The iPhone 11, released in 2019, offers a compelling blend of features and affordability. But how does it stack up against the older iPhone 8, especially in terms of size? This comparison delves into the key differences between these two iPhones, helping you decide which model best suits your needs.
Design and Dimensions: A Noticeable Difference
The iPhone 11 and iPhone 8 have distinct designs. The iPhone 11 is taller and wider, measuring 5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 inches, compared to the iPhone 8’s more compact 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 inches. The iPhone 8 Plus, while discontinued, was larger than the iPhone 8 but still smaller than the iPhone 11, despite having a smaller screen.
iPhone 11 and iPhone 8 size comparison
The iPhone 11’s larger display is possible thanks to its notch design, which houses the TrueDepth camera system. This eliminates the need for large bezels found on the iPhone 8, maximizing screen real estate. Both phones feature a glass back, but the iPhone 11 offers a wider range of color options, including black, green, yellow, purple, white, and Product Red. The iPhone 8 was available in gold, silver, and space gray.
iPhone 8 in Space Gray
Durability is another factor. The iPhone 11 boasts an IP68 rating, allowing submersion in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 8’s IP67 rating only guarantees protection in 1 meter of water. Neither phone includes a headphone jack.
Display: Size Matters
The iPhone 11 features a larger 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD, compared to the iPhone 8’s 4.7-inch Retina display. The iPhone 8 Plus offered a 5.5-inch screen. Despite the different names, both displays offer similar pixel density and color reproduction. Both also support True Tone technology for adjusting the display based on ambient lighting. A key distinction is the lack of 3D Touch on the iPhone 11, replaced by Haptic Touch for long-press interactions.
Camera Technology: A Significant Upgrade
The iPhone 11 features a dual-lens rear camera system with a 12MP wide and a 12MP ultrawide lens, offering 2x optical zoom out. The iPhone 8 has a single 12MP wide camera, while the iPhone 8 Plus had a dual-lens setup with a wide and telephoto lens for 2x optical zoom in.
iPhone 11 dual camera system
The iPhone 11’s camera system boasts significant improvements, including enhanced Smart HDR and Night mode for superior low-light photography.
Ultrawide angle shot on iPhone 11
The iPhone 11 also offers 4K video recording with the front camera and features like slow-motion selfies and QuickTake video, absent in the iPhone 8.
Performance and Battery: A Generational Leap
The iPhone 11’s A13 Bionic chip significantly outperforms the iPhone 8’s A11 Bionic processor. While the iPhone 8 still functions adequately for everyday tasks, the iPhone 11 provides a noticeable boost in speed and responsiveness. Battery life is comparable between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 8 Plus, both lasting around 11 hours and 16 minutes in tests. The iPhone 8 offers considerably less battery life. Both phones support fast charging with an 18W adapter (sold separately).
iPhone 8 charging
Conclusion: A Clear Winner
The iPhone 11 surpasses the iPhone 8 in several key areas, including size, camera technology, performance, and durability. While the iPhone 8 might be a more budget-friendly option, the iPhone 11 offers a substantial upgrade for a relatively modest price increase. If you prioritize a larger screen, advanced camera features, and faster performance, the iPhone 11 is the clear winner. For those seeking a more affordable option with a smaller form factor, the iPhone SE (2020) might be a better alternative to the discontinued iPhone 8.
