iPhone 13 vs iPhone 8 Plus
Shop iPhone
iPhone 13
Starting at
£249.06£599.00 new
iPhone 8 Plus
Starting at
£100.56£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 8 Plus?
iPhone 13 vs 8 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 Plus starts at £100.56, £148.50 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 Plus.
- The iPhone 13 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 13 has a bigger battery: 3240 mAh vs 2691 mAh.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 8 Plus specs
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 8 Plus differ in several key areas suited to different users. The iPhone 13 offers a more advanced chipset, more RAM, and higher screen resolution on a larger OLED display, making it suitable for users who want smoother performance and richer visuals. It also supports 5G and has a larger battery capacity, which benefits those needing longer battery life and faster network speeds. The iPhone 8 Plus is an option with a slightly smaller screen and lower RAM, ideal for everyday use or those who prefer a bigger, heavier device with familiar features. Storage options vary, with the iPhone 13 offering more capacity choices. Both phones are unlocked and use Lightning connectors.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 8 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 8 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system, and release year. These affect how long the phone can run between charges and the software experience.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 13 has a 3240 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 8 Plus's 2691 mAh. This suggests the iPhone 13 can last longer on a single charge, which suits users who need extended use without frequent charging.
Release Year
The iPhone 13 was released in 2021 and the iPhone 8 Plus in 2017.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 8 Plus performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options. These determine how fast the phone runs, how many apps stay open, and how much data can be stored.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 13 uses the Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm), while the iPhone 8 Plus has the Apple A11 Bionic. The A15 Bionic is a newer chipset that supports smoother multitasking and better handling of demanding apps, suiting users who want faster performance.
Memory Capacity
With 4 GB RAM, the iPhone 13 keeps more apps active in the background compared to the iPhone 8 Plus's 3 GB RAM. This benefits users who use multiple apps or switch frequently between tasks.
Storage Options
The iPhone 13 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, offering flexibility for users needing more space for apps, photos, and files. The iPhone 8 Plus comes in 64GB and 256GB.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 8 Plus screen
Screen quality affects how content is viewed, including sharpness, size, and display type, which influence daily use such as watching videos or reading.
Resolution and Sharpness
The iPhone 13 has a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels, providing sharper images and text than the iPhone 8 Plus's 1080 x 1920 pixels. This suits users who value clearer visuals for media and reading.
Screen Size
With a 6.1 inch display, the iPhone 13 offers more screen space than the 5.5 inch screen on the iPhone 8 Plus. This is useful for users who prefer a roomier display for videos, browsing, or gaming.
Screen Type
The iPhone 13 features an OLED screen, which generally offers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours compared to the iPhone 8 Plus's Retina IPS LCD. This appeals to users who want richer display quality.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 8 Plus camera
Audiovisual features include camera specifications that affect how photos and videos are captured.
Front Camera Detail
The iPhone 13 has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail for selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone 8 Plus's 7 megapixel front camera. This suits users who prioritise front-facing camera quality.
Main Camera Similarity
Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 8 Plus have 12 megapixel main cameras, making them similar choices for everyday photography needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 8 Plus size and design
Miscellaneous specs cover network compatibility, physical dimensions, SIM options, and other practical features that affect daily use.
Network Compatibility
The iPhone 13 supports 5G mobile networks, allowing faster data speeds where 5G is available. The iPhone 8 Plus supports 4G, which offers reliable connectivity but at lower maximum speeds. This difference matters for users needing faster internet access.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 13 accepts a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering flexibility for users who want to use two numbers or plans. The iPhone 8 Plus uses a physical SIM only.
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. The iPhone 8 Plus measures 158.4 mm height, 78.1 mm width, 7.5 mm depth, and 202 g weight. Users who prefer a lighter device may favour the iPhone 13, while those who like a larger, heavier phone might choose the iPhone 8 Plus.
Connector Type
Both phones use the Lightning connector, which is compatible with many Apple accessories and chargers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 13 or iPhone 8 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 13 if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3240 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, £148.50 less than the iPhone 13
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 13 looks like new when refurbished, with many praising its excellent condition and smooth performance. The battery life is frequently noted as strong, especially when a new battery option is chosen. Users appreciate the clear screen and the ease of setup, with some first-time iPhone buyers expressing satisfaction. The colour and overall appearance receive positive comments. The experience suits those wanting a reliable device with a modern operating system and good battery health.
Reviews of the iPhone 8 Plus show that customers find it a good fit for everyday use, with many happy with the device's condition and performance for basic tasks. Some mention that the battery life may not hold as well, and the device can struggle with newer apps due to operating system limitations. Its size and build quality are appreciated, making it suitable for users seeking a familiar iPhone experience with a solid screen for communication and simple apps.
Overall, the iPhone 13 suits users looking for a more powerful phone with better battery and display, while the iPhone 8 Plus matches those who want a larger, heavier phone for everyday activities and simpler use.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 8 Plus FAQs
iPhone 13 vs 8 Plus 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 Plus. The iPhone 13 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone 8 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £100.56 compared with £249.06 for the iPhone 13.
The iPhone 13 has a bigger battery: 3240 mAh vs 2691 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 Plus ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.
The iPhone 13 adds more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger battery (3240 mAh vs 2691 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £148.50 more (from £249.06 vs £100.56).
Refurbished, the iPhone 13 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 8 Plus in 64GB and 256GB.
