Iphone 8 review: the cheaper alternative to the Iphone SE (2020)
The Apple Iphone 8 is considered a successful smartphone to this day, mainly due to its low failure rate and fantastic optimization. Most, if not all, apps run as smoothly now as they did on launch day. At the recent conference, Apple confirmed the update to iOS 15, which is a big plus. If we look at it more broadly, this also means that the iPhone 6, 6s and 7 will get support for iOS 15. We can assume that iOS 15 will not be the last system for the "8" being discussed today. This smartphone and the iPhone X were the first to be able to use wireless inductive charging. According to some, it is an unnecessary addition, but anyone who has tried it knows how much convenience it offers.
Iphone 8 is still a good choice
When talking about the iPhone 8, one cannot help but refer to the 2020 SE model, which was put in the same case a few years after the iPhone 8 was launched. Someone might say: "Why do I need an 8 when the iPhone SE 2020 has a better camera, more RAM and a better processor?". Apparently yes, but not really. On paper and in comparative tests, the difference is visible, but in practice it looks a little different. Of course, I can't say that the SE 2020 performs worse, because it doesn't. After all, it is the younger brother. The difference of 3 years is noticeable, but is it worth spending more money on a newer phone? Considering the iOS optimization, both devices perform very similarly in normal usage. By this I mean all kinds of social media, i.e. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or the increasingly popular TikTok.
Is the iPhone 8's camera good enough?
iOS is the best optimized system, so even older models don't differ significantly from their newer counterparts in everyday use of the phone. Interestingly, the batteries are the same, both have a capacity of 1821 mAh. And how is the camera different? If you are not a photographer or graphic designer, do not edit photos and this is not your source of income, then the iPhone 8's camera is sufficient. What needs to be clear is clear. What needs to be sharp is sharp, and colors are rendered well.
Apple has prepared several photo and video modes. In addition to the standard setting, there is a panorama mode and a square mode that takes photos with a 1:1 aspect ratio. Time-lapse or slow motion can be used for video recordings. The latter function in particular deserves praise. Slow-motion videos look great. As with every iPhone, the selfie camera is also of a very high standard.
The most beautiful IPS on the market
The iPhone 8 has a 4.7" IPS LCD display with 625 nits brightness. It's not OLED, but Apple has shown that it can make IPS, and it's undoubtedly the most beautiful IPS we've found in a smartphone. Viewing angles, color reproduction or contrast - we have nothing to complain about here. Brightness? Well, it's not so colorful here. In comparison with current flagships - yes, even with those from 2017 - the iPhone 8 performs worse. Incidentally, the same display can also be found in the SE 2020.
The iPhone 8 case is a so-called classic. It has edges around the screen, but the home button that users love has been retained. The phone feels sensational in the hand, it is small, slim and handy, something that is lacking in current phone versions. The front and back are made of glass, which looks great. Yes, as with any glass, fingerprints do collect, but this is compensated for by the wireless charging that Apple has finally built into its phones. There is a rounded aluminum edge on the side, which also helps to hold the device securely. Supposedly it's 7000 series aerospace aluminum, but don't ask me how that affects the device. The colors are more important, and there are plenty to choose from.
Iphone 8 also in red
The Iphone 8 is available in four colors. Initially, there was a gold, a silver and a classic star gray version. After a few months, the clever Apple added the color red, the RED product, to the three. Has anyone traded in their several-month-old golden eight for a RED product? I'm sure there were at least a few takers, and that's just a plus for the giant from Cupertino.
Apple has equipped the eighth generation iPhone with the aforementioned home button, volume controls, the familiar and much-loved mute slider, power button, SIM tray and Lightning connector. What is missing is the 3.5 mm jack socket, which Apple has already dispensed with on the iPhone 7. Today, the lack of a headphone jack is no longer a major problem, as wireless headphones are becoming increasingly popular. The phone is IP67-certified and theoretically waterproof and dustproof. However, in the event of flooding, the manufacturer, like everyone else, will not honor our warranty.