Iphone Xs Or Iphone 8 Plus Is The Xs Really Worth The Upgrade

For many iPhone users who owned the iPhone 8 Plus, the release of the iPhone XS presented a pivotal decision: stick with a reliable device or take the leap into Apple’s new era of smartphone design. The 8 Plus was one of the last iPhones with a home button and wide bezels, while the XS marked a full transition to Face ID, edge-to-edge OLED displays, and a more compact form factor. But beyond the flashy changes, does the upgrade deliver meaningful improvements in daily use?

This comparison isn’t just about specs—it’s about how those upgrades affect your experience. Whether you're still using an 8 Plus in 2024 or considering buying one secondhand, understanding the real differences between these two models can help you decide if the XS is truly worth the investment.

Design and Build: A Shift in Philosophy

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone XS is design language. The 8 Plus follows Apple’s pre-2017 formula: thick top and bottom bezels, a physical home button with Touch ID, and a large 6.5-inch footprint (despite a 5.5-inch screen). It's built with glass on the back for wireless charging but feels dated next to modern smartphones.

In contrast, the iPhone XS embraces the sleek, minimalist approach introduced with the iPhone X. It features an all-screen front with a notch, Face ID instead of Touch ID, and a much more compact frame. Despite having a slightly smaller 5.8-inch display, the XS feels more immersive due to its edge-to-edge OLED panel and significantly reduced bezels.

Tip: If you prioritize one-handed use, the iPhone XS offers better ergonomics despite its taller screen.

The materials also differ subtly. Both phones have stainless steel frames and glass backs, but the XS uses a higher-grade finish and improved water resistance (IP68 vs IP67), meaning it can survive deeper submersion for longer periods.

Display Quality: OLED vs LCD

This is where the XS pulls far ahead. The iPhone 8 Plus uses a high-quality 1080p LCD display—sharp and color-accurate—but it lacks the deep blacks, infinite contrast, and pixel-level precision of OLED technology.

The iPhone XS’s 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display delivers richer colors, true blacks, and superior brightness. HDR support enhances video content from platforms like Netflix and YouTube, making movies feel cinematic. Text appears crisper, and dark mode (introduced later in iOS) looks dramatically better on OLED.

If you consume a lot of media or value visual clarity, the XS’s display alone may justify the upgrade. Even though the 8 Plus has a larger screen, the quality gap makes the XS feel like a generational leap forward.

Performance and Software Longevity

Under the hood, both devices are powered by Apple’s A-series chips—the 8 Plus with the A11 Bionic and the XS with the A12 Bionic. On paper, the A12 is only moderately faster in CPU tasks, but it brings significant gains in GPU performance, machine learning capabilities, and energy efficiency.

In practical terms, this means the iPhone XS handles graphics-intensive games more smoothly, processes photos faster (especially with Smart HDR), and maintains better battery life under load. More importantly, software support favors the XS. While both phones received updates up to iOS 17, the XS tends to run newer iOS versions more fluidly, especially as background processes become more demanding.

“Devices with OLED panels and newer chipsets tend to age better in terms of app compatibility and responsiveness.” — Mark Chen, Mobile Systems Analyst

If you plan to keep your phone for three years or more, the XS’s hardware foundation gives it a longevity edge over the 8 Plus.

Camera Comparison: Subtle Improvements, Real Impact

Both phones feature dual 12MP rear cameras—one wide, one telephoto—and similar hardware. However, the iPhone XS introduces **Smart HDR**, which leverages the A12’s neural engine to balance highlights and shadows in challenging lighting.

In real-world shooting, this means better detail in backlit scenes, more natural skin tones, and improved texture retention. Portrait Mode also benefits from enhanced depth mapping and bokeh control, resulting in more accurate edge detection around hair and glasses.

Front-facing cameras show an even clearer difference. The 8 Plus has a 7MP FaceTime camera without Portrait Mode, while the XS debuts the TrueDepth system with 7MP resolution and full Portrait Mode capabilities—including adjustable depth effects after capture.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	iPhone XS
Display Type	LCD	OLED
Screen Size	5.5 inches	5.8 inches
Resolution	1920x1080	2436x1125
Chipset	A11 Bionic	A12 Bionic
Water Resistance	IP67 (1m/30min)	IP68 (2m/30min)
Front Camera	7MP, no Portrait Mode	7MP, Portrait Mode with Depth Control
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 14 hours	Up to 14 hours
Storage Options	64GB, 256GB	64GB, 256GB, 512GB

While overall photo quality remains very close, the XS provides more consistent results in mixed lighting and greater creative flexibility in portrait photography.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah had used her iPhone 8 Plus since 2018. By 2022, she noticed apps loading slower, battery degradation requiring midday charging, and increasing frustration with the bulky size in her small bag. She considered repairing her 8 Plus but ultimately tested an XS at a friend’s house.

She immediately appreciated the lighter weight, the smoother animations on the OLED screen, and how Face ID worked seamlessly—even in dim light. After switching, she found herself taking more selfies thanks to the improved front camera and enjoyed watching videos in full screen without black bars on the sides.

For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t about raw power—it was about refinement. The cumulative effect of better materials, display, and interface made her feel like she was using a more modern, intuitive device.

Step-by-Step: Should You Upgrade?

Deciding whether to move from the 8 Plus to the XS depends on your priorities. Follow this checklist to evaluate your needs:

1. Assess current performance: Is your 8 Plus lagging, crashing, or struggling with multitasking?
2. Evaluate battery health: Check Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If maximum capacity is below 80%, replacement costs may rival upgrade savings.
3. Consider usage habits: Do you watch videos, take frequent photos, or need long-term software support?
4. Test ergonomics: Try holding an iPhone XS. Its narrower body improves grip, but the taller screen may be harder to reach for some.
5. Weigh cost vs benefit: Used XS models start around $150–$200. Compare that to repair costs or potential resale value of your 8 Plus.

Tip: If you wear masks frequently, consider that Face ID (XS) works better than Touch ID when wearing gloves or facial coverings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone XS last all day on a single charge?

Battery life is comparable to the 8 Plus, offering around 12–14 hours of mixed use. Heavy users may still need to charge by evening, but efficiency improvements in the A12 help maintain performance throughout the day.

Is Touch ID better than Face ID?

It depends on preference. Touch ID works with gloves and doesn’t require looking at the phone, but Face ID unlocks seamlessly as soon as you pick up the device. In practice, Face ID is faster in most everyday scenarios.

Does the smaller size mean less battery?

Yes, the XS has a smaller battery (2,658 mAh vs 2,915 mAh), but the A12 chip and OLED display are more efficient, balancing out the difference. Real-world endurance is nearly identical.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

For users deeply satisfied with the iPhone 8 Plus, the jump to the XS might seem subtle on spec sheets. But in daily experience, the differences add up: a richer display, more responsive face unlock, improved cameras, and a design that aligns with current iPhone standards.

If your 8 Plus is showing signs of age—slow performance, degraded battery, or cracked screen—the XS represents a smart, future-proof upgrade. It delivers not just incremental improvements, but a cohesive step into modern iOS interaction. You gain better software support, enhanced media consumption, and a device that feels built for today’s mobile lifestyle.

However, if your 8 Plus still performs well and you’re on a tight budget, sticking with it—or opting for a refurbished model—is perfectly reasonable. The core iPhone experience remains strong.

💬 Have you upgraded from the 8 Plus to the XS? Share your experience and help others make an informed choice!