iPhone 8/Plus What some reasons the iPhone 8 Plus is better than the X?

[Dino F]

I have been following this thread for the past few days. I'm the guy who did the comparison between the 8 Plus and the X. I own both phones and I think I am more than suitable to say which is best... and that is the iPhone X.

Hate it to break it to you guys. I know this thread is about how the 8 Plus is better than the X, and the 8 Plus does have a few strong points. Mainly battery life. But overall, the X wins.

Who said the X is flawed? How exactly is it flawed?

Yes there is a notch. They had a choice. Have a massive forehead above the screen, or push at least the corners of the screen to the edges of the device. Apple did the right thing. I'd rather have this than have a forehead at the top.

Touch ID is not better than Face ID. Anyone who says it's better haven't used Face ID. I have sweaty palms and on average, Touch ID fails about 10 times a day. Guess how many times Face ID fails? Zero. Its incredible. As long as I'm in front of the phone, it NEVER fails. It feels so natural to just pick up the phone and start using it.

Someone on here said that the guestures suck. You know how easy it is to switch apps on the X? You just swipe across the home bar. You never have to bring up the multitasking menu. It's incredibly convenient, and you won't know how good it is until you use it.

Swiping up to close apps feel far more natural than pressing the home button. The guestures are so good, I couldn't go back to my 8 Plus. I rarely use it now. I keep swiping on the bottom of the screen. Lol.

The only thing I'm missing is the extra hour of battery life. But plugging it in for 30 mins solves that.


Whoever thinks the X is a failure and that it has "half baked tech", need to start using one. Give it 3 days. You won't go back to your 8 Plus.

Had an X for five weeks and gave it back in favor of a 7. So I think I'm more than qualified to say which is best, too, and it isn't the X. You're welcome to your opinion, and I hope a lot of people agree with it so that Apple can keep this product line developing. You don't need to "break it to us." We get it - you like the X better. Other people don't, and you aren't any more correct than they are.

I currently have the 8 Plus and will admit, it is a bit of a beast of a phone (never owned any of the Plus size iPhones)!

I opted for the 8 Plus in September when I upgraded from the iPhone 7. The main thing I find about the 8 Plus, is that when you put it in your pocket, its REALLY noticeable - especially when wearing denim jeans and you are sitting down!

I always wear my phone in my left front pocket where it sits on top of my thigh (in the pocket) however, when wearing denim jeans and I go to sit down, I always have to manoeuvre the phone in the pocket so that it sits on the side of my left thigh, otherwise it would poke out the pocket and feel very uncomfortable!

I was playing around with an iPhone X today (one of the guys in the office asked me to restore his iCloud stuff to it) and it felt really nice in the hand - the perfect size for an iPhone. Bigger than the iPhone 8 but smaller than the 8 Plus.

The lack of a home button was also very easy to get over, I was swiping away at the bottom to use the multitasking menu and additionally, swiping up, to close out of apps, felt natural too!

Face ID (I had the phone on the desk at some point, whilst it was locked, off to the left side and not directly in front of me) seemed to work extremely quick as even though the screen was locked, every time I merely glanced over at the phone, it would scan my face and the padlock symbol would shake, obviously because it was not my phone but I was amazed at how quickly it was trying to scan me!

I'm currently locked into my 8 Plus until September as I am with the iPhone Upgrade Program however, there is a really strong chance that I will be leaning towards the X.

 

[lynchdavidh]

iPhone 8+ is more similar to previous models of the iPhone, so if you don't like change and want to keep your Home button, the iPhone 8+ would be better for you.

 

[boltjames]

I currently have the 8 Plus and will admit, it is a bit of a beast of a phone (never owned any of the Plus size iPhones)!

I opted for the 8 Plus in September when I upgraded from the iPhone 7. The main thing I find about the 8 Plus, is that when you put it in your pocket, its REALLY noticeable - especially when wearing denim jeans and you are sitting down!

