The iPhone 8 Plus: A Worthy Successor with Room for Improvement

Design and Display

The iPhone 8 Plus maintains the familiar 5.5-inch display with a resolution of 1080 by 1920 pixels, offering a sharp and pixel-dense screen. The color accuracy is strong, and the addition of Apple's true tone technology from the iPad Pro line ensures that the display automatically adjusts its color temperature to match the ambient lighting, resulting in a more natural-looking screen.

New Glass Back Design

The iPhone 8 Plus features a new glass back design, a departure from the previous metal unibody construction. Despite concerns about potential damage due to the glass build, the new design gives the phone a sleek and modern appearance, especially with options like silver, space grey, and gold finishes. Additionally, the glass back does not compromise the phone's water resistance, maintaining the same level of protection as its predecessor.

Brightness and True Tone Technology

• Color accuracy is strong and natural-looking with the true tone technology.
• The display's brightness, while not as high as previous models, still outperforms many other smartphones on the market.

Performance and Storage

The iPhone 8 Plus is powered by Apple's latest A11 Bionic processor, delivering impressive benchmarks and performance. This processor sets new standards in smartphone performance, rivaling even its smaller counterpart, the iPhone 8. Additionally, the iPhone 8 Plus offers a base storage level of 64 gigabytes, a significant upgrade from previous models, and is further supported by Apple's robust cloud storage infrastructure.

A11 Bionic Processor

The A11 Bionic processor not only powers the iPhone 8 Plus but also sets new benchmarks for smartphone performance, positioning the device as a powerhouse in its category. The processor's performance is unparalleled, delivering impressive results in various benchmarks and real-world usage scenarios.

Storage Options

With the inclusion of a 64 gigabyte base storage level, the iPhone 8 Plus provides ample space for users, further complemented by Apple's cloud storage capabilities. This storage capacity, combined with the device's exceptional performance, ensures that users have the flexibility and capability to store and access their data without constraints.

iOS 11 and Software

The iPhone 8 Plus comes pre-installed with iOS 11, which introduces additional functionality to various key apps and services, enhancing the overall user experience. From Siri to maps, the new software offers improved features, including a reimagined control center that can be customized with app shortcuts for added convenience. The App Store also undergoes a substantial overhaul, providing users with a more streamlined and efficient browsing experience.

Connectivity and Audio

While the iPhone 8 Plus doesn't introduce significant changes in terms of connectivity options, it does offer a few notable upgrades. The device now supports Bluetooth 5.0, allowing for seamless connectivity with a wide range of devices, particularly Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Additionally, enhanced location services now support GPS-like satellite networks launched by Europe and Japan, further improving the accuracy and reliability of location-based services.

• The speakers on the iPhone 8 Plus deliver impressive sound quality, with stereo output enhancing the overall audio experience.
• Despite the absence of the analog headphone jack, the Lightning-equipped ear pods provided by Apple offer excellent sound quality. However, the inclusion of an adapter for existing analog headphones ensures compatibility with a wider range of audio devices.

Camera Improvements

The iPhone 8 Plus maintains its 12-megapixel resolution for both cameras, but it incorporates several upgrades to enhance image quality. These include a larger sensor and refined color filter, resulting in beautiful pictures with natural color reproduction and commendable low-light performance. The addition of a two-time telephoto zoom lens provides flexibility in framing and capturing images, offering an easy and satisfying experience similar to the iPhone 7 Plus.

Portrait Mode and Lighting Upgrades

Portrait mode, with its still-in-beta portrait lighting mode, allows users to enhance subjects with various lighting effects and create dramatic impacts by blacking out the background. While the feature is in beta and may have some variability in performance, Apple's continuous tweaking aims to make it even more impressive.

Video Recording Capabilities

The iPhone 8 Plus offers new high-end video recording modes, including 4K at 60 frames per second, providing users with enhanced video recording capabilities. While most video settings allow switching between cameras, the device's video recording functionality ensures high-quality output across various scenarios.

Battery Life and Charging

The iPhone 8 Plus boasts a larger battery than its predecessor, providing extended operational times. During custom tests, it demonstrated an impressive ten and a half hours of screen-on time. However, due to the larger battery capacity, recharging the device may take nearly three hours with the included charger. Fortunately, the iPhone 8 Plus supports quick charge, allowing for faster charging when using the appropriate adapter, such as the one that may have come with your Apple laptop.

Wireless Charging

The new glass back design of the iPhone 8 Plus enables wireless charging when paired with any Qi-compatible charging pad. Despite arriving late to the wireless charging arena, Apple's implementation is seamless and efficient, with the phone readily detecting and engaging with available wireless chargers. Additionally, when used with the official iPhone 8 Plus silicone case, the wireless charging experience remains robust and hassle-free.

The Bottom Line

The iPhone 8 Plus is a very worthy successor to the 7 Plus, offering improved battery life, faster performance, and a slightly better camera. While the glass back design may not be favorable for some, it enables wireless charging, which is a significant advantage. The only notable issue is the voice call quality, but it doesn't detract significantly from the overall experience. However, with the imminent release of the iPhone X, the iPhone 8 Plus no longer feels like Apple's best. While it outperforms the smaller iPhone 8 in several key areas, it's expected to be overshadowed by the iPhone X. If the prospect of spending a thousand dollars on a smartphone seems daunting or if the more traditional look of the 8 Plus appeals to you, it's still a solid choice. However, for those intrigued by Apple's innovative new vision for smartphones, it might be worth waiting to fully assess the iPhone X before making a decision.

Recommendation

If you're in the market for a reliable and powerful smartphone and are not ready to invest in the iPhone X, the iPhone 8 Plus is a solid option. Its enhanced performance, improved battery life, and better camera make it a worthy upgrade. However, for those open to exploring Apple's latest advancements in smartphone technology, it may be prudent to wait and consider the iPhone X before making a final decision.

FAQ

Here are some common questions and answers about the Apple iPhone 8 Plus that may help you make an informed decision.

1. Is the iPhone 8 Plus worth buying in 2021?

Despite being an older model, the iPhone 8 Plus still offers reliable performance, a great camera, and a long battery life. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option and don't require the latest features, the iPhone 8 Plus could still be a worthwhile choice.

2. Does the iPhone 8 Plus support wireless charging?

• Yes, the iPhone 8 Plus features a glass back design that enables wireless charging compatibility with Qi-compatible charging pads.
• When used with the official iPhone 8 Plus silicone case, the wireless charging experience remains robust and hassle-free.

3. How does the iPhone 8 Plus camera compare to newer models?

The iPhone 8 Plus maintains a reliable 12-megapixel dual-camera setup with impressive image quality and portrait mode capabilities. While it may not offer the latest camera advancements found in newer models, it still delivers a satisfying photography experience.

4. Can the iPhone 8 Plus run the latest iOS updates?

As of the current date, the iPhone 8 Plus supports the latest iOS updates, ensuring that users can benefit from the latest features and security enhancements provided by Apple.