The iPhone12 is the latest version of the iPhone as of February 2021, while the iPhone8 has been out for four years. The iPhone12 clearly has more features and better performance than the iPhone 8, but the best buy between these two models is a more difficult choice. This comparison between the iPhone8 and iPhone12 considers design, camera, performance, and battery life.
Design
The iPhone8 is about ¼ inch shorter and 1/6 inch narrower than the iPhone12, while their thickness is virtually identical. The iPhone8 is also about ½ oz. lighter, so the physical differences shouldn’t be a deal-breaker unless you have small hands or pockets. The iPhone12 has straight sides, whereas the iPhone8 has curved sides, which may make the iPhone8 more comfortable to hold. However, the ceramic shield on the iPhone12 makes it more likely to survive a fall than the iPhone8.
Camera
The iPhone12 is clearly the winner when it comes to image quality. It has an f/1.6 standard and an f/2.4 ultra-wide-angle lens, whereas the iPhone8 only has a standard f/1.8 lens. The iPhone12 camera also has a portrait mode and night mode, both of which the iPhone8 lacks. Both models can record video in 1080p or 4K at a maximum of 60fps, but the iPhone12 also has HDR Dolby Vision.
Performance
The iPhone12’s A14 Bionic chipset outperforms the iPhone8’s A11 chipset considerably, allowing it to run the latest games more smoothly. The iPhone12 also has better mobile connectivity with its 5G coverage, as opposed to only 4G for the iPhone8. Both models come with 64GB of storage, but the iPhone12 has more expansion options. The iPhone8 only allows expansion to 256GB of storage, while the iPhone12 has an option for 128GB.
Battery Life
The battery life of the iPhone series has improved slowly but steadily. If you do nothing but play videos, the iPhone8 will run for 13 hours before needing a recharge, while the iPhone12 can run for 17. The difference in battery life will be less noticeable if you’re surfing the internet since the higher browsing speed of the iPhone12 also requires more power.
Summary
The iPhone12 is the best choice if price is no object, but the iPhone8 costs much less. This is especially true for power users who watch streaming video that benefits from the iPhone12’s smoother video and higher download speed. However, the iPhone8 is a better choice for basic users on a budget.
Does the IPhone 12 have a charging port?
Yes it does as well as wireless charging.
I upgraded to a 12 from an 8 when my battery started going South. I like the 12 since I am a power user. However, the abandoned iPhone8 is a better choice for my wife who’s a basic user. DO I REPLCE THE 8’s BATTERY FOR HER TO USE IT,…,OR BUY HER A 12 WHICH SHE HAS NO USE FOR ALL THE FEATURES? WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO REPLACE BATTERY?
That comment below confuses me?
“The iPhone8 only allows expansion to 256GB of storage, while the iPhone12 has an option for 128GB.”
I thought that was odd also.
Me too. I’m wondering if it is a typo, where the 8 is supposed to be MB and not GB.
Is there a phone you would recommend between the 8 and the 12 if I was upgrading that would not be very expensive?
He pointed out the Good but not the Ugly. If you have a version one iWatch, it will not sync with the 12 which is a bummer. The iWatch one is still in perfect working condition but thanks to Apples plan to make things not workable, it won’t pair with the current versions l
My iPhone 8+ has been 256 GB storage, so I am really confused by his comments about storage amounts
What if any is the advantage to the new I phone SE. can these hints be used on it? I want to buy a case and protector for screen. The one I bought did not fit. This is the newer model I need.