iPhone X vs Samsung S8: Which Phone Still Holds Up in 2025?

iPhone X or Samsung S8: The Quick Take

The iPhone X and Samsung Galaxy S8 were both 2017 flagships that redefined what a smartphone could look like. The iPhone X introduced Face ID and a bezel-less design, while the Galaxy S8 delivered an edge-to-edge display with a headphone jack and an expandable storage option. More than seven years later, both phones feel dated compared to current models, but they still have a second life as budget devices or secondary phones. Whether one is the better choice depends on what you value most: ecosystem lock-in, camera processing, or software longevity.

Design and Display

The Samsung Galaxy S8 has a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED panel with a resolution of 2960 x 1440, and its curved edges give it a distinctive look that still turns heads. The iPhone X has a 5.8-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125, and its notch houses the Face ID sensor array. The S8 is slightly lighter and thinner, and it retains the headphone jack — a feature Apple removed with the iPhone X and never brought back. The iPhone X uses stainless steel and glass for its frame, while the S8 uses aluminum with a glass back, and both feel premium despite their age.

Key Design Differences

• Samsung Galaxy S8: curved AMOLED edges, headphone jack, microSD expansion.
• iPhone X: flat-edged stainless steel frame, notch, Face ID, no headphone jack.

Camera and Video Performance

The iPhone X has a dual 12MP rear camera system with optical zoom and Portrait Mode, while the Galaxy S8 has a single 12MP sensor. In 2025, neither phone will compete with a midrange 2024 handset, but the iPhone X generally produces more consistent shots in mixed lighting thanks to Apple's image processing pipeline. Video recording is where the iPhone X pulls ahead, offering superior stabilization and 4K at 60fps. The S8 can record 4K at 30fps, and its single lens makes it less versatile for close-up shots. For casual snaps and social media, both are still capable.

Battery and Charging

The Galaxy S8 has a 3,000mAh battery, and the iPhone X has a 2,716mAh battery. In real-world use today, both will struggle to get through a full day of moderate use without a top-up. The S8 supports fast charging and wireless charging, and it includes a headset charger in the box — a rarity by 2017 standards. The iPhone X also supports fast charging and wireless charging, but Apple sold the fast charger separately. Battery degradation is a real concern with both phones at this age, and replacing the battery on either device is a practical move if you plan to keep using them.

Software and Updates

Samsung's Android-powered Galaxy S8 was originally launched with Android 7.0 Nougat and received updates up to Android 9.0 Pie, which means it no longer receives security patches from Samsung. The iPhone X launched with iOS 11 and was the first iPhone to run iOS 16, but Apple has officially dropped support for it with iOS 17 and later. That means the iPhone X will not receive new features or security updates going forward. Both phones are effectively unsupported, which is a significant consideration if you plan to use them as a daily driver.

Software Support Timeline

Should You Buy Either Phone in 2025?

If you are choosing between a used iPhone X and a used Galaxy S8 today, the iPhone X is the better pick for people already in the Apple ecosystem — its build quality and video capabilities have aged more gracefully. The Galaxy S8 is a better fit if you want a compact, lightweight Android phone with expandable storage and a headphone jack. That said, spending money on either device in 2025 only makes sense at a very low price point. Both lack modern security updates, and apps are increasingly dropping support for older operating systems. If you need a reliable daily driver, a budget 2024 or 2025 phone will deliver a far better experience than either of these flagships from 2017.