Released in 2017, the iPhone 8 Plus was Apple’s flagship smartphone that combined power, style, and innovation. It featured a sleek aluminum and glass design, a powerful A11 Bionic chip, and dual 12MP cameras, which made it a popular choice for tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike. Even in 2025, many people are still using the iPhone 8 Plus because of its lasting performance and affordable price.

But with newer iPhones flooding the market each year and other flagship smartphones releasing cutting-edge technologies, how does the iPhone 8 Plus stack up in comparison? If you're in Australia and considering buying an iPhone in 2025, is the iPhone 8 Plus still a good investment? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the features, performance, and relevance of the iPhone 8 Plus, and compare it to the latest 2025 smartphones. We’ll also highlight why purchasing through Wise Market Australia offers you the best value for your money, while ensuring you get a reliable, trusted product.

The Enduring Appeal of the iPhone 8 Plus

Though the iPhone 8 Plus is no longer at the forefront of Apple’s device lineup, it’s still a compelling choice for many users. The phone is known for its solid build, reliable performance, and attractive price point. If you're looking for an iPhone that offers a great balance between features and affordability, the iPhone 8 Plus is an excellent option.

In 2025, the phone still holds its ground against newer models, especially when it comes to core features like battery life, display quality, and camera functionality. For those seeking a budget-friendly iPhone without compromising too much on performance, the iPhone 8 Plus continues to be a solid contender.

Design & Display: Classic but Timeless

One of the iPhone 8 Plus’s standout features is its large 5.5-inch Retina HD display. In 2025, Apple’s newer iPhones have adopted OLED technology, offering more vibrant colors and deeper blacks. However, the iPhone 8 Plus still features an impressive LCD screen that, while not as vivid as OLED, provides rich colors and sharp visuals. The True Tone display, which adjusts the screen’s white balance based on the ambient light, adds a touch of premium quality to this device.

Additionally, the design of the iPhone 8 Plus feels timeless with its glass back and aluminum frame. Though larger smartphones have dominated the market since its release, the iPhone 8 Plus remains comfortably sized, especially for those who prefer larger screens but not the massive dimensions of the latest devices. Its build quality remains sturdy, making it durable enough to last for several years.

Performance: Still Capable for Everyday Tasks

While the iPhone 8 Plus is powered by the A11 Bionic chip, a processor that was considered revolutionary when it first debuted, it may seem a bit outdated when compared to the A15 or A16 Bionic chips in newer iPhones. However, in real-world use, the A11 Bionic chip is still capable of handling most tasks without issue. It can easily run everyday apps, multitask between various programs, and handle moderate gaming.

For users in Australia who aren’t doing high-end gaming or video editing, the iPhone 8 Plus still offers a great experience. The device runs on iOS 16 (and will likely be supported with future iOS updates), meaning you’ll still get access to the latest software features.

Battery Life: Keeping Up with the Demands of 2025

Battery life is always a key concern when choosing a smartphone, and the iPhone 8 Plus has a 2,691 mAh battery that, while not as large as some of the batteries found in newer phones, still provides a full day of use for most users. In 2025, Apple has made significant advancements in battery optimization across newer models, but the iPhone 8 Plus holds up well for daily tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and messaging.

Apple’s battery optimization technology, paired with iOS updates, ensures that the iPhone 8 Plus provides a solid battery life even after years of use. For Australian consumers who are upgrading from an older model or looking for a phone that can still manage typical daily tasks without needing to recharge every few hours, the iPhone 8 Plus is still an attractive option.

iPhone 8 Plus vs. 2025 Flagship Smartphones

While the iPhone 8 Plus remains a viable option for many users, comparing it to the latest flagship models in 2025 reveals where it stands in the context of the modern smartphone landscape. Let’s explore how it holds up against newer devices like the iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy S23, and Google Pixel 8.

