iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 8
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at
£274.51£879.00 new
iPhone 8
Starting at
£90.00£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 8?
iPhone 12 Pro vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 starts at £90, £184.51 less than the iPhone 12 Pro. The iPhone 12 Pro is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8.
- The iPhone 12 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 8 specs
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 8 differ in ways that suit different needs. The iPhone 12 Pro offers a larger, higher-resolution OLED screen and more RAM, which helps keep more apps open smoothly. The iPhone 8 has a smaller screen and less RAM but offers storage options starting at 64GB and can be a good fit for everyday use or those preferring a more compact phone. Both have 12 megapixel main cameras, but the iPhone 12 Pro has a higher resolution front camera. Battery capacity is greater on the iPhone 12 Pro, supporting longer use between charges. Your choice depends on whether you want a larger screen and newer tech or a simpler, smaller device for daily tasks.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 8 price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 8 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and physical design elements that affect how long the phones stay useful and reliable. The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 8 differ notably in battery size and software updates.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 2815 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 8's 1821 mAh. This means the 12 Pro can provide longer usage time between charges, suiting users who rely on their phone throughout the day. The iPhone 8's smaller battery is suitable for lighter use or shorter daily sessions.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 8 performance
Performance looks at processing power, memory, and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run and how much content you can keep on your phone.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 12 Pro uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset with 6 GB of RAM, which supports more multitasking and faster app performance. The iPhone 8 has the Apple A11 Bionic and 2 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday tasks and simpler app use.
Storage Options
Storage on the iPhone 12 Pro ranges from 128GB to 512GB, which is ideal for users needing space for many apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone 8 offers 64GB to 256GB, which fits users with lighter storage needs or who prefer a lower-cost option.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 8 screen
Screen quality affects how you view photos, videos, and apps. The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 8 differ in size, resolution, and screen technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1170 by 2532 pixels, providing a larger and sharper display. This suits people who watch videos or use apps that benefit from more screen space. The iPhone 8 has a smaller 4.7 inch screen with 750 by 1334 pixels resolution, making it easier to hold and use with one hand.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 Pro features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which offers deeper blacks and more vivid colours. The iPhone 8 has a Retina IPS LCD screen, which provides good clarity and colour accuracy but with a different display experience. Those who prioritise visual quality may prefer the 12 Pro.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 8 camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and their resolution. Both phones have the same main camera resolution but differ in front camera detail.
Camera Resolution
Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 8 have 12 megapixel main cameras, which deliver detailed photos for general use. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing sharper selfies and video calls compared to the 7 megapixel front camera on the iPhone 8.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 8 size and design
Miscellaneous specs cover network, size, weight, and other features that affect daily convenience and compatibility.
Mobile Network and SIM
The iPhone 12 Pro supports 5G mobile networks, offering faster data speeds where available. It also supports a physical SIM plus an eSIM, useful for managing two numbers. The iPhone 8 supports 4G and uses a physical SIM only, which suits users with single SIM needs and 4G coverage.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro is larger at 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and weighs 187 g. The iPhone 8 is smaller and lighter at 138.4 mm tall, 67.3 mm wide, and 148 g. If you prefer a compact, lighter phone, the iPhone 8 fits well. For a bigger screen and a heavier device, the 12 Pro is suitable.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 8: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2815 mAh vs 1821 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 8 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £90, £184.51 less than the iPhone 12 Pro
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 189 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 Pro appreciate that it looks and works like new, with many noting solid battery life and smooth performance. Several mention the battery health being high, around 81 to 100 percent, which supports longer daily use. Users find it easy to set up and transfer data, and they value having a newer phone that supports recent iOS versions and apps. The larger screen and good condition make it a satisfying choice for those wanting a reliable and modern device without paying for brand new.
The iPhone 8 is popular among customers who want a phone that feels almost new and works well for everyday use. Many say the battery health is good and that the phone runs apps smoothly enough for their needs. The smaller size suits those who prefer a lighter, more compact device. Some customers have chosen the iPhone 8 as a gift or work phone and appreciate the storage options available. It suits users who want a dependable, straightforward iPhone experience.
Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro fits customers seeking a larger screen, more memory, and 5G connectivity. The iPhone 8 appeals to those who prefer a smaller phone with simpler features for daily tasks.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 8 FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8. The iPhone 12 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 8 is cheaper refurbished, from £90 compared with £274.51 for the iPhone 12 Pro.
The iPhone 12 Pro has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone 8 ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.
The iPhone 12 Pro adds more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (2815 mAh vs 1821 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £184.51 more (from £274.51 vs £90).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 8 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
