The iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus represented two divergent paths in Apple’s smartphone evolution. While both launched in 2017, they catered to different user priorities. The iPhone 8 Plus retained the familiar design with a physical home button and Touch ID, while the iPhone X introduced Face ID, an edge-to-edge OLED display, and a radical redesign. One of the most debated aspects was the camera system: did the iPhone X offer enough photographic improvement to justify abandoning the trusted home button?
This article breaks down the camera capabilities, design implications, and long-term usability of both devices to help answer whether the upgrade was truly worth it.
Camera Hardware: Specs and Setup
At first glance, both phones appear to have similar dual-camera systems on the rear, but subtle differences in sensor technology, lens alignment, and image processing set them apart.
| Feature | iPhone X | iPhone 8 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Cameras | Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto) | Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto) |
| Aperture (Wide) | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Aperture (Telephoto) | f/2.4 | f/2.8 |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Both lenses | Wide only |
| Portrait Mode | Face & object depth mapping via TrueDepth | Limited depth estimation |
| Front Camera | 7MP with Portrait Mode support | 7MP, no Portrait Mode |
| Sensor Size | Slightly larger pixels | Standard pixel size |
The iPhone X’s telephoto lens has a wider aperture (f/2.4 vs f/2.8), allowing more light capture and better low-light zoom performance. More importantly, both rear cameras feature optical image stabilization (OIS), whereas the 8 Plus only stabilizes the wide-angle lens. This makes the X superior in handheld low-light photography and video recording.
Image Quality and Real-World Performance
In practical use, the differences between the two cameras become clearer. Both deliver excellent color accuracy and dynamic range under good lighting, but the iPhone X pulls ahead in three key areas: portrait photography, low-light performance, and consistency.
The front-facing TrueDepth camera on the iPhone X enables Portrait Mode selfies — a feature absent on the 8 Plus. This isn’t just a gimmick; it allows for professional-looking self-portraits with accurate edge detection and natural bokeh. The depth map generated by the infrared dot projector and flood illuminator produces far more reliable subject separation than the software-based method used on the 8 Plus.
In low-light conditions, the iPhone X consistently captures brighter, cleaner images. Its improved signal processing pipeline, combined with dual OIS, reduces blur and noise. Independent tests from DXOMark at the time showed the iPhone X scoring higher in still photo categories, particularly for exposure, autofocus reliability, and flash performance.
“Apple leveraged the A11 Bionic’s neural engine to enhance computational photography in ways the 8 Plus couldn’t match — especially in depth sensing and scene recognition.” — David Imel, Mobile Imaging Analyst, DPReview
Design Trade-Offs: Home Button vs. Full-Screen Experience
The decision to ditch the home button wasn’t purely aesthetic. It enabled a 5.8-inch OLED display in a body smaller than the 8 Plus, which had a 5.5-inch LCD. However, this shift required users to adapt to new gestures: swiping up to return home, swiping down from the top-right for Control Center, and relying on Face ID instead of Touch ID.
For many, Touch ID was faster, more reliable, and worked with wet fingers or gloves. Face ID, while secure, initially faced criticism for being slower and less intuitive. Over time, software updates improved its speed, but the transition remained jarring for long-time iPhone users.
From a photography standpoint, the removal of the home button also changed how users access the camera. On the iPhone X, you must swipe up from the lock screen or use the side button — slightly slower than the 8 Plus’s double-press of the home button. In moments where timing matters, that half-second delay can mean missing a shot.
Real Example: Capturing Family Moments
Consider Sarah, a parent who upgraded from the iPhone 8 Plus to the iPhone X. She loved the improved portrait mode for photos of her toddler but found herself fumbling during spontaneous moments. “I’d see my son doing something adorable across the room, reach for my phone, and forget how to open the camera quickly,” she said. “With the 8 Plus, I could double-press the home button blindfolded. The X took retraining.”
After two weeks, she adapted — but acknowledged the learning curve. Meanwhile, the enhanced low-light shots of bedtime stories and indoor play sessions made the switch worthwhile in hindsight.
Step-by-Step: Evaluating Your Upgrade Needs
If you're still deciding between these models — perhaps considering a secondhand purchase or managing a legacy device — follow this evaluation process:
- Assess your photography priorities: Do you frequently take portraits or low-light photos? If yes, the iPhone X is clearly superior.
- Test gesture navigation: Try using an iPhone X or later model in-store. Can you comfortably adapt to swipe-based controls?
- Consider biometric preferences: Do you wear masks, gloves, or live in cold climates? Touch ID may be more practical.
- Evaluate durability and repair costs: The iPhone X’s OLED screen is more fragile and expensive to replace than the 8 Plus’s LCD.
- Check software support: As of 2024, both devices run iOS 16 as their final supported version. Neither receives major updates, limiting long-term viability.
Checklist: Is the iPhone X Camera Upgrade Worth It?
- ✅ You prioritize portrait photography (especially selfies)
- ✅ You often shoot in low-light environments
- ✅ You value a more compact form factor with a larger screen
- ✅ You’re comfortable replacing Touch ID with Face ID
- ✅ You can adapt to gesture-based navigation
- ❌ You rely on quick camera access via home button
- ❌ You frequently use your phone with gloves or in poor lighting for Face ID
- ❌ You prefer deeper battery life (the 8 Plus lasts longer)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone X camera better than the 8 Plus overall?
Yes, particularly in portrait mode, low-light performance, and front-camera capabilities. The dual OIS and improved telephoto lens give the iPhone X an edge in image consistency and detail retention.
Can the iPhone 8 Plus take Portrait Mode photos?
Yes, but only for rear-facing shots and with limited accuracy. It cannot apply Portrait Mode to selfies, and the depth effect is more prone to errors around hair and edges compared to the iPhone X’s TrueDepth system.
Does Face ID work well for left-handed users?
Initially, some left-handed users reported issues holding the phone at awkward angles for Face ID to register. However, iOS updates improved facial recognition flexibility, and most users now report reliable performance regardless of grip.
Final Verdict: Was Ditching the Home Button Worth It?
The iPhone X’s camera represents a meaningful leap over the 8 Plus, not just in hardware but in intelligent features powered by the A11 Bionic chip and TrueDepth system. If your primary concern is photo quality — especially for portraits and dimly lit scenes — the upgrade delivers tangible benefits.
However, abandoning the home button came at a cost: a steeper learning curve, reduced tactile feedback, and temporary setbacks in camera accessibility. For photographers who value speed and reliability over cutting-edge effects, the 8 Plus remained a compelling option well into the following year.
In retrospect, the iPhone X wasn't just a camera upgrade — it was a vision of Apple’s future. The innovations it introduced, like advanced depth mapping and gesture navigation, became standard in all subsequent models. So while the immediate switch may have felt disruptive, it laid the foundation for smarter, more immersive smartphone photography.
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