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iPhone 8 for £525, or iPhone X for £999?

C

Colin8

macrumors member
Original poster
May 12, 2014
52
19
Hi,

I am looking at a new phone to last me the next 4 years (yes - a while - but my current 5s has been completely fine). I have a special offer to get the iPhone 8/8 Plus for 25% off (a deal within my company), but this doesn't apply to the X. This lowers the price of the 8 to almost half that of the X. I would have thought it's straight forward, but as I am looking to use it for the next 4 years I wonder if it is just worthwhile buying the X for features such as FaceID that will become even more useful in future iOS updates.

Thanks!
 
Face ID is not a real feature. It's a work around because Touch ID isn't practical with the X. I wouldn't buy an X because of Face ID. Actually I'm buying it in spite of Face ID.

The big feature to me is that the X's screen is bigger than the 4.7" iPhone but almost the same footprint. The plus model is too wide for comfort to me so hopefully the X will be the sweet spot between screen size and hold-ability.

Both the X and the 8 have the same chip. X has a slightly better camera but the 8 plus's is damn good. So I'd say if you are happy with the 8 plus's size then save your $. Otherwise go for the X.
 
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I wouldn't suggest buying a 1st gen smartphone to use for the next 4 years.

Example: My dad bought the first gen Apple Watch (S0) in 2015 and it has become so slow after just two years, I got the S2 watch the year after in 2016 and it is running as fast and nicely as the day I got it, if my dad only waited one year to get the 2nd gen Watch, he would've had a much better product that would've lasted him 3-4 years, now he's thinking to upgrade because his first-gun watch runs like ****.

Another example: I got the first gen AirPods last year, and I have had to get the left AirPods replaced twice now.

As you can see, first gen products usually have many issues, which get sorted out in the next iteration of the product. The X might have many issues that may start showing up after a year of use, and you don't want to be stuck on that (unless you're willing to spend more money later to upgrade again).

I'd say get the iPhone 8 Plus, it's almost identical to the X in terms of features, and it will easily last you 4 years without issues.
 
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Chupa Chupa said:
Face ID is not a real feature. It's a work around because Touch ID isn't practical with the X. I wouldn't buy an X because of Face ID. Actually I'm buying it in spite of Face ID.

The big feature to me is that the X's screen is bigger than the 4.7" iPhone but almost the same footprint. The plus model is too wide for comfort to me so hopefully the X will be the sweet spot between screen size and hold-ability.

Both the X and the 8 have the same chip. X has a slightly better camera but the 8 plus's is damn good. So I'd say if you are happy with the 8 plus's size then save your $. Otherwise go for the X.
Click to expand...

To add to that the X has an OLED screen which is far superior to LCD screens. Bigger screen, smaller footprint, smaller bezels.

The iPhone X is the iPhone I've been waiting for; for many many years now lool
[doublepost=1508340943][/doublepost]
ssrij said:
I'd say get the iPhone 8 Plus, it's almost identical to the X in terms of features, and it will easily last you 4 years without issues.
Click to expand...

Dude you don't know that stop spreading BS. Some people already have issues with the phone busting open battery swelling.

Any device is a risk don't matter what gen it is. Make no mistake.

I got AirPods at launch still have them with no issues at all. And so far for me every iPhone I've had has been issue free, Except the iPhone 4 with the ****** proximity sensor, used to hit mute by accident so many times when it was held to my ear. I had the iPhone 2G, 3G, 4S, 5, 5S, 6, 6S, 7 & iPad Air & AirPods all with no issues.
 
ssrij said:
As you can see, first gen products usually have many issues, which get sorted out in the next iteration of the product.
Click to expand...

First gen products don't have any more problems than future iterations. There is a video out showing the innards of iPhones since the first one. Each successive year is different than the previous. In reality they are all 1st gen phones because they are all using the latest tech, not holdovers from the previous year.

But here we are talking about an X vs an 8. Both use identical A11 chips. The difference in the X and 8 is predominately the screen and camera. But OLED isn't a new tech and the X's camera sensors top notch.

I've owned a lot of 1st gen, 2nd gen, etc. Apple and other products. They all are are imperfect and usually need firmware or OS updates in the first few months. A 3 year old AW or any other tech device is going to run less efficient than a new device. That's kind of like a "duh" and will likely never change. One could wait until 2019 to buy an iPhone X3. In 2022 that model will be outpaced by the X6 model.
 
Bane-Thunder said:
Dude you don't know that stop spreading BS. Some people already have issues with the phone busting open battery swelling.
Click to expand...

That's some isolated cases, probably like 10 units having the issue. When you manufacture on the scale of iPhones, there is always a very tiny margin for flawed units like the ones having battery issues. There were reports of iPhone 7's battery exploding last years and same with other iPhones before it. When you manufacture tens of millions of iPhones, a extremely small % of units come out with issues, it's normal and there's nothing to worry about.
 
