iPhone 8/Plus 3 Months in - How do you Like your 8/8+?

[puma1552]

My phone history is as follows:

3G
4S
5
6
SE
8

The 6 was previously my favorite and was the first phone I thought about keeping for 3 years, but that has definitely been surpassed by my 8. I'm 3 months in with my launch day 8 and it is the best phone I've ever had, hands down. The form factor doesn't feel old to me (coming off the SE, may feel different coming off the 6 but it feels fresh again), and it feels so much more substantial and refined than the 6. Glass back is gorgeous, and the wireless charging is so convenient.

I do however have two gripes -

1) The proximity sensor can be really slow to respond when I pull the phone away from my ear (has done this across all software versions since launch day, could be my edge to edge protector but I really don't think so since it's perfectly aligned).
2) Battery seems to disappear. I'm a pretty light user and it has never been uncommon for me to take it off the charger in the morning at 6:30 and still be north of 85% by 11 PM that night. However with this phone I seem to be consistently in the 50-80% range by that time, and sometimes even lower. Sans screen brightness which I've generally kept on max on all iPhones, I have all my other settings managed for maximum battery life (location services only when using certain apps, minimum notifications, etc.). Yet for some reason the battery just doesn't seem to last as good as it has on other phones. Still good, just not outstanding like prior iPhones. This has also been pretty constant across all software iterations.

My battery is very healthy with a capacity of 1800 out of a max of 1821 mAh, according to that Battery Life app (98.8% capacity). Note however that Coconut battery indicates the design capacity is 1810 instead of 1821, and that my phone's capacity is only 1766 mAh (97.6%). Not sure why there's a discrepancy between those two apps.

So how is your 8/8+ and what are your praises/complaints?

 

[AintDutchNotMuch]

Today's the day that I have my iPhone 8 for exactly 5 months. Usually I upgrade every year, but I might keep this one until end of 2019, because I'm actually extremely happy with it. I use it with a case but sometimes I take it off to admire it's beauty. Love my 8.

 

[nouveau_redneck]

I love my 8+, and if it's the last model with a notch-less screen and touch ID then I'll have it for a very long time.

 

[GomerBoy]

Touch ID Is not even an indication for any future iPhones at this point, but the notch could physically change likely after the next two generation iPhones. So in theory, you will likely be using your iPhone 8 for at least three more years based on your thoughts in your post, which should see at least four years of iOS support.

What you said is exactly why I went with the 8 Plus! I never had a plus sized iPhone before...only the 5 and 6. I wanted the Plus for the bigger and wider screen and great battery life! I am very pleased with this phone. Battery life is truely amazing...I am consistenly getting at least 5 hours of usage before hitting 50 percent and the phone has never dropped below 35 percent yet! Let the X get better over the next couple years and then I’ll make the jump.

 

[jwolf6589]

My phone history is as follows:

3G
4S
5
6
SE
8

The 6 was previously my favorite and was the first phone I thought about keeping for 3 years, but that has definitely been surpassed by my 8. I'm 3 months in with my launch day 8 and it is the best phone I've ever had, hands down. The form factor doesn't feel old to me (coming off the SE, may feel different coming off the 6 but it feels fresh again), and it feels so much more substantial and refined than the 6. Glass back is gorgeous, and the wireless charging is so convenient.

I do however have two gripes -

1) The proximity sensor can be really slow to respond when I pull the phone away from my ear (has done this across all software versions since launch day, could be my edge to edge protector but I really don't think so since it's perfectly aligned).
2) Battery seems to disappear. I'm a pretty light user and it has never been uncommon for me to take it off the charger in the morning at 6:30 and still be north of 85% by 11 PM that night. However with this phone I seem to be consistently in the 50-80% range by that time, and sometimes even lower. Sans screen brightness which I've generally kept on max on all iPhones, I have all my other settings managed for maximum battery life (location services only when using certain apps, minimum notifications, etc.). Yet for some reason the battery just doesn't seem to last as good as it has on other phones. Still good, just not outstanding like prior iPhones. This has also been pretty constant across all software iterations.

My battery is very healthy with a capacity of 1800 out of a max of 1821 mAh, according to that Battery Life app (98.8% capacity). Note however that Coconut battery indicates the design capacity is 1810 instead of 1821, and that my phone's capacity is only 1766 mAh (97.6%). Not sure why there's a discrepancy between those two apps.

So how is your 8/8+ and what are your praises/complaints?

My history

4s
6
6s
8

Love my 8 so far! May not upgrade to iOS 12 to keep the battery life and speed Suber.

No complaints with my 8 plus. It's still fast, responsive, and does what I need it. I like the X design, but it's smaller. I rather wait to see if the X Plus comes then I will make the jump.

For me I prefer Touch ID and a home button.

 

[newellj]

True Tone grows on you.

Ain't that the truth. Returned my X, went back to my 7. I think my #1 and my only "complaint" with the 7 after using the X is the True Tone display adjustment. I bought an 8 and am going to see whether I care enough to buy a new phone...

 

[44267547]

Then go to Android. I love Apple and so do most on this board. Those that do not need to move to Android and stop gripeing..

