Is Upgrading From Iphone 8 Plus To Iphone 12 Really Worth It What Do You Actually Gain

If you're still using an iPhone 8 Plus—released in 2017—you're likely due for a change. Apple’s ecosystem evolves quickly, and while the 8 Plus was once a powerhouse, today’s standards demand more. The iPhone 12, released four years later in 2020, represents a generational leap in nearly every way. But is the upgrade truly worth it? For most users clinging to their aging 8 Plus, the answer is a resounding yes—but not just because of flashy new features. It's about tangible gains in speed, security, photography, connectivity, and long-term usability.

Performance: From Capable to Future-Proof

The iPhone 8 Plus runs on the A11 Bionic chip, which was impressive in its time. However, by 2024 standards, it struggles with multitasking, modern app demands, and even iOS updates. The iPhone 12, powered by the A14 Bionic chip, is one of the fastest mobile processors ever built. This isn’t just a minor bump—it’s a quantum leap in processing power and efficiency.

The A14 delivers roughly 50% faster CPU performance and nearly double the GPU speed compared to the A11. This translates to smoother scrolling, quicker app launches, better gaming performance, and improved responsiveness across the board. Apps that lag or crash on the 8 Plus run seamlessly on the 12. More importantly, the A14 ensures longer software support. While the 8 Plus maxed out at iOS 16, the iPhone 12 will likely receive updates through iOS 19 or beyond.

Tip: If your current phone takes more than two seconds to open apps like Instagram or Google Maps, upgrading will dramatically improve daily usability.

Display & Design: A Modern Smartphone Experience

The iPhone 8 Plus features a 5.5-inch LCD screen with thick bezels and a home button. In contrast, the iPhone 12 introduces a sleek, edge-to-edge 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. The difference in visual quality is stark: deeper blacks, higher contrast, brighter colors, and better viewing angles. OLED technology alone makes photos, videos, and streaming content significantly more immersive.

Beyond the screen, the design language has evolved. The iPhone 12 adopts a flat-edge aluminum frame reminiscent of the iPhone 5, but with modern materials and Ceramic Shield front cover—Apple claims it’s tougher than any smartphone glass. It’s also lighter and more compact despite the larger screen, thanks to reduced bezels.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	iPhone 12
Display Size	5.5 inches	6.1 inches
Display Type	LCD (Retina HD)	OLED (Super Retina XDR)
Resolution	1920 x 1080	2532 x 1170
Bezels	Thick, with home button	Narrow, notch design
Build Material	Aluminum & glass	Flat-edge aluminum & Ceramic Shield

Camera System: Night Mode, Deep Learning, and Real Upgrades

The iPhone 8 Plus had a solid dual-camera setup for its era: 12MP wide and telephoto lenses. It supported Portrait Mode, but relied heavily on software simulation due to limited depth sensing. The iPhone 12 improves on this with a next-gen dual system: 12MP wide (f/1.6) and 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.4).

The key advancement? Low-light performance. The iPhone 12 introduces Night mode on both rear cameras and the front-facing camera. This means usable photos in dim lighting—something the 8 Plus simply can’t match. The wider aperture on the main sensor captures 27% more light, and computational photography via the A14 enables smarter HDR, better noise reduction, and enhanced detail retention.

Video capabilities have also leapt forward. The iPhone 12 supports Dolby Vision HDR recording at 4K up to 60fps—a feature absent in the 8 Plus. If you record family events, travel clips, or social media content, this is a massive upgrade in production quality.

“HDR video and Night mode are no longer luxuries—they’re baseline expectations for smartphone photography.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechScope Review

Connectivity & Long-Term Value

This is where the iPhone 8 Plus falls furthest behind. It lacks support for LTE Advanced in many bands, doesn’t have Wi-Fi 6, and of course, has no 5G capability. The iPhone 12, however, includes 5G (both mmWave and sub-6GHz depending on model), Wi-Fi 6, Gigabit-class LTE, and Bluetooth 5.0.

Why does this matter? 5G isn’t just about faster downloads. It enables richer cloud experiences, real-time collaboration, and future-proofing as carriers phase out older networks. Wi-Fi 6 improves connection stability and speed in crowded environments like homes with multiple devices or public spaces.

Additionally, the iPhone 12 supports MagSafe, Apple’s magnetic ecosystem for accessories like chargers, wallets, and car mounts. While not essential, it adds convenience and expands functionality in ways the 8 Plus can’t replicate.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, held onto her iPhone 8 Plus for five years. She used it for client communication, light editing, and social media posting. By 2022, she noticed delays in uploading images, sluggishness in Lightroom, and poor low-light shots that required heavy editing. After upgrading to the iPhone 12, her workflow transformed. Night mode let her capture usable shots during evening events without external lighting. 5G allowed instant uploads to cloud storage. And the OLED screen gave her accurate color previews before editing. “It wasn’t just a new phone,” she said. “It became a real tool for my business.”

Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Still unsure? Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer “yes” to three or more, the upgrade is likely worthwhile:

• Do apps frequently freeze or crash?
• Is your battery life under 4 hours of screen-on time?
• Do you struggle to take good photos in low light?
• Have you avoided downloading large apps or games due to storage or speed?
• Are you unable to use FaceTime in landscape or access newer iOS features?
• Do you want 5G or plan to keep your phone for 3+ more years?

Tip: Consider trading in your iPhone 8 Plus—Apple and third-party retailers still offer $100–$180 credit, reducing the upgrade cost significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my iPhone 8 Plus stop working if I don’t upgrade?

No, it will continue to function. However, app developers are increasingly optimizing for newer hardware. Over time, fewer apps will be compatible, and security updates may cease entirely after iOS 16 support ends.

Is the battery better on the iPhone 12?

Despite a smaller physical battery, the iPhone 12 offers comparable or slightly better battery life due to the energy-efficient A14 chip and OLED display (which uses less power for dark pixels). Real-world usage shows around 10–15% improvement in screen-on time.

Can I use my old accessories with the iPhone 12?

Most Lightning cables and headphones work, but cases won’t fit due to different dimensions and the flat-edge design. Wireless charging is supported on both, but MagSafe accessories only work fully with iPhone 12 and later.

Final Thoughts: An Upgrade That Pays Dividends

Moving from the iPhone 8 Plus to the iPhone 12 isn’t just about getting a newer device—it’s about stepping into a modern smartphone experience. You gain faster performance, a vastly superior display, advanced camera capabilities, 5G connectivity, and several more years of iOS support. These aren’t incremental tweaks; they redefine how you interact with your phone daily.

The investment makes sense whether you're a casual user tired of slowdowns or a professional relying on your phone for creativity and communication. With trade-in options and carrier deals, the financial barrier is lower than ever. Most importantly, you’re not just replacing an old phone—you’re unlocking a more capable, reliable, and future-ready tool.

💬 Have you made the jump from iPhone 8 Plus to iPhone 12? Share your experience—what surprised you most? Your insights could help others decide.