The Apple iPhone 8 Plus remains a solid option in the iPhone ecosystem despite seeing some competition since it launched. Usually, when Apple announces new iPhones, older ones get the axe, but Apple keeps the iPhone 8 Plus securely in its lineup alongside the iPhone 8 as its affordable iOS devices. The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus represents the last hurrah for the old iPhone design with a Home button and thick chin bezels.

Glistening Gold Back

The main thing you’ll notice about the Apple iPhone 8 Plus, at least compared to its predecessors, is the outer colouring. The gold version is the main event, with a gold aluminium rim and a white glass back mixing together. It’s a striking combination and compared to the 7 Plus is really rather visually different, creating a more luxurious effect.

Portrait Lighting Mode

The headline feature of the 12MP dual sensor on the rear camera is the enhanced bokeh mode- dubbed Portrait Lighting. It shows how powerful the A11 Bionic chip is inside - being able to algorithmically work out the contours of the face and change the lighting dynamically is impressive. This can be done either while the picture is being taken or after, via the gallery.

True Tone Screen and Better Speakers

True Tone, technology is taken from the iPad Pro, changes the colour temperature of the screen to match the ambient lighting better. Mobile HDR is also supported on the iPhone 8 Plus. The dual speakers on the Apple iPhone 8+ are also upgraded over the previous model. Apple is claiming that it’s 25% louder, while the upgrade year-on-year isn’t marked, but the quality of the speaker output is rich enough!

Camera

Apple features its own image signal processor (ISP) into the A11 Bionic chipset, and that leads to greater texture reproduction as more detail is captured. But what’s most impressive about the Apple iPhone 8 Plus- combined with the iOS 11 software are the editing capabilities. The first is the Loop, Bounce and Long Exposure options that arrived with iOS 11 and make real use of Live Photos. It’s fun to play with the effects, and the phone will analyze an image and suggest which option you should use to get the best effect.

The video modes are another example of Apple bringing effects that make a difference to a camera phone party. The 4K 60-frames-per-second (fps) filming is smooth and clear, and a nice way to future-proof your videos.

Apple iPhone 8 Plus Full Specifications

• Release Date: September 22, 2017
• Screen Size: 5.5 inch
• Dimensions: 158.4 x 78.1 x 7.5mm
• Weight: 202g
• Build: Glass front (Gorilla Glass), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels (401 ppi density)
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Screen type: Retina IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen
• Operating System: iOS 11, upgradable to iOS 13.6.1
• Processor: Apple A11 Bionic chip
• CPU: Hexa-core (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral)
• Internal storage: 64GB 3GB RAM, 256GB 3GB RAM
• SIM: Nano SIM
• Main Camera: 12 MP f/1.8 wide lens + 12 MP f/2.8 telephoto lens (Quad LED)
• Front Camera: 7 MP f/2.2 standard lens
• Video: 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps
• Battery: Non-removable Li-Po 2691 mAh
• Colours: Space Gray, Silver, Gold, Red
• RAM: 3GB RAM
• Charging: Fast charging, Qi wireless charging
• WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot
• Features: Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer Siri natural language commands and dictation
• Bluetooth: 5.0, A2DP, LE
• Connectivity: LTE / GSM / HSPA
• Headphone Jack: No
• Sensors: Front-mounted fingerprint, gyro, compass, accelerometer, proximity, barometer

Is it worth buying the iPhone 8 Plus now?

Yes, the iPhone 8+ is still a viable smartphone in 2021 and for the next few years as well. Especially for those who don’t want an iPhone without a home button, as the iPhone 8 and 8+ was the last iPhone with touch ID.

What is the difference between the iPhone 8 and the 8 Plus?

From a distance, both iPhones look pretty similar. Both have a reworked mixed-material design, featuring a custom glass front and back with aluminium sides. Apple claims the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8+’ skin is “the most durable glass in a smartphone” thanks to the use of a special laser-welded steel-and-copper reinforcing structure.

Unlike the iPhone X, which has a close to a bezel-less, button-free design, both iPhone 8s have a physical phone button and fingerprint scanner. Once again, they both don’t feature a 3.5mm headphone jack, which will remain an annoyance for audiophiles.

Does Apple still sell iPhone 8 Plus?

Apple stopped selling the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8+ after announcing the second-generation iPhone SE. The second-generation iPhone SE is essentially an upgraded iPhone 8, with a 4.7-inch display and Touch ID home button, but with a faster A13 Bionic chip.

Is the iPhone 8 Plus waterproof?

The iPhone 8+ are not waterproof, but water-resistant. The iPhone 8+ has an IP67 rating, which means it can survive being in three feet of water for up to half an hour.

Does the iPhone 8 Plus have wireless charging?

Yes, the iPhone 8+supports wireless charging as well as fast charging. Wireless chargers can be purchased at any Apple store.

Apple iPhone 8 Plus Competitors

There is no doubt that the iPhone 8+ is a great phone. However, as great and good a smartphone is, there are always competitors to it and the iPhone 8+ is included as well. Among all the smartphone brands, the biggest competitor to Apple would be Samsung. The Samsung's S10 plus and S10e phone models are competitors to iPhone 8+. Other smartphones brand that are competitors to Apple is Xiaomi and Google Pixel. If you can't afford the Apple iPhone 8+, you can opt for Xiaomi's Mi Mix 2 or Google Pixel 2 XL.