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iPhone 16 vs iPhone 8

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iPhone 16

Starting at

£577.65£699.00 new
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iPhone 8

Starting at

£90.00£399.00 new
See options
(451 reviews)
(411 reviews)

What's the difference between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 8?

iPhone 16 vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 starts at £90, £487.65 less than the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 is the newer model, released in 2024.

Refurbished from

£577.65£90

Chipset

Apple A18 (3 nm)Apple A11 Bionic

RAM

8 GB2 GB

Battery

3561 mAh1821 mAh

Screen size

6.1 inch4.7 inch

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLEDRetina IPS LCD
  • Chipset: Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8.
  • The iPhone 16 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
  • The iPhone 16 has a bigger battery: 3561 mAh vs 1821 mAh.

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 8 specs

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 8 differ in several key areas that suit different needs. The iPhone 16 offers a larger and sharper OLED screen, more memory, and a much bigger battery, making it ideal for users wanting a device that handles multitasking, media, and longer usage without charging. The iPhone 8 has a smaller screen and simpler display technology but provides enough power and storage options for everyday use, especially if you prefer a more compact phone. It supports 4G and runs iOS, fitting users looking for a straightforward, familiar iPhone experience.

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 8 price

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 8 battery life and software updates

Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical dimensions. These details affect how long the phone lasts on a charge, software compatibility, and handling comfort.

Battery Capacity

The iPhone 16 has a 3561 mAh battery, nearly double the 1821 mAh in the iPhone 8. This means the iPhone 16 is better suited for longer use between charges, ideal for heavy users or those often away from power sources. The iPhone 8 suits users with lighter daily needs or who charge more frequently.

Size and Weight

The iPhone 16 measures 147.6 mm in height, 71.6 mm in width, and 7.8 mm in depth, weighing 170 g. The iPhone 8 is smaller and lighter at 138.4 mm height, 67.3 mm width, 7.3 mm depth, and 148 g. The iPhone 8 suits those preferring a compact, lighter phone, while the iPhone 16 offers a larger form factor.

Battery

3561 mAh1821 mAh

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

IP68IP67

OS at launch

iOS 18N/A

Software updates

Supported, up to iOS 27Ended Mar 2025, last iOS 16

Wireless charging

YesYes

Year of release

20242017

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 8 performance

Performance focuses on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on your phone.

Processor and RAM

The iPhone 16 uses the Apple A18 chipset with 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep apps running smoothly and supports more demanding tasks. The iPhone 8 has the Apple A11 Bionic chipset with 2 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday use and lighter multitasking. Choose the iPhone 16 for more intensive use or the iPhone 8 for simpler needs.

Storage Options

iPhone 16 models in stock offer 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities, giving more space for apps, media, and files. The iPhone 8 comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, which still provide room for typical daily use but less than the highest iPhone 16 capacity.

Chipset

Apple A18 (3 nm)Apple A11 Bionic

RAM

8 GB2 GB

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 8 screen

Screen quality affects how you view content on your phone. Differences include screen size, resolution, and type of display technology.

Screen Size and Resolution

The iPhone 16 has a 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1179 x 2556, offering a larger and sharper display. The iPhone 8 has a smaller 4.7 inch screen with 750 x 1334 resolution. The iPhone 16 suits users who watch videos or use apps that benefit from a bigger, clearer screen, while the iPhone 8 fits those who want a compact display.

Screen Type

The iPhone 16 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which generally provides deeper blacks and more vivid colours. The iPhone 8 features a Retina IPS LCD screen, delivering accurate colours and brightness. The OLED screen on the iPhone 16 appeals to users seeking enhanced image quality.

Refresh rate

60 HzN/A

Resolution

1179 x 2556750 x 1334

Screen size

6.1 inch4.7 inch

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLEDRetina IPS LCD

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 8 camera

Audiovisual specs focus on front and main camera resolutions, influencing photo and video quality.

Camera Resolution

The iPhone 16 has a 12 megapixel front camera and a 48 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail and higher resolution images. The iPhone 8 offers a 7 megapixel front camera and a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for everyday photography and video calls. The iPhone 16 is better suited for users who prioritise camera quality.

Camera type

Dual cameraN/A

Front camera

12 megapixels7 megapixels

Main camera

48 megapixels12 megapixels

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 8 size and design

Miscellaneous features include network compatibility, connectors, SIM options, and physical dimensions that affect connectivity and handling.

Mobile Network

The iPhone 16 supports 5G, offering faster mobile data speeds where available. The iPhone 8 supports 4G, suitable for standard mobile internet use. Choose the iPhone 16 if faster network speeds matter to you.

Connector Type

The iPhone 8 uses a Lightning connector, familiar to many Apple users. Your choice depends on which connector you prefer or already use.

SIM Card Options

The iPhone 16 supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, allowing for more flexible mobile plans or multiple numbers. The iPhone 8 supports only a physical SIM, which suits users with a single SIM card.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-CLightning

Depth

7.8 mm7.3 mm

Height

147.6 mm138.4 mm

Mobile network

5G4G

Release date

20 September 202422 September 2017

SD card slot

NoNo

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIMPhysical SIM

Weight

170 g148 g

Width

71.6 mm67.3 mm

iPhone 16 or iPhone 8: which should you buy?

Buy the iPhone 16 if

  • you want more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB)
  • you want a bigger battery (3561 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, £487.65 less than the iPhone 16
  • you want a lighter build (148 g vs 170 g)

What our customers say

Customers say the iPhone 16 looks like new, often mentioning excellent battery health at 100 percent and great condition with no marks or scratches. Many appreciate the larger screen and faster performance, finding it perfect for their needs. Some mention it feels like buying new and praise the battery life for lasting all day. Reviews highlight smooth operation and good storage options, with users enjoying the camera and overall speed. A few note the device comes in excellent condition even at a lower grade. Some customers find it a big upgrade and are very satisfied with their purchase.

For the iPhone 8, customers describe it as looking nearly new with good battery health, often over 90 percent. Many users find it solid and reliable for everyday tasks, appreciating the familiar design and sufficient storage for apps and photos. Some mention small marks that do not affect use. Transfer of data is reported as easy, and the device runs well for work or casual use. It suits those wanting a straightforward iPhone experience without the need for the latest software or features.

Overall, customers who want a larger, faster, and more feature-rich phone lean towards the iPhone 16. Those seeking a compact, reliable device for everyday use find the iPhone 8 a good match.

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 8 FAQs

iPhone 16 vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8. The iPhone 16 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.

The iPhone 8 is cheaper refurbished, from £90 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 16.

The iPhone 16 has a bigger battery: 3561 mAh vs 1821 mAh.

The iPhone 16 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.

The iPhone 16 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 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (3561 mAh vs 1821 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £487.65 more (from £577.65 vs £90).

Refurbished, the iPhone 16 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 8 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.

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