Don’t you think that’s a bit dismissive to just tell someone to go android because they have some general concerns about iOS or Apple? I’m also an avid Apple fan, but even I have my complaints and this is a forum for others expressing their displeasure or thoughts. Sometime sharing concerns at least let others know what issues they might be experiencing as well with Apple. Not everything is all praises,.

 

[4RunnerHeaven]

No complaints with my 8 plus. It's still fast, responsive, and does what I need it. I like the X design, but it's smaller. I rather wait to see if the X Plus comes then I will make the jump.

 

[puma1552]

It's hard to believe we are nearly halfway through to the next iPhone release.

This 8 still seems so new and fresh to me, believe it or not. I think it unseats the 4S/5S as the most beautiful phone Apple has ever made. The glass back in this almost smoky cement color on the silver is just awesome.

I keep coming back to just how good it feels in the hand compared to my 6. The extra thickness and weight feel so so nice. Battery life seems to have improved quite a bit also. Really a great, underrated product IMO.

I'm really interested to see what materializes in September for the next non-X phone, but I can't see myself giving this one up.

 

[jwolf6589]

It's hard to believe we are nearly halfway through to the next iPhone release.

This 8 still seems so new and fresh to me, believe it or not. I think it unseats the 4S/5S as the most beautiful phone Apple has ever made. The glass back in this almost smoky cement color on the silver is just awesome.

I keep coming back to just how good it feels in the hand compared to my 6. The extra thickness and weight feel so so nice. Battery life seems to have improved quite a bit also. Really a great, underrated product IMO.

I'm really interested to see what materializes in September for the next non-X phone, but I can't see myself giving this one up.

I probably won't upgrade for a long time. I have plenty of disk space free and the battery life on the 8 and the speed seem to be optimal for my needs.
[doublepost=1518965395][/doublepost]

I believe Apple will focus more on refining and improving iOS 12 this year over iOS 11. I think they are well aware of the some redundant complaints from reports and users. Apple needs to improve the experience with having more consistency. iOS 11 has improved, but it started off poorly.

They need to STOP slowing down units, and STOP decreasing battery life. I wont upgrade to iOS 12 after its released as I like my battery life and speed.

 

[44267547]

They need to STOP slowing down units, and STOP decreasing battery life.

That’s incorrect. Apple doesn’t “Decrease your battery life” .The performance of the iPhone is Throttled by the overall health of the battery. Significant difference in what you posted.

 

[newellj]

Today's the day that I have my iPhone 8 for exactly 5 months. Usually I upgrade every year, but I might keep this one until end of 2019, because I'm actually extremely happy with it. I use it with a case but sometimes I take it off to admire it's beauty. Love my 8.

At some point, it's going to get (has already gotten?) hard to feel like a newer model year phone is really going to do that much more for you, other than make you feel good about owning the latest model.

 

[Apple_Robert]

It seems that the OP has a problem with every phone he gets. You should go Android and maybe you would be happy for a change.

 

[GalaDaliGirl]

The 8+ is the right choice those who think the notch is an abhorrent design flaw.

 

[newellj]

Hi, as someone who has gone from the X to the 8, in terms of one handed use how different are they? Is the 8 easier to use because it doesn’t have the screen stretching down to the bottom, do you find yourself having to move vet the X around in your hand more then the 8 to use it one handed? Also how different have you found the cameras?

Anyone else able to answer these questions? Particularly the one handed use one?

I had an X for a month and a half so I can answer this question, at least for myself. You are right, the extra screen height on the X - all by itself - made one-handed use a fair bit harder.

But...

When you factor in the fact that several very frequently used functions (like accessing the control center) have been moved to the TOP of the display, the iPhone X is a real bust for one-handed use. And I say that as someone with large hands (XL gloves).

This was part of why I returned the X in January. My own opinion is that it was an ergonomic disaster compared to the standard-size 6S, 7 and 8.

 

[PBz]

I am going to submit my resume to your job! Lol! And I would think the entire iOS 11 should be safe and it is iOS 12 and beyond we need to watch out for.


Anyway, my history
4
5s
8+

As you can see from my smartphone (I have only owned iPhones) history I am not one who needs the latest shiny new toy. Coming from 5s the large screen of 8+ is absolutely amazing. I looked at the X and some Samsung and Pixel phones after owning 8 plus for a month but their screens all appear either too small or too thin.

Water resistant is nice but wireless charging, Touch ID, true tone are all next to meaningless to me. And the large size, the weight and the lack of headphone jack don't bother me either. I am easy to please like that.

My biggest gripe comes from the limitation of iOS file system not 8 plus hardware.

True Tone grows on you.

 

[Adelphos33]

Great, thread turned into another 8/X sniping session

I have 8+, upgraded from a 6S. Overall it has been a significant upgrade and well worth the money. I went from intending to swap out to an X in the spring to wanting to keep this model through at least the next generation of FaceID phones in September.

