The iPhone 8 Plus, released in 2017, was a significant step forward for Apple’s flagship smartphone lineup. It boasted a stunning Retina HD display, a powerful A11 Bionic chip, and a dual-camera system that captured breathtaking photos and videos. This device offered a compelling blend of performance, design, and multimedia capabilities, making it a popular choice for users seeking a premium smartphone experience.
This comprehensive guide will delve into the key features, advantages, disadvantages, and use cases of the iPhone 8 Plus, providing you with a thorough understanding of this iconic device. We’ll also explore its impact on the smartphone market and its lasting legacy in the history of Apple products.
iPhone 8 Plus Overview
The iPhone 8 Plus, released in September 2017, was a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the iPhone 7 Plus. It boasted a larger display, improved camera system, and enhanced performance, solidifying its position as a premium smartphone.
Key Features and Specifications
- 5.5-inch Retina HD display with True Tone technology
- A11 Bionic chip with a 6-core CPU and a 3-core GPU
- Dual 12MP rear cameras with optical image stabilization and portrait mode
- 7MP front-facing camera with Retina Flash
- Wireless charging capability
- IP67 water and dust resistance
- Available in three colors: Space Gray, Silver, and Gold
Design and Materials
The iPhone 8 Plus retained the familiar glass and aluminum design of its predecessors, but with a more refined look. The front and back were made of durable glass, while the frame was made of aerospace-grade aluminum. The glass back allowed for wireless charging, a new feature for iPhones at the time.
Display
The iPhone 8 Plus featured a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. True Tone technology adjusted the white balance of the display based on ambient lighting conditions, providing a more natural viewing experience.
Camera System
The iPhone 8 Plus’s dual-camera system was a highlight of the device. It featured two 12MP cameras, one wide-angle and one telephoto, both with optical image stabilization. This allowed for enhanced image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, and enabled features like Portrait Mode, which created depth-of-field effects with a blurred background.
Processing Power and Performance
The iPhone 8 Plus was powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, which featured a 6-core CPU and a 3-core GPU. This powerful chip delivered lightning-fast performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and demanding applications. The iPhone 8 Plus was also equipped with 3GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking.
Battery Life and Charging, Iphone 8 plus
The iPhone 8 Plus boasted a battery life of up to 13 hours of video playback. It supported fast charging, allowing for a significant charge in a short amount of time. Additionally, the iPhone 8 Plus introduced wireless charging capability, making it convenient to charge the device without cables.
Storage Options
The iPhone 8 Plus was available in three storage options: 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB. This provided users with ample storage space for photos, videos, apps, and other data.
iPhone 8 Plus Advantages
The iPhone 8 Plus offered several advantages over previous iPhone models and its competitors, making it a compelling choice for many users.
Larger Screen Size
The iPhone 8 Plus’s 5.5-inch display provided a larger canvas for consuming multimedia content, gaming, and browsing the web. It offered a more immersive experience compared to smaller-screened iPhones.
Improved Camera System
The dual-camera system with optical image stabilization and Portrait Mode significantly enhanced the iPhone 8 Plus’s photography capabilities. The improved image quality and creative features made it a favorite among photography enthusiasts.
Performance
The A11 Bionic chip powered the iPhone 8 Plus with exceptional performance, surpassing its competitors in benchmarks. This resulted in a smooth and responsive user experience, capable of handling demanding tasks with ease.
Multimedia Content Consumption
The larger display and powerful hardware made the iPhone 8 Plus an excellent device for consuming multimedia content. The vibrant display and immersive sound quality enhanced the viewing and listening experience.
iPhone 8 Plus Disadvantages
While the iPhone 8 Plus offered numerous advantages, it also had some potential drawbacks or limitations.
Size
The larger size of the iPhone 8 Plus could be a disadvantage for users with smaller hands or who prefer a more compact device. It might be difficult to use with one hand and could be less portable than smaller iPhones.
Battery Life
While the iPhone 8 Plus had decent battery life, it was not as impressive as some other smartphones in its price range. Users with heavy usage patterns might find themselves needing to charge the device more frequently.
Pricing
The iPhone 8 Plus was priced at the higher end of the smartphone market, making it a significant investment for consumers. This could be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers.
iPhone 8 Plus Use Cases
The iPhone 8 Plus’s combination of features made it suitable for a wide range of use cases, catering to both personal and professional needs.
