Is The Iphone 8 Plus Still Worth It Or Is The Samsung Galaxy A8 Plus The Better Budget Option

In 2024, finding a reliable smartphone on a tight budget doesn’t mean settling for poor performance or outdated features. The iPhone 8 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy A8 Plus represent two different philosophies in budget-friendly mobile design: one emphasizes longevity through Apple’s ecosystem, while the other offers modern specs and expandable functionality at an affordable price. But which one truly delivers better value today?

This comparison dives into real-world usability, long-term support, camera quality, performance, and overall ownership experience to help you decide whether sticking with Apple’s older flagship or switching to Samsung’s mid-range contender makes more sense.

Design and Build Quality

The iPhone 8 Plus stands out with its glass back and aluminum frame—a rarity among phones in its current price bracket. Despite being released in 2017, it feels premium in hand, supports wireless charging, and maintains water resistance (IP67). Its compact size and balanced weight make it comfortable for extended use, though the thick bezels feel dated compared to modern smartphones.

In contrast, the Galaxy A8 Plus (2018) embraces a sleeker, edge-to-edge Super AMOLED display with slimmer bezels and no home button. It uses a plastic body, which keeps it lightweight but less durable than the iPhone’s construction. While it lacks water resistance, its taller 6.0-inch screen provides a more immersive media experience. Both devices have headphone jacks—still a rare win in today’s market.

Tip: If you prioritize durability and resale value, the iPhone 8 Plus's build may justify its higher secondhand cost.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the iPhone 8 Plus runs on Apple’s A11 Bionic chip—an architecture that, thanks to iOS optimization, still handles daily tasks smoothly. As of 2024, it supports up to iOS 16, meaning it no longer receives major updates. However, most apps continue to function well, and app launch times remain snappy due to fast storage and efficient memory management.

The Galaxy A8 Plus uses Samsung’s Exynos 7885 or Snapdragon 660 (depending on region), paired with 4GB of RAM. While adequate for browsing and social media, multitasking can cause noticeable lag. Android 9 was its final OS update, limiting security patches and feature improvements. App compatibility remains acceptable, but newer games and productivity tools may run poorly over time.

“Even five years after release, iPhones from the A11 generation maintain responsiveness because iOS prioritizes fluidity over visual flair.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Software Longevity Comparison

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	Samsung Galaxy A8 Plus
Original OS	iOS 11	Android 7.1 (upgraded to 9)
Last Major Update	iOS 16 (2022)	One UI 1.1 (2019)
Security Support End	2023–2024	2020
App Optimization	Still strong	Declining

Apple’s commitment to long-term software support gives the iPhone 8 Plus a clear advantage for users who want stability and consistent performance beyond three years of ownership.

Camera Capabilities: Real-World Use

The iPhone 8 Plus features a dual 12MP rear camera system—one wide, one telephoto—enabling true 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode with depth control. Photos exhibit natural color reproduction, excellent dynamic range, and strong low-light processing for its era. Video recording tops out at 4K@60fps, which still holds up for casual creators.

The Galaxy A8 Plus has a single 16MP rear sensor and an 8MP + 16MP front dual setup aimed at selfie enthusiasts. While the front cameras deliver crisp self-portraits with bokeh simulation, the main camera struggles in low light and lacks optical zoom. HDR performance is inconsistent, and video maxes out at 1080p@30fps.

Tip: For photography-focused users on a budget, the iPhone 8 Plus continues to offer superior image consistency and editing flexibility.

Camera Feature Breakdown

• Portrait Mode: iPhone wins with hardware-based depth sensing.
• Low Light: iPhone’s larger pixels and Smart HDR perform better.
• Selfies: Galaxy A8 Plus leads with dual front cameras and wide-angle options.
• Video: iPhone supports 4K; Galaxy limited to Full HD.

Battery Life and Charging Options

The iPhone 8 Plus packs a 2,691mAh battery. In practice, this delivers about 12–14 hours of mixed usage—enough for a full day for moderate users. With age, battery health degrades, and replacements are recommended if capacity drops below 80%. It supports 5W wired charging and 7.5W Qi wireless charging, neither of which are fast by today’s standards.

The Galaxy A8 Plus includes a larger 3,000mAh battery and adaptive power-saving modes. It typically lasts a full day under normal use and charges faster via its 15W adapter. However, lack of fast charging in later years and no wireless charging limit convenience. Battery replacement is easier and cheaper than on the iPhone.

“We’ve seen iPhone 8 Plus units lasting 5+ years with battery replacements, whereas many A-series phones show performance decline after 3 years.” — Maria Tran, Repair Shop Owner & Tech Consultant

Real-World Example: Choosing for Daily Use

Consider Sarah, a college student looking for a dependable phone under $150. She values Instagram, note-taking, and music streaming. She found both phones used: the iPhone 8 Plus for $130 (with new battery), and the Galaxy A8 Plus for $110.

She chose the iPhone. Though it lacked a modern screen, she appreciated the smoother app performance, cleaner interface, and ability to use AirPods seamlessly. After six months, her apps loaded faster, and she received fewer crashes than her friend using the A8 Plus. The trade-off? No expandable storage and slower charging.

This scenario reflects a broader trend: when software efficiency outweighs raw specs, older iPhones often provide a more satisfying user experience even years later.

Checklist: What to Evaluate Before Buying Either Phone

1. ✅ Check battery health (iPhone: Settings > Battery > Health; Android: third-party apps).
2. ✅ Verify software version and update eligibility.
3. ✅ Test camera performance in daylight and low light.
4. ✅ Assess storage needs—iPhone has no microSD, Galaxy A8 Plus supports up to 512GB.
5. ✅ Consider accessories and ecosystem (AirPods, iCloud, Samsung DeX, etc.).
6. ✅ Inspect physical condition for cracks, water damage, or swollen batteries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 Plus run iOS 17?

No. The iPhone 8 Plus supports up to iOS 16.4. Devices released before the iPhone X (2017) were excluded from iOS 17 due to hardware limitations.

Does the Galaxy A8 Plus support Google apps properly?

Yes, but some newer Google services like enhanced Assistant features or ARCore-dependent apps may not work optimally due to outdated hardware and OS restrictions.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The iPhone 8 Plus retains value significantly better. Even in 2024, functional units sell for $80–$120, while the Galaxy A8 Plus rarely exceeds $50 on secondary markets.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

If your priority is reliability, consistent performance, and access to a robust app ecosystem, the **iPhone 8 Plus** remains the smarter long-term investment—even in 2024. Its build quality, camera system, and historical software support give it staying power unmatched by similarly priced Android alternatives.

However, if you prefer a larger screen, better selfies, expandable storage, and don’t mind occasional slowdowns, the **Samsung Galaxy A8 Plus** offers compelling features for very light users or as a backup device.

Ultimately, “worth it” depends on how you use your phone. For essential tasks with minimal friction, the iPhone 8 Plus still delivers. For those chasing modern aesthetics on a shoestring, the Galaxy A8 Plus fills a niche—but with compromises.

🚀 Ready to make your choice? Assess your usage patterns, test both devices if possible, and remember: sometimes, older tech with better optimization beats newer specs on paper. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below!