Released in September 2017, the iPhone 8 was a refinement of Apple’s established design, introducing key upgrades like a glass back for wireless charging, an improved camera, and a powerful new processor. It was launched alongside the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X, bridging the gap between older models and the modern iPhone era.
Specifications
- Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD Display, 750 x 1334 pixels (326 ppi)
- Dimensions: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm (5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 inches)
- Weight: 148 grams (5.22 ounces)
- Storage Options: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (no external storage)
- Processor: Hexa-core Apple A11 Bionic, with two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores
- RAM: 2 GB
- Operating System: iOS 11 (upgradable to iOS 16)
- Camera: 12 MP rear camera with f/1.8 aperture, OIS, 4K video recording at 24/30/60 fps, 7 MP front camera
- Battery: 1821 mAh, non-removable, up to 14 hours talk time on 3G, 240 hours standby
- Connectivity: 4G LTE, 3G (HSDPA), Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.0, GPS
- Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, fingerprint sensor (Touch ID)
Design and Display
The iPhone 8 retained the same 4.7-inch Retina HD Display as the iPhone 7, but with improvements such as True Tone technology, which adjusted the display’s color temperature based on ambient lighting. The addition of a glass back was a significant design change, enabling wireless charging for the first time on an iPhone. Apple claimed the glass was the most durable ever in a smartphone. The device was available in three colors: Silver, Space Gray, and Gold.
A11 Bionic Chip
The A11 Bionic chip was a significant leap in processing power, featuring a six-core CPU with two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores. This setup allowed the iPhone 8 to handle demanding tasks more efficiently while conserving battery life. The A11 also included a three-core GPU, delivering 30% faster graphics performance compared to its predecessor, and a Neural Engine for handling AI-related tasks.
Camera and Photography
The iPhone 8 featured a 12 MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS). The camera improvements included enhanced color accuracy, better low-light performance, and faster autofocus. The device was capable of recording 4K video at 24/30/60 fps and 1080p slow-motion video at 240 fps. On the front, the 7 MP FaceTime HD camera provided clear selfies and 1080p video recording capabilities.
Wireless Charging
One of the most anticipated features of the iPhone 8 was wireless charging. Apple adopted the Qi standard, making it compatible with a wide range of wireless chargers. This feature, combined with the glass back design, marked a significant shift in how users could charge their devices, reducing reliance on wired solutions.
Battery Life
The iPhone 8 was equipped with an 1821 mAh battery, providing:
- Up to 14 hours of talk time on 3G
- 12 hours of internet use on LTE or Wi-Fi
- 13 hours of video playback
- 40 hours of audio playback
- 240 hours of standby time
Despite the modest battery capacity, the A11 Bionic’s efficiency allowed for decent battery life, on par with or slightly better than the iPhone 7.
Operating System and Software Features
The iPhone 8 shipped with iOS 11, which introduced several new features, including:
- ARKit: Enabling augmented reality apps.
- Revamped Control Center: With more customizable options.
- Enhanced Siri: With translation capabilities and new voices.
- Files app: A centralized location for file management.
The iPhone 8 supported upgrades up to iOS 16, ensuring years of feature enhancements and security updates.
Connectivity
The iPhone 8 supported 4G LTE Advanced, offering fast mobile internet speeds. It also included Wi-Fi 802.11ac with MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC for Apple Pay transactions. Enhanced connectivity options helped users stay connected and enjoy faster wireless performance.
Reception and Legacy
The iPhone 8 was well-received for its improvements in performance, camera quality, and the introduction of wireless charging. It was seen as a refined version of the iPhone 7, bridging the gap between older iPhones and the upcoming design shift with the iPhone X. However, some critics felt the iPhone 8’s design was dated compared to the newer bezel-less designs being adopted by competitors.
Conclusion
The iPhone 8 offered a solid upgrade for users looking for a familiar design with improved features. With the powerful A11 Bionic chip, enhanced camera capabilities, and the addition of wireless charging, it provided a comprehensive package in a compact form. Despite its traditional design, the iPhone 8 remains a significant device in Apple’s lineup, marking the end of an era while paving the way for modern iPhone innovations.