I always wear my phone in my left front pocket where it sits on top of my thigh (in the pocket) however, when wearing denim jeans and I go to sit down, I always have to manoeuvre the phone in the pocket so that it sits on the side of my left thigh, otherwise it would poke out the pocket and feel very uncomfortable!

I was playing around with an iPhone X today (one of the guys in the office asked me to restore his iCloud stuff to it) and it felt really nice in the hand - the perfect size for an iPhone. Bigger than the iPhone 8 but smaller than the 8 Plus.

The lack of a home button was also very easy to get over, I was swiping away at the bottom to use the multitasking menu and additionally, swiping up, to close out of apps, felt natural too!

Face ID (I had the phone on the desk at some point, whilst it was locked, off to the left side and not directly in front of me) seemed to work extremely quick as even though the screen was locked, every time I merely glanced over at the phone, it would scan my face and the padlock symbol would shake, obviously because it was not my phone but I was amazed at how quickly it was trying to scan me!

I'm currently locked into my 8 Plus until September as I am with the iPhone Upgrade Program however, there is a really string chance that I will be leaning towards the X.

Good post, Dino.

After a lot of arguing and confusing discussion last week I had an epiphany that there are Portrait people and there are Landscape people and that is why there is a harsh difference of opinion over whether or not the iPhone X is "bigger" or "better" than the 8 Plus.

If you're a Portrait person, if you spend 90% of your time in that orientation reading texts, emails, web browsing, etc, then the X is for you as it is slightly wider, definitely longer, and fits in your pocket very comfortably. And you'll perceive battery life to be a beast because you're not streaming for 2 or 3 straight hours almost every day.

If you're a Landscape person, if you spend 90% of your time in that orientation playing games, watching YouTube videos, streaming movies, etc, then the Plus is for you as it is both taller and wider in that orientation and gives you a more fully immersive experience. And you'll perceive the battery to be better on the 8 Plus than the X because you'll be draining it with 2 or 3 consecutive hours of streaming almost every day.

So....if you're a Portrait person, the X is for you. If you're a Landscape person, the Plus is for you. Trying to make the X into a video streamer is a compromise and trying to make the Plus into a handy pocket texter will be a disappointment.

 

[joeblow7777]

Another recent video about why one might choose an 8 Plus over an X.
While I think that some of his points are just due to the bad luck of getting a faulty X, the other more valid points boil down to the usual ones about preferring the screen size/aspect ratio, favouring the home button and TouchID, and arguably better battery life.

 

[noobinator]

I got hung up for a bit on the battery life debate. Bottom line for me is that the 8 Plus had much better battery life. I'd get home with 50% on my 8 Plus vs about 30% on my X. Then I stopped and thought why this mattered. Not once has either phone needed to be charged throughout the day so 50, 30, who cares. As long as it lasts me while I'm away from a charger. Oh and I'm rarely away from a charger if worst comes to worst. I have multiple charges at home, work, and in my car.

 

[newellj]

I currently have the 8 Plus and will admit, it is a bit of a beast of a phone (never owned any of the Plus size iPhones)!

I opted for the 8 Plus in September when I upgraded from the iPhone 7. The main thing I find about the 8 Plus, is that when you put it in your pocket, its REALLY noticeable - especially when wearing denim jeans and you are sitting down!

I always wear my phone in my left front pocket where it sits on top of my thigh (in the pocket) however, when wearing denim jeans and I go to sit down, I always have to manoeuvre the phone in the pocket so that it sits on the side of my left thigh, otherwise it would poke out the pocket and feel very uncomfortable!

I was playing around with an iPhone X today (one of the guys in the office asked me to restore his iCloud stuff to it) and it felt really nice in the hand - the perfect size for an iPhone. Bigger than the iPhone 8 but smaller than the 8 Plus.

The lack of a home button was also very easy to get over, I was swiping away at the bottom to use the multitasking menu and additionally, swiping up, to close out of apps, felt natural too!