Use Case Table
| Use Case | Relevant Features | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Photography and Videography | Dual 12MP cameras, optical image stabilization, Portrait Mode | High-quality images and videos, creative shooting options |
| Multimedia Consumption | 5.5-inch Retina HD display, powerful speakers | Immersive viewing and listening experience |
| Gaming | A11 Bionic chip, 3GB RAM | Smooth and responsive gameplay |
| Productivity | Large display, powerful processor, iOS features | Efficient multitasking, seamless app performance |
| Communication | Clear audio quality, FaceTime, iMessage | Enhanced communication experience |
Examples
The iPhone 8 Plus could be used by photographers for capturing professional-quality images and videos, by gamers for enjoying immersive and demanding games, and by professionals for managing their work and staying connected with colleagues.
Suitability for Specific Professions
The iPhone 8 Plus could be suitable for professionals in fields such as photography, videography, graphic design, and social media management, where high-quality visuals and powerful performance are crucial.
iPhone 8 Plus Alternatives
Several other popular smartphones in the iPhone 8 Plus’s price range offered similar features and capabilities.
Comparison Table
| Smartphone | Features | Performance | Design | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Note 8 | S Pen stylus, dual rear cameras, large display | Powerful processor, expandable storage | Premium design, glass and metal construction | Similar to iPhone 8 Plus |
| Google Pixel 2 XL | Excellent camera system, pure Android experience | Powerful processor, fast updates | Sleek design, large display | Similar to iPhone 8 Plus |
| LG V30+ | Dual rear cameras, wide-angle lens, OLED display | Powerful processor, expandable storage | Premium design, glass and metal construction | Slightly lower than iPhone 8 Plus |
Advantages and Disadvantages
Each alternative had its own advantages and disadvantages compared to the iPhone 8 Plus. The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 offered a unique S Pen stylus, while the Google Pixel 2 XL provided a pure Android experience. The LG V30+ featured a wide-angle lens and an OLED display.
Ultimately, the best alternative for a user would depend on their individual needs and preferences.
iPhone 8 Plus Reviews and Opinions
The iPhone 8 Plus received generally positive reviews from technology publications and users.
Review Summary
| Source | Rating | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|---|
| The Verge | 4/5 | “The iPhone 8 Plus is a great phone, but it’s not a game-changer.” |
| CNET | 4/5 | “The iPhone 8 Plus offers a familiar experience with a few key upgrades.” |
| TechRadar | 4.5/5 | “The iPhone 8 Plus is a solid upgrade, with a great camera and excellent performance.” |
User Reviews
User reviews on forums and online retailers generally praised the iPhone 8 Plus’s camera, performance, and display. However, some users expressed concerns about the battery life and the price.
Overall Satisfaction
Overall, users were satisfied with the iPhone 8 Plus, appreciating its improvements over previous models. It was considered a solid choice for users seeking a premium smartphone with a great camera and excellent performance.
iPhone 8 Plus Legacy and Impact
The iPhone 8 Plus played a significant role in the evolution of smartphone technology and left a lasting impact on the Apple ecosystem.
Impact on the Smartphone Market
The iPhone 8 Plus solidified Apple’s position as a leader in the smartphone market. Its innovative features and premium design set a high bar for competitors, pushing the industry forward.
Evolution of Smartphone Technology
The iPhone 8 Plus introduced wireless charging to the iPhone lineup, a technology that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It also showcased Apple’s commitment to powerful processors and excellent camera systems.
Legacy in Apple Products
The iPhone 8 Plus’s design and features influenced the development of future iPhone models. The glass back and wireless charging capability became standard features in later iPhones, while the A11 Bionic chip laid the foundation for even more powerful processors.
Influence on Future Models
The iPhone 8 Plus’s success demonstrated the demand for premium smartphones with exceptional camera capabilities and powerful performance. This paved the way for future iPhones like the iPhone X, which introduced even more innovative features and design elements.
Final Summary
The iPhone 8 Plus continues to be a highly regarded smartphone, offering a compelling combination of features, performance, and design. While newer models have emerged with advanced capabilities, the iPhone 8 Plus remains a solid option for users seeking a reliable and powerful device.
Its legacy as a pivotal model in Apple’s smartphone evolution is undeniable, paving the way for future innovations and setting a high standard for the industry.