Looking at Apple’s 10th anniversary smartphone.
Introduction
I remember getting my first iOS device,) An iPod touch). Since then, I’ve had my share of Apple products, and even worked for the firm for 2 years as an AppleCare specialist.
I’ll try to be subjective with my review, as everyone uses their smartphone in different ways. I hope by reading this post it’ll give you a decent notion as to whether you should get the 8 or 8+. OK, let’s get started!
Design
Since the 6 series, Apple has stuck to the same basic design, if you’ve held the 6/6s you’ll be at home. I personally love how they’ve made the design very close to the 4/4s. It’s a bit heavy, but nowhere near as large as the 8+.
What’s new?
It’s getting harder and harder to recommend these phones as there’s no real value if you have the 5/5s, go for the upgrade, and I’m sure you’ll find it refreshing, otherwise upgrade if you can payout right, or go on a plan.
What’s changed?
Not a lot, if I wasn’t reviewing the iPhone 8 I would return it and get the money back. Admittedly, it’s very fast, scoring 89% using Geekbench. To put it into perspective this device is faster than my iPad pro 10.5-inch, and a basic mid-range Mac/PC.
But my point, is you don’t need to get a new phone every year.
Most people sighted or blind, don’t use half the computing power these devices afford.
If you’re iOS device supports iOS 11, might be worth skipping this one.
Get the X I hear you say? I personally wouldn’t, as I love the convenience of Touch ID, but there are those who will buy it for business reasons, such as Jonathan mosen from the Blind side, and David Woodbridge of Vision Australia, who will be getting one from the company for testing purposes, I believe his personal device will be an 8.
I’m of the opinion that it’s to early to jump on the bus yet.
Every first gen Apple product is known to have problems.
Back in 2010, users started complaining about dropped calls, The iPad third gen had display issues, and so on and so forth. I’d highly advise you wait for the second version of Face ID, hopefully this time next year Apple would’ve had time to address the problems that are sure to plague early adopters.
Of course, if you’re an Apple fan through and through, Nothing I say will persuade you otherwise.
Conclusion
With many subtle upgrades the iPhone 8 and 8+ are worthy, But I’d think long and hard before hitting that buy button, as it’s a nice upgrade as a pose to a required purchase.
If you have anything older than a 7, go for it, but other than that there’s nothing amazingly cool to be had here.
As for the iPhone X, Apple’s just playing catch up with Google’s Android, if money permits perhaps look at what the other side has to offer.
Rating
3.5 stars good.
Pros
Old but decent design, fantastic camera, fast.
Cons
After 4+ years the design is getting boring, very expensive for what you get, almost all the features except for those that are hardware specific can be gotten with iOS 11.