Iphone X Vs Galaxy S8 Was Upgrading Really Worth It 5

Five years ago, the smartphone world stood at a turning point. Apple had just released the iPhone X—a radical departure from its previous designs—while Samsung’s Galaxy S8 represented the pinnacle of Android innovation. Both devices marked a shift toward edge-to-edge displays, facial recognition, and premium materials. But with half a decade of hindsight, the question remains: was upgrading to either device truly worth it?

This isn’t just a nostalgic comparison. For many users still relying on older hardware or considering long-term value, understanding how these phones aged reveals crucial insights about ecosystem loyalty, software support, and real-world usability beyond marketing hype.

The Design Revolution: Glass, Curves, and Notches

The iPhone X and Galaxy S8 both abandoned traditional bezels in favor of sleek, glass-and-metal builds that felt futuristic in 2017. The S8 led the charge with its 5.8-inch “infinity display,” wrapping around the sides with minimal framing. Its symmetrical front offered an elegant balance between screen and chin, while the rear featured a smooth glass back ideal for wireless charging.

Apple responded with equal ambition. The iPhone X introduced the controversial notch—not just as a design choice but as housing for Face ID. Its flat OLED panel was smaller at 5.8 inches, yet more color-accurate. The stainless steel frame gave it a noticeably heavier, more premium feel than the aluminum-clad S8.

Tip: Devices with glass backs offer better wireless charging but are more prone to cracks—consider using a protective case even if it dulls the aesthetics.

While both phones looked stunning side by side, their design philosophies diverged. Samsung prioritized screen immersion; Apple focused on biometric integration. In practice, the S8’s thinner profile made it slightly more pocketable, but the iPhone X’s build quality inspired greater confidence in durability—despite similar drop-test results.

Performance and Longevity: How They Held Up Over Time

Under the hood, both phones launched with top-tier specs. The Galaxy S8 used Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 (or Exynos 9810 in some regions), paired with 4GB of RAM. The iPhone X ran Apple’s A11 Bionic chip with 3GB of RAM. On paper, the S8 seemed stronger—but real-world performance told a different story.

iOS optimization allowed the iPhone X to maintain snappy responsiveness far longer than expected. Even today, some users report acceptable performance on iOS 16, though app compatibility is dwindling. In contrast, the Galaxy S8 officially stopped receiving major OS updates after Android 9 (Pie), with security patches ending in 2020. By 2022, many S8 owners experienced slowdowns, app crashes, and inability to update essential services like Google Play Services.

“Hardware matters, but sustained software support defines a phone’s true lifespan.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechLongevity Group

This gap in update policy underscores a key difference between ecosystems. Apple’s centralized control enables longer support cycles—often five years or more for flagship models. Samsung, despite improvements in recent years, lagged significantly in 2017, limiting the S8’s usefulness beyond three years for most power users.

Camera Comparison: Portrait Mode and Low-Light Realities

Photography was a major selling point for both devices. The Galaxy S8 featured a single 12MP f/1.7 rear sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus, known for vibrant colors and excellent dynamic range. The iPhone X debuted Apple’s first dual-camera system: a 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto setup, enabling true optical zoom and improved portrait mode effects.

In daylight, both cameras produced impressive results. The S8 leaned into saturation, appealing to social media users who wanted punchy Instagram shots. The iPhone X favored natural tones, preserving detail in highlights and shadows more consistently.

Night performance revealed deeper differences. Neither phone had Night Mode at launch (introduced later via software), but the A11’s image signal processor gave the iPhone X an edge in noise reduction and exposure control. By 2019, iOS updates brought smarter HDR and better low-light processing, extending the iPhone’s photographic relevance.

