iPhone 17 vs iPhone 8
Shop iPhone
iPhone 17
Starting at
£713.34£799.00 new
iPhone 8
Starting at
£90.00£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 8?
iPhone 17 vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 starts at £90, £623.34 less than the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A19 on the iPhone 17, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8.
- The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 8 specs
The iPhone 17 and iPhone 8 differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 17 has a larger, higher resolution Super Retina XDR screen, a more powerful Apple A19 chip with 8 GB of RAM, and bigger cameras for sharper photos. It supports 5G and offers both physical SIM and eSIM options. The iPhone 8 has a smaller Retina IPS LCD screen, the Apple A11 Bionic chip with 2 GB of RAM, and simpler camera specs. It supports 4G and uses a physical SIM only. The iPhone 8 is a solid choice for everyday use with fewer features, while the iPhone 17 suits those who want more screen space, performance, and camera detail.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 8 price
Colour
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 8 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and construction details. These influence how long the phone works on a charge and how long it receives software support.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 17 has a 3692 mAh battery, which provides more power for longer use between charges. This suits users who rely on their phone for extended periods without frequent recharging. The iPhone 8 has a 1821 mAh battery that fits everyday use where charging during the day is more common.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 8 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run and how much multitasking the phone can handle.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 17 uses the Apple A19 chipset paired with 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and supports more simultaneous tasks. The iPhone 8 features the Apple A11 Bionic chipset with 2 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday use with simpler multitasking needs.
Storage Options
The iPhone 17 is available with 256GB or 512GB of storage, offering ample space for apps, photos, and files. The iPhone 8 comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, giving flexibility for users with varying storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 8 screen
Screen quality influences how videos, photos, and apps appear. Screen size, resolution, and type affect comfort and clarity when using the phone.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 17 has a 6.3 inch display with a resolution of 2622x1206, offering a larger and sharper view ideal for watching videos and reading. The iPhone 8 has a 4.7 inch screen with 750x1334 resolution, better suited for users who prefer a smaller phone that fits comfortably in one hand.
Screen Type
The iPhone 17's Super Retina XDR screen provides higher contrast and deeper colours for a vibrant viewing experience. The iPhone 8 uses a Retina IPS LCD screen, which delivers reliable colour and brightness for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 8 camera
Audiovisual features include front and main cameras, which affect photo and video quality for selfies and regular shots.
Front Camera
The iPhone 17's front camera has 18 megapixels, capturing more detail and sharper selfies. The iPhone 8's front camera offers 7 megapixels, suitable for basic selfies and video calls.
Main Camera
The iPhone 17 features a 48 megapixel main camera, designed for high-resolution photos with more detail. The iPhone 8 has a 12 megapixel main camera, which works well for everyday photography.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 8 size and design
Other differences affect connectivity, size, and physical features, influencing how the phone fits your lifestyle and network needs.
Network and SIM
The iPhone 17 supports 5G networks and offers both a physical SIM and eSIM, providing flexibility for travel or switching carriers. The iPhone 8 supports 4G and uses a physical SIM only, suitable for standard network use.
Connector Type
The iPhone 17 uses a USB-C connector, a common standard for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 8 uses a Lightning connector, which is compatible with many Apple accessories.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 17 measures 149.6 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and 8 mm in depth, weighing 177 g. The iPhone 8 is 138.4 mm tall, 67.3 mm wide, and 7.3 mm deep, weighing 148 g. The iPhone 8 suits those preferring a more compact and lighter phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 17 or iPhone 8: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 17 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 1821 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 4.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 8 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £90, £623.34 less than the iPhone 17
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 177 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 17 looks like new with excellent battery health and a condition close to brand new. Many highlight the larger screen and faster performance as noticeable improvements. The cameras are praised for capturing detailed photos, and users appreciate the smooth setup process. Some customers who upgraded from earlier models like the iPhone 13 or 14 Pro find the iPhone 17 a significant step up, especially for multimedia and multitasking. The phone is described as reliable for longer daily use thanks to its larger battery.
The iPhone 8 receives positive feedback for looking nearly new and running well for everyday tasks. Customers mention the battery health is good and the device feels solid. It suits users who want a straightforward phone for calls, messaging, and basic apps. The size and weight are appreciated by those preferring a smaller phone. Some users bought the iPhone 8 as a gift or a replacement and found it dependable for standard use.
Overall, the iPhone 17 matches buyers needing higher performance, a larger screen, and advanced cameras. The iPhone 8 is a good fit for those happy with essential features and a smaller form factor.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 8 FAQs
iPhone 17 vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A19 on the iPhone 17, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8. The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 8 is cheaper refurbished, from £90 compared with £713.34 for the iPhone 17.
The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
The iPhone 17 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 17 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 17 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 1821 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £623.34 more (from £713.34 vs £90).
Refurbished, the iPhone 17 comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 8 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
