In 2024, choosing between an older iPhone and a vintage Android flagship like the Droid Turbo 2 might seem like a budget-driven decision—but it’s more than that. Both devices represent different philosophies in smartphone design and longevity. The iPhone 8 Plus, released in 2017, was Apple’s last phone with a home button and Touch ID before the full-face-screen era. The Motorola Droid Turbo 2, also from 2015, stood out with its “shatterproof” display and massive battery. But nearly a decade later, which one offers real value today?
The answer depends on your priorities: app compatibility, security updates, camera quality, daily usability, and how long you plan to keep the device. Let’s break down both phones across key categories to help you decide whether the iPhone 8 Plus is still viable—or if switching to a used Droid Turbo 2 makes more sense.
Performance and Software Support in 2024
Software support is arguably the most critical factor when evaluating older smartphones. The iPhone 8 Plus launched with iOS 11 and received updates all the way through iOS 16—Apple’s final supported version for this model. As of 2024, it does not support iOS 17 or later, meaning no new features, security patches, or app compatibility guarantees beyond mid-tier apps.
Despite this, iOS 16 remains stable and functional for basic tasks: messaging, email, web browsing, and even light photo editing. Apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Spotify still run, though some newer versions may eventually drop support due to hardware limitations. Apple typically maintains app ecosystem continuity longer than Android OEMs, giving the iPhone 8 Plus a slight edge here.
In contrast, the Droid Turbo 2 shipped with Android 5.1 Lollipop and officially topped out at Android 7.0 Nougat. Motorola provided no further updates, leaving the device stranded in 2017 from a software standpoint. In 2024, many modern apps either won’t install or will crash frequently due to outdated APIs and lack of security protocols. Even installing third-party ROMs (like LineageOS) requires technical skill and voids any remaining peace of mind about stability.
Hardware Comparison: Design, Display, and Battery Life
The iPhone 8 Plus features a 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD display with a resolution of 1920x1080. While not OLED, the panel is color-accurate, bright, and still pleasant for media consumption. Its build includes glass front and back with an aluminum frame, supporting wireless charging—a rare feature among phones of its era.
The Droid Turbo 2 boasts a larger 5.4-inch AMOLED display marketed as “shatterproof” thanks to Motorola’s flexible screen layers. In practice, it resisted cracks better than most contemporaries but wasn’t immune to scratches or deep impacts. The AMOLED delivers deeper blacks and richer colors than the iPhone’s LCD, but the resolution is slightly lower at 1440x2560 (though pixel density is higher).
Battery life favors the Droid Turbo 2 significantly. With a 3,760mAh cell, it routinely delivered two days of moderate use in its prime. The iPhone 8 Plus has a smaller 2,691mAh battery, managing about one full day under normal conditions. However, iOS power management is more refined, so actual endurance can vary based on usage patterns.
“After five years, battery health often matters more than original specs. A degraded 3,000mAh battery performs worse than a well-maintained 2,500mAh one.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst
Camera Quality: Then vs. Now
The iPhone 8 Plus had a dual 12MP rear camera system—one wide, one telephoto—enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode. Even by 2024 standards, its image processing remains impressive for natural color reproduction, dynamic range, and low-light performance (with Night Mode absent but Smart HDR helping). Video recording tops out at 4K@60fps, which still holds up for casual creators.
The Droid Turbo 2 uses a single 21MP rear sensor. While high-resolution on paper, the image processing is dated, leading to oversharpened photos, poor white balance, and inconsistent HDR. Low-light shots are noisy, and autofocus can lag behind moving subjects. There’s no optical stabilization, making video shaky without external support.
Front cameras tell a similar story: the iPhone’s 7MP FaceTime HD camera handles selfies and video calls competently, while the Turbo 2’s 5MP front shooter struggles with detail and exposure in mixed lighting.
Total Value and Long-Term Usability
When assessing whether either phone is “worth it,” consider total cost of ownership—not just purchase price, but also replacement parts, accessory availability, and how long the device will remain usable.