Samsung did push several camera enhancements through minor updates, but without hardware changes, gains were marginal. Users upgrading from earlier Galaxy models noticed big jumps, but enthusiasts quickly hit limitations—especially in portrait lighting accuracy and depth sensing.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone X	Galaxy S8
Release Date	November 2017	April 2017
Display	5.8\" Super Retina OLED (1125x2436)	5.8\" Quad HD+ Infinity Display (1440x2960)
Processor	A11 Bionic	Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 9810
Rear Camera	Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto)	Single 12MP (f/1.7)
Front Camera	7MP TrueDepth (Face ID)	8MP RGB
Biometrics	Face ID	Fingerprint (rear), Iris Scan
Software Support	iOS 16 (approx. 5–6 years)	Android 9 (approx. 3 years)
Wireless Charging	Yes (Qi)	Yes (Qi/PMA)
Water Resistance	IP67	IP68

Real-World Example: Two Users, Five Years Later

Consider two hypothetical users: Maria chose the iPhone X in late 2017, drawn by Face ID and Apple’s ecosystem. She received regular updates, maintained strong resale value, and only upgraded in 2022 due to battery degradation. Her phone remained functional throughout—though app loading times increased slightly on iOS 15.

James bought the Galaxy S8 at launch, impressed by its display and expandable storage. He enjoyed smooth performance until late 2019, when Android 10 became incompatible. Security vulnerabilities mounted, banking apps began rejecting his device, and YouTube playback stuttered. By 2021, he switched to a newer mid-range phone out of necessity, not desire.

Their experiences reflect broader trends. While both phones were excellent in 2017, the iPhone X offered a longer period of reliable, secure usage—making the initial premium price easier to justify over time.

Was the Upgrade Worth It?

For early adopters tired of home buttons and thick bezels, yes—the upgrade felt transformative. The immersive screens, faster processors, and advanced cameras delivered tangible improvements over 2016-era flagships like the iPhone 7 or Galaxy S7.

But value depends on usage patterns. Casual users who replace phones every two years likely got full return on investment. Power users or those seeking future-proofing found the iPhone X more durable in terms of software longevity. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S8, while innovative, suffered from Samsung’s then-limited update commitment.

Tip: When evaluating upgrades, prioritize brands with proven long-term software support—even if hardware seems superior upfront.

Checklist: Evaluating a High-End Phone Upgrade (Then vs Now)

• ✅ Does the device offer at least four years of OS updates?
• ✅ Is wireless charging included, and do I use it regularly?
• ✅ How does biometric security perform in daily conditions (e.g., wearing masks, gloves)?
• ✅ Can the camera handle low-light scenarios without AI enhancement?
• ✅ What is the repair cost and availability of parts after three years?
• ✅ Does the design accommodate modern grip preferences (larger size, rounded edges)?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone X still run current apps in 2024?

Some basic apps work, but many developers have dropped support for devices running iOS 15 or earlier. Major services like banking apps, ride-sharing platforms, and newer versions of social media apps may fail to install or function properly.

Why did Samsung improve update policies after the S8?

Consumer feedback and competitive pressure from Google’s Pixel line pushed Samsung to commit to longer support. Starting with the Galaxy S20, Samsung guaranteed four major Android upgrades and five years of security patches.

Which phone held its resale value better?

The iPhone X retained value significantly longer. In 2020, used models sold for 40–50% of original price; the S8 dropped below 30%. By 2023, both had minimal trade-in value, but the iPhone saw steadier depreciation.

Final Verdict: Looking Back with Clarity

Five years on, the iPhone X emerges as the more sustainable upgrade—not because it was inherently superior in every spec, but because Apple’s ecosystem delivered consistent software evolution. The Galaxy S8 was a bold vision of mobile design, but its shorter support window limited its long-term viability.

Today’s buyers can learn from this. Innovation captures attention, but endurance determines value. Whether you lean toward iOS or Android, the lesson is clear: evaluate not just what a phone can do today, but how long it will keep doing it securely and efficiently.

💬 Still using your iPhone X or Galaxy S8? Share your experience in the comments—how did it hold up, and would you make the same choice again?