iPhone 8 Plus The Classic Apple Experience
In 2017, Apple released the iPhone 8 Plus, a smartphone that stood as a bridge between traditional iPhone design and modern innovations. It was launched alongside the iPhone X, and while the iPhone X introduced a bezel-less design and Face ID, the iPhone 8 Plus retained the classic iPhone form factor with a home button and Touch ID. This device became a popular choice for users who preferred the familiar design while enjoying updated hardware and software features. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the key specifications, performance, and features of the iPhone 8 Plus, its place in the iPhone lineup, and its continued relevance in 2023.
1. Design and Build: Timeless and Durable
The iPhone 8 Plus maintains the design language that Apple had been refining since the iPhone 6 Plus. It features a 5.5-inch Retina HD display, aluminum frame, and a glass back, which supports wireless charging. The device is available in several colors, including Gold, Silver, and Space Gray, offering a premium, glossy finish that feels solid in hand.
One notable aspect of the iPhone 8 Plus design is the IP67 water and dust resistance, ensuring durability against splashes and accidental drops. The Touch ID fingerprint sensor is integrated into the home button, offering users a reliable and secure way to unlock their device and authenticate payments through Apple Pay.
While it doesn’t feature the modern, edge-to-edge display of later models, the iPhone 8 Plus appeals to users who appreciate the physical home button and traditional iPhone aesthetics.
The iPhone 8 Plus pairs well with a wide range of accessories, including wireless chargers, cases, and screen protectors, enhancing both its functionality and longevity.
2. Display: Retina HD with True Tone
The iPhone 8 Plus comes with a 5.5-inch Retina HD display that delivers sharp, clear visuals with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a pixel density of 401 PPI. While the screen is not OLED, it still offers excellent color accuracy and brightness levels, making it ideal for everyday use, whether you’re watching videos, browsing the web, or playing games.
One of the standout features of the display is True Tone, which adjusts the screen’s white balance based on the ambient lighting around you. This ensures a more natural viewing experience and reduces eye strain during prolonged usage.
Though the iPhone 8 Plus doesn’t feature an OLED display like newer models, its True Tone technology and Retina HD display continue to provide a high-quality visual experience.
3. Performance: A11 Bionic Chip Powers it All
Under the hood, the iPhone 8 Plus is powered by the A11 Bionic chip, a six-core processor that delivers exceptional performance and efficiency. The A11 Bionic chip includes two high-performance cores and four energy-efficient cores, making it capable of handling multitasking, intensive gaming, and augmented reality (AR) applications with ease.
The A11 Bionic also features an integrated Neural Engine, which enhances the phone’s machine learning capabilities, improving features like Face ID, ARKit, and image processing. While newer iPhones boast more advanced chips, the A11 Bionic remains a solid performer even in 2023, ensuring that the iPhone 8 Plus can keep up with most modern apps and software.
The seamless integration between the A11 Bionic chip and iOS ensures smooth performance across the device, making the iPhone 8 Plus capable of handling everything from AR experiences to graphic-intensive games.
4. Camera System: Dual 12MP Cameras with Portrait Mode
One of the standout features of the iPhone 8 Plus is its dual 12MP rear camera system. The phone features a wide-angle lens (f/1.8) and a telephoto lens (f/2.8), enabling 2x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom. This setup allows users to capture high-quality images in a variety of conditions, whether they’re taking wide landscape shots or zooming in on distant subjects.
The Portrait mode on the iPhone 8 Plus was one of the first to introduce advanced bokeh effects and Portrait Lighting, allowing users to adjust the lighting effects after taking a photo. This gives photos a professional, DSLR-like quality, making the iPhone 8 Plus a favorite among mobile photography enthusiasts.
The 7MP front-facing camera offers solid performance for selfies and video calls, with support for 1080p HD video recording and wide color capture.
While it may not compete with the multi-lens systems of newer iPhones, the iPhone 8 Plus camera system continues to provide excellent results, especially in Portrait mode and low-light conditions.
5. Wireless Charging and Battery Life: Convenient and Long-Lasting
The iPhone 8 Plus was one of the first iPhones to support wireless charging, thanks to its glass back. It’s compatible with Qi wireless chargers, making it easy to charge the device without needing to plug it in. Apple also introduced fast charging capabilities with the iPhone 8 Plus, allowing users to charge the phone to 50% in just 30 minutes using a USB-C to Lightning cable and an 18W or higher power adapter.
In terms of battery life, the iPhone 8 Plus features a 2,691 mAh battery, which provides up to 21 hours of talk time, 13 hours of internet use, or 14 hours of video playback. Though not the largest battery in an iPhone, it offers solid performance, especially when paired with the A11 Bionic chip’s energy efficiency.
The wireless charging capabilities of the iPhone 8 Plus add to its convenience, and a wide variety of wireless charging pads and fast chargers are available to complement its features.
6. Software and iOS: Optimized for Performance
The iPhone 8 Plus originally shipped with iOS 11, but as of 2023, it’s capable of running iOS 16. Apple’s long-term support for iPhones means that even older models like the iPhone 8 Plus continue to receive software updates, keeping them secure and offering access to the latest features.
iOS 16 introduces new features such as Lock Screen customization, improved Focus modes, and enhanced Messages capabilities, ensuring that the iPhone 8 Plus remains a relevant and functional device. The integration of iCloud, Apple Pay, and Apple’s ecosystem of services adds further value for users who are already invested in Apple products.
The continued software support for the iPhone 8 Plus demonstrates Apple’s commitment to longevity, ensuring that users can enjoy the latest features even on older devices.
7. Touch ID: Reliable Security
The iPhone 8 Plus retains Touch ID, Apple’s fingerprint recognition technology, which is integrated into the home button. While newer iPhones have transitioned to Face ID, the reliability and familiarity of Touch ID make it a preferred option for many users.
Touch ID can be used for unlocking the phone, authorizing app downloads, and making secure payments through Apple Pay. The fingerprint data is stored securely in the Secure Enclave, ensuring that personal information remains protected.
The iPhone 8 Plus provides a level of security that is still trusted by users today, with Touch ID continuing to offer a convenient and reliable way to access the device.
8. Audio: Stereo Sound and No Headphone Jack
The iPhone 8 Plus features stereo speakers, providing louder and clearer sound for music, video playback, and calls. However, like its predecessors, the iPhone 8 Plus lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, a move that has since become standard in iPhones. Users can either use Lightning-connected headphones or switch to wireless solutions like AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones.
For users who prefer a wired listening experience, Lightning-to-3.5mm adapters are available, while wireless audio enthusiasts can opt for AirPods or other wireless headphones for seamless integration.
9. Storage Options: Plenty of Space for All Your Needs
The iPhone 8 Plus is available in 64GB and 256GB storage options. While these capacities may seem modest compared to the 1TB options available in newer iPhones, they provide ample space for most users’ needs, including apps, photos, videos, and games. The lack of expandable storage means users must choose the right capacity at the time of purchase, but iCloud storage can help offload large files and photos.
The storage options for the iPhone 8 Plus ensure that users have enough space for everyday use, and iCloud provides a convenient way to back up and store additional files.
The iPhone 8 Plus (2017) continues to be a reliable smartphone choice for those who appreciate the classic iPhone design and the convenience of Touch ID. Its A11 Bionic chip, dual-camera system, and wireless charging capabilities make it a solid performer even in 2023. Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or seeking a more affordable option in the iPhone lineup, the iPhone 8 Plus offers a balance of performance and familiarity.