Iphone X Vs Iphone 8 Is The Hype Around The X Camera Really Worth It

When Apple released both the iPhone 8 and iPhone X in 2017, consumers were faced with a pivotal decision: stick with a familiar design and proven hardware, or leap into the future with a premium model featuring Face ID, an edge-to-edge display, and—most notably—a significantly upgraded dual-camera system. While both phones share similar internal specs, including the A11 Bionic chip and iOS optimization, the camera systems diverge in ways that matter for photography enthusiasts and everyday users alike. But does the iPhone X’s camera deliver enough improvement to justify its higher price tag over the iPhone 8?

Camera Hardware: The Core Differences

The most fundamental distinction between the two devices lies in their rear camera setups. The iPhone 8 features a single 12MP wide-angle camera with an f/1.8 aperture, optical image stabilization (OIS), and support for 4K video at 60fps. It’s a capable shooter under good lighting and delivers solid dynamic range and color accuracy.

In contrast, the iPhone X introduces a dual-camera system: a 12MP wide-angle lens (same as the iPhone 8) paired with a 12MP telephoto lens with an f/2.4 aperture and OIS. This second lens enables 2x optical zoom and facilitates Portrait Mode on both the rear and front cameras. The TrueDepth front-facing camera on the iPhone X also opens up new capabilities like Portrait Selfies and Animoji, which rely on depth mapping for effects.

While the iPhone 8 can simulate depth effects using software alone, the iPhone X uses stereo disparity from its dual rear lenses to generate more accurate depth maps. This leads to cleaner subject separation and more natural bokeh in Portrait Mode shots.

Tip: For better low-light portraits, use the iPhone X’s flash in conjunction with Portrait Mode—the dual sensors help preserve skin tones and reduce noise.

Portrait Mode Performance: Real-World Results

One of the biggest marketing points for the iPhone X was its enhanced Portrait Mode. To test whether this feature truly outperforms the iPhone 8, consider a typical indoor scenario: dim lighting, a person against a slightly cluttered background.

On the iPhone 8, Portrait Mode relies entirely on machine learning and software segmentation. In many cases, it works well—but struggles with fine details like hair strands, glasses, or fast movement. Edges often appear blurred or incorrectly masked, especially when the subject isn’t sharply contrasted against the background.

The iPhone X, by leveraging data from both rear cameras, creates a more precise depth map. This results in sharper edge detection and smoother background blur. In side-by-side comparisons, the X consistently produces more professional-looking portraits, particularly in mixed lighting conditions.

“Dual cameras changed the game for mobile portraiture. The iPhone X wasn’t the first, but it was the first to make depth sensing feel seamless and reliable.” — Mark Tran, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechLens Review

Low-Light and Video Capabilities Compared

Despite the dual-lens advantage, both phones perform similarly in standard photo modes under daylight. However, differences emerge in challenging environments.

In low light, the iPhone X gains a slight edge due to improved signal processing and better noise reduction algorithms tuned for its dual-camera pipeline. While both devices use the same sensor on the primary lens, the X benefits from longer exposure stacking in Night mode (introduced later via software updates), especially when combined with third-party apps optimized for its hardware.

For video, both support 4K at 60fps and slow-motion at 1080p at 240fps. But the iPhone X adds stereo audio recording and improved stabilization thanks to its dual OIS setup. When filming handheld walking shots or action sequences, the X delivers noticeably smoother footage with less jitter.

Camera Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone 8	iPhone X
Rear Camera Setup	Single 12MP f/1.8	Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto)
Optical Zoom	No	2x optical zoom
Portrait Mode (Rear)	Software-based	Depth-sensor assisted
Front Camera	7MP f/2.2	7MP TrueDepth with depth mapping
Portrait Selfies	No	Yes
Video Stabilization	OIS (main only)	Dual OIS + advanced EIS
Stereo Audio Recording	No	Yes

Mini Case Study: Travel Photographer’s Weekend Test

Sophia Reyes, a freelance travel photographer based in Portland, tested both devices during a weekend trip to the Oregon coast. Her goal was to evaluate real-world usability—not lab benchmarks.

She used the iPhone 8 for landscape shots where zoom wasn’t needed and relied on the iPhone X for portraits and tighter compositions. In one instance, she photographed her friend standing near a rocky cliff with ocean spray behind them. The iPhone 8 struggled to separate the subject from the chaotic background, resulting in patchy blurring. The iPhone X handled the scene far better, preserving facial detail while smoothly blurring the turbulent sea behind.

She noted, “The ability to zoom optically without losing quality made framing much easier. I didn’t have to crop aggressively later, which preserved resolution. For social media content, that’s huge.”

However, she also admitted that in bright daylight, the final images from both phones were nearly indistinguishable when viewed on Instagram or web platforms. “Unless you’re printing large or pixel-peeping, the base camera on the iPhone 8 still holds up,” she added.

Is the Hype Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Deciding whether the iPhone X’s camera upgrades justify the cost depends on your usage patterns. Use this checklist to evaluate your needs:

• Do you frequently take portrait-style photos of people or pets? → iPhone X preferred
• Do you want optical zoom without carrying extra gear? → iPhone X essential
• Are you active on social media and post selfies regularly? → iPhone X offers Portrait Selfies and Animoji
• Do you shoot mostly in daylight and share online at small sizes? → iPhone 8 sufficient
• Is budget a key concern? → iPhone 8 offered better value at launch and remains capable
• Do you record videos handheld or in motion? → iPhone X provides superior stabilization

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 do Portrait Mode as well as the iPhone X?

No. While the iPhone 8 supports Portrait Mode, it uses software simulation rather than true depth sensing. This leads to less accurate edge detection and inconsistent results, especially with complex subjects like curly hair or glasses. The iPhone X produces more natural bokeh and better subject isolation.

Does the iPhone X camera age well compared to newer models?

Yes and no. By today’s standards, even the iPhone X’s camera lacks Night mode enhancements, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3 found in later models. However, its dual-camera foundation laid the groundwork for modern computational photography. For casual use, it still performs admirably, though low-light performance lags behind iPhone 11 and later.

Is the front camera really better on the iPhone X?

Significantly. The TrueDepth system enables facial mapping, allowing for secure Face ID, Animoji, Memoji, and high-quality Portrait Selfies. The iPhone 8’s front camera lacks depth sensing and cannot support these features, limiting selfie creativity and security options.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The hype around the iPhone X’s camera was justified—for certain users. If you value portrait photography, optical zoom, and future-proof features like Face ID and augmented reality experiences, the iPhone X represented a meaningful leap forward. Its camera system set the template for every flagship iPhone that followed.

But for average users who primarily snap quick photos in daylight, share casually on social media, or prioritize battery life and durability over cutting-edge features, the iPhone 8 remained—and still remains—a competent device. The core imaging quality from its single sensor is excellent, and iOS optimization ensures consistent output.

Ultimately, the \"worth it\" question hinges on how you use your phone. For creators, influencers, and photography enthusiasts, the iPhone X’s camera advancements were transformative. For everyone else, the upgrade may have been more about design and convenience than raw photographic necessity.

🚀 Ready to decide which iPhone fits your lifestyle? Revisit your photo habits, try borrowing both models if possible, and choose based on real needs—not just the hype.