Face ID (I had the phone on the desk at some point, whilst it was locked, off to the left side and not directly in front of me) seemed to work extremely quick as even though the screen was locked, every time I merely glanced over at the phone, it would scan my face and the padlock symbol would shake, obviously because it was not my phone but I was amazed at how quickly it was trying to scan me!

I'm currently locked into my 8 Plus until September as I am with the iPhone Upgrade Program however, there is a really string chance that I will be leaning towards the X.

Great and thoughtful comments. My reactions to the X were pretty complicated and maybe slightly contradictory. I found I got less comfortable with the X over the weeks, not more. I think the basic platform is solid, but I would like some UI/UX improvements. I carry my phone the same way you do, which is why the Plus phones are a challenge for me (owned a 6S Plus). The XI Plus will indeed be a beast of a phone. Probably more phone than I really need, in several ways, though.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

My opinion is that the lineup will always feature:

SE (entry level)
8/8 Plus (prior year's core line at a reduced price for 6 months then discontinued)
8S/8S Plus (new introduction of prior year with tweaked features)
X (then X2, X3, etc, Apple's premium smartphone offered in one size with advanced features)

Think of the 6/7/8 lineage continuing as it always has, the "S" every other year, the really giant Plus size. Then think of the X as it's own new lineage but just 1 form factor changing year over year and being replaced, not price-reduced. That's the 12" MacBook analogy. That's what keeps Apple in a space only they can occupy in the entire industry- a very expensive super premium smartphone with proprietary features. I don't see them giving that up. This past Christmas' performance makes the strategy a fantastic success.
[doublepost=1518704485][/doublepost]

What is now the 8/8 Plus remains the sub-$999 core smartphone line, ultimately becoming the "S", then the 9 and so on. Forehead, chin, LCD, home button, the usual since 2008.

And then the X is maintained for the foreseeable future as the carved-out space for the super premium product with advanced features made in the perfect size, edge-to-edge display, gestures, etc.

Now, it's tough to predict which features will drop down from the X line to the 6/7/8/9 line over time, but it will only occur when something superior is available for the X. So let's say in 2020 there is a better technology than Face ID developed- that would appear on the X line and then the old Face ID will be pushed down to the 6/7/8/9 line.

What we all need to wrap our heads around is that Apple has created a new market segment for super premium smartphones and it's not going away. In an industry where innovation is slowing down and consumers are holding onto their handsets for longer periods of time, it's a brilliant survival strategy. While Android races to the bottom, Apple glides by at the top.

So based on your claims you have to have the best iPhone and pay as much as you can for it not to lose face in front of your materialistic friends and colleagues; will you purchase an X Plus just to have ‘the best’ iPhone on the market even though you hate massive phablet phones?

That’s a question many here would be interested to know... Judge this as a hypothetical question rather than repeating your own prediction.

 

[joeblow7777]

I got hung up for a bit on the battery life debate. Bottom line for me is that the 8 Plus had much better battery life. I'd get home with 50% on my 8 Plus vs about 30% on my X. Then I stopped and thought why this mattered. Not once has either phone needed to be charged throughout the day so 50, 30, who cares. As long as it lasts me while I'm away from a charger. Oh and I'm rarely away from a charger if worst comes to worst. I have multiple charges at home, work, and in my car.

That's a good point, but it's also worth thinking about battery wear. A new phone that gets you through the day with 30% to spare may not get you through the day at all in a year or two.
Doesn't matter if you upgrade annually anyway, but if you plan to keep a phone for years I'd definitely want the battery to start out over-performing so that it will still be at least adequate years later.

 

[44267547]

So based on your claims you have to have the best iPhone and pay as much as you can for it not to lose face in front of your materialistic friends and colleagues; will you purchase an X Plus just to have ‘the best’ iPhone on the market even though you hate massive phablet phones?

That’s a question many here would be interested to know... Judge this as a hypothetical question rather than repeating your own prediction.