Colin8 said:
Hi,

I am looking at a new phone to last me the next 4 years (yes - a while - but my current 5s has been completely fine). I have a special offer to get the iPhone 8/8 Plus for 25% off (a deal within my company), but this doesn't apply to the X. This lowers the price of the 8 to almost half that of the X. I would have thought it's straight forward, but as I am looking to use it for the next 4 years I wonder if it is just worthwhile buying the X for features such as FaceID that will become even more useful in future iOS updates.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Ask yourself what you consider "worthwhile" with the iPhone X besides Face ID. Do you find the other features compelling enough of the iPhone X over the iPhone 8? If you find enough reason within the iPhone X to upgrade to that model, then there's your answer. If not, then I would consider the iPhone 8.
 
ssrij said:
I wouldn't suggest buying a 1st gen smartphone to use for the next 4 years.

Example: My dad bought the first gen Apple Watch (S0) in 2015 and it has become so slow after just two years, I got the S2 watch the year after in 2016 and it is running as fast and nicely as the day I got it, if my dad only waited one year to get the 2nd gen Watch, he would've had a much better product that would've lasted him 3-4 years, now he's thinking to upgrade because his first-gun watch runs like ****.

Another example: I got the first gen AirPods last year, and I have had to get the left AirPods replaced twice now.

As you can see, first gen products usually have many issues, which get sorted out in the next iteration of the product. The X might have many issues that may start showing up after a year of use, and you don't want to be stuck on that (unless you're willing to spend more money later to upgrade again).

I'd say get the iPhone 8 Plus, it's almost identical to the X in terms of features, and it will easily last you 4 years without issues.
Click to expand...

Trying to work out where the OP said the choice was between a 1st generation iPhone or an iPhone 8?

/s
 
Last edited:
iPhone 8 for £525, or iPhone X for £999
For 52.6% of the price. Internals the same. vs prettier screen, second camera. No brainer. iP8 all the way.
 
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iPhone 8 at almost half the price... its no contest.

iPhone 8 all the way, exact same internals minus the Face ID sensors.

You also have the benefit of the 8 not being a first generation model.

In theory the 8 should be a solid phone ... kind of like the later generation MacBook Air’s.

The X might not have any issues whatsoever, but are you ready to bet 500 squids to find out?
 
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Diving Capers said:
iPhone 8 at almost half the price... its no contest.

iPhone 8 all the way, exact same internals minus the Face ID sensors.

You also have the benefit of the 8 not being a first generation model.

In theory the 8 should be a solid phone ... kind of like the later generation MacBook Air’s.

The X might not have any issues whatsoever, but are you ready to bet 500 squids to find out?
Click to expand...

A new screen and Face ID DO NOT make this a first generation model. I don’t get why people keep spouting this rubbish!?
 
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virginblue4 said:
But it isn’t an opinion. The iPhone X is not a first generation iPhone.
Click to expand...

New form-factor.

New unlocking tech with sensors that have been reported (at least) to be difficult to produce reliably.

New screen tech (for Apple).

First iPhone without a home button.

It may or it may not be a first generation model. That is a matter of opinion.

But just because others do not share your opinion it most certainty does not make theirs rubbish as you stated.
 
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Diving Capers said:
New form-factor.

New unlocking tech with sensors that have been reported (at least) to be difficult to produce reliably.

New screen tech (for Apple).

First iPhone without a home button.

It may or it may not be a first generation model. That is a matter of opinion.

But just because others do not share your opinion it most certainty does not make theirs rubbish as you stated.
Click to expand...

Except it isn't a matter of opinion. Do you know what a first generation means?

iPhone 4 - a totally different design, a new display, a front facing camera etc etc. Was this a first generation iPhone? No.

iPhone 5 - another new design, a new display, a new port, LTE. Was this a first generation iPhone? No.

iPhone 5s - first iPhone to move to 64-bit, inclusion of a motion coprocessor and Touch ID. Was this a first generation iPhone? No.

iPhone 6/6 Plus - again, a totally revamped design, a new display, NFC. Was this a first generation iPhone? No.

iPhone 6s/6s Plus - a totally new way to interact with your iPhone (3D Touch). Was this a first generation iPhone? No.

iPhone 7/7 Plus - new dual cameras, removal of older features (headphone jack), quad-core SOC. Were these first generation iPhones? No.

iPhone 8/8 Plus - new design (in terms of materials), wireless charging, new display. Are these first generation iPhones? No.

iPhone X - new design, new display (not the first time Apple have used OLED), removal of older features (home button), Face ID, slightly improved camera compared to 8/8 Plus. Everything else the same as the 8/8 Plus. Is this a first generation iPhone? No.

