iPhone 12 vs iPhone 8 Plus
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone 8 Plus
Starting at
£100.56£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 8 Plus?
iPhone 12 vs 8 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 Plus starts at £100.56, £69.44 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 Plus.
- The iPhone 12 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 12 has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 2691 mAh.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 8 Plus specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 8 Plus differ in several ways that suit different users. It includes 5G connectivity and dual SIM options for more flexible mobile use. The iPhone 8 Plus has a slightly bigger and heavier body with an LCD screen and 4G connectivity. It comes in storage sizes that include 64GB and 256GB. The iPhone 12 suits those who want a more current experience with higher speed, a better screen, and advanced network options. The iPhone 8 Plus fits buyers looking for a solid phone with a familiar design and smartphone features.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 8 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 8 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical dimensions. These aspects affect how long the phone lasts in use and how up to date it stays.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 has a battery capacity of 2815 mAh, slightly larger than the iPhone 8 Plus's 2691 mAh. This means the iPhone 12 may offer a bit more battery life during daily use, which could be important if you rely on your phone for long periods without charging.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 8 Plus performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and available storage options. These influence speed, multitasking, and how much data or apps you can keep on the phone.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 12 uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset with 4 GB RAM, compared to the iPhone 8 Plus's Apple A11 Bionic and 3 GB RAM. The extra RAM and newer chipset mean the iPhone 12 handles multitasking and demanding apps more smoothly, making it better suited for users who run several apps at once or use more intensive software.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, giving you more flexibility in storage choices. The iPhone 8 Plus comes in 64GB and 256GB sizes. If you want a middle ground with 128GB, the iPhone 12 offers that option.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 8 Plus screen
Screen quality affects how you view photos, videos, and apps. The two phones differ in size, resolution, and display technology, which changes the viewing experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1170 x 2532, which is larger and sharper than the iPhone 8 Plus's 5.5 inch screen at 1080 x 1920. This means the iPhone 12 offers more space for viewing content and finer detail, which benefits those who watch videos or use graphics-heavy apps.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, delivering deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. The iPhone 8 Plus has a Retina IPS LCD screen, which provides reliable colour and brightness but is less vivid than OLED. The iPhone 12 suits those who want a richer and more immersive display.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 8 Plus camera
Audiovisual features include camera quality and the ability to capture photos and selfies. Both phones have similar main camera specs but differ on front camera resolution.
Camera Resolution
Both phones have dual main cameras with 12 megapixels each, suitable for capturing detailed photos. The iPhone 12 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which offers higher resolution selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone 8 Plus's 7 megapixel front camera. This suits users who prioritise front-facing camera quality.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 8 Plus size and design
Miscellaneous features cover network compatibility, size, weight, SIM options, and other practical details that affect everyday use.
Network and SIM
The iPhone 12 supports 5G networks and has both a physical SIM and an eSIM, giving you access to faster mobile data and more flexible SIM options. The iPhone 8 Plus works with 4G networks and uses a single physical SIM. If you want the fastest mobile internet and dual SIM capability, the iPhone 12 is the choice.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 is 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and weighs 164 g, making it lighter and narrower than the iPhone 8 Plus at 158.4 mm tall, 78.1 mm wide, and 202 g. The iPhone 12 fits more comfortably in one hand and pocket, suited for users preferring a lighter phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone 8 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2815 mAh vs 2691 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.5 inch)
Buy the iPhone 8 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £100.56, £69.44 less than the iPhone 12
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 often say it looks like new with no marks or scratches. Many mention the phone feels fast and smooth thanks to the A14 Bionic chip and 4 GB RAM. Battery life is noted positively, especially when a new battery is included. Buyers appreciate the phone coming updated with the latest iOS and ready to use. The larger and vibrant screen is also well received along with the inclusion of extras like a screen protector and phone cover.
Reviews for the iPhone 8 Plus highlight its excellent condition and solid performance for everyday use. Some users mention it works well for games and basic apps though it does not support the latest iOS updates. The screen and build quality are appreciated especially for users who want a familiar design. Some customers note the battery life is not as strong and the phone is heavier than newer models. The 4G connectivity suits those who do not need the latest mobile networks.
Overall, the iPhone 12 fits buyers who want newer software, faster performance, and a lighter phone with a brighter screen. The iPhone 8 Plus suits those seeking a reliable device for everyday tasks with a larger body and simple connectivity.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 8 Plus FAQs
iPhone 12 vs 8 Plus 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 Plus. The iPhone 12 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone 8 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £100.56 compared with £170 for the iPhone 12.
The iPhone 12 has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 2691 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 Plus ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.
The iPhone 12 adds more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger battery (2815 mAh vs 2691 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £69.44 more (from £170 vs £100.56).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 8 Plus in 64GB and 256GB.
