The iPhone 8 Plus arrived on the scene seven years ago, and this was the king of its time. Yet, fast forward to 2024, and you might wonder: Is it even possible to have the magic of modern technology on a phone from 2017? Similar to the iPhone 8 Plus, a blend of nostalgia and innovation, even if it is a bit of a wonder what is still valuable about it. Is this aging beauty, still up for the challenges of today’s tech-driven world?
What Makes It Stand Out?
Even today, there is something that the iPhone 8 Plus holds a secret combination of timeless design and power of functional. It talks the classic way, with the home button providing its comforting presence of times past. But it is the phone’s glass and aluminum build that feels like a luxury artifact still in your hand, a reminder of Apple’s legendary craftsmanship. The fluidity of the interface, no matter what you swipe and tap in iOS, is still that of newer models.
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But is design enough? As we live in an age where things are advancing at lightning speed, the iPhone 8 Plus is a good reminder that sometimes being slow and steady wins the race. While its successors are packed with some of the best screen tech available, this phone represents a warm embrace made from real, tactile buttons in a world that’s gone awash with screens.
Why Choose the iPhone 8 Plus in 2024?
Considering premium smartphones have become so expensive these days, though, the iPhone 8 Plus resembles a budget-friendly choice while still holding its appeal. At its lowered price point, it can still be used as a reliable daily companion for users. From browsing, and messaging to snapping a photo, this device can handle most of the things you might throw at it and continue to do so. A perfect blend of nostalgia and practicality, a reminder that you do not always need everything new and shiny to get quality.
The iPhone 8 Plus is a good budget entry point into Apple’s ecosystem for users who are not looking for the absolute best, but also do not really need the best and most cutting-edge features. The phone still runs iOS 16, and while it no longer gets the latest security updates and is noticeably lacking a few modern features, it does still make the phone relevant in 2024 right now.
The simplicity of the iPhone 8 Plus’ design has something to be said for it. It feels as if the aluminum frame with glass on both sides is as durable as possible, and the phone just feels comfortable in the hand. It is not as cool as the whack-a-dood gimmicks of the new iPhones out there, but for some, with the pure traditional bezel and the tactile kindness of the home button, this will never be replaced. It has got a kind of charm, taking the users back to a time when phones were simpler and milder.
The iPhone 8 Plus just cannot compete with today’s flagships in terms of camera systems, but it is still okay. The dual-lens camera may be outdated, but so is it still capable of producing great photos in good lighting conditions; the portrait mode that adds depth and flair is still a big hit. True, it does not have night mode or computational magic tricks like the more modern iPhones, but for those of us who stress simplicity, it more than does the job of saving life moments.
How Does It Fare in Performance?
When the iPhone 8 Plus was launched, the A11 Bionic chip inside was a technological marvel. The A11 is now overshadowed by the speeds of the newest A-series silicon, but it delivers well enough for routine work. Surfaces are smooth to browse, stream, and use apps, though you may experience some slowdown with more intensive uses, such as gaming or with more demanding applications. The iPhone 8 Plus will likely do most of what you throw at it, as long as you do not expect cutting-edge performance.
Battery Life
That is where the iPhone 8 Plus might struggle. In 2017, with its smaller battery, that was enough, but it cannot keep up with modern app and feature power demands. Casual users should fall within the realm of a battery life that is manageable, but heavy users will likely need to carry a charger or power bank. Will Apple’s battery health check and replacement program for the iPhone 8 Plus keep your iPhone alive longer than you would have without it?
Where Does It Fall Short?
The technology gap between the iPhone 8 Plus and its younger brothers is impossible to deny. The iPhone 8 Plus certainly does not have the bells and whistles that you expect from a modern smartphone, without a Face ID, without a Retina display, and without a larger and more power-efficient battery. The fact it did not get an iOS 17 update bodes in the end of Apple support for the operating system. In no time, phones could start not to receive security patches, leaving their users without a way to plug a rapidly emerging security hole.
And while you would not have to guess your passcode, you will be reminded that we have come a long way. The LCD screen in general is not as good as those we have today with the rich OLED displays. You also do not get the snappy photography and video features of newer models. While the absence of these features may not be something that every user cares about, you begin to miss them when you compare the iPhone 8 Plus with modern equivalent models.
Should You Still Buy the iPhone 8 Plus?
This is a phone that treads the delicate line between nostalgia and utility. The iPhone 8 Plus, while not a cutting edge phone, always served as a solid work horse for those who want simplicity, durability and affordability. Its classic design appeals to users who do not want to jump head first into Face ID and gesture based controls. Some may see that as a limitation, as new technologies keep marching forward. If you are looking for a more budget friendly option, and do not need all the cutting edge features, then the iPhone 8 Plus still holds value in our world today.