iPhone 16 vs iPhone 8 Plus
Shop iPhone
iPhone 16
Starting at
£577.65£699.00 new
iPhone 8 Plus
Starting at
£100.56£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 8 Plus?
iPhone 16 vs 8 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 Plus starts at £100.56, £477.09 less than the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8 Plus.
- The iPhone 16 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 16 has a bigger battery: 3561 mAh vs 2691 mAh.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 8 Plus specs
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 8 Plus differ in many ways that suit different users. It has a brighter and higher-resolution Super Retina XDR OLED screen that suits users who watch videos or view photos often. The iPhone 8 Plus has a larger screen size but with a lower resolution and Retina IPS LCD. Battery capacity is higher in the iPhone 16, which supports 5G and both physical SIM and eSIM. The iPhone 8 Plus has 4G and a physical SIM only. Camera resolution is higher on the iPhone 16, capturing more detail. The iPhone 8 Plus offers fewer storage options but can still be a good choice for everyday use or those preferring a larger phone.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 8 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 8 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and physical dimensions. These affect how long the phone lasts on a charge, the software experience, and the feel in your hand.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 has a 3561 mAh battery, which means it can store more power and potentially last longer between charges. This suits users who spend extended time on their phones. The iPhone 8 Plus has a 2691 mAh battery, which fits everyday use with shorter screen time.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 16 is more compact and lighter at 170 g and 147.6 mm tall, while the iPhone 8 Plus is taller and heavier at 202 g and 158.4 mm. Choose the iPhone 16 for easier one-handed use and lighter feel, or the iPhone 8 Plus if you prefer a larger phone size.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 8 Plus performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how well the phone runs apps, multitasks, and stores files.
Processor Power
The iPhone 16 uses the Apple A18 chipset built on a 3 nm process, offering efficient and strong performance for demanding tasks. The iPhone 8 Plus runs on the Apple A11 Bionic, which is capable for everyday use but with fewer features.
Memory Size
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 keeps multiple apps open smoothly, making it suitable for multitasking and heavier apps. The iPhone 8 Plus has 3 GB of RAM, enough for standard use and simpler multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 16 comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage variants, catering to users who store many apps, photos, or videos. The iPhone 8 Plus offers 64GB and 256GB options, which suit users with moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 8 Plus screen
Screen quality influences how clear and vibrant content looks, affecting your experience watching videos, browsing, or reading.
Resolution and Detail
The iPhone 16 has a resolution of 1179 x 2556, which delivers sharper images and more detail on screen. The iPhone 8 Plus has a 1080 x 1920 resolution, good for everyday viewing but with less detail compared to the iPhone 16.
Screen Size
The iPhone 16's 6.1 inch display offers a good balance between size and portability, suitable for watching videos or gaming without feeling bulky. The iPhone 8 Plus has a larger 5.5 inch screen, which is roomier for reading or typing.
Screen Type
The iPhone 16 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which provides deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. The iPhone 8 Plus features a Retina IPS LCD, which offers accurate colours but less contrast and brightness.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 8 Plus camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front camera resolution, important for photography, video calls, and selfies.
Main Camera Detail
The iPhone 16's main camera has 48 megapixels, capturing more detail and allowing for higher-resolution photos. The iPhone 8 Plus offers a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for everyday photography but with fewer pixels.
Front Camera Resolution
With a 12 megapixel front camera, the iPhone 16 is well suited for clear selfies and video calls. The iPhone 8 Plus has a 7 megapixel front camera, good for basic video calls and selfies.
Camera Setup
The iPhone 16 uses a dual camera system, which provides versatility such as better depth effects or zoom options. The iPhone 8 Plus has a double (2x) camera setup, which supports similar dual-camera features.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 8 Plus size and design
Miscellaneous features include network compatibility, connectors, SIM options, and physical dimensions that affect daily use.
Network and SIM Options
The iPhone 16 supports 5G networks, providing faster mobile data speeds where available, and offers both a physical SIM and eSIM for flexible carrier use. The iPhone 8 Plus supports 4G and uses a physical SIM only, suitable for standard mobile connectivity.
Connector Type
The iPhone 8 Plus uses the Lightning connector, standard for many Apple devices before USB-C.
Weight and Dimensions
The iPhone 16 is lighter at 170 g and slimmer at 7.8 mm depth, making it easier to hold and carry. The iPhone 8 Plus weighs 202 g and has a depth of 7.5 mm, which may feel more substantial in the hand.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 16 or iPhone 8 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 16 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3561 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, £477.09 less than the iPhone 16
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 16 praise its condition, often saying it looks like new with good battery health at 100%. Many mention smooth performance and the feeling of a big upgrade. The screen and camera quality are noted positively, with some users appreciating the size and weight balance. Buyers also highlight that the phone meets expectations for condition and functionality, including battery life and speed.
Users of the iPhone 8 Plus report satisfaction with the phone's condition and performance for everyday tasks. Some mention that it works well for basic apps and gaming, especially for younger users or those wanting a larger screen. A few note that software updates are not available, which affects app compatibility. The size and build are appreciated, though battery life may be less strong for some. Overall, customers find it a good choice for simpler needs or those looking for a larger phone.
The iPhone 16 suits users wanting stronger performance, newer software, and high-quality screens and cameras. The iPhone 8 Plus is suitable for those who prefer a larger phone and simpler use, with enough features for everyday tasks.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 8 Plus FAQs
iPhone 16 vs 8 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8 Plus. The iPhone 16 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone 8 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £100.56 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 16.
The iPhone 16 has a bigger battery: 3561 mAh vs 2691 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 Plus ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.
The iPhone 16 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger battery (3561 mAh vs 2691 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £477.09 more (from £577.65 vs £100.56).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 8 Plus in 64GB and 256GB.
