Iphone Xs Vs Iphone 8 Is Upgrading Really Worth It In Current Year

For millions of iPhone 8 owners still holding onto a device released in 2017, the question isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about practicality. The iPhone XS arrived just one year later, bringing premium upgrades like Face ID, OLED display, and improved internals. But now, in 2024, does making that switch still make sense? With both devices long past their prime support windows and newer models dominating the market, evaluating whether an upgrade from the iPhone 8 to the iPhone XS holds any real value today requires more than just specs. It demands a realistic look at performance, longevity, usability, and cost.

Design and Build: A Clear Step Up

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 8 and iPhone XS lies in their design philosophy. The iPhone 8 sticks with Apple’s traditional home-button layout, featuring a thick bezel-heavy 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD screen. In contrast, the iPhone XS embraces the modern era with a nearly bezel-less 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, Face ID, and a glass-and-stainless-steel body that feels significantly more premium.

The shift isn't just aesthetic. The OLED panel on the XS delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and better outdoor visibility. For users coming from the iPhone 8, this alone can feel transformative—especially when watching videos or using dark mode apps.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or consume media, the iPhone XS’s OLED screen offers a noticeably better viewing experience than the iPhone 8’s LCD.

Performance and Software Longevity

Under the hood, both phones use Apple’s A-series chips—the iPhone 8 with the A11 Bionic and the XS with the A12 Bionic. While only one generation apart, the A12 brings meaningful improvements: up to 15% faster CPU performance, 50% faster GPU, and a more efficient neural engine for machine learning tasks.

In real-world usage, this translates to smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better handling of graphics-intensive games. More importantly, software support diverged significantly. The iPhone XS received updates up to iOS 17 (released in 2023), while the iPhone 8 stopped at iOS 16. As of 2024, neither device will receive new iOS versions, but the XS remains slightly more future-proof due to its extended update cycle.

“Even a one-generation chip leap from A11 to A12 made a tangible difference in daily responsiveness and app compatibility.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse

Camera Comparison: Night Mode and Beyond

The camera systems highlight another area where the XS pulls ahead. Both devices feature 12MP rear cameras, but the XS benefits from larger pixels, improved sensor stabilization, and smarter computational photography. Most notably, the dual-camera setup on the XS (wide + telephoto) enables 2x optical zoom and superior portrait mode effects compared to the iPhone 8’s single-lens system.

While the iPhone 8 lacks Night mode entirely, the XS supports early versions of Apple’s low-light enhancement—a feature that dramatically improves photo quality in dim environments. Front-facing, the XS also wins with a 7MP TrueDepth camera supporting Animoji and better facial recognition for selfies.

Feature	iPhone 8	iPhone XS
Display	4.7\" LCD (Retina HD)	5.8\" OLED (Super Retina)
Processor	A11 Bionic	A12 Bionic
Rear Camera	12MP (Single)	12MP + 12MP (Dual)
Front Camera	7MP	7MP (TrueDepth)
Battery Life (Video)	Up to 13 hours	Up to 14 hours
Fingerprint/Face ID	Touch ID	Face ID
iOS Support Cutoff	iOS 16	iOS 17
Water Resistance	IP67 (1m for 30min)	IP68 (2m for 30min)

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had been using her iPhone 8 since 2018. By late 2023, she noticed apps were slower to load, battery life dropped below a full day, and some newer apps either ran poorly or weren’t compatible. She considered upgrading but hesitated—was jumping to an iPhone XS, a six-year-old model itself, really worth it?

She found a used iPhone XS in excellent condition for $180. After switching, she immediately appreciated the edge-to-edge screen, faster app response times, and vastly improved low-light photos. While the battery wasn’t perfect, iOS 17’s optimized charging helped extend its lifespan. For Sarah, the upgrade bought her another two years of reliable use without spending over $300 on a newer model.

Her experience reflects a growing trend: users seeking affordable, incremental upgrades that extend usability without breaking the bank.

Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2024?

The answer depends on three key factors: your current needs, budget, and expectations.

If your iPhone 8 is still functioning well—apps open quickly, battery lasts through the day, and you’re satisfied with the camera—then upgrading to the XS may not deliver enough value to justify the cost. However, if you're struggling with slow performance, poor low-light photos, or app incompatibility, the XS offers measurable improvements.

That said, consider this: both phones are no longer supported with the latest iOS features. Security patches are limited, and future app development may gradually phase out compatibility. Spending $150–$250 on a used XS might only buy you 12–18 months of smooth operation before hitting similar limitations.

Tip: Before upgrading to any older iPhone, check if your essential apps still support it. Banking, social media, and productivity tools often drop support for outdated OS versions.

Upgrade Checklist: What to Evaluate First

1. Assess your iPhone 8’s current health: Check battery capacity in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Below 80% indicates significant degradation.
2. Test app performance: Open your most-used apps. Do they lag or crash frequently?
3. Determine your usage patterns: Are you taking lots of photos, streaming video, or relying on GPS navigation? These benefit from better hardware.
4. Set a budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend. If over $200, consider newer options like iPhone XR or iPhone 11.
5. Explore alternatives: Compare the XS with similarly priced used models (e.g., iPhone 11, Google Pixel 6) that offer better longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone XS last through 2025?

Possibly, but with caveats. If the battery is in good condition and you avoid installing heavy apps, the XS can remain functional into 2025. However, expect declining app support and no new iOS updates beyond iOS 17.

Is Touch ID better than Face ID?

It depends on preference. Touch ID works with gloves and in low light; Face ID enables a full-screen design and works seamlessly with Apple Pay and app authentication. Face ID is generally faster in everyday use once calibrated.

Should I wait for a sale or buy now?

Since both models are discontinued, major sales won’t happen. However, prices for used units fluctuate on marketplaces like eBay or Swappa. Wait for a verified device with clear battery history and original box if possible.

Final Thoughts: Value Over Novelty

Upgrading from the iPhone 8 to the iPhone XS in 2024 isn’t about chasing the latest tech—it’s about finding practical value in mature hardware. The XS delivers real improvements: a better screen, faster processor, superior camera, and longer software support. For users clinging to a failing iPhone 8, it can be a worthwhile bridge to a future upgrade.

But it’s crucial to recognize the limits. You’re investing in a device that’s already outdated by modern standards. If your budget allows, stretching for an iPhone 11 or later—or even a high-end Android alternative—will give you stronger performance, longer support, and better resale value down the line.

The decision ultimately comes down to balance: how much improvement you need versus how much you’re willing to spend. For some, the iPhone XS is the perfect middle ground. For others, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the best upgrade isn’t backward—it’s forward.

🚀 Ready to make a move? Audit your current phone’s performance today, set a realistic budget, and explore certified pre-owned options that maximize value without compromising reliability.