Apple iPhone 8 Unveiling Specs Prices Features & Flaws

Overview

The Apple iPhone 8, released in September 2017, marked another pivotal moment for Apple's lineup. This device combined a familiar design with significant improvements in performance, camera capabilities, and wireless charging. The iPhone 8 maintained its appeal through its well-rounded features that catered to a wide range of users.

Design and Build

The iPhone 8 sticks to Apple's classic design aesthetic, characterized by its clean lines and rounded edges. It boasts a dimension of 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and weighs just 148 grams, making it lightweight and easy to handle. Featuring glass on both front and back, reinforced by an aluminum frame, the iPhone 8 offers a premium look and feel. The glass is specifically made by Corning and provides improved durability alongside a satisfying in-hand experience. The device is available in multiple colors: Silver, Space Gray, Gold, and Red.

Display

The iPhone 8 is equipped with a 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD screen. The display comes with a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 326 ppi. Despite not sporting an OLED panel, the display delivers impressive color accuracy and brightness levels thanks to its 625 nits typical brightness. The screen's Ion-strengthened glass adds a layer of protection against everyday wear and scratches.

Performance

At the heart of the iPhone 8 lies the Apple A11 Bionic chip, manufactured using a 10 nm process. The Hexa-core CPU, composed of two high-performance Monsoon cores and four energy-efficient Mistral cores, ensures a smooth multi-tasking experience. The device's graphics performance is enhanced by a three-core GPU, which enables seamless gaming and media consumption. This configuration results in impressive benchmark scores: AnTuTu rates it at 237594 (v7) and GeekBench at 10214 (v4.4).

Operating System

Initially shipped with iOS 11, the iPhone 8 supports updates up to iOS 16.7.5, which offers the latest features and security enhancements. Apple's consistent operating system updates ensure that the device remains relevant and secure for several years post-launch.

Memory and Storage

The iPhone 8 comes with three storage options: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, paired with 2GB RAM. While the device lacks a memory card slot, these storage configurations cater to varying user needs, from basic app usage to more demanding storage requirements for media and game enthusiasts.

Camera

The device features a single 12 MP rear camera with an aperture of f/1.8, offering wide-angle shots. The camera includes Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), enhancing photo clarity and reducing blur in both photos and videos. The Quad-LED dual-tone flash and HDR capability ensure that vibrant images can be captured even in low light conditions. The main camera can shoot videos in multiple resolutions, including 4K up to 60fps and 1080p at up to 240fps.

The front camera offers a 7 MP sensor with f/2.2 aperture, featuring Face detection, HDR, and panorama modes. It's designed for capturing detailed selfies and enabling high-quality video calls, as it supports 1080p video recording at 30fps.

Battery and Charging

The iPhone 8 is powered by a non-removable 1821 mAh Li-Ion battery, providing an endurance rating of 66 hours. The device supports 15W fast charging, which can charge the battery to 50% in just 30 minutes using wired PD2.0. It also supports wireless charging based on the Qi standard, adding convenience for users who prefer cordless power replenishment.

Audio and Speaker

The iPhone 8 features stereo speakers that deliver rich and balanced sound, enhancing the audio experience for media playback, voice calls, and apps. However, it lacks the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, in line with Apple's push towards a completely wireless ecosystem.

Connectivity and Sensors

The iPhone 8 comes with a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, and hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE, and NFC support. Positioning technologies include GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and QZSS for accurate location tracking. USB connectivity is supported through a Lightning, USB 2.0 port. Unfortunately, it does not feature a radio.

On the sensor front, the iPhone 8 includes a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer, granting a wide range of functionalities and enhancing the user experience.

Conclusion

The Apple iPhone 8 remains a compelling choice for those seeking a balance between performance and usability. With its robust A11 Bionic chipset, excellent camera capabilities, and support for wireless charging, it provides a reliable and feature-rich experience. Despite evolving mobile trends, the iPhone 8 stands resilient, proving Apple's commitment to quality and innovation.