Iphone X Vs Galaxy S8 Plus In 2024 Is The Iphone Still Worth It

In 2024, comparing the iPhone X and the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus may seem like a trip down memory lane. Both devices were flagship flagships in 2017, representing the cutting edge of smartphone design and technology at the time. Yet, years later, some users still rely on these phones or consider buying them secondhand due to their iconic status and surprisingly durable build quality. But with modern smartphones offering advanced AI, 5G, and multi-lens cameras, is holding onto—or investing in—an iPhone X over the Galaxy S8 Plus still justified?

This isn't just about nostalgia. It's about real-world usability, longevity, software support, security, and value. Let’s break down how these two aging titans hold up today.

Performance and Hardware Longevity

The iPhone X was powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, while the Galaxy S8 Plus used either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895, depending on region. At launch, both offered excellent performance for daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking. But four generations of iOS updates later, the A11 has proven far more resilient than its Android counterpart.

Apple’s tight integration between hardware and software allows older chips to remain functional longer. As of 2024, the iPhone X supports up to iOS 16 (though not iOS 17), meaning it received six major OS updates—far exceeding industry norms. In contrast, the Galaxy S8 Plus stopped receiving major Android updates after Android 9 Pie, with security patches ending completely by 2020.

In practical terms, this means the iPhone X can still run modern apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, and banking services without major lag. The S8 Plus struggles with newer app versions, often crashing or loading slowly due to outdated drivers and insufficient RAM optimization under newer frameworks.

Tip: If you're using any phone from 2017 in 2024, disable animations and background app refresh to extend responsiveness.

Software Support and Security

Security is non-negotiable. Devices that no longer receive security patches are vulnerable to malware, phishing, and data theft. This is where the gap widens significantly.

Apple ended critical security updates for the iPhone X with iOS 16.7.8 in early 2024, but until then, it had consistent patching for nearly seven years. That’s exceptional longevity. Meanwhile, Samsung officially ended all support for the S8 series in late 2020. No updates since then mean known vulnerabilities remain unpatched.

“Even if a phone feels fast, running an unsupported OS is like leaving your front door unlocked.” — David Lin, Cybersecurity Analyst at MobileShield Labs

For anyone handling sensitive information—email, banking, work accounts—the lack of ongoing protection on the S8 Plus makes it a liability. The iPhone X, while also now out of support, stayed secure much longer and integrates better with modern authentication systems like two-factor apps and password managers.

Camera Quality in 2024 Conditions

Cameras age differently. While lens hardware doesn’t degrade, processing power and software enhancements define photo quality today.

The iPhone X features a dual 12MP rear system (wide + telephoto) with optical image stabilization and Portrait Mode. Its photos benefit from Apple’s computational photography advancements introduced in later iOS versions—even older hardware got improvements in HDR, noise reduction, and Smart HDR through software.

The Galaxy S8 Plus has a single 12MP rear sensor with variable aperture (f/1.7–f/2.4) and OIS, plus an 8MP front camera. While praised in 2017 for dynamic range, its image processing hasn’t evolved. Low-light shots appear grainy, white balance drifts, and autofocus slows dramatically in dim environments.

Feature	iPhone X	Galaxy S8 Plus
Rear Camera	Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto), OIS	Single 12MP, Dual Pixel AF, OIS
Front Camera	7MP, Portrait Mode, Retina Flash	8MP, f/1.7 aperture
Video Recording	4K@60fps, extended dynamic range	4K@30fps, limited stabilization
Low-Light Performance	Moderate; improved via Night mode algorithms (iOS 16)	Poor; excessive noise, slow shutter

In side-by-side tests conducted in early 2024, the iPhone X consistently produced cleaner, more balanced images, especially in mixed lighting. The S8 Plus often overexposes skies and underexposes subjects.

Battery Life and Charging Experience

Both phones shipped with around 3,000mAh batteries. However, battery degradation is inevitable after six years. Realistically, most surviving units now have 60–70% capacity unless the battery has been replaced.

The iPhone X supports Fast Charging (with USB-C to Lightning cable and 18W+ adapter), though Apple didn’t include one in-box. Third-party fast chargers can bring it from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes. Wireless charging (Qi-compatible) remains convenient and reliable.

