Iphone X Vs Iphone 8 Plus Are People Still Upgrading In Current Year

Five years after their release, Apple’s iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus remain familiar names in the used and refurbished market. While both devices were flagship models in 2017, they represent two very different design philosophies: the future-forward iPhone X with its edge-to-edge OLED display and Face ID, and the traditional iPhone 8 Plus with its home button, LCD screen, and dual rear cameras. Today, in the current year, many users still own one of these devices. But are people still upgrading from the 8 Plus to the X—or choosing between them when buying secondhand? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

The upgrade patterns have shifted significantly. Most new buyers are no longer considering these models as primary choices for brand-new purchases. However, among budget-conscious consumers, trade-in users, and those clinging to older iOS ecosystems, the decision between iPhone X and 8 Plus still arises—especially in regions where newer iPhones are prohibitively expensive.

Design and Display: A Clear Generational Divide

The most obvious difference between the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus lies in their design language. The iPhone X introduced Apple’s modern smartphone aesthetic: an all-screen front, stainless steel frame, glass back for wireless charging, and the elimination of the home button. In contrast, the iPhone 8 Plus retained the classic iPhone look with thick bezels, a physical Touch ID button, and an aluminum body.

The display technology further emphasizes this divide. The iPhone X features a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED panel with HDR support, offering deeper blacks, higher contrast, and better power efficiency. The iPhone 8 Plus uses a 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD screen—still sharp and color-accurate, but lacking the vibrancy and true blacks of OLED.

“iPhone X wasn’t just a new model—it was a vision of the future. It set the template for every high-end iPhone that followed.” — Mark Sullivan, Tech Journalist at Fast Company

Tip: If you value screen immersion and modern aesthetics, the iPhone X’s design will feel significantly more current—even today.

Performance and Longevity: Do They Still Hold Up?

Both phones launched with Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, which was groundbreaking at the time. Even by today’s standards, the A11 handles basic tasks like web browsing, messaging, and social media apps reasonably well. However, real-world performance varies due to software updates and hardware limitations.

iOS updates have become increasingly demanding. As of 2024, both devices are capped at iOS 16, meaning they won’t receive iOS 17 or later security patches and feature enhancements. This lack of long-term software support is a major deterrent for potential upgraders.

Users report that the iPhone X generally feels snappier in daily use due to optimized app layouts for its taller screen and slightly better thermal management. The 8 Plus, while powerful, suffers from slower app switching and occasional stutters in multitasking scenarios—especially with camera-heavy apps or games.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a freelance photographer in her late 30s, used her iPhone 8 Plus since 2018. By early 2023, she noticed her device struggling with photo editing apps and slow iCloud syncing. She considered upgrading to an iPhone X instead of a newer model to save money. After testing both in a local electronics store, she found the X’s OLED screen made reviewing photos far more accurate, and Face ID sped up her workflow. She made the switch and reported a noticeable improvement—though she admitted it was a “stopgap” before moving to an iPhone 14 later in the year.

Camera Comparison: Portrait Mode and Beyond

Both phones feature dual 12MP rear cameras, but their implementations differ. The iPhone 8 Plus offers optical zoom and portrait mode using software depth mapping, while the iPhone X introduced improved facial recognition for portraits and better low-light processing.

In practice, the iPhone X delivers more consistent portrait shots thanks to enhanced TrueDepth camera system on the front, enabling better selfie bokeh and Animoji support—features absent on the 8 Plus.

Feature	iPhone X	iPhone 8 Plus
Display	5.8\" OLED (Super Retina)	5.5\" LCD (Retina HD)
Biometric Security	Face ID	Touch ID
Front Camera	7MP with TrueDepth	7MP standard
Wireless Charging	Yes	Yes
Water Resistance	IP67 (deeper protection)	IP67
Last Supported iOS	iOS 16	iOS 16
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 13 hours	Up to 14 hours

Note: Despite similar specs, the iPhone 8 Plus has marginally better battery life due to its larger capacity and less power-hungry LCD. However, the X’s OLED and optimized iOS integration often balance this out in real usage.

Upgrade Trends in 2024: Who’s Still Choosing Between Them?

Direct upgrades from iPhone 8 Plus to iPhone X are now rare. Most users who wanted that transition did so between 2018 and 2020. Today, the remaining interest comes from three key groups:

• Budget buyers: Purchasing used or refurbished models under $200.
• Secondary device users: Needing a spare phone for travel or kids.
• Developers and testers: Requiring legacy devices for app compatibility checks.

Online marketplace data from Swappa and eBay shows that iPhone 8 Plus units sell for $100–$150 on average, while iPhone X models range from $130–$180 depending on storage and condition. The price gap has narrowed, making the X a more attractive option for those prioritizing modern interface design.

Tip: When buying either model used, verify the originality of the screen—refurbished iPhone X units sometimes have non-OLED replacements that degrade visual quality.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide Which One Fits Your Needs

1. Evaluate your budget: If staying under $120, the 8 Plus may be your only viable option.
2. Assess software needs: Confirm whether iOS 16 meets your app requirements (e.g., banking apps, productivity tools).
3. Test biometric preferences: Try both Face ID and Touch ID—some users still prefer fingerprint access.
4. Check battery health: On used devices, anything below 80% capacity will require replacement or frequent charging.
5. Consider future resale: iPhone X holds slightly better residual value due to its iconic status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus still run popular apps in 2024?

Most mainstream apps still support iOS 16, so basic functionality remains intact. However, some newer versions of Instagram, TikTok, and Google services have dropped support for 64-bit-only devices without ongoing OS updates. Performance may be sluggish in video-heavy or AR-based apps.

Is it worth upgrading from iPhone 8 Plus to iPhone X in 2024?

Only if you’re acquiring the X at a minimal price premium and value the full-screen design, Face ID, and slightly better camera processing. For most users, even stepping up to an iPhone XR or SE (2020) would offer a more meaningful improvement in performance and software longevity.

Which has better durability over time?

The iPhone 8 Plus has a stronger reputation for build resilience—its flat edges and aluminum body resist drops better than the X’s curved glass. However, the X’s screen is more scratch-resistant. Both are IP67-rated, but real-world reports suggest the 8 Plus survives accidental submersions more reliably.

Final Verdict: A Legacy Decision

The era of mainstream upgrades from iPhone 8 Plus to iPhone X is over. What remains is a niche conversation among users balancing cost, familiarity, and minimal functionality. The iPhone X represents a turning point in Apple’s design history, while the 8 Plus stands as the last of the classic iPhones.

If you're still using either device, consider this: continued use means missing out on critical security updates, modern camera capabilities, faster processors, and longer battery life available in even mid-tier current smartphones. While both phones were excellent in their time, they are now technological relics.

“The best iPhone isn’t always the newest—but ignoring five years of advancement comes at a cost in security, speed, and usability.” — David Gewirtz, Senior Contributor at ZDNet

Ready for the Next Step?

If you’ve been holding onto an iPhone 8 Plus or X hoping it would last just a little longer, now is the time to evaluate your options. Whether you choose a newer used model like the iPhone 11 or invest in a budget-friendly iPhone SE, taking the leap ensures better performance, longer support, and a safer digital experience. Don’t let nostalgia compromise your connectivity—explore your upgrade paths today and join the next generation of mobile innovation.

💬 Still using an iPhone 8 Plus or X? Share your experience—what’s keeping you from upgrading? Join the conversation below.