Display Quality: iPhone 8 Plus vs. iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S23

The iPhone 8 Plus features a 5.5-inch Retina display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. While it offers a solid visual experience, it falls short when compared to the iPhone 15’s and Samsung Galaxy S23’s Super Retina XDR and Dynamic AMOLED displays, respectively. These newer phones have higher resolutions, better color accuracy, and deeper blacks thanks to OLED technology.

The iPhone 15, for example, features a 6.1-inch OLED display with ProMotion 120Hz refresh rates, which provides a smoother visual experience, especially when scrolling through apps or playing games. The Samsung Galaxy S23 also sports a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display that makes the iPhone 8 Plus’s LCD screen feel outdated in comparison. If you are someone who values sharp visuals and smoother animations, these newer models are the clear winners.

However, if you are an Australian consumer who is okay with a slightly lower-resolution display and doesn't prioritize OLED quality, the iPhone 8 Plus can still deliver a satisfying viewing experience. It also comes at a significantly lower price than its modern counterparts.

Camera Quality: iPhone 8 Plus vs. iPhone 15 and Google Pixel 8

The iPhone 8 Plus has a dual 12MP camera setup with Portrait Mode and optical image stabilization, which was cutting-edge in 2017. However, newer smartphones like the iPhone 15 and Google Pixel 8 offer superior camera systems. The iPhone 15 features a 48MP primary sensor, enabling much higher resolution images and improved low-light performance. Additionally, the Google Pixel 8 boasts an impressive computational photography system that excels in dynamic range and detail.

While the iPhone 8 Plus still captures great photos, it lacks the advanced computational photography and night mode features found in the newer smartphones. If you’re someone who takes lots of photos and values the highest quality possible, you’ll likely prefer the camera systems on the iPhone 15 or Google Pixel 8.

That being said, the iPhone 8 Plus can still take sharp, detailed photos in good lighting conditions, and it supports 4K video recording, making it a decent choice for casual photographers and videographers.

Performance: iPhone 8 Plus vs. iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S23

When it comes to performance, the iPhone 8 Plus’s A11 Bionic chip, while still competent, is outclassed by the iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic chip and the Samsung Galaxy S23’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. These newer processors are faster, more energy-efficient, and better equipped for demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and multitasking.

If you use your phone for intensive applications or want the latest technology in AI and augmented reality (AR), you’ll likely find that the iPhone 8 Plus feels slower and more limited. However, for general use—such as browsing, social media, and light gaming—the iPhone 8 Plus still holds up well.

Battery Life: iPhone 8 Plus vs. iPhone 15 and Galaxy S23

The iPhone 8 Plus provides a full day of usage for most people, thanks to its 2,691 mAh battery. However, newer devices like the iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S23 come with much larger batteries, and in some cases, support faster charging or longer battery life due to more efficient processors and larger battery capacities.

That said, the iPhone 8 Plus can still hold its own if you’re not using power-hungry apps or features. For casual users, it remains a reliable device for day-to-day tasks.

Is the iPhone 8 Plus Still Worth It in 2025?

The iPhone 8 Plus may not have the latest features found in 2025 flagship models, but it still offers solid performance, great battery life, and an excellent price point. If you’re someone in Australia who doesn't need the latest and greatest specs and is just looking for a reliable smartphone, the iPhone 8 Plus is still a very appealing option.

By purchasing through Wise Market Australia, you’re not only getting a top-quality device, but you’re also ensuring that you're dealing with a trustworthy, reliable platform that offers excellent customer support, warranty, and after-sales service. The iPhone 8 Plus offers great value for those looking to stay within budget while still enjoying the benefits of Apple’s ecosystem.

Conclusion: The iPhone 8 Plus—A Timeless Choice for 2025

Ultimately, the iPhone 8 Plus remains a strong contender for those in Australia who are looking for a high-quality, affordable device. While it may not be able to compete with the latest models in every area, it still holds up in terms of design, performance, and battery life. Whether you’re upgrading from an older iPhone or just want a budget-friendly option, the iPhone 8 Plus provides great value without compromising on essential features.