The S8 Plus also supports fast charging (Adaptive Fast Charging) and wireless charging. However, Samsung’s proprietary fast charging protocol can be inconsistent with third-party adapters. Additionally, Exynos models tend to drain faster under load due to less efficient thermals.

Tip: Replace the battery on either device if runtime drops below 4 hours screen-on time—it can restore near-new usability.

Real-World Example: Daily Use in 2024

Consider Maria, a freelance writer who held onto her iPhone X since 2018. She uses it primarily for email, writing apps, web research, and occasional photography. In 2023, she upgraded the battery and stuck with iOS 16. Despite the aging hardware, she reports smooth performance with Notes, Safari, and Google Docs. iMessage and FaceTime remain seamless across her Mac and iPad.

Her friend James uses a refurbished S8 Plus. He switched to a lightweight Android launcher and uses privacy-focused apps like Firefox Klar and Signal. Still, he experiences frequent app crashes, delayed notifications, and GPS inaccuracies. Banking apps now warn him about “unsupported device” upon login.

Maria’s ecosystem integration and continued app compatibility give her an edge—proof that Apple’s long-term support adds tangible value even post-EOL.

Checklist: Is Your 2017 Phone Still Viable in 2024?

• ✅ Has the device received updates within the last 12 months?
• ✅ Can it run essential apps (banking, messaging, maps) without crashing?
• ✅ Is the battery life usable for a full day (or with a power bank)?
• ✅ Are there known unpatched security vulnerabilities?
• ✅ Do you rely on cloud sync or ecosystem features (e.g., AirDrop, iCloud, Samsung DeX)?
• ✅ Have you considered the environmental impact vs. upgrading?

If three or more answers are “no,” it’s likely time to upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone X run iOS 17?

No. The iPhone X is not compatible with iOS 17. The last supported version is iOS 16.7.8, released in March 2024. Attempting to install iOS 17 will fail or cause instability.

Is the Galaxy S8 Plus safe to use in 2024?

Not recommended for primary use. Without security patches since 2020, it’s vulnerable to exploits. Public Wi-Fi, online banking, and app logins pose significant risks. Use only for offline tasks or as a media player.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The iPhone X retains higher secondary-market value due to brand loyalty, longer software support, and demand in emerging markets. Refurbished units sell for $60–$90, while S8 Plus models fetch $30–$50, if at all.

Final Verdict: Is the iPhone X Still Worth It?

In a direct 2024 showdown, the iPhone X outperforms the Galaxy S8 Plus in nearly every meaningful category: software support, security, app compatibility, camera consistency, and ecosystem integration. While neither should be your first choice for a new phone, the iPhone X remains marginally viable as a backup or budget device—if the battery is fresh and expectations are realistic.

Samsung’s update policy simply couldn’t match Apple’s long-tail support. The S8 Plus, once a marvel of engineering, now feels archaic. The iPhone X, while showing its age, benefits from an ecosystem designed to extend usability.

That said, both phones are well beyond their intended lifespan. For under $200, you can purchase a modern Android with 5G, three cameras, and five years of guaranteed updates. Or, for slightly more, enter Apple’s current ecosystem with an iPhone SE (2022 or later).

“The true cost of keeping an old phone isn’t just performance—it’s opportunity cost. You miss features like emergency SOS via satellite, crash detection, and AI-powered photo search.” — Lena Park, Tech Lifestyle Editor, *Digital Horizon*

Conclusion

The iPhone X vs Galaxy S8 Plus debate in 2024 isn’t really about specs—it’s about sustainability, safety, and smart usage. While the iPhone X wins on longevity and post-release care, clinging to either device comes with trade-offs. If you’re still using one, know that you’re operating on borrowed time.

Upgrade when possible. But if you must choose, the iPhone X is the lesser of two outdated options. Just don’t ignore the signs: slow boot times, failing batteries, and missing updates are nature’s way of retiring great tech.

💬 Still using an iPhone X or S8 Plus? Share your experience—what keeps you loyal, and what finally pushed you to upgrade?