iPhone 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S8 - Complete Review
iPhone 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S8 - Complete Review & Comprehensive Buying Guide
The battle between the iPhone 8 and the Samsung Galaxy S8 represents a pivotal moment in smartphone history. Released in 2017, both devices marked significant shifts in their respective ecosystems. For the budget-conscious buyer, the collector, or the user seeking a reliable secondary device today, choosing between these two requires a deep dive into how their hardware has aged. As a Senior Technical Consultant, I have revisited these devices to provide a forensic analysis of their current viability. While the Galaxy S8 introduced the revolutionary "Infinity Display," the iPhone 8 perfected the classic home-button design with the powerhouse A11 Bionic chip. This guide moves beyond the spec sheet to analyze long-term silicon degradation, software support ceilings, and component availability in the used market.
Expert Opinion Snapshot: The 30-Second Verdict
If you are short on time, here is the technical bottom line based on current market dynamics: Why Buy the iPhone 8? It remains the superior choice for performance stability and video recording. The A11 Bionic chip, despite its age, still outperforms the S8's processor in raw single-core speed. It supports iOS 16, meaning many modern apps still function correctly, whereas the S8 is stuck on Android 9. Ideally suited for users who need a compact, reliable communicator or a high-quality backup camera. Why Buy the Galaxy S8? Choose the S8 if media consumption is your priority. The 1440p Super AMOLED screen is still world-class, offering deep blacks and HDR support that the iPhone 8's 750p LCD cannot match. It also features a headphone jack and expandable storage via microSD, making it an excellent dedicated music player or media device. Expert Insight: Be wary of "Screen Burn-in" on used Galaxy S8 units. The OLED technology from this era is prone to permanent ghosting of the status bar and keyboard.
Full Technical Specifications Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 8 | Samsung Galaxy S8 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Technology | 4.7" Retina IPS LCD (750 x 1334) | 5.8" Super AMOLED (1440 x 2960) |
| Pixel Density | ~326 ppi | ~570 ppi (HDR10 compliant) |
| Processor (SoC) | Apple A11 Bionic (10nm) | Exynos 8895 / Snapdragon 835 (10nm) |
| RAM | 2GB LPDDR4X | 4GB LPDDR4X |
| Biometrics | Touch ID (Front-mounted) | Iris Scanner + Fingerprint (Rear) |
| Water Resistance | IP67 (1m for 30 mins) | IP68 (1.5m for 30 mins) |
| Audio Port | Lightning Only (No Jack) | 3.5mm Headphone Jack |
Ergonomics, Build & Materials
The handling experience differs drastically between these two phones. The iPhone 8 represents the culmination of Apple’s "slab" design language. With its glass back (introduced to support wireless charging) and aerospace-grade aluminum frame, it feels dense and premium. The 4.7-inch form factor is one of the last true "one-handed" phones available. The Touch ID sensor is placed intuitively on the front chin. The Galaxy S8, conversely, feels like a device from the future. The "Infinity Display" curves into the metal frame, making the phone feel narrower than it actually is. However, Samsung made a critical ergonomic error with the S8: the fingerprint scanner is located awkwardly high on the back, right next to the camera lens. This leads to frequent camera smudges. Consultant Verdict: The iPhone 8 is more practical and durable due to the flat screen. The S8 is more aesthetically pleasing but the curved glass is highly susceptible to cracking upon impact.
Display Quality: The OLED Advantage
This is where the Galaxy S8 obliterates the iPhone 8. Samsung’s panel technology was years ahead in 2017. The S8 uses a Super AMOLED panel with a 1440p resolution. It offers perfect blacks, infinite contrast ratios, and vibrant colors. It was also one of the first phones to be certified for Mobile HDR Premium. The iPhone 8 sticks to an IPS LCD panel. While it is an excellent LCD with accurate color reproduction (P3 wide color gamut) and Apple’s True Tone technology (which adjusts white balance based on ambient light), it lacks the "pop" and resolution of the S8. The bezels on the iPhone 8 are massive by modern standards, whereas the S8 still looks relatively modern.
Performance, Thermals & Gaming
Despite having less RAM (2GB vs 4GB), the iPhone 8 is the superior performer today. The A11 Bionic chip was a quantum leap in mobile silicon. It utilizes NVMe storage, which provides faster read/write speeds than the UFS 2.1 storage found in the Galaxy S8. In real-world usage: 1. App Opening: The iPhone 8 opens apps faster and holds them in memory surprisingly well due to iOS optimization. 2. Gaming: The A11 GPU is still capable of running games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at acceptable frame rates, though the phone will get warm. The Galaxy S8 struggles with modern gaming titles, often throttling performance to manage heat. 3. Software Bloat: Samsung’s "Samsung Experience" (later One UI) on top of Android 9 has become sluggish over time. The iPhone 8 on iOS 16 remains snappy, though battery life takes a hit on newer software.
