With the new iPhone X released, why is the iPhone 8 getting more attention on Google searches in 2018? Reviews of the iPhone 8 vs. iPhone X...

Comparing the latest iPhone models can be a tall order. Our pick when comparing the iPhone 8 and the iPhone X.

Apple continue to lead the charge is it released its’ 10 generation iPhone November 3rd, 2017 by introducing the iPhone X. No folks, you did not miss the release of the iPhone 9. Apple decided to skip 9 in the order sequence when it released the iPhone X which is one model and only 2 weeks newer than its’ predecessor, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. Apple decided on naming the iPhone X as such since the roman numeral indicates 10, which also celebrates Apple’s 10th anniversary of the revolutionary smartphone.

However, Apple may have outdone itself in the eyes of the consumer. The release of the iPhone X was met with mixed reviews at best. Both the iPhone X and the iPhone 8 have the Apple A11 Bionic 64-bit ARM-based system on a chip which claims to be up to 70% faster than the A10 which was used in the predecessor, the iPhone 7. So, the internals appear somewhat the same at first glance.

The most notable change for the iPhone 8, when comparing it to previous models, was the addition of the wireless charging feature. The iPhone 8 also added improved displays and camera characteristics. Wireless charging is known as “inductive charging” and uses an electromagnetic field to transfer energy. Although the system of charging may not be as neat as it sounds. Inductive charging is largely criticized for its’ inability to operate the phone while it charges due to the phone having to remain at the docking station. Users often report that a corded charge allows easy use of the phone and ability to move the phone around while charging. Additionally, inductive charging is not nearly as efficient as a corded charge and is said to take significantly longer to charge the phone to full power due to the inefficiency. Also, the iPhone 8 is the first of the iPhones to introduce a glass which is a direct result of the introduction of the wireless charging. This glass back is likely to result in a decrease in durability and score lower on drop testing.
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Users may find that the greatest reason for choosing the iPhone 8 is the camera’s capabilities. Users may now shoot ultra HD 4k at an increased rate of 60 frames per second, up from 30 in the previous iPhone 7. Faster frames per second equals greater ability to shoot fast moving objects such as sporting events. They have also pumped up the ability to shoot still photos and videos in slow motion significantly from the previous models. The iPhone 8 rings in at a starting price of $699.

As for the supposed heavyweight debut of the “all new” iPhone X, reviews were certainly mixed. iPhone has long been criticized that it has an aging design and that most releases have been too similar to the previous. Although iPhone X does not exactly revolutionize smartphones, it does come with some nifty options. However, these options are met with some pretty harsh criticisms. The iPhone X has removed the infamous home screen and has eliminated touch ID opting in for facial recognition software coined Face ID. Criticism flew heavily in the direction of concerns over privacy and security. Concerns have also arisen that this facial recognition may be in direct conflict with constitutional rights. The overall build and camera features have improved and have received positive reviews upon intial field testing within the 3 months following its’ release.

So, what’s the difference? Well, for starters, the price as the iPhone 8 starts at $699 and the iPhone X is $1,000. We are at the point where only the highest level users requiring specific gaming capacity will notice any difference in display and performance. As for the cameras, the iPhone 5 already had been outpacing novice photographer’s capabilities. Unless we are concerned with taking professional photographs (which if we were a photographer we would purchase a camera itself), again most novice users will not notice a difference. If privacy and security are of concern, I would recommend staying away from the iPhone X at this point. The iPhone 8 may be worthwhile for improved display and camera features over the iPhone 7. As a point of comparison, the iPhone 7 is $599. Overall, users seem to be searching older models more and more frequently due to the law of diminishing returns as iPhone prices have finally broken into the $1,000 range. 

​iPhone 8 vs. iPhone X

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