Is The Iphone 14 Pro Really That Much Bigger Than The Iphone 8 Plus Thinking Of Upgrading

For many long-time iPhone users, the jump from a model like the iPhone 8 Plus to the iPhone 14 Pro feels monumental—not just in price, but in size, design, and functionality. If you're still holding onto your iPhone 8 Plus and wondering whether the newer flagship truly feels larger or if it’s just marketing hype, you’re not alone. The physical dimensions, screen real estate, and overall user experience differ significantly between these two devices, and understanding those differences can help determine whether an upgrade aligns with your needs.

Physical Dimensions: A Clear Step Up

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone 14 Pro lies in their physical design and measurements. While both are considered “large” phones by older standards, the evolution in smartphone ergonomics over six years is evident.

Model	Height	Width	Thickness	Weight
iPhone 8 Plus	158.4 mm	78.1 mm	7.5 mm	203 g
iPhone 14 Pro	147.5 mm	71.5 mm	7.85 mm	206 g

At first glance, the iPhone 14 Pro is actually shorter and narrower than the 8 Plus, despite having a larger display. This is due to the modern edge-to-edge design, which eliminates the thick bezels and home button of the older model. The weight is nearly identical, so pocketability remains comparable, though the 14 Pro feels more compact in hand thanks to its squared-off edges and efficient footprint.

Tip: If you use large phone cases or find bulk uncomfortable, the iPhone 14 Pro's smaller width may actually make it easier to handle than the 8 Plus, despite similar weight.

Display Size and Usability: More Screen, Less Bulk

Screen size is where the biggest perceptual shift occurs. The iPhone 8 Plus has a 5.5-inch LCD display with noticeable black bars above and below the screen. In contrast, the iPhone 14 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with minimal bezels and a Dynamic Island replacing the notch.

This means you get approximately 11% more screen area on the 14 Pro while holding a device that’s physically smaller in width and height. The pixel density is also far superior—460 ppi on the 14 Pro versus 401 ppi on the 8 Plus—resulting in sharper text, crisper images, and deeper blacks.

Additionally, the 14 Pro supports ProMotion technology with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, making scrolling, animations, and gaming feel dramatically smoother compared to the 8 Plus’s fixed 60Hz display.

“Smartphone displays have evolved from simple viewing panels to immersive interactive surfaces. The jump from LCD to OLED and 60Hz to 120Hz is one of the most tangible improvements users notice immediately.” — David Lin, Mobile UX Analyst at TechInsight Group

Real-World Experience: A Mini Case Study

Consider Sarah, a freelance photographer who used her iPhone 8 Plus daily for five years. She relied on it for quick edits, client communication, and social media posting. When she finally upgraded to the iPhone 14 Pro, she expected better camera performance—but was surprised by how much she appreciated the screen and size balance.

She found that editing photos on the brighter, higher-contrast OLED display made color grading more accurate. Despite the larger screen, the phone fit comfortably in her jacket pocket, unlike the wider 8 Plus, which often stuck out. The reduced bezels allowed for easier one-handed use when navigating apps, even though the screen offered more workspace.

“I thought I’d miss the home button,” she said, “but Face ID became second nature in a week. And the Dynamic Island is actually useful—I keep an eye on my audio recordings without switching apps.”

Sarah’s experience highlights that upgrades aren’t just about raw specs—they’re about refined usability.

Performance and Longevity: Why Size Isn’t Everything

While physical dimensions matter, performance impacts daily use even more. The iPhone 8 Plus runs on the A11 Bionic chip, which, while revolutionary in 2017, struggles with modern apps, multitasking, and iOS updates. In contrast, the iPhone 14 Pro features the A16 Bionic chip—built on a 4nm process, with twice the CPU and GPU performance and advanced neural engine capabilities.

This translates to faster app launches, seamless photo and video editing (especially with ProRAW and 4K Dolby Vision), and longer software support. Apple typically supports iPhones for 5–6 years after release, meaning the 14 Pro will likely receive updates until 2029, whereas the 8 Plus stopped receiving major updates after iOS 16.

• Faster app loading and background processing
• Better battery efficiency despite similar capacity
• Support for USB-C accessories via adapters and future-proof connectivity
• Enhanced security with updated Secure Enclave and encryption protocols

Tip: If you rely on your phone for work, productivity, or creative tasks, the performance leap alone makes the upgrade worthwhile—even if size were identical.

Checklist: Is It Time to Upgrade?

Before making the switch, ask yourself the following:

1. Does your current phone struggle with basic tasks? Lagging apps, slow camera startup, or frequent crashes signal aging hardware.
2. Are you missing key features? Night mode, cinematic video recording, satellite SOS, or Action Mode are unavailable on the 8 Plus.
3. Do you want better battery life? The 14 Pro offers up to 23 hours of video playback vs. 14 hours on the 8 Plus.
4. Can you benefit from improved durability? The 14 Pro has Ceramic Shield front cover and IP68 water resistance (deeper and longer than 8 Plus).
5. Are you ready to adopt gesture navigation? Moving from home button to swipe gestures takes adjustment but unlocks a more modern interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the iPhone 14 Pro feel too big if I’m used to the 8 Plus?

Surprisingly, no. Despite a larger screen, the 14 Pro is narrower and slightly shorter. Its edge-to-edge design makes it feel more compact and easier to grip, especially with one hand. Most users adapt within a few days.

Can I transfer all my data easily from the 8 Plus to the 14 Pro?

Yes. Using Apple’s Quick Start feature, you can wirelessly transfer apps, settings, messages, and media directly from your old device during setup. iCloud Backup is another reliable option.

Is the camera really that much better?

Absolutely. The 14 Pro introduces a 48MP main sensor, sensor-shift stabilization, Photonic Engine for low-light detail, and advanced computational photography. Night mode, Smart HDR 5, and ProRAW give creative control far beyond the 8 Plus’s dual 12MP system.

Conclusion: Making the Right Move for You

The iPhone 14 Pro isn’t just “bigger” than the iPhone 8 Plus—it’s a fundamentally different device in almost every way. While the screen is larger, the overall footprint is more refined, offering greater utility in a more manageable form. The advancements in display quality, processing power, camera systems, and software support make this upgrade one of the most impactful Apple has offered in recent years.

If you’ve been hesitating because you’re comfortable with your 8 Plus, consider that comfort shouldn’t come at the cost of capability. Modern apps, communication tools, and creative workflows demand more from your device than a six-year-old chipset can reliably deliver.

🚀 Ready to experience the next generation of iPhone? Whether you prioritize photography, performance, or daily usability, the iPhone 14 Pro offers a meaningful leap forward. Evaluate your needs, try the device in-store if possible, and take the step when it feels right—you might be surprised how natural the transition feels.