Do ALL of the above products include first generation technology? Yes, they do. This doesn't make the product itself a first generation product. If every new feature meant the product itself was a first generation product, we would never have second generation products!

The iPhone X is the 18th iPhone to be introduced. It is not a first generation product. It is a refined and proven product that includes 1st generation technology.

Trying to claim the iPhone X is a first generation product to discourage the OP from purchasing the X is spouting rubbish. If you were to state price as being a reason or something else, then fine. But not being a first generation product!
 
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virginblue4 said:
Except it isn't a matter of opinion. Do you know what a first generation means?

iPhone 4 - a totally different design, a new display, a front facing camera etc etc. Was this a first generation iPhone? No.

iPhone 5 - another new design, a new display, a new port, LTE. Was this a first generation iPhone? No.

iPhone 5s - first iPhone to move to 64-bit, inclusion of a motion coprocessor and Touch ID. Was this a first generation iPhone? No.

iPhone 6/6 Plus - again, a totally revamped design, a new display, NFC. Was this a first generation iPhone? No.

iPhone 6s/6s Plus - a totally new way to interact with your iPhone (3D Touch). Was this a first generation iPhone? No.

iPhone 7/7 Plus - new dual cameras, removal of older features (headphone jack), quad-core SOC. Were these first generation iPhones? No.

iPhone 8/8 Plus - new design (in terms of materials), wireless charging, new display. Are these first generation iPhones? No.

iPhone X - new design, new display (not the first time Apple have used OLED), removal of older features (home button), Face ID, slightly improved camera compared to 8/8 Plus. Everything else the same as the 8/8 Plus. Is this a first generation iPhone? No.

Do ALL of the above products include first generation technology? Yes, they do. This doesn't make the product itself a first generation product. If every new feature meant the product itself was a first generation product, we would never have second generation products!

The iPhone X is the 18th iPhone to be introduced. It is not a first generation product. It is a refined and proven product that includes 1st generation technology.

Trying to claim the iPhone X is a first generation product to discourage the OP from purchasing the X is spouting rubbish. If you were to state price as being a reason or something else, then fine. But not being a first generation product!
Click to expand...

I suggest you calm down a little buddy boy.

Like it or not it is a matter of opinion and I do not agree with you.

Cheerio
 
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ssrij said:
That's some isolated cases, probably like 10 units having the issue. When you manufacture on the scale of iPhones, there is always a very tiny margin for flawed units like the ones having battery issues. There were reports of iPhone 7's battery exploding last years and same with other iPhones before it. When you manufacture tens of millions of iPhones, a extremely small % of units come out with issues, it's normal and there's nothing to worry about.
Click to expand...

Thats exactly my point tho. Stop saying its a problem with gen 1 versions. Thats incorrect.

Every and any device can have faults. I've had every gen 1 iPhone and I've not had any issues except for the iPhone 4 proximity sensor which wasnt major as I'm more of a headset user which negates the issue.
 
Colin8 said:
Hi,

I am looking at a new phone to last me the next 4 years (yes - a while - but my current 5s has been completely fine). I have a special offer to get the iPhone 8/8 Plus for 25% off (a deal within my company), but this doesn't apply to the X. This lowers the price of the 8 to almost half that of the X. I would have thought it's straight forward, but as I am looking to use it for the next 4 years I wonder if it is just worthwhile buying the X for features such as FaceID that will become even more useful in future iOS updates.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Probably would spring the iphone 8. Personally.
The iphone x at 999pound doesn't really equate to 999usd so... technically its a more expensive product for what its worth in UK. I was hoping for even more features because the only thing i see that it has over the 8/8+ [more relevant is]:

1) duo optical stabilization on both tele n normal camera.
2) all screen.
3) face id over touchid.
4) front facing selfie camera can do portrait mode.
5) larger battery & somewhat longer battery life [OLED thinner panel over LCD , more space for battery].
6) new gestures [whether u see that as a plus or negative that is for you to tinker around with]

so if you like the photo enthusiast Aficionado that you are then maybe the X is worth it if you love your photography game to the next level. but when you quoted 525 pound for iPhone 8 you can get about 85-90% of the iPhone X at nearly half price.
[doublepost=1508402623][/doublepost]i would say it's a first generation iPhone if you ask me.
iPhone Original was a 1st gen for its class [defined the design]
iPhone 4 was a 1st gen for its class [design change]
iPhone 5 was a 1st gen for its class [design change]
iPhone 6 was a 1st gen for its class [design change]
iPhone 7 was sorta a 1st gen for its class [design change on the bottom and back, front a bit the same]
iPhone 8 is like the 2nd gen of its class sorta. [design was same, just with glass back only diff, but still design wise looks the same]
iPhone X was a 1st gen for its class [design change]

sorta can see whats going on around here
 
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