iPhone 8 Plus - 2017

Introduction to the iPhone 8 Plus

iPhone 8 Plus - 2017, Launched in September 2017, the iPhone 8 Plus marked a significant step in Apple's smartphone evolution, blending a familiar design with cutting-edge technology. This blog post dives into the key features, performance, and lasting impact of the iPhone 8 Plus, offering insights for tech enthusiasts who want to understand its place in Apple's legacy. Written in an informative yet conversational tone, this piece aims to unpack what made this device stand out and why it still holds relevance for some users today.

Design and Build: Classic Meets Modern

The iPhone 8 Plus retained the iconic design of its predecessors, with a 5.5-inch Retina HD display and aluminum frame. However, Apple introduced a glass back, enabling wireless charging—a first for the iPhone line. This shift not only enhanced aesthetics but also made the device slightly heavier, giving it a premium feel. Available in Space Gray, Silver, and Gold, the iPhone 8 Plus balanced familiarity with subtle refinement.

For tech enthusiasts, the IP67 water and dust resistance was a welcome feature, offering peace of mind for everyday use. While the design didn’t stray far from the iPhone 7 Plus, the glass back and polished edges signaled Apple’s intent to modernize while staying true to its roots.

Performance: The Power of the A11 Bionic Chip

At the heart of the iPhone 8 Plus lies the A11 Bionic chip, a six-core processor that was a game-changer in 2017. With two high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores, it delivered up to 70% faster performance than the A10 Fusion chip in the iPhone 7 Plus. For tech enthusiasts, this meant seamless multitasking, faster app launches, and robust gaming capabilities.

The A11 Bionic also introduced Apple’s first in-house GPU, improving graphics performance by up to 30%. Whether you were editing 4K videos or playing graphically intensive games like Asphalt 8, the iPhone 8 Plus handled it with ease. Paired with 3GB of RAM, it ensured smooth operation, even under heavy workloads.

Camera: A Leap Forward in Photography

The iPhone 8 Plus boasted a dual 12MP camera system—a wide-angle (f/1.8) and telephoto (f/2.8) lens combo. This setup allowed for 2x optical zoom and up to 10x digital zoom, making it a favorite for photography enthusiasts. The introduction of Portrait Lighting was a standout feature, letting users apply studio-quality lighting effects to portraits in real-time.

Low-light performance was impressive, thanks to the larger sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS) on the wide-angle lens. Video capabilities were equally remarkable, with 4K recording at 60fps and slo-mo 1080p at 240fps. For tech enthusiasts, these features made the iPhone 8 Plus a versatile tool for content creation, rivaling dedicated cameras at the time.

Wireless Charging and Battery Life

The glass back enabled Qi wireless charging, a feature that felt futuristic in 2017. Users could simply place the device on a compatible charging pad—no cables required. While not as fast as wired charging, it added convenience for those invested in wireless ecosystems.

Battery life was another strong point. The 2691mAh battery offered up to 21 hours of talk time or 13 hours of internet use. For tech enthusiasts juggling multiple apps or media-heavy tasks, the iPhone 8 Plus provided reliable all-day performance, though heavy users might still need a mid-day top-up.

Software: iOS 11 and Beyond

The iPhone 8 Plus shipped with iOS 11, introducing features like a redesigned Control Center, improved Siri, and augmented reality (AR) capabilities powered by the A11 Bionic chip. ARKit opened doors for immersive apps and games, appealing to tech enthusiasts eager to explore AR’s potential. Over the years, the device has remained compatible with newer iOS versions, ensuring longevity and access to the latest features.

Why It Still Matters

Even in 2025, the iPhone 8 Plus holds up for budget-conscious users or those who prefer a physical home button and Touch ID. Its performance remains adequate for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light gaming. For tech enthusiasts, it’s a nostalgic reminder of Apple’s transition to modern features like wireless charging and AR, paving the way for future innovations.

However, it’s worth noting some limitations. The lack of Face ID, a larger bezel, and no 5G support make it feel dated compared to newer models. Still, for those seeking a reliable, cost-effective iPhone with a great camera and solid performance, the 8 Plus is a compelling choice.

FAQs

Q: Is the iPhone 8 Plus still worth buying in 2025?

A: For budget-conscious users or those who prefer Touch ID and a home button, the iPhone 8 Plus is still a solid choice for basic tasks. However, it lacks 5G and newer features like Face ID, so consider your needs.

Q: Does the iPhone 8 Plus support the latest iOS updates?

A: As of 2025, the iPhone 8 Plus supports recent iOS versions, but it may not receive updates indefinitely. Check Apple’s official support page for the latest compatibility.

Q: How does the iPhone 8 Plus camera compare to newer models?

A: While excellent for its time, the iPhone 8 Plus camera lacks features like Night Mode and advanced computational photography found in newer iPhones. It’s still great for casual photography.

Q: Can the iPhone 8 Plus handle modern apps and games?

A: Yes, the A11 Bionic chip ensures smooth performance for most modern apps and games, though graphically intensive titles may not run as efficiently as on newer devices.

Q: What are the main differences between the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X?

A: The iPhone X, released alongside the 8 Plus, introduced Face ID, an edge-to-edge OLED display, and no home button. The 8 Plus retains a traditional design with Touch ID and an LCD display.