Iphone X Vs Iphone 8 Is The X Still Worth It Or Is The 8 Good Enough 3

Released just months apart in 2017, the iPhone X and iPhone 8 represented two divergent paths for Apple’s smartphone evolution. The iPhone 8 stayed true to the classic iPhone form—home button, thick bezels, and a familiar shape—while the iPhone X boldly embraced the future with Face ID, an edge-to-edge OLED display, and a glass back. Fast forward to today, both devices are long past their prime support window, but they still surface in secondhand markets and budget-conscious discussions. So, if you're considering one of these older models in 2024, which makes more sense? Is the iPhone X still worth the premium, or has time made the iPhone 8 “good enough”?

Design and Build: A Tale of Two Eras

The most immediate difference between the iPhone X and iPhone 8 lies in their design philosophy. The iPhone X was Apple’s first phone without a home button, marking a major shift in user interaction. Its stainless steel frame and front-and-back glass construction gave it a premium feel, while the 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display offered deeper blacks and more vibrant colors than any previous iPhone.

In contrast, the iPhone 8 stuck with the design language of the iPhone 6 series. It featured a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD screen, physical Home button with Touch ID, and a slightly thicker profile. While its glass back enabled wireless charging—a feature the X also supported—it lacked the immersive screen experience of its sibling.

Tip: If you prioritize screen real estate and modern aesthetics, the iPhone X’s design remains relevant. For those who prefer one-handed use and physical navigation, the iPhone 8 may still appeal.

Performance and Software Longevity

Both phones launched with Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, a powerful processor for its time. However, Apple optimized the iPhone X’s hardware to handle the higher-resolution display and augmented reality features more efficiently. This slight edge in thermal management and graphics performance meant the X often ran demanding apps and games more smoothly.

Software support is where the real divergence occurs today. Apple typically supports iPhones for around five years with iOS updates. The iPhone 8 and iPhone X received updates up to iOS 16, but neither is eligible for iOS 17 or beyond. That means no new features, limited app compatibility over time, and potential security risks as vulnerabilities go unpatched.

While both devices perform adequately for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light browsing, newer apps—especially those relying on machine learning or high-fidelity graphics—may run slowly or not at all. Games like Genshin Impact or productivity tools like Adobe Lightroom Mobile are either unplayable or frustratingly laggy.

“Even with the same chipset, the iPhone X’s display and sensor suite demanded more from the system, pushing Apple to fine-tune its software optimizations.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst

Camera Comparison: Portrait Mode and Low-Light Performance

The cameras were another key differentiator. The iPhone 8 featured a single 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), capable of solid daylight photos but limited in versatility. It supported portrait mode only through software tricks using depth estimation, which often struggled with complex edges.

The iPhone X, meanwhile, came with a dual-camera system: a 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto lens. This allowed true optical zoom and far more accurate portrait mode shots with natural bokeh. Its front-facing TrueDepth camera also enabled portrait mode selfies—an exclusive feature at the time.

In low-light conditions, the iPhone X generally produced cleaner images with better dynamic range. The additional lens and superior processing algorithms gave it a tangible advantage in photography, especially for users who enjoyed creative shooting.

Feature	iPhone 8	iPhone X
Rear Camera	12MP (Wide, OIS)	12MP Wide + 12MP Telephoto (both OIS)
Portrait Mode	Rear only (software-based)	Rear and front (depth-sensing)
Front Camera	7MP	7MP with TrueDepth
Video Recording	4K at 30/60fps	4K at 30/60fps, slow-mo 1080p at 240fps
Low-Light Performance	Average	Better due to dual sensors and processing

Real-World Use Case: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance writer in Portland, needed a temporary phone after dropping her iPhone 12 in water. With tight finances, she considered buying a used iPhone 8 for $120 or spending $180 on a lightly used iPhone X. She valued battery life and camera quality for capturing notes and scenic inspiration during walks.

After testing both in-store, she chose the iPhone X. Despite similar battery degradation in used units, the X’s OLED screen made reading e-books easier in sunlight, and the portrait mode helped her share polished social media posts. However, she noted that Face ID occasionally failed with sunglasses and that the taller screen made one-handed typing harder.

Her verdict: The iPhone X was worth the extra cost *at the time*, but only because she planned to upgrade within a year. For longer-term use, even she admitted neither phone would suffice.

Is the iPhone X Still Worth It in 2024?

In short: only under very specific circumstances. If you’re on an extreme budget, need a basic device for calls and texts, and can find either model for under $100, the iPhone X offers a more modern interface and better camera. But it comes with trade-offs—fragile glass construction, shorter battery life, and a lack of physical buttons for tactile feedback.

The iPhone 8, while less flashy, is more durable in daily use. Its compact size fits smaller hands, and Touch ID is faster and more reliable than Face ID in many situations (like lying in bed or wearing masks). It also tends to have slightly better battery efficiency due to the smaller LCD screen.

Tip: Always check the battery health before purchasing a used iPhone. Anything below 80% capacity will require frequent charging and may need a costly replacement.

Checklist: What to Evaluate Before Buying Either Phone

• ✅ Confirm iOS version: Should be on iOS 16 or earlier; avoid devices that can’t update to latest compatible version.
• ✅ Check battery health: Look for >80% cycle capacity or budget for a $49 Apple battery replacement.
• ✅ Test Face ID / Touch ID: Ensure biometric authentication works reliably.
• ✅ Inspect for screen burn-in (iPhone X): Stuck pixels or ghosting indicate OLED degradation.
• ✅ Verify iCloud lock status: Never buy an iPhone still linked to a previous owner’s Apple ID.
• ✅ Assess storage: 64GB is minimum; avoid 16GB or 32GB models unless strictly for calls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 take portrait mode photos?

Yes, but only through software simulation. The iPhone 8 uses machine learning to estimate depth, which works reasonably well in good lighting but struggles with hair, glasses, or busy backgrounds. Results are less natural than the iPhone X’s dual-camera system.

Which phone has better battery life?

The iPhone 8 typically lasts slightly longer on a charge due to its smaller LCD screen and lower power draw. The iPhone X’s OLED display, while more efficient in dark mode, consumes more power overall because of its size and resolution. Real-world usage shows about 1–1.5 hours of extra screen time on the 8.

Are these phones still secure?

Not entirely. Without iOS 17 and future security patches, both devices are increasingly vulnerable to exploits. App developers may also stop supporting older iOS versions, limiting access to banking apps, messaging platforms, and cloud services. Use them only if isolated from sensitive data.

Final Verdict: Neither Is Ideal, But Context Matters

In 2024, recommending either the iPhone X or iPhone 8 as a primary device is difficult. Both are outdated by modern standards, lack ongoing software support, and struggle with current app demands. However, if you must choose, the iPhone X wins on future-facing design, display quality, and camera flexibility—provided you accept its fragility and shorter lifespan.

The iPhone 8, meanwhile, stands out as a pragmatic choice for users who value simplicity, durability, and one-handed operation. It’s the “good enough” option—not because it excels, but because it avoids the pitfalls of aging flagship tech.

If your budget allows, consider investing in a newer used model like the iPhone XR, iPhone 11, or even an Android alternative with longer software support. For those determined to stick with Apple’s ecosystem on a tight budget, even a refurbished iPhone SE (2020) offers significantly better performance and iOS compatibility.

🚀 Still using an iPhone 8 or X? Share your experience—what keeps you loyal, or what finally pushed you to upgrade? Join the conversation and help others decide whether these classics deserve a second life.