iPhone 8 vs iPhone 8 Plus
The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are Apple's 2017 flagship phones, both carrying the same A11 Bionic chip, wireless charging, and glass backs. The real difference is screen size, battery endurance, and camera hardware. Choosing between them comes down to whether you prefer a compact, one-hand device or a larger screen and a stronger zoom lens. Both phones remain capable daily drivers, especially when bought at a discount.
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Design and Display
Both phones share the same aluminum-and-glass design and the same Touch ID home button. The iPhone 8 has a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, while the iPhone 8 Plus carries a 5.5-inch Retina HD panel. The larger screen makes the Plus noticeably easier for reading, watching video, and multitasking, but it also makes the phone less pocketable. Both offer True Tone display technology that adjusts white balance to ambient light.
| Attribute | iPhone 8 | iPhone 8 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7 inches | 5.5 inches |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Weight | 148 g | 202 g |
| Battery (Video Playback) | Up to 13 hours | Up to 14 hours |
| Camera Setup | Single 12 MP wide | Dual 12 MP wide + telephoto |
| Portrait Mode | No | Yes (with depth effect) |
| 2x Optical Zoom | No | Yes |
| Storage Options | 64 GB / 256 GB | 64 GB / 256 GB |
Camera Comparison
The iPhone 8's single 12 MP camera is solid for everyday shots, but the iPhone 8 Plus adds a telephoto lens that enables 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode. Portrait Mode uses the dual lenses and machine learning to blur the background while keeping the subject sharp, a feature that was a major selling point at launch. The Plus also benefits from slightly better battery life, which can matter during long photo sessions. For most casual users, the iPhone 8 takes excellent photos, but the Plus gives more creative flexibility.
Battery and Charging
The iPhone 8 Plus has a larger battery and edges out the iPhone 8 in endurance, though both support fast charging and Qi wireless charging. With a fast charger, either phone can reach roughly 50% battery in about 30 minutes. Wireless charging works on any Qi-compatible pad or stand, which was a notable convenience when these phones launched. If you prioritize battery life and do not want to carry a power bank, the Plus has the advantage.
Performance and Software
Inside, both phones run the same A11 Bionic chip with 2 GB of RAM. They deliver nearly identical performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and augmented reality apps. Apple supports both with iOS updates, though older iPhones eventually reach a point where new features arrive with delays or are not supported at all. If you are buying one of these phones today for long-term use, consider how long Apple is likely to keep providing security patches.
Price and Value
The iPhone 8 typically carries a lower price tag than the iPhone 8 Plus, both on the used market and in refurbished tiers. The price gap is often the deciding factor for buyers who do not need the extra screen or telephoto lens. If you find the two at similar prices, the Plus offers more versatility for the same chip and build quality. Check the storage configuration carefully, as 64 GB fills up quickly if you shoot photos and videos regularly.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the iPhone 8 if you want a smaller, lighter phone that is comfortable for one-handed use and does not need Portrait Mode or optical zoom. Choose the iPhone 8 Plus if you prefer a larger display, stronger battery life, and the flexibility of dual cameras. Both phones remain capable devices, but the Plus is the better all-around package for most people who can accommodate its size.