Is the iPhone 8 Still Worth Buying in 2022?
It’s already been almost half a decade since Apple released its 11th generation iPhone 8 (and 8 Plus) in 2017. Since then, four new generations of iPhones have been released, each with increasingly advanced features and specifications.
Given that current-generation phones often cost over $1,000, opting for an older model is definitely a strategy to consider if you’re looking to save money. But how old is too old? At what point do the compromises of having an older phone outweigh the cost benefits? Find out whether the iPhone 8 is still a good choice in 2022.
Why the iPhone 8 is still a good choice in 2022
A solid processor
The iPhone 8 (and 8 Plus) features an Apple A11 Bionic processor that makes it 70% faster than the iPhone 7. The chip is more powerful than many of the Android models available on the market at comparable prices. For example, the Google Pixel 5A 5G and Samsung Galaxy A52 5G both cost slightly more but have less powerful processors than the iPhone 8.
Picture-perfect camera quality
The iPhone 8’s advanced 12-megapixel camera provides stunning picture and video quality that landed it at the top of every list when it was first released as Apple’s flagship phone. If you opt for the 8 Plus, you get the added benefit of dual lenses for even better image quality when zooming. As far as used cell phones go, you will have a hard time beating the iPhone 8’s camera.
Familiar hardware features
The iPhone 8 has a 4.7-inch display size. Comparatively, both the iPhone 12 and 13 Mini have a 5.42-inch screen, and their regular-sized counterparts are even larger. Of course, phone size preference varies widely, but if you have a fondness for the smaller early versions of iPhones, the iPhone 8 might be a good option for you.
With the exception of the iPhone SE, every model since the iPhone 8 has foregone the Touch ID-activated home button in favour of Face ID, allowing for smaller bezels and an edge-to-edge screen. If you’re loath to let go of your home button or aren’t interested in Face ID, the iPhone 8 is a good alternative.
Charging capabilities
The iPhone 8 is the first Apple smartphone to feature inductive charging. The device is compatible with Qi chargers, and the aluminum back of previous models has been replaced with glass to allow for wireless charging.
The iPhone 8 also has fast charging capabilities, but you’ll need to purchase a USB-C to lightning cable and a fast charger in order to make use of the feature.
Drawbacks to buying an iPhone 8 in 2022
The Apple support cutoff for iPhone 8 is looming
Apple stopped making the 8 and 8 Plus models in 2020, but you can still get the iPhones used. For now, the iPhone 8 is still getting current updates and support from Apple, but we don’t know exactly when that will stop.
Based on the timelines of past generations of iPhones, Apple keeps providing support for their devices for around five to six years after their release. If that holds true, 2022 could be the last year for the iPhone 8.
The limits of older smartphones
When purchasing an older smartphone, whether or not the device will be able to keep up with modern usage is a major concern. There are several factors that can cause older devices to slow down over time and develop problems such as overheating, spontaneous restarting and shortened battery life.
Updates and upgrades
While updates and upgrades are beneficial for your phone’s performance in the short term, they accumulate and take up more and more memory over time. They eventually consume so much operating capacity and power that they can overload the entire system easily. This means that the more upgrades have been released since your phone was manufactured, the more your device will be at a disadvantage.
Newer apps
Newer apps inevitably require more resources to run, as they are designed with more recent, more efficient hardware in mind. Like OS updates, developers continue to add new features to apps, making them more and more bloated in a phenomenon known as “feature creep”. Therefore, apps eat up more RAM and CPU over time while your phone’s hardware stays the same, resulting in reduced performance.
Battery life
All phones see a decrease in battery life over time. This problem can be exacerbated with used phones, since it has generally been longer since they were manufactured. If you’re considering purchasing an iPhone 8 but are concerned about battery life, you can always opt to replace the battery right away to avoid the problem.
Verdict: is the iPhone 8 worth your money in 2022?
Whether the iPhone 8 is still a worthwhile purchase isn’t a question with an easy answer. The reality is that it depends on your habits, usage and expectations. If you want a reasonably-priced smartphone that can handle your everyday needs, deliver gorgeous picture and video and be charged wirelessly, an iPhone 8 or 8 Plus will do the trick. If you use plenty of power-hungry apps, want the latest features or get easily frustrated if your device is working a little slowly, you may need a newer phone.
If you’ve decided that a used phone is the right solution for you, check out Recycell’s online store! We have a wide selection of used cell phones and smartphones at unbeatable prices. Always remember to check a used phone before buying to ensure full satisfaction. If you have any questions about the used phones from the Recycell store, you are more than welcome to contact us.