The launch of the iPhone 8 Series was more than just an annual update; it represented a leap forward in mobile technology. Announced alongside the iPhone X, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus provided a more traditional design while incorporating many advanced features. This release celebrated the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, marking a decade of revolutionary changes in the smartphone industry.
Design and Build
Glass Back and Aluminum Frame
One of the most noticeable changes in the iPhone 8 Series was the introduction of a glass back, replacing the aluminum unibody that had been standard since the iPhone 5. This design choice not only gave the phones a sleek and modern look but also enabled wireless charging. The reinforced glass, described by Apple as the most durable ever used in a smartphone, complemented the aerospace-grade aluminum frame to ensure durability and premium feel.
Color Options
The iPhone 8 Series was available in three elegant colors: Silver, Space Gray, and a new Gold finish. These choices provided a sophisticated palette that appealed to a wide range of tastes, adding to the phone’s visual appeal.
Water and Dust Resistance
Built to withstand the elements, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus featured an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. This meant they could survive in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, making accidental spills and splashes less of a concern for users.
Display Technology
True Tone and Wide Color
The iPhone 8 Series introduced True Tone technology, which adjusts the display’s white balance to match the surrounding light. This feature made the screen easier on the eyes and provided a more natural viewing experience. Additionally, the Retina HD displays with wide color gamut offered vivid and accurate colors, enhancing everything from photos to videos.
Size and Resolution
The iPhone 8 featured a 4.7-inch display, while the iPhone 8 Plus boasted a larger 5.5-inch screen. Both models retained the Retina HD resolution, ensuring sharp and clear visuals. The larger Plus model also benefited from a higher pixel density, contributing to an even crisper image quality.
Performance
A11 Bionic Chip
At the heart of the iPhone 8 Series was the A11 Bionic chip, a powerhouse of a processor that outperformed all previous iPhone models. This chip featured six cores: two high-performance cores that were 25% faster and four high-efficiency cores that were 70% faster than the A10 Fusion chip. The A11 also included Apple’s first custom-designed GPU, which was 30% faster than its predecessor, providing a significant boost to graphics performance.
Benchmark Comparisons
In benchmark tests, the A11 Bionic consistently outperformed other flagship smartphones of its time. This chip not only ensured smooth performance for everyday tasks but also excelled in demanding applications like gaming and augmented reality (AR).
Camera Capabilities
Single and Dual Camera Systems
The iPhone 8 featured a single 12-megapixel camera, while the 8 Plus offered a dual-camera system with wide and telephoto lenses. Both models benefited from larger and faster sensors, new color filters, and deeper pixels. The result was improved color accuracy, greater detail, and enhanced low-light performance.
Portrait Mode and Lighting
Exclusive to the iPhone 8 Plus, Portrait Mode allowed users to take stunning photos with a shallow depth of field effect. Portrait Lighting added a professional touch, providing studio-quality lighting effects. This feature was a game-changer for mobile photography, allowing users to capture portrait shots that rivaled those taken with professional cameras.
Video Recording Enhancements
The iPhone 8 Series also brought significant improvements to video recording. Both models supported 4K video at 60 frames per second and 1080p slow-motion video at 240 frames per second. These capabilities enabled users to capture smooth, high-quality videos with enhanced detail and dynamic range.