iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 8
Shop iPhone
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at
£588.00£799.00 new
iPhone 8
Starting at
£90.00£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 8?
iPhone 16 Plus vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 starts at £90, £498 less than the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8.
- The iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 8 specs
The iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 8 differ in several key areas that suit different needs. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a much larger screen with higher resolution and OLED technology, appealing to those who want a spacious and vivid display for media or work. It has a stronger battery and more RAM, which helps with longer use and smoother multitasking. Its cameras capture more detail, ideal for photography enthusiasts. The iPhone 8 is smaller and lighter, making it easier to handle for everyday use. It also comes in lower storage options that may suit simple needs. Both are unlocked and work on modern networks, but the iPhone 16 Plus supports 5G and has more flexible SIM options.
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 8 price
Colour
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 8 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and operating system versions. These affect how long the device lasts on a charge and whether it supports the latest features.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 Plus has a 4674 mAh battery, which supports longer use between charges. This suits users who rely on their phone all day without frequent recharging. The iPhone 8 has a 1821 mAh battery, which fits those with lighter daily use or who prefer smaller devices.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 8 performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options. These influence speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on the device.
Processor and Memory
The iPhone 16 Plus uses the Apple A18 chipset with 8 GB RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and supports more demanding tasks. The iPhone 8 has the Apple A11 Bionic and 2 GB RAM, suited for simpler use and basic apps.
Storage Options
The iPhone 16 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB sizes, offering plenty of space for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone 8 offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, fitting users with smaller storage needs or simpler usage.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 8 screen
Screen quality affects viewing comfort, clarity, and colour richness. Differences in size, resolution, and technology create distinct experiences.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 16 Plus has a large 6.7 inch screen with 1290 x 2796 resolution, providing a roomy display ideal for watching videos or multitasking. The iPhone 8's 4.7 inch screen with 750 x 1334 resolution suits those who prefer a compact phone that fits easily in one hand.
Screen Type
The iPhone 16 Plus uses Super Retina XDR OLED technology, which offers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. The iPhone 8 has a Retina IPS LCD screen, which delivers clear and accurate colours suitable for everyday viewing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 8 camera
Audiovisual features include front and main camera quality, which affect selfies, video calls, and photography.
Front Camera
The iPhone 16 Plus has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing sharper and more detailed selfies or video calls. The iPhone 8 offers a 7 megapixel front camera, enough for simpler photo and video needs.
Main Camera
The iPhone 16 Plus features a 48 megapixel main camera, well suited for users who want detailed photos and more control in photography. The iPhone 8 has a 12 megapixel main camera, fitting everyday photography requirements.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 8 size and design
Miscellaneous specs such as network support, connectors, and physical dimensions affect how the phone fits your lifestyle and accessories.
Network and SIM
The iPhone 16 Plus supports 5G for faster mobile data and offers both a physical SIM and eSIM, providing flexibility for multiple numbers or carriers. The iPhone 8 supports 4G and uses a physical SIM only, suited for straightforward mobile needs.
Connector Type
The iPhone 8 uses a Lightning connector, standard for many Apple accessories.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 16 Plus is larger and heavier at 160.9 mm height, 77.8 mm width, and 199 g weight, suitable if you prefer a bigger phone to hold and view content on. The iPhone 8 is smaller and lighter at 138.4 mm height, 67.3 mm width, and 148 g weight, fitting those who want a more compact device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 16 Plus or iPhone 8: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 16 Plus if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 1821 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 4.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 8 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £90, £498 less than the iPhone 16 Plus
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 199 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 16 Plus looks and feels like new, with many praising its battery life and overall quality. Some mention it lasts twice as long as previous phones and that the phone feels perfect for everyday use. A few customers note minor glitches or the inconvenience of needing an Apple Store visit for updates. The larger screen and improved cameras are appreciated by those who use the phone for media or photography. Overall, users express satisfaction with its condition and performance.
For the iPhone 8, customers highlight that it works like new with good battery health. It suits those who prefer a smaller phone or want a reliable everyday device. Many mention the phone looks nearly new and runs well for daily tasks. Storage options are noted as sufficient for apps and photos. Some users report minor cosmetic marks but are happy with the phone's solid feel and dependable performance.
The iPhone 16 Plus is a good choice if you want a larger screen, more storage, and advanced camera capabilities. The iPhone 8 suits buyers seeking a lighter, smaller device for everyday use with enough power and storage for standard needs.
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 8 FAQs
iPhone 16 Plus vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8. The iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 8 is cheaper refurbished, from £90 compared with £588 for the iPhone 16 Plus.
The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
The iPhone 16 Plus has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 16 Plus 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 16 Plus adds more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 1821 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £498 more (from £588 vs £90).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 8 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
