Key Differences at a Glance
The iPhone 8 and iPhone X were both announced in September 2017 but target different preferences. The iPhone 8 retains familiar Touch ID, a home button, and a traditional chassis, while the iPhone X introduces Face ID, a nearly bezel-free OLED display, and gesture-based navigation. Below are the most meaningful distinctions in design, display, performance, camera, and pricing to guide your decision.
| Attribute | iPhone 8 | iPhone X | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 4.7-inch LCD Retina | 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED | Size, brightness, contrast, and color |
| Biometrics | Touch ID (home button) | Face ID (no home button) | Unlock method and convenience |
| Design | Home button with Touch ID | Full-screen, gesture navigation | Screen-to-body ratio and handling |
| Rear Camera | 12MP wide with optical stabilization | 12MP wide + 12MP telephoto, optical stabilization | Versatility, zoom, and low-light performance |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP with portrait mode and Animoji | Portrait selfies and Expressiveness |
| Processor | A11 Bionic | A11 Bionic | Same raw compute, but thermal constraints differ |
| Price at Launch | 64GB $699 / 256GB $849 | 64GB $999 / 256GB $1149 | Higher initial cost for X |
Design and Physical Differences
iPhone 8 follows the design language of the iPhone 7, with glass front and back, an aluminum frame, and a prominent home button paired with Touch ID. It measures 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and is among the easier phones to grip one-handed. The iPhone X adopts a nearly bezel-less design with stainless steel and glass, a 5.8-inch display, and sensor housing that affects camera bump size. Without a home button, the X relies on gestures, which changes how you navigate, especially if you are accustomed to tapping Home.
Dimensions and Buttons
iPhone 8 is smaller and lighter, making it more pocket-friendly for many users. The iPhone X’s larger display fits more content on screen, but it also increases one-hand use difficulty for some. If you prefer a physical home button and use Touch ID often, the iPhone 8 may feel more comfortable. If you favor a larger screen and are willing to learn gestures, the iPhone X offers a more immersive experience.
Display and Visual Experience
The display is one of the most noticeable differences. iPhone 8 uses a 4.7-inch LCD Retina display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, suitable for everyday tasks in most lighting conditions. In contrast, iPhone X uses a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED panel that delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vivid colors. The X also has a higher pixel density, which can be noticeable on text and images when held at typical viewing distances. If you watch videos or read extensively, the X’s screen offers a premium experience; for basic tasks, the iPhone 8’s display remains competent.
Biometrics and Navigation
iPhone 8 relies on Touch ID for fast, reliable fingerprint unlocking. It integrates into the home button, which also serves as a shortcut to Siri and Apple Pay. iPhone X replaces Touch ID with Face ID, using the front TrueDepth camera system for facial recognition. Face ID works well in most conditions but can be slower than Touch ID for some users, and it requires more deliberate positioning. The absence of a home button on the X introduces swipe-based navigation, which users need to adapt to, though it ultimately enables more screen-to-app interactions.
Face ID vs Touch ID Practicality
Face ID is convenient when your hands are full or dirty, while Touch ID can be quicker for frequent unlocks. Face ID also supports Apple Pay in most scenarios, but some merchants and apps may still require attention to the screen. If you rely heavily on biometric authentication, consider which method suits your habits and environment.
Camera and Photography
Both phones feature a 12-megapixel rear wide camera with optical image stabilization, but the camera systems differ in meaningful ways. iPhone X adds a 12-megapixel telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom and better portrait shots with richer background separation. The front camera on the iPhone X supports portrait mode and Animoji, which uses TrueDepth mapping for animated emoji. These features can be compelling if you value portrait photography and expressive selfies. The iPhone 8’s camera is solid for snapshots and everyday use, but it lacks the telephoto and advanced portrait capabilities of the X.
| Camera Feature | iPhone 8 | iPhone X | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Wide | 12MP, OIS | 12MP, OIS | Similar low-light and detail |
| Rear Telephoto | None | 12MP, OIS | 2x optical zoom and better bokeh |
| Front | 7MP | 7MP with portrait | Better portrait selfies on X |
| Portrait Mode | Rear only | Rear + Front | More flexible portrait options on X |
| Animoji | No | Yes | Expressive AR emoji on X |
Performance, Software, and Longevity
Both devices are powered by the A11 Bionic chip, delivering strong performance for daily tasks, gaming, and augmented reality experiences. In practice, day-to-day responsiveness is comparable when both phones are in good health. However, thermal management on the iPhone X can be tighter due to its smaller form factor and higher pixel density display, which may affect sustained performance during intensive tasks. Both originally shipped with iOS 11 and were later updated to recent iOS versions, but long-term software support favors the iPhone 8 due to its larger install base and simpler repairability. If you plan to keep a phone for several years, the iPhone 8 may continue receiving updates slightly longer, though both are now in mature support cycles.
Value, Price, and Use Cases
At launch, the iPhone X commanded a significant premium over the iPhone 8, and today the price gap persists in the refurbished and secondhand markets. If your priority is budget-friendly reliability, the iPhone 8 offers strong value with proven components and easier repairs. The iPhone X delivers a more modern design, larger display, and advanced camera features, which may justify its higher cost if those traits align with your needs. Consider how often you use Portrait mode, whether you prefer a larger screen, and how important Face ID or Touch ID is to you. Buying decisions today should weigh condition and battery health, as both models are several generations old and may require servicing.
When to Choose iPhone 8
- You prefer a smaller, easier-to-grip device.
- Touch ID fits your unlocking habits better than Face ID.
- You want a lower purchase price and simpler repairs.
- You prioritize battery replacement availability and lower resale risk.
When to Choose iPhone X
- You want a larger OLED display with higher contrast.
- You value telephoto photography and portrait-focused front features.
- You prefer a bezel-less design and are comfortable with gestures.
- You care about having the more recent design language.