iPhone 12 vs iPhone 8
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone 8
Starting at
£90.00£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 8?
iPhone 12 vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 starts at £90, £80 less than the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 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, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8.
- The iPhone 12 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 12 has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 8 specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 8 differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 12 has a larger, higher resolution OLED screen and more RAM, supporting smoother multitasking and sharper visuals, ideal for media and app-heavy use. The iPhone 8 has a smaller screen and less memory, making it a good fit for everyday use or those who prefer a more compact phone. Battery capacity is larger on the iPhone 12, supporting longer use between charges. Both devices share storage options and main camera resolution, so storage space and photo quality can be similar depending on choice.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 8 price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 8 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and build aspects that affect how long a phone stays useful and fresh. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 8 differ in battery size and software support, which influence daily endurance and ongoing features.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery, offering more power for longer use through the day. The iPhone 8's 1821 mAh battery suits users with lighter daily tasks or shorter screen time. If you need your phone to last longer between charges, the iPhone 12 is a better match.
Software Updates
If keeping up to date with software is important, the iPhone 12 fits that need.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 8 performance
Performance influences how smoothly apps run and how well the phone handles multitasking. Both devices offer the same storage options, but their processing power and memory differ.
Processor Power
The iPhone 12 uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process, which delivers efficient and fast performance. The iPhone 8 has the Apple A11 Bionic chipset, which is well suited for everyday tasks but offers simpler processing power. If you want faster app loading and better handling of demanding tasks, the iPhone 12 is the stronger choice.
Memory
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 can keep more apps running smoothly at once, improving multitasking. The iPhone 8 has 2 GB of RAM, which suits basic use like calls and messages or light app use. For users who run several apps or games simultaneously, the iPhone 12 provides a more fluid experience.
Storage Options
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 8 come in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage sizes. This means either device can handle similar amounts of apps, photos, and files, so storage needs can be met regardless of model.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 8 screen
Screen quality affects how much you see and the clarity of images and text. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 8 differ in screen size, resolution, and technology, shaping the viewing experience.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch screen, offering a larger display area for watching videos, browsing, and gaming. The iPhone 8's 4.7 inch screen is more compact, which suits users who prefer a smaller phone that fits comfortably in one hand.
Resolution
With a resolution of 1170 x 2532, the iPhone 12 delivers sharper and more detailed images, making photos and text clearer. The iPhone 8's 750 x 1334 resolution provides a good display for everyday tasks but with fewer pixels. If screen sharpness matters, the iPhone 12 stands out.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR OLED display, which offers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. The iPhone 8 uses a Retina IPS LCD screen, which is bright and clear but with less contrast. Users who enjoy media and rich visuals will appreciate the OLED screen of the iPhone 12.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 8 camera
Audiovisual features cover cameras used for selfies and photos. Both phones have the same main camera resolution, but their front cameras differ in detail.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls. The iPhone 8's front camera has 7 megapixels, which suits everyday video chats and casual pictures. If you take many selfies or use video apps often, the iPhone 12's front camera will provide clearer images.
Main Camera
Both models have a 12 megapixel main camera, so they offer similar resolution for standard photos. This means either device can take good quality pictures in regular lighting conditions.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 8 size and design
Other differences include network compatibility, size, SIM options, and weight. These affect connectivity, portability, and how you use your phone daily.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 supports 5G networks, giving access to faster mobile data speeds where available. The iPhone 8 works with 4G networks, which still provide reliable internet for most uses. If faster mobile internet is a priority, the iPhone 12 offers that option.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 supports a physical SIM card plus an eSIM, allowing you to use two mobile plans simultaneously. The iPhone 8 uses a physical SIM card only. Dual SIM support on the iPhone 12 suits users who want to separate work and personal lines or use local data plans when travelling.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 measures 146.7 mm by 71.5 mm and weighs 164 g, making it larger and slightly heavier. The iPhone 8 is more compact at 138.4 mm by 67.3 mm and lighter at 148 g. If you prefer a smaller, lighter phone that fits easily in your pocket or hand, the iPhone 8 is a better fit.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone 12 is 7.4 mm deep, just a little thicker than the iPhone 8's 7.3 mm depth. This difference is subtle and unlikely to affect daily handling.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone 8: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want more RAM (4 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, £80 less than the iPhone 12
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 162 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 12 looks and feels like a new phone, with many praising its clean glass, perfect frame, and smooth performance thanks to the A14 Bionic chip and 4 GB RAM. Several mention new batteries improving reliability and long use between charges. The screen quality and fast app handling suit everyday needs and more demanding tasks, while the phone's condition often appears pristine. Users appreciate the phone being updated to the latest iOS and ready to use, with some noting included extras like screen protectors and cases. Overall, the iPhone 12 satisfies those seeking a larger screen, strong speed, and longer software support.
For the iPhone 8, customers find it reliable and nearly new in appearance, with battery health supporting daily use. The phone suits users looking for a simpler device with solid performance for calls, messages, and apps. Some mention good storage space and easy data transfer from older iPhones. The smaller screen and lighter size suit those preferring a compact phone. A few note minor marks or scratches, but most are happy with the phone's condition and functioning. The iPhone 8 fits well for everyday use or as a gift.
Both devices attract users who want refurbished phones that look clean and perform well. The iPhone 12 appeals to those needing more power, a bigger screen, and 5G connectivity. The iPhone 8 suits people who prefer a smaller, lighter phone for daily tasks without the latest software updates.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 8 FAQs
iPhone 12 vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8. The iPhone 12 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 8 is cheaper refurbished, from £90 compared with £170 for the iPhone 12.
The iPhone 12 has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 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 adds more RAM (4 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 £80 more (from £170 vs £90).
Both come in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB refurbished.
