Iphone X Vs Iphone 8 Is The X Still Worth It In 2024 3

The iPhone X and iPhone 8 were released within weeks of each other in 2017, representing two divergent visions for Apple’s future. The iPhone 8 was the final iteration of the classic iPhone design—home button, thick bezels, and a familiar form factor. The iPhone X introduced a radical redesign: edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID, and no home button. Now, in 2024, both devices are seven years old, well beyond their prime. Yet, some users still rely on them daily. So, is the iPhone X still worth choosing over the iPhone 8 today?

This question isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s practical. For budget-conscious buyers, secondhand markets, or those holding onto older devices, understanding which phone holds up better in 2024 matters. We’ll compare hardware longevity, iOS support, app compatibility, camera performance, and real-world usability to determine whether the iPhone X still has an edge.

Design and Display: A Generational Divide

The most immediate difference between the iPhone X and iPhone 8 lies in their design language. The iPhone 8 features a 4.7-inch LCD screen with physical bezels and a Touch ID home button. It’s compact, durable, and comfortable for one-handed use. In contrast, the iPhone X boasts a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display with minimal bezels and Face ID authentication. Its taller aspect ratio makes scrolling through social media, reading articles, and watching videos significantly more immersive.

OLED technology gives the iPhone X deeper blacks, higher contrast, and better power efficiency—especially noticeable when viewing dark content. Even in 2024, OLED remains superior to LCD in visual quality. The iPhone 8’s screen, while functional, feels dated next to modern standards. It lacks HDR support and has lower brightness and color accuracy.

Tip: If you frequently watch videos or read on your phone, the iPhone X’s larger, higher-quality display offers a noticeably better experience than the iPhone 8—even today.

Performance and Software Support in 2024

Both phones launched with the A11 Bionic chip, but differences in thermal management and memory allocation affect long-term performance. The iPhone X has 3GB of RAM compared to the iPhone 8’s 2GB. While this may seem minor, it plays a crucial role in multitasking and app switching—especially as modern apps grow more demanding.

In 2024, neither device receives official iOS updates. The last supported version for both is iOS 16, released in 2022. Apple typically provides five years of OS updates, and both models reached their end-of-life in that cycle. However, iOS 16 remains stable and secure for basic tasks like messaging, browsing, and email.

Real-world performance varies. Users report that the iPhone X handles newer versions of Safari, Gmail, and banking apps more smoothly due to its extra RAM. The iPhone 8 often reloads background apps and stutters during video playback or navigation. For anyone relying on productivity tools or social platforms, the X maintains a slight edge.

“Even outdated iPhones can serve reliably if used for core functions. But RAM limitations become bottlenecks faster than processor decay.” — David Lin, Mobile Systems Analyst

Camera Comparison: Still Relevant in 2024?

Photography expectations have evolved since 2017, but both cameras remain usable for casual shooting. The iPhone 8 has a single 12MP rear sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), ideal for well-lit environments. The iPhone X adds a second 12MP telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode with depth control.

In daylight, both produce sharp, color-accurate images. The iPhone X pulls ahead in low light thanks to improved processing algorithms and dual-camera flexibility. Its front-facing TrueDepth camera also supports Portrait Mode selfies—a feature absent on the iPhone 8.

Video recording is identical on paper (4K at 60fps), but the X benefits from stereo audio recording and slightly better stabilization. For vlogging or family videos, the difference is subtle but present.

Feature	iPhone X	iPhone 8
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto)	Single 12MP (wide)
Portrait Mode	Rear & Front	Rear only (via software trick)
Front Camera	7MP TrueDepth	7MP standard
Low-Light Performance	Moderate improvement	Average, struggles in dim light
Video Recording	4K@60fps, stereo audio	4K@60fps, mono audio

Real-World Longevity: Who’s Still Using These Phones?

Consider Maria, a freelance writer based in Portland, who’s used her iPhone X since 2018. She upgraded to iOS 16 but avoids downloading large apps like TikTok or Photoshop Express. Her workflow relies on Notes, Safari, and Google Docs—all of which run adequately. She charges her phone twice a day and replaced the battery in 2022. “It’s slow sometimes,” she says, “but I don’t need Face ID to work instantly. As long as I can take notes and send emails, I’m fine.”

Compare that to James, who stuck with his iPhone 8 because he prefers Touch ID. By 2023, he noticed frequent crashes in WhatsApp and Instagram. After downgrading to older web browsers and disabling background refresh, he extended usability—but at the cost of functionality. He now uses it only for calls and texts, calling it a “backup phone.”

This illustrates a broader trend: the iPhone X lasts longer as a primary device due to better multitasking and display real estate. The iPhone 8 works best as a secondary phone or for users with minimal digital needs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Extending Life on Older iPhones

If you’re still using either device, follow these steps to maximize performance and security in 2024:

1. Disable Background App Refresh: Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn it off globally or per app.
2. Reduce Motion and Animations: Enable Reduce Motion (Settings > Accessibility > Motion) to improve UI responsiveness.
3. Delete Unused Apps: Free up storage space, especially if below 2GB free. Apps like Facebook and Chrome consume significant resources.
4. Use Lightweight Alternatives: Replace heavy apps with lighter ones (e.g., DuckDuckGo instead of Chrome, Signal Lite, or Twitter via browser).
5. Keep iOS Updated (Within Limits): Stay on iOS 16.7 or later for critical security patches, even though no new features are coming.
6. Replace the Battery: If capacity is below 80%, consider a professional replacement. A healthy battery improves performance throttling behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone X or iPhone 8 run iOS 17?

No. Apple discontinued iOS updates for both models after iOS 16. Attempting to install iOS 17 via unofficial methods is risky and not recommended.

Is the iPhone X waterproof enough for daily use in 2024?

Both phones have IP67 ratings (submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes). However, seals degrade over time. Avoid water exposure regardless of original rating, especially on devices older than six years.

Which phone holds resale value better today?

The iPhone X generally commands $50–$80 on secondhand markets, while the iPhone 8 sells for $30–$60. The X’s OLED screen and Face ID give it marginal appeal among collectors or temporary users.

Final Verdict: Is the iPhone X Still Worth It in 2024?

In a word: conditionally. The iPhone X offers a more modern user experience than the iPhone 8 thanks to its superior display, additional RAM, and dual-camera system. If found in good condition—with a replaced battery and sufficient storage—it can function as a basic smartphone for calls, messaging, web browsing, and light photography.

However, “worth it” depends on context. At $0 (if already owned), maintaining either phone makes sense for minimalists or secondary-device users. As a paid purchase in 2024, spending more than $70 on either model is hard to justify when refurbished iPhone SE (2020) or iPhone XR models offer faster processors, longer software support, and better app compatibility for similar prices.

The iPhone X was groundbreaking in 2017. Today, it’s a relic—one that still works, but with growing compromises. For historical significance and usability, it outperforms the iPhone 8. But neither should be anyone’s first choice in 2024 unless necessity demands it.

🚀 Still using an iPhone X or 8? Share your experience—what keeps you loyal, and what finally pushed you to upgrade? Your story could help others decide their next move.