Used iPhone 8 Plus units sell for $60–$100 depending on condition and storage. Many come with battery degradation issues—common after 6+ years—requiring a $49–$69 replacement via Apple or third parties. iCloud lock risks exist on cheaper listings, so buyer caution is essential.
Droid Turbo 2 units are rarer now, often priced between $50–$80. However, finding genuine replacements for worn batteries or damaged displays is difficult. Motorola no longer supplies parts, and third-party options are limited. Additionally, few cases or screen protectors are made today, increasing risk of damage.
App developers increasingly optimize for newer hardware. On the iPhone 8 Plus, Safari works but may struggle with complex websites. On the Turbo 2, Chrome may not even launch reliably. Games like Genshin Impact won’t run on either, but mid-tier titles like Among Us or Monument Valley still function—albeit slowly on the Turbo 2.
Comparison Table: iPhone 8 Plus vs. Droid Turbo 2 (2024 Perspective)
| Feature | iPhone 8 Plus | Droid Turbo 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Latest OS | iOS 16 (no further updates) | Android 7.0 (no official updates) |
| Processor | A11 Bionic (still efficient) | Snapdragon 810 (known for heat/throttling) |
| Rear Camera | Dual 12MP w/ Portrait Mode | Single 21MP, average processing |
| Battery Capacity | 2,691mAh (~1 day) | 3,760mAh (~1.5–2 days) |
| Display | 5.5\" LCD, IPS, 1080p | 5.4\" AMOLED, Quad HD, shatter-resistant |
| Security Updates | Ended late 2023 | Ended 2017 |
| Current Market Price (Used) | $60–$100 | $50–$80 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | No |
Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma
Sarah, a college student on a tight budget, needed a temporary phone while saving for an iPhone 15. She considered both the iPhone 8 Plus and a used Droid Turbo 2 listed online for $70 each. She bought the iPhone 8 Plus because it could still receive messages, scan documents, and run her banking app smoothly. The Turbo 2 she tested at a friend’s house couldn’t load her university’s portal properly and froze during Zoom calls.
After three months, Sarah replaced the iPhone’s battery for $55 and extended its life another year. She notes, “It’s slow sometimes, but everything I need works. I can’t imagine relying on that old Motorola now.”
Checklist: Is This Phone Right for You?
- ✅ Do you primarily use basic apps (calls, texts, browser, social media)?
- ✅ Can you accept slower performance and occasional app crashes?
- ✅ Are you comfortable replacing the battery soon (especially on iPhone)?
- ✅ Will you avoid downloading unknown apps to reduce security risk?
- ✅ Are you using this as a short-term device (6–12 months max)?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone 8 Plus still get security updates?
No. Apple ended security updates for the iPhone 8 Plus with the conclusion of iOS 16 support in late 2023. While the system is stable, it’s increasingly vulnerable to unpatched exploits.
Does the Droid Turbo 2 support modern Google services?
Limitedly. Gmail and YouTube may work intermittently, but Google Play Services require background updates that fail on Android 7. Some apps will refuse to launch altogether.
Which phone holds resale value better?
The iPhone 8 Plus retains slightly better resale value due to Apple’s brand consistency and broader global market. However, both phones have minimal long-term collectible or trade-in worth.
Final Verdict and Recommendation
If forced to choose between the two, the iPhone 8 Plus is the clear winner in 2024—not because it’s perfect, but because it’s *functional*. Its A11 chip remains surprisingly capable, iOS 16 is usable, and the camera still takes respectable photos. The Droid Turbo 2, despite its bold promises, has been left behind by the software world.
That said, neither phone should be anyone’s first choice unless budget constraints are absolute. If possible, consider spending slightly more ($120–$180) on a newer used device like an iPhone XR, iPhone 11, or Google Pixel 4a—each offering current software support, better cameras, and longer viability.
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