iPhone 8 Plus • Unlocked vs iPhone X • Unlocked

The iPhone 8 Plus, released in September 2017, and the iPhone X, launched shortly after in November 2017, represent two distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality from the same generation. While both devices share the same core processing power, the iPhone X introduced a significant design overhaul with an all-screen display and facial recognition, contrasting with the iPhone 8 Plus's more traditional design featuring a physical home button and a conventional LCD screen.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

• Release Timeline: Both the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X were released in late 2017, meaning they have received software updates for a similar duration. The iPhone 8 Plus was released on September 22, 2017, while the iPhone X followed on November 3, 2017. [3, 1, 28]
• OS Support: Both models originally shipped with iOS 11 and are capable of running up to iOS 16.7.15, as of March 2026. [1, 3, 7] However, due to hardware limitations, neither device can be updated to iOS 17. [7] This indicates a similar practical lifespan in terms of receiving the latest software features and security updates.
• Repairability: Both devices feature glass backs, which can be prone to damage, but their internal components are generally accessible for repair.

Both the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X are equipped with the same internal processing architecture, leading to comparable performance in many real-world scenarios.

• Processing Capabilities: Both phones utilize a powerful hexa-core processor designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking efficiently. [3, 1, 20, 21] This architecture includes two cores optimized for performance and four for efficiency, allowing for smooth operation across various tasks. [3, 24]
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 3GB of RAM in both models, users can expect a fluid experience when switching between apps and running multiple processes simultaneously. [3, 5, 17, 32] Applications launch quickly, and general system navigation remains responsive.
• Gaming and Demanding Apps: The integrated graphics processing unit in both devices supports visually intensive games and applications, providing a consistent experience for mobile gaming and other graphically demanding tasks. [1, 21]

The display is one of the most significant distinctions between the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X, influencing the overall visual experience.

• Display Technology: The iPhone 8 Plus features a 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD display, offering accurate colors and good viewing angles. [2, 26, 33] In contrast, the iPhone X introduced a 5.8-inch Super Retina HD OLED display, which provides deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors. [1, 4, 9]
• Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 8 Plus has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels at 401 pixels per inch (ppi). [2, 26] The iPhone X, with its 2436x1125 pixel resolution at 458 ppi, offers a slightly sharper image, particularly noticeable with fine text and detailed graphics. [4, 9]
• Brightness and Features: Both displays offer a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits and include True Tone technology, which adjusts the white balance to match ambient light. [2, 4, 9, 33] Both also support Wide Color (P3) for a broader range of colors and 3D Touch for pressure-sensitive interactions. [2, 4]

Both devices offer capable camera systems, though the iPhone X introduces some advancements in stabilization and front-facing capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: Both the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X feature a dual 12-megapixel rear camera setup, including a wide-angle lens (f/1.8 aperture) and a telephoto lens. [2, 4, 15, 25] They both support 2x optical zoom and up to 10x digital zoom, along with Portrait Mode and Portrait Lighting effects. [2, 4, 15, 29]
• Optical Image Stabilization: A key difference lies in optical image stabilization (OIS). The iPhone 8 Plus has OIS on its wide-angle lens, [2] while the iPhone X features dual OIS, meaning both its wide-angle and telephoto lenses benefit from stabilization, which can lead to clearer photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions or when using the telephoto lens. [4, 29]
• Front Camera and Video: The iPhone 8 Plus has a 7-megapixel front camera capable of 1080p HD video recording. [2] The iPhone X features a 7-megapixel TrueDepth front camera, which not only enables Face ID but also supports Portrait Mode, Portrait Lighting, and Animoji for the front camera. [1, 4, 9] Both phones can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second and 1080p slow-motion video at up to 240 frames per second. [2, 4, 15]