Is The Iphone 9 Even A Real Upgrade From The 8 Plus Why Arent People Talking About It

For years, Apple’s iPhone lineup has followed a predictable rhythm: new models arrive every fall with faster chips, better cameras, and sleeker designs. But somewhere between the iPhone 8 Plus and the rumored “iPhone 9,” something shifted. The buzz faded. Enthusiasts moved on to Face ID, edge-to-edge displays, and Pro Max models. Meanwhile, whispers of an “iPhone 9” — a budget-friendly device with classic design cues — have lingered for years without ever quite materializing in the way people expected.

The confusion isn’t unfounded. Was there ever really an iPhone 9? If so, what did it offer over the beloved iPhone 8 Plus? And why hasn’t it sparked more conversation among users still clinging to older iPhones?

The Myth and Reality of the iPhone 9

The term “iPhone 9” has been used loosely across tech forums, leaks, and media reports. In reality, Apple never officially released a device by that name following the iPhone 8 series. What many anticipated as the iPhone 9 eventually surfaced as the iPhone SE (2nd generation) in April 2020 — a phone that carried the design of the iPhone 8 but packed the A13 Bionic chip from the iPhone 11 series.

This rebranding created confusion. Fans expecting a direct successor to the 8 Plus were instead offered a compact, budget-oriented model that didn’t feature a larger screen or dual cameras. While powerful under the hood, it wasn’t positioned as a true evolutionary step from the 8 Plus — especially not in form or functionality.

“Apple realized there was still strong demand for smaller, affordable iPhones with flagship performance. The SE line fills that gap — but it’s not meant to replace the Plus-sized experience.” — Mark Gurman, Bloomberg Senior Reporter

Specs Showdown: iPhone 8 Plus vs. the So-Called iPhone 9 (iPhone SE 2020)

To understand whether this supposed upgrade was meaningful, let’s compare key specs side by side:

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	iPhone SE (2020) – “iPhone 9”
Release Year	2017	2020
Display Size	5.5 inches	4.7 inches
Resolution	1920 x 1080	1334 x 750
Processor	A11 Bionic	A13 Bionic
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto)	Single 12MP (wide only)
Front Camera	7MP	7MP
Fingerprint Sensor	Touch ID	Touch ID
Face ID	No	No
Starting Storage	64GB	64GB
Battery Life	Moderate (13h video playback)	Slightly less than 8 Plus (~10h video)
Water Resistance	IP67	IP67

At first glance, the iPhone SE (marketed by some as the iPhone 9) wins in raw performance thanks to the A13 chip — one of the fastest mobile processors at its release. However, it sacrifices screen size, battery life, and camera versatility compared to the 8 Plus.

Tip: If you value portrait mode zoom and optical depth control, the 8 Plus remains superior despite its older processor.

Why Isn’t Anyone Talking About It?

The silence around the “iPhone 9” isn’t due to poor quality — the iPhone SE is widely regarded as one of the best value smartphones ever made. Rather, the lack of discussion stems from three key factors:

• No Design Evolution: With the same home-button design introduced in 2014, the SE feels outdated next to modern all-screen iPhones.
• No Marketing Push: Apple markets the SE as a secondary option, not a flagship. There are no splashy launch events or prime-time ads.
• Niche Audience: Most consumers now prefer larger screens and Face ID. The SE appeals primarily to budget buyers and those who dislike gesture navigation.

In contrast, the iPhone 8 Plus was part of Apple’s mainstream lineup during the transition from physical home buttons to Face ID. Its discontinuation marked the end of an era — yet its features weren’t fully replicated in any single SE model.

Real User Scenario: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had been using her iPhone 8 Plus since 2018. She loved the large screen for reading emails, the dual cameras for family portraits, and the tactile feedback of Touch ID. When her battery started failing in 2022, she looked into upgrading.

She considered the “iPhone 9” — only to discover it wasn’t actually bigger than her old 4S. Confused by online listings, she visited an Apple Store and learned the latest small iPhone was called the SE. After testing it, she found the screen too cramped and missed the optical zoom on photos. Ultimately, she opted for an iPhone 13 Mini — paying more but gaining modern features like Face ID and improved low-light photography.

Sarah’s story reflects a broader trend: users upgrading from the 8 Plus often leapfrog the SE entirely, skipping to newer models that offer both size and innovation.

Should You Upgrade from iPhone 8 Plus to the iPhone SE (2020)?

It depends on your priorities. Here’s a checklist to help decide:

✅ Do Consider the iPhone SE (2020) if:

• You want dramatically faster performance and app responsiveness.
• You prefer a smaller, lightweight phone that fits in one hand.
• You rely heavily on Siri, voice calls, or basic tasks rather than multimedia.
• Your budget is under $500 and you want Apple’s ecosystem.

❌ Avoid It if:

• You frequently take zoomed or portrait-mode photos (no telephoto lens).
• You watch videos or play games on your phone (smaller screen, lower resolution).
• You depend on long battery life (SE lasts noticeably less than 8 Plus).
• You plan to keep the phone for 4+ years (limited future iOS support).

What Experts Recommend Today

As of 2024, even the iPhone SE (2020) is nearing the end of its software support lifecycle. Analysts suggest that anyone still on an 8 Plus should consider moving forward — but not necessarily backward in design.

The current iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022) offers 5G and the A15 chip, making it faster and more future-proof. However, it retains the same compact footprint. For most former 8 Plus users, experts recommend stepping up to an iPhone 13 Mini or iPhone 14 for a balance of size, camera quality, and longevity.

“The real upgrade path from the 8 Plus isn’t downward in size — it’s forward in capability. Even mid-tier iPhones today outperform the 8 Plus in every category except screen brightness and stereo separation.” — Lisa Chen, Mobile Tech Analyst at Wirecutter

Frequently Asked Questions

Was there ever a real iPhone 9?

No, Apple never released a phone officially named “iPhone 9.” The device commonly referred to as such is the iPhone SE (2nd generation), launched in 2020. It reused the iPhone 8 design with updated internals.

Is the iPhone SE faster than the iPhone 8 Plus?

Yes — significantly. The iPhone SE (2020) uses the A13 Bionic chip, which outperforms the A11 in the 8 Plus by over 40% in CPU tasks and nearly doubles graphics performance.

Can I get the same camera experience on the iPhone SE?

No. While the SE handles well in daylight, it lacks the second telephoto lens found on the 8 Plus. This means no 2x optical zoom and inferior portrait mode depth mapping. Optical zoom remains a unique advantage of the 8 Plus in its class.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Switch?

The idea of an “iPhone 9” being a true upgrade over the 8 Plus falls apart under scrutiny. Yes, performance improves — but at the cost of screen real estate, battery endurance, and photographic flexibility. For users attached to the Plus experience, the SE models feel like a step back, not forward.

Apple’s strategy is clear: phase out older designs quietly while steering users toward premium models. The silence around the “iPhone 9” isn’t accidental — it’s intentional positioning. The company wants attention on Face ID, Dynamic Islands, and ProMotion displays, not nostalgic holdovers.

If you’re still using an iPhone 8 Plus, recognize that you’re operating on borrowed time. iOS updates won’t last forever. But instead of settling for a smaller, stripped-down version of the past, consider investing in a device that matches how you use your phone today — not how you used it five years ago.

🚀 Ready to upgrade wisely? Assess your usage, prioritize screen size and camera needs, and explore options beyond the SE. Your next iPhone should move you forward — not just keep you running.