iPhone 8 (Apple smartphone)

Design and display

Externally, both models preserved the large bezels and physical home button that characterized earlier iPhones, but adopted a glass back to enable inductive charging and give a more premium finish. The iPhone 8 has a 4.7‑inch Retina HD LCD, while the iPhone 8 Plus uses a 5.5‑inch Retina HD panel. Both displays support True Tone color adjustment, wider color (P3) gamut and improved contrast compared with their predecessors, allowing the screen to adapt white balance to ambient light for more natural tones.

Hardware and performance

Under the skin, the iPhone 8 series introduced the A11 Bionic system on a chip, which brought improved multi‑core CPU performance and a faster GPU designed for graphics, augmented reality and machine learning tasks. Storage configurations at launch included multiple capacity options, and the devices were shipped with iOS 11, offering features and app updates optimized for the new hardware. The glass construction also enabled Qi‑compatible wireless charging and supported faster wired charging when used with appropriate adapters.

Camera and imaging

Apple improved camera capabilities across both phones. The iPhone 8 features a single 12‑megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization and updated image signal processing. The iPhone 8 Plus adds a dual‑camera system — wide and telephoto lenses — enabling Portrait Mode and Portrait Lighting effects to simulate studio lighting and subject separation. Video capabilities were strengthened with higher frame‑rate 4K capture and expanded slow‑motion recording options, making both models suitable for casual and more demanding photography and videography.

Features, durability and software

Both phones retained the Touch ID fingerprint sensor built into the home button rather than adopting Face ID. They offered water and dust resistance, commonly rated to IP67, and shipped with features typical of modern iPhones such as App Store access, secure enclave for biometric data, and iCloud services. Over their product life, Apple provided software updates that extended functionality and security beyond the initial release.

Reception and place in Apple’s lineup

The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus were received as solid, practical upgrades: they appealed to users who preferred the traditional home‑button design and wanted improved performance and cameras without the higher price or notch of the iPhone X. Their combination of wireless charging, more powerful silicon and camera enhancements made them a popular choice in Apple’s 2017 lineup and positioned them as a transitional step between earlier iPhones and the company’s later gesture‑based, face‑ID devices.

• Key introductions: glass back with Qi wireless charging, A11 Bionic chip, True Tone display.
• Main differences: iPhone 8 (single rear camera, smaller display); iPhone 8 Plus (dual cameras, larger display, Portrait features).
• Continued features: Touch ID home button, Lightning connector and compatibility with Apple’s iOS ecosystem.