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iPhone 8 Vs iPhone 8 Plus

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iPhone 8
iPhone 8
Starting at

Refurbished price:£69.00

Versus £249.00 new

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iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone 8 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:£83.00

Versus £249.00 new

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Differences at a glance

The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, both launched in 2017, represent the final evolution of the classic smartphone design featuring a physical home button and substantial borders. While they share the same internal architecture and glass-backed aesthetic, they cater to distinct user needs regarding physical size and photographic capabilities. Both devices operate on the same software ecosystem, though they have reached their final major operating system update, making them stable choices for users who prefer a familiar interface without the complexities of newer gesture-based navigation.

The primary differentiators between these two models are the display dimensions and the camera configuration. The iPhone 8 is designed for portability and ease of use with one hand, whereas the iPhone 8 Plus offers a more expansive viewing area and a dual-lens camera system for enhanced photography. Both models remain relevant for users seeking a reliable, straightforward smartphone experience in 2026.

Scores

Durability

Both models were launched simultaneously, meaning they share a similar timeline regarding software longevity and hardware aging in the current landscape.

  • Software Support: Both devices have transitioned out of the cycle for major annual operating system updates, though they continue to receive essential security patches to maintain device safety and app compatibility for several years.
  • Build and Repair: Featuring a glass back and aluminium frame, these models are well-understood by repair technicians, making battery replacements or screen fixes straightforward and widely available for those choosing a sustainable choice.
  • Practical Lifespan: Given their age, these devices are best suited for users with moderate requirements who value a proven, sturdy design over the latest software features or high-end processing needs.

Year of Release

2017

2017

Compatible with latest Update

No

No

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both phones utilize the same internal processing technology, the physical size of the iPhone 8 Plus allows for a larger battery and slightly more memory for handling multiple tasks.

  • Daily Responsiveness: For standard activities like messaging, browsing, and social media, both devices remain responsive, though the iPhone 8 Plus handles switching between several open apps more smoothly due to its higher memory capacity.
  • Battery Endurance: The larger physical footprint of the Plus model houses a significantly higher capacity battery, providing enough power to last through a full day of standard use, whereas the smaller model may require a midday charge for active users.
  • Task Management: Users will find that basic applications load quickly on both models, but more demanding modern games or intensive video editing may show signs of slowing compared to more recent hardware generations.

Memory (GB)

2 GB

3 GB

Screen quality

The most immediate difference between these two smartphones is the viewing area, with the Plus model offering a more expansive and higher-definition experience for media consumption.

  • Display Dimensions: The iPhone 8 features a compact 4.7-inch screen ideal for one-handed use and small pockets, while the 5.5-inch screen on the Plus model provides a much larger canvas for reading and watching videos.
  • Visual Clarity: The larger model offers a higher pixel density and full high-definition resolution, resulting in sharper text and more detailed images, which is particularly noticeable when viewing high-resolution photos or documents.
  • Outdoor Visibility: Both screens use reliable LCD technology with True Tone support that adjusts the display to ambient lighting, ensuring they remain legible in outdoor environments while maintaining natural colour balance.

Resolution

750 x 1334

1080 x 1920

Screen type

Retina IPS LCD

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Photography is the primary area where these two devices diverge, as the larger model includes an additional lens that enables specific creative features.

  • Camera Versatility: The iPhone 8 Plus includes a secondary telephoto lens, allowing for 2x optical zoom and a dedicated portrait mode that creates a blurred background effect, features which are absent on the single-lens iPhone 8.
  • Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality 4K video at various frame rates and feature stereo speakers that provide a clear, balanced sound for calls and media playback.
  • Image Processing: In standard daylight, both models produce natural colours and clear details, though they lack the advanced low-light processing and night mode features found in newer smartphone generations.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

7 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the screen and camera, the physical handling and connectivity of these devices play a significant role in the daily user experience.

  • Portability and Weight: The iPhone 8 is notably lighter and thinner, making it a preferred choice for those who carry their phone in small pockets, whereas the Plus model is considerably heavier and often requires two hands for comfortable operation.
  • Biometric Security: Both models utilize a reliable fingerprint sensor integrated into the home button, providing a fast and familiar way to unlock the device and authorize secure payments.
  • Connectivity Standards: These devices support 4G networks and standard wireless connections, ensuring they remain compatible with most modern home networks and a wide range of Bluetooth accessories.

Weight

148 g

202 g

Width

6,73 cm

7,81 cm

Height

13,84 cm

15,84 cm

Depth

0,73 cm

0,75 cm

Screen size (in)

4.7

5.5

Mobile network

4G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

What the community thinks

User discussions often highlight the iPhone 8 as one of the last truly compact smartphones that fits comfortably in any hand, while the iPhone 8 Plus is frequently praised for its enduring battery life and the utility of its zoom lens. Some users note that the older design with large borders around the screen feels dated compared to modern edge-to-edge displays, but many appreciate the tactile reliability of the physical home button and the simplicity of the interface. The consensus among long-term owners is that these devices remain functional for essential tasks, though they are no longer suited for high-end gaming or professional content creation.

Users who prioritize portability and easy one-handed operation will likely find the iPhone 8 to be the more suitable companion for their daily needs. Conversely, those who consume a lot of video content or require a battery that can reliably last a full day of heavier use may lean toward the iPhone 8 Plus. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option is a sustainable choice that allows users to access these classic designs while reducing electronic waste. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you value a lightweight, pocketable form factor or a larger, more media-centric display and enhanced camera features. Both models offer a stable and familiar entry point into the smartphone ecosystem without unnecessary complexity.