Price and specifications of Apple iPhone 8 Plus advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build Quality

The Apple iPhone 8 Plus is known for its classic and elegant design, which is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It features a glass front and back, manufactured by Corning, which provides a glossy finish and smooth touch experience. The aluminum frame ensures a sturdy construction, delivering a premium hand-feel. Measuring at 158.4 x 78.1 x 7.5 mm and weighing 202 g, the phone strikes a perfect balance between a large display and handheld comfort. However, its glass back makes it more susceptible to smudges and fingerprints, which users should be aware of.

Display

The iPhone 8 Plus boasts a 5.5 inches Retina IPS LCD offering a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 16:9. The screen provides approximately 401 ppi density, ensuring sharp and vibrant visuals. While it might not match up to the newer OLED panels, its LCD is no slouch, achieving up to 625 nits of brightness that make it suitable for outdoor viewing. The display is protected by ion-strengthened glass, which helps prevent scratches and minor drops.

Performance

Under the hood, the iPhone 8 Plus is powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chipset, which utilizes a 10 nm process technology. This hexa-core processor is divided into two high-performance cores named "Monsoon" and four efficiency cores named "Mistral", offering both power and efficiency as needed. Paired with an Apple GPU with three-core graphics, the iPhone 8 Plus is capable of handling intensive tasks and heavy gaming with ease. GeekBench scores for the device average around 10037, showing its robust performance capabilities.

Camera

The iPhone 8 Plus houses a dual-camera system on its rear. There's a wide 12 MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and a telephoto 12 MP sensor with an f/2.8 aperture, which together facilitate 2x optical zoom. The cameras are equipped with features such as optical image stabilization (OIS) and phase detection autofocus (PDAF), delivering impressive photos even in low light. Video recording capabilities include 4K at various frame rates such as 24/30/60fps and 1080p at 30/60/120/240fps. The front-facing 7 MP camera offers good quality selfies with features like HDR and 1080p video recording at 30fps.

Battery Life

The device comes with a Li-Ion 2691 mAh non-removable battery, which supports up to 21 hours of talk time on 3G. Thanks to its 15W wired fast charging, the battery can reach 50% charge in around 30 minutes as advertised, with PD2.0 technology. Additionally, it offers Qi wireless charging compatibility, providing a modern charging experience. The battery performance is rated at about 81 hours of endurance, which is quite satisfactory for everyday use.

Operating System and Software

Originally launched with iOS 11, the iPhone 8 Plus has been updated through iOS 16.7.5, which ensures it receives up-to-date features and security enhancements. The interface is fluid, and thanks to the hardware integration with the iOS ecosystem, users experience seamless operation and various smart features.

Memory and Storage Options

The device offers multiple storage options: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, paired with 3GB of RAM. Although it lacks expandable storage via a microSD card slot, the internal storage variants should suffice for most users' needs.

Connectivity and Additional Features

In terms of connectivity, the iPhone 8 Plus supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, offering diverse network compatibility. It features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC for Apple Pay. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, pushing users towards wireless solutions or using adapters. The device includes essential sensors like a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer, contributing to its multifunctional capabilities.

Miscellaneous

Available in Gold, Space Gray, Silver, and Red, the iPhone 8 Plus appeals to different style preferences. The model numbers are varied globally, including A1864, A1897, and more. When it comes to safety standards, the SAR value for both head and body are well within the EU regulations, noted at 1.19 W/kg (head) and 0.99 W/kg (body).

Conclusion

The Apple iPhone 8 Plus is a well-rounded device that offers superior build quality, competent performance, and a capable camera system, all supported by Apple's extensive ecosystem. While it may not boast all the features seen in more recent models, it provides a reliable and consistent user experience, making it a viable choice for those who appreciate traditional functionalities in a smartphone.