Iphone Xr Vs Galaxy S8 Plus Are Newer Iphones Really Worth The Upgrade

When it comes to upgrading smartphones, especially after owning a high-performing device like the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus, the decision isn’t always straightforward. The iPhone XR, released several years later than the S8 Plus, represents Apple’s effort to deliver flagship-level performance in a more affordable package. But does that automatically make it a worthwhile upgrade for users still satisfied with their aging Android flagship? The answer depends on what you value—performance longevity, ecosystem integration, camera quality, or future software support.

The Galaxy S8 Plus was a technological marvel in 2017, introducing edge-to-edge displays and facial recognition to the mainstream. Meanwhile, the iPhone XR arrived in 2018 as Apple’s “budget” option, yet packed the same A12 Bionic chip found in the premium iPhone XS. Comparing these two devices across real-world usage reveals surprising insights—not just about raw specs, but about how well each phone holds up today and whether switching ecosystems is justified.

Performance and Longevity: Who Handles Modern Apps Better?

At launch, the Galaxy S8 Plus ran on Samsung’s Exynos 9810 (or Snapdragon 835 in some regions), which was powerful for its time. However, by 2024, this chipset struggles with multitasking, app loading times, and even basic animations in newer versions of Android. Software updates officially ended with Android 9, leaving users exposed to security risks and incompatible apps.

In contrast, the iPhone XR launched with the A12 Bionic chip—a 7nm processor that outperformed most Android chips of its era. More importantly, Apple’s tight control over hardware and software allows iOS updates to be optimized efficiently. As of 2024, the iPhone XR supports up to iOS 17, giving it five full years of OS upgrades—far exceeding Samsung’s typical three-year update policy at the time.

Tip: If you rely on productivity apps, gaming, or augmented reality tools, prioritize devices with ongoing software support—even if current performance seems adequate.

This extended support means the iPhone XR can run modern applications smoothly, including demanding titles like Call of Duty Mobile and AR-based navigation tools, without noticeable lag. For users coming from the S8 Plus, this leap in responsiveness is often the most immediate benefit of upgrading.

Camera Comparison: Quality Over Quantity?

The Galaxy S8 Plus features a single 12MP rear camera with dual-pixel autofocus and optical image stabilization. In good lighting, it captures richly detailed photos with accurate color reproduction. Low-light performance, while decent for its generation, suffers from noise and slower focusing compared to modern standards.

The iPhone XR also has a single 12MP rear sensor, but leverages Apple’s computational photography advancements—Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, and Portrait Mode with advanced depth mapping. These features allow the XR to produce sharper images with better dynamic range, particularly in mixed lighting conditions.

Front-facing cameras tell a similar story. The S8 Plus’ 8MP selfie shooter includes iris scanning and fun AR emojis, but lacks consistency in low light. The iPhone XR’s 7MP TrueDepth camera enables Face ID, Animoji, and superior portrait selfies thanks to machine learning-driven background blur.

“Even with fewer lenses, Apple’s focus on image processing gives older iPhones an edge in photo quality years after release.” — David Lin, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechScope Weekly

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

The Galaxy S8 Plus packs a 3,500mAh battery, which delivered solid all-day performance back in 2017. However, after years of charging cycles, most units now suffer from degraded capacity—often dropping below 70%, leading to midday recharging needs.

The iPhone XR, despite having a smaller nominal capacity (~2,942mAh), benefits from efficient power management and lower screen resolution (LCD vs Quad HD+ AMOLED). In practice, it frequently outlasts the S8 Plus on a charge, especially under iOS 16 or 17’s optimized background activity controls.

Charging technology diverges significantly. The S8 Plus supports fast charging and wireless charging out of the box, whereas the iPhone XR only includes basic 5W charging in the box (though it supports 18W fast charging and Qi wireless charging with separate accessories).

