Dominik Bartelt · 22/11/2017
Review after five weeks · upgrade advice by model
Apple iPhone 8 Plus makes sense for users moving up from older iPhones, but not for iPhone 7 owners.
Likes- Fast performance and smooth running of iOS 11
- Strong 4K and 240 fps slow-motion video
- Classic design with Touch ID
- Battery lasts slightly longer than the iPhone X
Dislikes- Glass back picks up fingerprints and scratches easily
- Same design and display as earlier models
- Upgrade from the iPhone 7 not worth the extra cost
Pancho Bazan · 12/01/2025
Long-term review · two weeks of daily use
Apple iPhone 8 Plus is only worth buying at a cheap price, as outdated software and battery wear are real drawbacks in 2025.
Likes- Classic design with a physical home button
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Feels more premium than mid-range Androids
Dislikes- Outdated software with no recent major updates
- Battery wears out quickly, especially if replaced
- Back glass gets uncomfortably hot in normal use
- Large and heavy compared with current models
EG Tech Plus · 25/10/2023
Long-term review · design, camera, battery and software in 2023
Apple iPhone 8 Plus is not recommended for purchase now; at most it is a secondary phone, and an upgrade is advised.
Likes- Premium-feeling design with glass back and aluminium sides
- Acceptable daytime camera for basic use
- Still receives security updates
Dislikes- Glass back is fragile
- Battery lasts about four hours of screen time
- Camera is basic and images are dark in poor light
- Stuck on iOS 16 with no iOS 17
- Processor is showing its age
TecnoGamers MX · 07/11/2017
Long-term review · camera, performance and design
Apple iPhone 8 Plus has a great camera and strong performance, though Apple could have taken more risks with the design.
Likes- Excellent processor performance
- Good colours and camera in daylight
- Intuitive, familiar camera app
- Portrait mode works well in good light
Dislikes- Noisy, washed-out photos in low light
- Portrait mode photos are grainy in low light
- Design too similar to the previous model
Topes de Gama · 03/10/2017
Hands-on review · camera, video, battery and performance tests
Apple iPhone 8 Plus is worth buying if you accept its size and price, though the bundled charger and handling are drawbacks.
Likes- Very fast performance for games and video editing
- Better battery life than the previous model
- Strong camera with 2x zoom and portrait mode
- Well built and attractive metal and glass design
Dislikes- Very large and heavy, and uncomfortable to hold
- Bundled charger does not support fast charging
- Screen is not the best compared with rivals
iSenaCode · 30/09/2017
Hands-on review · camera tests and final verdict
Apple iPhone 8 Plus is a great phone overall, but its portrait mode disappoints, and upgrading is worth it mainly from the 6S onward.
Likes- Attractive design, the most beautiful iPhone yet
- Excellent screen and performance
- Impressive battery life
- Louder speakers with better bass
Dislikes- Portrait mode shots often fail
- Camera results are disappointing compared with the 7 Plus
- No 3.5 mm headphone jack
XshadowX · 28/03/2025
Short review · two months as main phone
Apple iPhone 8 Plus is recommended for simple everyday use at a low price, though gaming and battery life fall short.
Likes- Smooth performance compared with mid-range Androids
- Still runs most App Store apps on iOS 16
- Decent camera in good light
- Stereo speakers with good sound quality
Dislikes- Battery lasts only a few hours unless replaced
- Weak for demanding games
- Small screen with thick bezels
- Touch ID is slower to use than Face ID
Monsieur GRrr · 01/11/2017
Hands-on review · camera, screen and comparison with iPhone 6S
Apple iPhone 8 Plus is strongly recommended for its dual camera and performance, and suits buyers wanting a less expensive smartphone.
Likes- Dual rear camera with telephoto and wide-angle lenses
- Powerful A11 Bionic chip
- Stereo speakers with more volume than before
- Comfortable screen with adjustable white balance
Dislikes- No OLED screen and no edge-to-edge design
- HDR applies automatically and cannot be turned off in the camera app
Marty · 20/10/2017
Test after one month · daily use, battery, camera
Apple iPhone 8 Plus is a solid upgrade from the 6S, but iPhone 7 owners may prefer to wait for the next model.
Likes- Smooth performance in games and multitasking
- Battery lasts longer than the previous generation
- Portrait Lighting mode produces excellent photos
- Glass back enables wireless charging
Dislikes- Fingerprints show easily on the black glass model
- Fast charging needs an expensive extra adapter and cable
- Not a big leap over the iPhone 7 Plus
TheiCollection · 10/10/2017
Hands-on review · camera, slow motion and battery impressions
Apple iPhone 8 Plus is a good phone and a sensible compromise for buyers who want to avoid the most expensive models.
Likes- Portrait Lighting effects are impressive
- 4K 60 fps video quality is excellent
- Battery lasts a full day in normal use
- Cheaper compromise compared with the upcoming flagship
Dislikes- Battery life no better than the iPhone 7 Plus at launch
- Price feels high with the iPhone X coming
- Portrait Lighting does not work on the front camera
Frandroid · 12/10/2017
Hands-on review · real-use battery and camera tests
Apple iPhone 8 Plus is a great pick for iOS fans, but its dated design may put others off.
Likes- Very fast performance with long software support
- Natural LCD display with True Tone
- Excellent photo and video quality, close to a dedicated camera
- Good build quality and finish
Dislikes- Design from 2014 looks dated next to flagships
- Battery struggles to last two full days of use
- Heavier and thicker in hand than Android rivals
MobileWorld · 20/10/2017
Hands-on review · battery, camera, audio and benchmark tests
Apple iPhone 8 Plus is a very good smartphone with an excellent display, water resistance, wireless charging and two cameras, though it is pricey.
Likes- Excellent display
- Water resistance
- Wireless charging on the glass back
- Two strong cameras with good HDR and portrait mode
- Fast gaming performance on iOS
Dislikes- Price is high at launch
- Charger does not support fast charging
- Battery life is modest despite its efficiency
iPhoneItalia · 30/09/2017
Hands-on review · battery, camera and design impressions
Apple iPhone 8 Plus is a proven, reliable choice for iPhone Plus fans, though the price feels high right now.
Likes- Glass back improves grip and enables wireless charging
- Portrait Lighting is impressive and versatile
- 4K 60 fps video looks top-notch
- A11 Bionic performance and louder speakers
Dislikes- Battery lasts about as long as the iPhone 7 Plus, with no real gain
- Price feels high with the iPhone X coming
- Front camera lacks Portrait Lighting
- Glass back shows fingerprints easily
TuttoTech · 26/09/2017
Hands-on review · camera, design and lineup comparison
Apple iPhone 8 Plus is an excellent phone, but there is little reason to buy it over the iPhone 8 or X.
Likes- Excellent build quality and classic Apple finish
- Camera with 4K 60 fps video and 240 fps slow motion
- Louder, richer stereo speakers than before
Dislikes- Large, dated design for its screen size
- Hard to justify against the iPhone 8 and X
HDblog · 26/09/2017
Hands-on review · battery, performance and camera tests
Apple iPhone 8 Plus is an excellent evolution of the iPhone 7 Plus with great hardware, though its design is showing its age.
Likes- Strong overall hardware and performance
- Battery covers a full day of heavy use
- Good photo quality in well-lit conditions
Dislikes- Design that is starting to show its age
- Noisy video and photos in low light
- High prices for the 64 and 256 GB versions