Camera Capabilities: Photo & Video Analysis
Both devices sport a single 12MP rear sensor, but they process images differently. Daylight Photography: The iPhone 8 produces warmer, more natural colors with excellent dynamic range (Smart HDR). The Galaxy S8 tends to over-sharpen and oversaturate colors, which looks pleasing on social media but is less accurate. Low Light: The Galaxy S8 wins here. Its f/1.7 aperture lets in more light than the iPhone’s f/1.8, and Samsung’s image processing is aggressive in reducing noise, resulting in brighter night shots. Video Recording: The iPhone 8 is the undisputed king of video in this comparison. It can shoot 4K at 60fps (the S8 is capped at 4K 30fps). The stabilization on the iPhone is smoother, and the bitrate is higher, making it a viable tool for content creation even today. Expert Insight: The S8’s autofocus (Dual Pixel PDAF) is faster than the iPhone 8, making it slightly better for capturing moving subjects like pets or kids.
Battery Endurance & Charging Speeds
This is the Achilles' heel for both devices, but particularly the iPhone 8. iPhone 8: With a tiny 1821 mAh battery, a used iPhone 8 will struggle to last half a day of moderate use. Even with a 100% health battery, the modern demands of iOS 16 drain this cell rapidly. You will need a power bank. Galaxy S8: The 3000 mAh battery is respectable, but the high-resolution screen consumes significant power. However, it generally outlasts the iPhone 8 by 2-3 hours of screen-on time. Both phones support wireless charging (Qi standard) and fast wired charging. Note that the iPhone 8 ships with a slow 5W charger in the box, while the S8 included a fast charger.
Pre-owned Inspection Checklist
Buying these phones used requires a careful inspection to avoid purchasing e-waste. Use this checklist before handing over cash.
| Component | Test for iPhone 8 | Test for Galaxy S8 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen (Crucial) | Check for "True Tone" in settings. If missing, the screen was replaced with a cheap copy. | Dial *#0*#. Select "Blue". Look for faint keyboard or icon shadows (Burn-in). |
| Battery Health | Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Avoid if under 80%. | Use "Samsung Members" app or AccuBattery to estimate capacity. |
| Sensors | Test Touch ID. It must click and read fingerprint instantly. | Test Iris Scanner and Rear Fingerprint sensor. |
| Connectivity | Insert SIM. Make a call to test the earpiece speaker. | Check USB-C port for looseness (common failure point). |
Top Alternatives Comparison
If you are considering these phones, you should also look at slightly newer alternatives that offer better value for money in the used market: 1. iPhone SE (2020): Identical body to the iPhone 8 but with the A13 processor (from iPhone 11). It will be supported for much longer and is only slightly more expensive. 2. Samsung Galaxy S10e: A compact powerhouse that retains the headphone jack but adds a wide-angle camera and a modern hole-punch display. It runs newer Android versions and is significantly faster than the S8. 3. Google Pixel 3: Offers a better camera than both the iPhone 8 and S8, with stock Android software, though battery life is also poor.
Critical Advice: Buying New vs Used
Buying "New": Be extremely cautious. Apple and Samsung stopped manufacturing these phones years ago. Any device sold as "New" or "Sealed" on eBay or AliExpress is likely a "Refurbished" unit repackaged with a generic box and cheap aftermarket accessories. The water resistance seal is likely compromised on these units. Buying Used: Aim for a "Grade A" refurbished unit from a reputable seller like Back Market or Amazon Renewed. These usually come with a minimum battery health guarantee. Software Warning: The Galaxy S8 is stuck on Android 9. Many banking apps require Android 10 or higher for security compliance. Check your essential apps before buying. The iPhone 8 runs iOS 16, which is still widely supported by almost all App Store applications.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
After extensive testing and market analysis, the decision comes down to Software Longevity vs. Hardware Beauty. The Winner: iPhone 8 The iPhone 8 wins for the average user. Its processor is still capable, its video recording is superior, and most importantly, it runs a relatively modern version of iOS. It integrates seamlessly with AirPods and iMessage. It is a safe, reliable, albeit boring choice. The Runner Up: Galaxy S8 The Galaxy S8 is the choice for the enthusiast. If you want a cheap device specifically for watching movies, listening to high-quality audio via the headphone jack, or if you plan to install a Custom ROM to update the software yourself, the S8 hardware is superior. The screen alone makes it worth the price of entry. Recommendation: If this is to be your primary phone, stretch your budget for an iPhone SE (2nd Gen) or a Galaxy S10. If you must choose between these two, the iPhone 8 is the more practical daily driver, while the S8 is the better multimedia device.