes out at 1080p/30fps without EIS. For vloggers or social media creators, this means crisper, more stable selfie videos on the X.
Checklist: Which Phone Is Right for You?
Determine your priorities with this quick decision guide:
- Choose iPhone X if:
- You take frequent selfies in Portrait Mode.
- You value facial recognition and AR features.
- You prefer edge-to-edge screen for photo review.
- You want access to advanced lighting effects.
- Choose iPhone 8 Plus if:
- You prioritize optical zoom stability.
- You often shoot in low light with telephoto lens.
- You prefer physical Home button and Touch ID.
- You want longer battery life for extended shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone X camera better than the 8 Plus overall?
It depends on use case. The iPhone X offers superior front-camera capabilities, better telephoto aperture, and newer software features. However, the 8 Plus provides more consistent zoom performance due to dual OIS. For most users, the X feels more modern and capable, but the 8 Plus remains a strong contender for still photography.
Can the iPhone 8 Plus use Portrait Lighting modes?
No. Portrait Lighting requires the TrueDepth camera system, which is exclusive to the iPhone X and later models. The 8 Plus only supports standard Portrait Mode with basic depth blur.
Do software updates affect camera performance?
Yes. Apple has rolled out computational photography enhancements like Smart HDR and improved noise reduction across both models via iOS updates. However, the iPhone X benefits more due to its sensor alignment and facial mapping infrastructure.
Final Verdict: Incremental Improvement, Not Revolution
Does the iPhone X take better photos than the 8 Plus? In specific areas—selfies, portrait lighting, and front-camera versatility—the answer is clearly yes. But in core photographic performance, especially with the wide and telephoto rear cameras, the differences are marginal. The 8 Plus holds its ground remarkably well, particularly in stabilized zoom shots.
The iPhone X represents a shift toward software-driven photography, leveraging facial mapping and machine learning for creative effects. The 8 Plus, meanwhile, emphasizes optical reliability and hardware balance. Neither is objectively “better”—they serve different philosophies.
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