Reference the bold in your post, I just asked him the same exact question in another thread before I quoted you. Because the way I see it, if someone is that passionate about the iPhone X as he is, how is that going to make him feel when something a new iPhone X is going to supersede that device and the current device he is using, will be considered outdated by something newer or a larger potential iPhone 6.5 X Plus.

 

[Dino F]

Good post, Dino.

After a lot of arguing and confusing discussion last week I had an epiphany that there are Portrait people and there are Landscape people and that is why there is a harsh difference of opinion over whether or not the iPhone X is "bigger" or "better" than the 8 Plus.

If you're a Portrait person, if you spend 90% of your time in that orientation reading texts, emails, web browsing, etc, then the X is for you as it is slightly wider, definitely longer, and fits in your pocket very comfortably. And you'll perceive battery life to be a beast because you're not streaming for 2 or 3 straight hours almost every day.

If you're a Landscape person, if you spend 90% of your time in that orientation playing games, watching YouTube videos, streaming movies, etc, then the Plus is for you as it is both taller and wider in that orientation and gives you a more fully immersive experience. And you'll perceive the battery to be better on the 8 Plus than the X because you'll be draining it with 2 or 3 consecutive hours of streaming almost every day.

So....if you're a Portrait person, the X is for you. If you're a Landscape person, the Plus is for you. Trying to make the X into a video streamer is a compromise and trying to make the Plus into a handy pocket texter will be a disappointment.

...never thought of it like that but I guess it makes perfect sense!

If I'm honest, I NEVER use my 8 Plus in landscape (since I've owned it, haven't used landscape even once!) so I guess, you've just confirmed my decision.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Reference the bold in your post, I just asked him the same exact question in another thread before I quoted you. Because the way I see it, if someone is that passionate about the iPhone X as he is, how is that going to make him feel when something a new iPhone X is going to supersede that device and the current device he is using, will be considered outdated by something newer or a larger potential iPhone 6.5 X Plus.

Sorry I use Tapatalk so bold text doesn’t come through lol. Yeah I’ve asked him this same question three times now and no response. For somebody who puts so much emphasis on having the best iPhone on sale, a Plus model would create a big conflict for him. He hates Plus sized iPhones but has to have ‘the best’ or his peers judge him for being poor. I’d be interested how he’d feel as the rumours are suggesting a Plus X is in development.

 

[akash.nu]

Reference the bold in your post, I just asked him the same exact question in another thread before I quoted you. Because the way I see it, if someone is that passionate about the iPhone X as he is, how is that going to make him feel when something a new iPhone X is going to supersede that device and the current device he is using, will be considered outdated by something newer or a larger potential iPhone 6.5 X Plus.

Sorry I use Tapatalk so bold text doesn’t come through lol. Yeah I’ve asked him this same question three times now and no response. For somebody who puts so much emphasis on having the best iPhone on sale, a Plus model would create a big conflict for him. He hates Plus sized iPhones but has to have ‘the best’ or his peers judge him for being poor. I’d be interested how he’d feel as the rumours are suggesting a Plus X is in development.

I use Tapatalk as well, but honestly I’ve given up on that guy anyway. ‍♂️

 

[adamexdelux]

Ok

 

[shapekacik]

Hi, I'm also deciding between Iphone 8 PLus and Iphone X. I am mainly interested in the quality of the display.

 

[Clogger]

Hi, I'm also deciding between Iphone 8 PLus and Iphone X. I am mainly interested in the quality of the display.

You won't really get a definite answer in that regard as some prefer LCD over OLED and vice versa.

Apple have the best LCD on the market and one of the best OLEDS so you which ever you choose in that regard you should be happy.

 

[44267547]

Hi, I'm also deciding between Iphone 8 PLus and Iphone X. I am mainly interested in the quality of the display.

Both are great. But if I had to pick a display which has matured and refined nicely, that would be Apples LCD displays. The OLED display on the iPhone X is excellent, but it still is a first generation display that will improve over time.