Pluses, in order
- Outstanding battery life
- Wireless charging (more useful than I thought)
- Great camera, portrait mode is starting to find its uses
- Easy transition from iPhone 6S (I'm a heavy iPad Pro user, so no real need for me to go to full FaceID gestures yet)
- Smooth processor
- True Tone

Cons
- I enjoy the smaller form factor of the 7/8 whenever I go back to use them

 

[naturalstar]

No problems with my 8+. Love the battery life, the camera, the speed and responsiveness, the screen, the speaker quality, and I have enjoyed the look and feel of a nicely weighted glass-back white phone (mine is the silver version). No regrets or second thoughts in choosing it over the X. I have recommended it to people who ask about it.

Some people say it’s a familiar design, but coming from a space grey 6 Plus with a metal back, different Touch ID feel, poor speaker quality (literally could not have clear calls on speaker phone most times without the phone being close) and a so-so camera, I feel like I do have a redesigned phone. Only the shape and bezels are familiar. But I get it if a person has been changing phones every year and has experienced every incremental change.

 

[Sean006]

love my 8+ and TID
went from 7+ to the X
could not take the size of the X and FID

back to a plus and could not be happier

 

[funinhounslow]

Went from a 5S to an 8 plus so obviously I'm delighted.

The biggest surprise for me is how good true tone is. Combined with the size of the screen it's actually comfortable for me to read for extended periods which I really wasn't expecting. It looks like this thing can replace my Kindle so that's one less thing to pack on holiday

 

[44267547]

what a pretty phone

Great photos. I have to say, there is something about the 4.7 inch iPhone that I absolutely appreciate how comfortably fits in my hand and to carry in my pocket. When I did own the 4.7 size, I absolutely appreciated everything about it except for the smaller display and battery life. Otherwise, I still think the 4.7 iPhone is one of the greatest sizes Apple has ever made and it has its own elegance.

 

[janeauburn]

Cons:

• Still too heavy. This thing is a brick. Everyone comments on it. Way too heavy. And thick. In comparison, the 7+ feels almost svelte. And the 6+ feels like a phone of this size should.
• Phone call quality sucks--not for me but for the people listening to me on the other end. Everyone comments on it. I guess Apple stopped caring about phone quality after the 6 series. They should at least take the word "Phone" out of "iPhone." Just call it the "i." Will take up much less space on the back of the phone, too. Minimal to the extreme. Apple likes that.
• No headphone jack. Still sucks.

Pros:

• Pretty smooth operation. Some stuttering still in certain areas of the UI. Kinda sad, but it's better than the earlier Apple phones.
• Colors are pretty when the case is off.
• Battery life is nice, but the thing is still pretty new.
• Wide format LCD screen. Prefer this over the X screen.
• Seems to charge a tad faster when on the right charger.

Other comments:

• Almost never use 3D Touch. Useless feature, especially considering how it adds weight to the phone.
• Never use wireless charging. Another feature with more downside (weight) than upside.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Android is not the option when you are stuck in iOS eco system??

My personal thoughts on iPhone 8+
What I don't like:-

: Display is dated compared to the competition
: Bezels too thick
: No headphone jack (sucks)
: Heavy

What I like :-

: Stereo speakers (sound better than X)
: 16:9 aspect ratio
: Battery Life
: Home button and touch-id
: Classic Design and Space grey color
: Camera

I don't have a problem with a person objecting to some things Apple does, or not liking certain features or omissions of some Apple products. That is to be expected. Apple won't please everyone.

What i do take umbrage with, is the OP's lengthy history of constant Apple product bashing even before a product is released. He states that the product is boring, or whatever flavor description of the day or week. He states how he hates this, that and the other about iPhone models x,y, and z, and then goes out buys the product, and then complains about the very same reasons why he said he wouldn't get the product in the first place.

The OP has one record and he plays it over and over and over. After a while, logic would dictate, that if one is not happy with the products from Apple, that one should stop spending money on said products and find something else that will make you happy, instead of constantly complaining on the forum about the same things. Engaging in the aforementioned mindset over and over and expecting different results is foolish, especially when one is not being objective, rational and understanding that there is no such thing as perfection in life, much less from a company.

In my opinion, someone that engages in this kind of ongoing behavior is seeking attention on the forum.

 

[Gathomblipoob]

: Heavy

And you're Bruce Banner? Please...

 

[0943834]

I don't have a problem with a person objecting to some things Apple does, or not liking certain features or omissions of some Apple products. That is to be expected. Apple won't please everyone.

What i do take umbrage with, is the OP's lengthy history of constant Apple product bashing even before a product is released. He states that the product is boring, or whatever flavor description of the day or week. He states how he hates this, that and the other about iPhone models x,y, and z, and then goes out buys the product, and then complains about the very same reasons why he said he wouldn't get the product in the first place.

The OP has one record and he plays it over and over and over. After a while, logic would dictate, that if one is not happy with the products from Apple, that one should stop spending money on said products and find something else that will make you happy, instead of constantly complaining on the forum about the same things. Engaging in the aforementioned mindset over and over and expecting different results is foolish, especially when one is not being objective, rational and understanding that there is no such thing as perfection in life, much less from a company.

In my opinion, someone that engages in this kind of ongoing behavior is seeking attention on the forum.

I did the reverse. I switched from Android to Apple after years of being dissatisfied with both hardware and software offered.