Whenever a new iPhone comes out, old models get cheaper. Like clockwork, the launch of the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max has resulted in the iPhone 8 starting price falling under $1,000. Given Apple's new flagships begin at $1,629, considering last year's model might seem like an attractive proposition. So what exactly do you miss out on by opting for an iPhone 8 over an iPhone XS?
iPhone XS vs. iPhone 8: A snapshot
The case for the iPhone 8: The iPhone 8 is a cheaper phone with similar features to the iPhone XS, but an older design. Aesthetics are the biggest difference, but you'll save as much as $650 by opting for last year's model.
The case for the iPhone XS: The iPhone XS is the new flagship iPhone. It's the most expensive iPhone around, but it's also - technically speaking - the best iPhone you can buy.
iPhone XS:
- Better camera
- Bigger, more vibrant screen
- More storage capacity if you want it
- Facial recognition
iPhone 8:
- $650 cheaper
- Similar software, storage, water resistance, and processor
- Pretty good camera
- Home Button and Fingerprint reader
Reasons you might want an iPhone 8
You'll save money
The iPhone 8 was the more affordable new iPhone when it was released alongside the iPhone X last year. And now that Apple has dropped $100 from the price-tag, it's just about the best value iPhone you can buy today.
Starting at $979, the 64GB iPhone 8 is $650 cheaper than an 64GB iPhone XS. The same holds true if you're comparing larger variants: the $1,149 64GB iPhone 8 Plus is $650 cheaper than a 64GB iPhone XS Max.
It's still damn fast
The iPhone 8 might not be powered by the latest and great Apple processor, but it's still plenty fast. You're unlikely to notice any significant difference in day-to-day performance between an iPhone 8 and iPhone XS unless you've got them side-by-side, and even then, the iPhone 8 still holds its own. The iPhone 8 was a fast phone when it launched last year, and it's still a fast phone today.
Old iPhone features
Last year's iPhone X ushered in a radical new era for iPhone, ditching the home button and fingerprint reader for facial recognition and gesture navigation. While we're fans of the futuristic new functionality, some may find comfort in the classic iPhone design. If that's you, the iPhone 8 could be a good choice: it was the last iPhone to feature a home button and fingerprint reader.
Lower repair costs
An iPhone 8 doesn't just cost less to buy than an iPhone XS, it costs less to fix. For example, Apple will charge you $248.95 and $278.97 for out of warranty screen repair for the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, respectively. You're looking at almost twice as much when it comes to the iPhone XS: $448.95 for the standard iPhone XS, and $518.95 for the iPhone XS Max.
AppleCare+ is also cheaper for the iPhone 8. You'll pay $189 for the iPhone 8 or $229 for the iPhone 8 Plus. AppleCare+ for the iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max will set you back $299.
Reasons you might want an iPhone XS
A larger screen
Thanks to their all-screen design, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max dwarf the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 when it comes to display size. The iPhone XS has a 5.8-inch display in a similar body to the 4.7-inch iPhone 8, while the iPhone XS Max fits a massive 6.5-inch display into the same body size as the 5.5-inch iPhone 8 Plus. If you're on the bigger is better bandwagon, you may want to go with the iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max.
Fancier tech and a modern design
If we're being completely honest, the iPhone XS makes the iPhone 8 look dated. Facial recognition feels very sci-fi, as does the all-screen display.
The technology behind the displays is different too. The iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have OLED panels, which work by lighting up individual pixels as they're needed. The result of this is a screen with a higher contrast ratio that will give photos and videos a bit of extra pop. The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 still have a backlight behind the screen, which means their displays can't go as dark as an OLED, and as such, doesn't achieve the same level of contrast.
Better cameras
Smartphone cameras get better every year, and while the difference between the iPhone XS and iPhone 8 photo quality might not be as huge as you'd expect, you'll still get plenty of improvements by opting for Apple's latest. The iPhone XS is less prone to blowout when shooting in direct sunlight, is better at handling harsh backlights, preserves more detail in lowlight situations, and tends to shoot faster. In particular, the iPhone XS zoom lens is noticeably sharper and clearer than the iPhone 8 Plus zoom lens (the standard iPhone 8 doesn't have a zoom lens).
More storage options
While this won't be an issue for most, it's still worth pointing out that you can't get an iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus with 512GB of storage. 64GB and 256GB are your only choices when it comes to the older models.
Still can't decide?
- Compare the iPhone XS to the iPhone XR here, and the iPhone 8 to the iPhone XR here.
- Read our iPhone XS review here and our iPhone 8 review here.
- Compare all iPhone plans here, or check out a selection of iPhone XS and iPhone 8 plans below.
Alex Choros
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