 

[tonybarnaby]

OLED is superior to lcd, all things considered. If the 8+ was OLED but had the same form factor, I think people would be thrilled.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

OLED is superior to lcd, all things considered. If the 8+ was OLED but had the same form factor, I think people would be thrilled.

I know a lot of people who don’t prefer OLED though and I’m one of them. I certainly wouldn’t buy a phone based on it despite it being technically better in some reports. This is one of those topics where subjective opinion will always come out on top for the individual.

 

[44267547]

OLED is superior to lcd, all things considered. If the 8+ was OLED but had the same form factor, I think people would be thrilled.

That depends on the individuals perspective. Some suffer from eyestrain and migraines from OLED, Which it wouldn’t make it better. But in terms of colors and true backs, then I would agree.

 

[shapekacik]

I still haven’t had the IPhone 8 Plus and IPhone X at the hands yet. A lot of people regarding OLED for better than LCD.
Did you compare the displays of both IPhones? Did you see a big difference?

 

[tonybarnaby]

I still haven’t had the IPhone 8 Plus and IPhone X at the hands yet. A lot of people regarding OLED for better than LCD.
Did you compare the displays of both IPhones? Did you see a big difference?

I've got an 8+ and my wife has an X. There is NO question her screen pops more and just looks better. I value the feel in hand of the 8+ more than having OLED. If they made the 8+ in LCD and oled, I'd go OLED. As it is, I'm not regretting my decision. OLED is superior to me, but on a tiny 5.5" screen it is not a necessity.

 

[shapekacik]

I´ve read this topic about LCD in IPhone 8 Plus and people wrote that LCD is sharper.

 

[Nisaja]

Hi, I'm also deciding between Iphone 8 PLus and Iphone X. I am mainly interested in the quality of the display.

Both phones have really good displays, but if you want the absolute best, I'd go with the OLED on the X. It's higher resolution, clearer, supports HDR and has deeper blacks. When kept side by side with the 8 Plus, looks way better.

 

[shapekacik]

Here is messages by users:

boltjames: No, none that I can perceive anyway. I love my X but the OLED isn't something that makes a difference to my eyes, might as well be looking at LCD.

Marcbook: While I agree that the contrast is (obviously) superior, I’ve owned both phones and compared them and the 8 Plus display is much sharper. That’s despite the X’s higher PPI on paper because the PenTile layout of the X reduces detail significantly. It still looks great and is about on par with the 4.7-inch models, but the Plus definitely looks sharper.

I also find the 8 Plus display to be much easier on the eyes. No PWM flicker (especially noticeable in low light), no colour shift, more pleasant True Tone (the X looks too yellow).

There are pros and cons to both. You’re comparing the best LCD to the best OLED, so they bear the advantages and disadvantages inherent to each technology.

Sean000: Came here to say pretty much the same. I have an iPhone X and an iPad Pro. I go back and forth all day. They are both excellent displays. The OLED is perhaps more dazzling for some photos and videos because the super deep blacks can make some scenes pop, but it’s not necessarily better. Kind of subjective. I think of the LCD as the more natural looking of the two. I’ve compared many of my photos side by side on the devices. While the colors are calibrated to be remarkably close, sometimes you can spot a subtle difference in how each display renders a particular color. Some photos look slightly better on the iPhone X to me, while some others look slightly better on my iPad. Most of the time I wouldn’t be able to pick a favorite. The only thing I dislike about the OLED is the pink/blue shift you mention, but I only see it in dark rooms with brightness set to low. The LCD displays are more consistent regardless of brightness.

So how it’s possible that LCD is sharper than OLED?

 

[44267547]

Both phones have really good displays, but if you want the absolute best, I'd go with the OLED on the X. It's higher resolution, clearer, supports HDR and has deeper blacks. When kept side by side with the 8 Plus, looks way better.

The OLED colors are very compelling. And you’re right, side-by-side comparison, there are notable differences. I’m curious to what the OLED display would look like on the rumored 6.5 iPhone X Plus.