iPhone 8 Vs iPhone X

iPhone 8
iPhone 8
Starting at

Refurbished price:£66.00

Versus £249.00 new

See options
iPhone X
iPhone X
Starting at

Refurbished price:£93.00

Versus £449.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 8 and iPhone X, both released in 2017, represent a pivotal moment in smartphone history. While the iPhone 8 maintains the familiar design language of its predecessors, the iPhone X serves as the blueprint for the modern smartphone era. Both devices operate on the iOS platform, providing a consistent user experience, though they differ significantly in how users interact with the hardware.

Choosing between them involves weighing the comfort of a physical home button against the immersive experience of an edge-to-edge display. These devices continue to be relevant for users seeking essential smartphone functionality within a compact and manageable form factor.

Scores

Durability

As both devices were released in the same year, they share a similar timeline regarding software support and physical longevity in the current tech landscape.

  • Software Support: Both models have reached the end of major iOS version updates, meaning they are best suited for users who do not require the very latest software features but value a stable, functional operating system for daily tasks.
  • Physical Durability: The glass-backed designs of both handsets allow for wireless charging but require careful handling; however, the iPhone X's stainless steel frame offers a different level of structural rigidity compared to the iPhone 8's aluminium band.
  • Maintenance: These models are well-understood by repair professionals, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option can provide peace of mind regarding the functional state of the internal components and battery health.

Year of Release

2017

2017

Compatible with latest Update

No

No

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both devices share the same internal architecture, the way they manage daily tasks in a modern software environment reveals subtle differences in efficiency and responsiveness.

  • System Responsiveness: Both handsets handle standard applications like messaging, web browsing, and social media with reliable speed, though the iPhone X manages intensive multitasking with slightly more fluidity due to its internal memory configuration.
  • Battery Behaviour: The iPhone 8 features a smaller physical battery which may require more frequent charging for power users, whereas the iPhone X offers a larger capacity that better supports the demands of its advanced display technology.
  • Storage and Longevity: With various storage capacities available, both models provide enough space for essential photos and apps, though users should manage their files more actively on these older generations to maintain optimal system speed.

Memory

2 GB

3 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is perhaps the most significant point of departure between these two 2017 releases, catering to very different aesthetic and functional preferences.

  • Display Technology: The iPhone 8 utilises a traditional LCD panel that offers natural colour reproduction and consistent brightness, while the iPhone X features an OLED screen that provides deeper blacks and higher contrast for media consumption.
  • Viewing Area: Users who prefer a compact, one-handed experience may favour the 4.7-inch display of the iPhone 8, whereas those who enjoy video content will appreciate the larger 5.8-inch edge-to-edge canvas of the iPhone X.
  • Clarity and Resolution: The iPhone X provides a sharper image with higher pixel density, making text appear crisper during long reading sessions compared to the standard high-definition output of the iPhone 8.

Resolution

750 x 1334

1125 x 2436

Screen type

Retina IPS LCD

Super Retina OLED

Audiovisual

For many users, the choice between these models comes down to the versatility of the photographic tools integrated into the hardware for capturing daily moments.

  • Lens Configuration: The iPhone 8 is equipped with a single wide-angle lens that captures clear, factual images in daylight, while the iPhone X includes an additional telephoto lens for optical zooming without losing detail.
  • Portrait Capabilities: Thanks to its dual-camera system, the iPhone X can create a blurred background effect in photos, a feature that is physically absent on the standard iPhone 8 model.
  • Video and Audio: Both devices record high-quality video with stable results, though the iPhone X offers slightly better depth perception in recordings, complemented by clear microphone pickup for video calls and voice memos.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

7 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the screens and cameras, the physical interaction and connectivity features define the daily utility and handling of these two smartphones.

  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 8 relies on the classic fingerprint sensor built into the home button, while the iPhone X introduced facial recognition technology, allowing for hands-free unlocking and secure authentication.
  • Build Materials: The iPhone 8 uses a lightweight aluminium frame that is easy to grip, whereas the iPhone X employs a heavier stainless steel band that provides a more substantial feel in the hand.
  • Handling and Dimensions: The iPhone 8 is notably slimmer and lighter, making it ideal for small pockets, while the iPhone X occupies a similar footprint but offers a much larger screen area through its gesture-based interface.

Weight

148 g

174 g

Width

6,73 cm

7,09 cm

Height

13,84 cm

14,36 cm

Depth

0,73 cm

0,77 cm

Screen size (in)

4.7

5.8

Network

4G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User consensus from various tech communities suggests that the iPhone 8 remains a favourite for those who value the tactile feedback of a physical button and a compact form factor. It is often praised for its simplicity and the reliability of its fingerprint sensor. Conversely, the iPhone X is frequently highlighted as the device that feels more modern, with users appreciating the immersive OLED screen and the transition to gesture-based navigation, even if the notch at the top of the screen remains a point of discussion.

Users prioritising a traditional interface and ease of one-handed use may find the iPhone 8 better suited to their needs. Those who prefer a more contemporary design with enhanced photography features and a larger display for media will likely lean toward the iPhone X. Both devices represent a sustainable choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. Opting for a quality-assured refurbished option ensures these capable devices stay in use longer, providing a practical alternative to buying new. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you prefer the classic familiarity of the iPhone 8 or the forward-looking design of the iPhone X.

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