iPhone 13 vs iPhone 8
Shop iPhone
iPhone 13
Starting at
£249.06£599.00 new
iPhone 8
Starting at
£90.00£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 8?
iPhone 13 vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 starts at £90, £159.06 less than the iPhone 13. The iPhone 13 is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8.
- The iPhone 13 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 13 has a bigger battery: 3240 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 8 specs
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 8 differ in several key areas. The iPhone 13 offers a larger and higher resolution OLED screen, more RAM, a newer chipset, and a bigger battery, making it well suited for users who want a device with more power and longer battery life. The iPhone 8 has a smaller screen and less RAM but is still a solid choice for everyday use and fits well for those preferring a compact phone. Both are unlocked and use the Lightning connector, but the iPhone 13 supports 5G and has options for an eSIM in addition to a physical SIM. Storage options vary, with the iPhone 13 stocked up to 512GB and the iPhone 8 stocked up to 256GB.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 8 price
Colour
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 8 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system, and release year, which relate to how long the device runs between charges and the software it supports.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 13 has a 3240 mAh battery, which offers longer usage between charges for users who need extended battery life. The iPhone 8 has a 1821 mAh battery, suitable for those with lighter daily use or who prefer charging more often.
Operating System
The iPhone 8 runs iOS, supporting essential iPhone functions and apps, which suits users with standard software needs.
Release Year
The iPhone 13 was released in 2021, while the iPhone 8 came out in 2017.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 8 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options available, affecting speed, multitasking, and the amount of content you can keep on your phone.
Chipset
The iPhone 13 uses the Apple A15 Bionic chipset built on 5 nm technology, which supports faster processing and efficient power use for demanding apps and multitasking. The iPhone 8 has the Apple A11 Bionic, which handles everyday tasks smoothly and suits users with standard performance needs.
RAM
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone 13 can keep more apps open and handle more intensive tasks without slowing down. The iPhone 8 has 2 GB of RAM, ideal for everyday use and lighter multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 13 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, fitting users who want to store large amounts of apps, photos, and media. The iPhone 8 offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, which works well for those with moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 8 screen
Screen quality includes resolution, size, and technology, affecting how sharp and vibrant images appear and how much space you have for viewing content.
Resolution and Screen Size
The iPhone 13 has a 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1170 x 2532, providing a large, sharp display ideal for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone 8 features a 4.7 inch screen at 750 x 1334 resolution, suitable for users who prefer a smaller, more compact display.
Screen Type
The iPhone 13 uses an OLED screen, which offers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours, enhancing visual experiences. The iPhone 8 has a Retina IPS LCD, which still delivers clear and accurate colours, fitting users comfortable with traditional screen technology.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 8 camera
Audiovisual features focus on front and main cameras, influencing photo and video quality especially for selfies and regular photography.
Front Camera
The iPhone 13 has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail for selfies and video calls. The iPhone 8 offers a 7 megapixel front camera, which suits users with basic selfie and video calling needs.
Main Camera
Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 8 have 12 megapixel main cameras, providing similar resolution for everyday photography.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 8 size and design
Miscellaneous features include network compatibility, SIM options, physical dimensions, and connectivity, which affect how you use the phone day to day.
Network and SIM
The iPhone 13 supports 5G networks and offers both a physical SIM and eSIM, giving you more flexibility with carriers and faster network speeds. The iPhone 8 supports 4G networks and uses a physical SIM, suitable for users with standard network requirements.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 13 measures 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and 7.7 mm in depth, weighing 174 g. This larger size suits users who prefer a bigger phone. The iPhone 8 is 138.4 mm tall, 67.3 mm wide, and 7.3 mm deep, weighing 148 g, fitting users who want a more compact and lighter phone.
Carrier and Connector
Both devices are unlocked and use the Lightning connector, so you can choose your carrier freely and use existing Lightning accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 13 or iPhone 8: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 13 if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3240 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, £159.06 less than the iPhone 13
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 173 g)
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the iPhone 13 for its condition and performance. Many say it looks like new and works like new, especially when ordered with a new battery. The larger screen and smooth operation are often mentioned positively, as well as the ease of setup. The battery life is also praised for holding up well during daily use. Some customers chose the iPhone 13 for their first iPhone experience or as gifts, finding the device reliable and well suited for their needs.
For the iPhone 8, customers highlight its solid condition and reliable performance for everyday use. Many say it looks nearly new and handles daily tasks well. The device suits those who prefer a smaller phone or who need a capable device for work or simple use. Battery health is generally good, and storage options meet the needs of users who do not require very large capacities. Some mention the iPhone 8 as an upgrade from older models, appreciating its balanced size and features.
Overall, customers looking for a larger, more powerful iPhone with current software and network technology often choose the iPhone 13. Those wanting a compact, straightforward iPhone for everyday use find the iPhone 8 a suitable and dependable choice.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 8 FAQs
iPhone 13 vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8. The iPhone 13 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 8 is cheaper refurbished, from £90 compared with £249.06 for the iPhone 13.
The iPhone 13 has a bigger battery: 3240 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 13 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 13 adds more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (3240 mAh vs 1821 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £159.06 more (from £249.06 vs £90).
Refurbished, the iPhone 13 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 8 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
