Iphone X Vs 8 Plus Was Upgrading Worth It

In 2017, Apple released two flagship iPhones simultaneously: the iPhone 8 Plus, a refined evolution of previous models, and the iPhone X, a radical departure in design and functionality. For many users clinging to older devices like the iPhone 6 or 7, the decision to upgrade—and which model to choose—was both exciting and daunting. Over time, the question has evolved from “Which should I buy?” to “Was upgrading actually worth it?” This article examines that question through the lens of real-world usage, technological advancements, and long-term value.

Design and Build: A Shift in Philosophy

The most immediate difference between the iPhone X and 8 Plus lies in their design language. The iPhone 8 Plus continues Apple’s tradition of a home button, thick bezels, and a glass back for wireless charging. It feels familiar, sturdy, and comfortable in hand—especially for those used to larger phones with physical buttons.

In contrast, the iPhone X introduced a stainless steel frame, edge-to-edge OLED display, and Face ID. Removing the home button changed how users interacted with iOS. Swiping up to return to the home screen, accessing Control Center from the top-right corner, and using facial recognition for unlocking became the new norm. While initially jarring, these changes set the foundation for future iPhones.

Tip: If you rely heavily on Touch ID for quick access (e.g., while wearing gloves), the transition to Face ID may require adjustment.

The iPhone X’s glossy back is more prone to fingerprints and scratches than the matte finish options on later models. However, its compact size—despite having a 5.8-inch display—makes it easier to handle than the physically larger 8 Plus with its 5.5-inch LCD screen.

Display Quality: OLED vs LCD

This is where the iPhone X pulls ahead decisively. Its Super Retina OLED display delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios (up to 1,000,000:1), and more vibrant colors compared to the Retina HD LCD panel on the 8 Plus. For media consumption, dark mode interfaces, and HDR video playback, the X offers a noticeably superior experience.

The 8 Plus still performs well, especially in brightness and color accuracy, but lacks true black representation. OLED also enables features like True Tone and improved power efficiency when displaying darker content.

“OLED wasn’t just a visual upgrade—it redefined how users experienced content on mobile devices.” — David Liu, Display Technology Analyst at TechInsight Group

Display Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone X	iPhone 8 Plus
Screen Type	OLED	LCD
Size	5.8 inches	5.5 inches
Resolution	2436 x 1125	1920 x 1080
Contrast Ratio	1,000,000:1	1400:1
HDR Support	Yes (Dolby Vision, HDR10)	Limited

Performance and Longevity

Both devices are powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chip—an industry leader at the time—with 64-bit architecture and a neural engine for machine learning tasks. In benchmarks, they perform nearly identically. Real-world speed differences are negligible whether launching apps, multitasking, or gaming.

However, software support tells a different story. The iPhone X received updates up to iOS 17, while the 8 Plus stopped at iOS 16. This one-year gap reflects Apple’s tendency to prioritize newer form factors in long-term support, even when hardware capabilities are similar.

Users who upgraded to the iPhone X gained an extra year of security patches, feature updates, and compatibility with newer apps—a tangible benefit over time.

Camera Capabilities: Portrait Mode and Beyond

Both phones have dual 12MP rear cameras: wide and telephoto lenses. They support optical zoom, Portrait mode, and optical image stabilization. But subtle improvements give the iPhone X an edge.

• Better low-light performance: Slightly larger pixels and improved signal processing yield cleaner night shots.
• Face detection and Animoji: Enabled by the TrueDepth front camera system, the X introduced Animoji and better facial tracking for selfies.
• Front camera quality: The X’s 7MP TrueDepth camera supports Portrait mode selfies; the 8 Plus does not.

In practical terms, photo quality between the two is very close. But the iPhone X expands creative possibilities—especially in video calling, augmented reality, and expressive communication.

Tip: Use the iPhone X’s Animoji or Memoji during FaceTime calls to add fun and engagement—especially with younger family members.

Real-World Upgrade Experience: A Mini Case Study

Consider Sarah, a long-time iPhone 6s user who upgraded directly to the iPhone 8 Plus in 2017. She appreciated the larger screen and improved battery life but found herself envious of friends with the iPhone X’s sleek design and Face ID. Two years later, she traded in her 8 Plus for an iPhone 11 Pro—only to realize she had skipped a major interface shift.

Adapting to gesture navigation and Face ID felt foreign after years of muscle memory around the home button. Had she gone straight from the 6s to the iPhone X in 2017, she would have had more time to acclimate. Her delayed adoption cost her convenience and continuity.

Sarah’s experience illustrates a broader truth: upgrading isn’t just about hardware—it’s about aligning with the platform’s future trajectory. The iPhone X wasn’t merely a phone; it was a blueprint for what iOS would become.

Step-by-Step: Evaluating Your Own Upgrade Path

If you’re reflecting on whether your upgrade was worth it—or deciding whether to make a similar move today—follow this evaluation process:

1. Assess your current device: Are you on an iPhone 7 or earlier? You’ll feel a significant leap in speed and camera quality regardless of which 2017 model you pick.
2. Determine your priorities: Do you value familiarity (Touch ID, home button) or innovation (Face ID, gestures, OLED)?
3. Consider long-term use: Will you keep the phone for 3+ years? Choose the model with longer software support—the iPhone X.
4. Evaluate resale value: At launch, the X cost $999 vs $799 for the 8 Plus. Over time, depreciation favored the 8 Plus due to wider appeal, but early adopters of the X helped shape future iPhone trends.
5. Test both devices: Visit a store if possible. Holding them side-by-side reveals ergonomic and usability differences no spec sheet can capture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone X faster than the 8 Plus?

No, both use the same A11 Bionic chip and deliver nearly identical performance in everyday tasks and gaming. Any differences stem from software optimization rather than raw power.

Does the iPhone X have better battery life?

Surprisingly, no. Despite a smaller battery, the 8 Plus lasts longer due to its less power-hungry LCD screen and larger physical capacity. The iPhone X typically gets 1–1.5 hours less usage under similar conditions.

Can I use my old accessories with the iPhone X?

Most Lightning accessories work, but cases are not interchangeable due to different dimensions and the lack of a home button. Wireless charging works on both, though alignment matters more on the X due to its curved edges.

Final Verdict: Was Upgrading Worth It?

For users upgrading from an iPhone 6, 6s, or 7, moving to either the iPhone 8 Plus or X represented substantial progress. But choosing between them depended on vision: incremental improvement or bold evolution.

The iPhone 8 Plus offered comfort, excellent battery life, and a proven formula. It was the safer choice. The iPhone X demanded adaptation but delivered a glimpse into the future—gesture navigation, Face ID, OLED immersion, and AR readiness. It aged better, supported newer software longer, and influenced every iPhone that followed.

If \"worth it\" means lasting satisfaction and forward compatibility, the iPhone X wins. Not because it was perfect, but because it was pivotal. It marked the end of one era and the beginning of another.

💬 Did you upgrade from the 8 Plus to the X—or skip the X entirely? Share your experience and lessons learned. Your insights could help others reflect on their tech journey.