Charging & Battery Summary

Feature	Galaxy S8 Plus	iPhone XR
Battery Capacity	3,500 mAh	2,942 mAh
Fast Charging	Yes (Adaptive Fast Charging)	Yes (with 18W adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging	Yes (Qi/PMA)	Yes (Qi only)
Average Daily Use (Today)	5–7 hours screen time	7–9 hours screen time

Ecosystem Lock-In: Is Switching Worth It?

For longtime Android users, switching to iPhone involves more than just learning a new interface—it means adapting to iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, AirDrop, and Apple’s ecosystem of services. If you own other Apple devices like a MacBook, iPad, or Apple Watch, the iPhone XR integrates seamlessly through Continuity, Handoff, and Universal Clipboard.

However, if your digital life revolves around Google services—Gmail, Google Photos, Google Drive—the transition requires adjustment. While these apps are available on iOS, certain automations (like instant photo backup or smart assistant routines) may feel less fluid.

Tip: Use Apple’s Move to iOS app before switching. It securely transfers contacts, messages, photos, and calendars from Android to iPhone during setup.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had used her Galaxy S8 Plus since 2017. By 2023, she noticed frequent app crashes, sluggish performance, and declining battery life. After researching options, she opted for the iPhone XR due to its affordability and strong reviews for longevity.

Initially frustrated by iMessage’s green bubbles and the lack of expandable storage, she soon appreciated the smoother app experience, longer update cycle, and improved camera in low light. Within three months, she purchased AirPods and linked her iPhone to her wife’s iPad for shared photo albums. Today, she says, “I didn’t realize how much I’d gain from ecosystem synergy until I made the jump.”

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Decide If You Should Upgrade

1. Assess Your Current Phone’s Health: Check battery health (Settings > Battery > Battery Health on iPhone; third-party apps on Android). Replace if below 80%.
2. Test App Performance: Open your most-used apps. Do they load slowly or crash frequently? This signals hardware limitations.
3. Review Update Status: Is your phone still receiving security patches? Without them, you’re vulnerable to malware.
4. Evaluate Camera Needs: Do you take photos regularly in varied lighting? Newer phones offer significant improvements via AI processing.
5. Consider Ecosystem Fit: Will an iPhone complement your existing devices? Or would staying with Android provide better continuity?
6. Calculate Total Cost: Include trade-in value, accessory compatibility, and potential cloud subscription changes (e.g., moving from Google One to iCloud+).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone XR run iOS 17 smoothly?

Yes. Despite being a 2018 device, the iPhone XR received iOS 17 with full feature support. While not as snappy as newer models, it handles daily tasks, Safari tabs, and multitasking effectively thanks to Apple’s optimization.

Is the Galaxy S8 Plus obsolete in 2024?

Effectively, yes. With no official updates beyond Android 9 and limited app compatibility, it’s considered end-of-life. Security vulnerabilities and poor performance with modern apps make it risky for primary use.

Does the iPhone XR have dual SIM support?

Yes—but only in select regions. It uses a combination of one nano-SIM and one eSIM. The Galaxy S8 Plus does not support dual SIM in most global variants.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

For users clinging to a Galaxy S8 Plus in 2024, upgrading to the iPhone XR—or any recent iPhone—offers tangible benefits: longer software support, better performance, improved cameras, and stronger security. While the iPhone XR lacks the dual-lens system of higher-end models, its single camera still outperforms many mid-range Android phones through intelligent processing.

The true value lies in longevity. Where the S8 Plus reached its limits within four years, the iPhone XR continues to receive updates and perform reliably half a decade after release. That kind of endurance translates into cost savings and reduced electronic waste over time.

If you're already invested in Google’s ecosystem, consider a modern Android alternative. But if you value seamless integration, consistent updates, and a device that ages gracefully, the switch to iPhone—especially the XR as a budget-friendly entry point—is not only reasonable, it’s strategically smart.

🚀 Ready to make the move? Evaluate your current phone’s performance this week. Back up your data, check trade-in values, and see how much smoother your digital life could be with a modern, supported device.