iPhone 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S8 - Complete Review

Battery Capacity: 1821mAh
Dimension: 148g, 7.3mm thickness
Chipset: Apple A11 Bionic
Storage: 64GB / 256GB
Camera: Rear: 12 MP | Front: 7 MP
OS: iOS 11 (upgradable to iOS 16.7)
Battery Capacity: 3000mAh
Dimension: 155g, 8.0mm thickness
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895 (region-dependent)
Storage: 64GB (expandable via microSD up to 256GB)
Camera: Rear: 12 MP | Front: 8 MP
OS: Android 7.0 Nougat (upgradable to Android 9 / One UI 1.0)


iPhone 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S8: The 2017 Icons — Which Vintage Powerhouse Should You Choose in 2025?

What if you could hold the moment two giants took different paths? The iPhone 8: Apple’s last classic — glass back, Touch ID, compact size, wireless charging. The Galaxy S8: Samsung’s revolution — Infinity Display, no buttons, iris scanner, and that dreamy curved screen. Both were masterpieces in 2017. In 2025, neither is safe for banking or social media — but both are stunning, nostalgic, and surprisingly capable as backup devices, media players, or first phones for kids. So which one deserves a spot in your life today? Let’s break it down — design, display, performance, camera, battery — so you can pick the 2017 legend that fits your 2025 needs.

Design & Feel: Compact Familiarity vs Futuristic Beauty

The iPhone 8 feels like home. That 4.7-inch size fits perfectly in one hand. The glass back is smooth, the aluminum frame sturdy. It’s nostalgic, simple, and comforting. The Galaxy S8? It feels like the future — even in 2025. The curved Infinity Display wraps around your fingers. The symmetrical bezels disappear. It’s taller, sleeker, and more dramatic. If you miss the Home button and Touch ID, go iPhone 8. If you want to hold a design icon, go S8.

Display: Small & Accurate vs Big & Breathtaking

The iPhone 8’s 4.7-inch LCD is sharp, color-accurate, and easy on the eyes — but tiny by today’s standards. Scrolling TikTok or reading long articles? You’ll miss the space. The Galaxy S8’s 5.8-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED is a showstopper: deep blacks, vibrant colors, HDR10 support, and that tall 18.5:9 ratio perfect for videos. In 2025, the S8 screen still feels premium. The iPhone 8 feels… small. If screen size matters, S8 wins easily.

Performance in 2025: iOS Longevity vs Android Power

The iPhone 8 got updates until 2023 (iOS 16) — 6 years of support. The S8 stopped in 2019 (Android 9) — just 2 years. In 2025, the iPhone 8 still opens apps faster thanks to iOS optimization. But the S8 has double the RAM (4GB vs 2GB), so if you install lightweight apps (like VLC or Signal via APK), multitasking feels smoother. Neither runs Instagram or TikTok well — but both handle music, videos, and messaging just fine. For pure longevity, iPhone 8 wins. For raw flexibility, S8 holds up better.

Camera: Portrait Magic vs Low-Light Brilliance

The iPhone 8’s 12MP camera introduced software-based Portrait Mode — still works beautifully for people and pets. Colors are natural, videos are stabilized at 4K@60fps. The S8’s 12MP Dual Pixel sensor has a brighter f/1.7 lens — so low-light photos are noticeably better. But no Portrait Mode (without third-party apps). For daylight shots, both are great. For night shots, S8 wins. For video, iPhone 8 wins. Choose based on your style.

Battery & Charging: S8 Dominates Again

The iPhone 8’s 1821 mAh battery is its weakest point. Even in 2017, it struggled. In 2025, with degraded cells, it barely lasts half a day. The S8’s 3000 mAh battery? Still solid. Add fast charging and wireless charging — and you’ve got a phone that can survive a full day of light use. Plus, the S8 supports Wireless PowerShare (charge your earbuds by placing them on the back). The iPhone 8 only charges via Lightning or basic Qi. No contest here — S8 wins battery life hands down.

The Hidden Perks: microSD, Headphone Jack & More

Both have headphone jacks — a rare luxury in 2025. But only the S8 has microSD expandable storage. Want to load 300GB of music, movies, and photos? Only the S8 lets you. Only the S8 has Samsung DeX (turn your phone into a desktop). Only the S8 has iris scanning (still feels sci-fi). The iPhone 8 has Touch ID — reliable, fast, and beloved. But the S8 offers more features, more freedom, more fun.

How to use them safely in 2025 (simple steps)

For both: Factory reset first. Install only lightweight apps from F-Droid or APKMirror (Spotify, VLC, Signal). Remove all Google/Apple accounts. Use offline or with burner emails. Never log into banking, shopping, or social apps. Check battery health — replace if below 80%.

What to avoid

Don’t pay more than $50–$70 for either. Don’t expect modern app compatibility. Don’t use for anything requiring security. And don’t buy if the battery is swollen — replace it first.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choose the **iPhone 8** if: You love iOS simplicity, Touch ID, compact size, and slightly better software support. You don’t mind short battery life and no expandable storage. You’re an Apple fan who wants a reliable, nostalgic backup phone.

Choose the **Galaxy S8** if: You want a bigger, brighter screen, longer battery, microSD slot, DeX, Wireless PowerShare, and more features. You value flexibility, media freedom, and futuristic design over ecosystem loyalty. You want the most usable, versatile vintage flagship in 2025.


In 2025, the **Galaxy S8 is the more practical, powerful, and enjoyable choice** for most people. But the **iPhone 8 still has charm** — especially for Apple loyalists who crave simplicity. Neither is a secure daily driver. But both are legends. Grab one in Lilac Purple or (PRODUCT)RED, load it with your favorite playlist and photo album, and let it live on your nightstand — not in your pocket for sensitive tasks. These aren’t just phones. They’re time machines. And in 2025, that’s more than enough.


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