iPhone 8 Review Roundup: What's The Verdict?

Michael Grothaus 19/09/2017 - 2:38pm

The Reviews Are In! Here’s What The Pundits Are Saying About The iPhone 8

The launch of the iPhone 8 is still a few days away, but that doesn’t mean some of the chosen few haven’t already gotten units to play around with. Indeed, a swath of national US tech sites have begun posting their reviews of the iPhone 8.

The big question is what are they all saying? Normally a “prime” new number iPhone year would see that number being Apple’s flagship phone. But the iPhone 8 takes a second place seat next to the iPhone X, which will launch this November. Will that have an impact on reviews?

Without further ado, here’s what the tech world is saying about the iPhone 8:

The New York Times

“So here’s my conclusion, after nearly a week testing the 8 and 8 Plus: The 8s feel like a swan song — or, to put it another way, they represent Apple’s platonic ideal of that first iPhone, an ultimate refinement before eternal retirement.

“Unsurprisingly, both the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are very good phones. Most of Apple’s improvements over the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are minor, but if you have an older model, either of the 8s will feel like a solid upgrade. And if you are considering upgrading from an Android phone, there’s one area where the new iPhones still rank head and shoulders above their competition — the processor, the engine that runs the entire device, where Apple is so far ahead that it almost feels unfair.”

Engadget

“The iPhone 8 is the smallest of Apple's new smartphones, but don't let its size fool you: It's an incredibly powerful machine. The A11 Bionic chip inside ensures games and augmented reality apps run smoothly, and the phone's 12-megapixel camera is much improved over last year. The 8's redesigned body also allows for wireless charging (finally!), though we wish Apple had done more to update its design. Not everything is perfect, though: The iPhone 8 still doesn't withstand to the extent of some rivals, and it lacks the dual camera found in the 8 Plus. Still, for fans who want a blend of classic Apple style and top-tier performance, the iPhone 8 is an excellent option.”

The Verge

“After spending a week with the 8, I can’t think of a single compelling reason to upgrade from an iPhone 7. The 7 is still extremely fast, offers virtually the same design in a lighter package with a bigger battery, and will get almost every feature of the 8 with iOS 11. If you really want Qi wireless charging, you can get a slim $15 case that supports it. And if you’re dying for Portrait Lighting, there are tons of photo apps in the App Store that offer similar effects. Of course, if you're upgrading from anything older than an iPhone 7, the improvements in the camera and the overall speed of the phone are going to really impress you.”

Wired

“That’s the thing about the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. These are very good and very impressive phones, and yet, they’re not even Apple’s best handsets. The iPhone X represents Apple’s vision of the future, and also Samsung’s and Essential’s and Huawei’s and everyone else’s. It’s a future without bezels, and with enough camera power to really change how smartphones work. The iPhones 8 check every box a phone has ever checked before, but they feels like the last of something right as Apple and others prepare the first of something else. When your phone can see you, and see the world, it will change what a phone is, and does, and can be. This fall, Apple’s giving you a choice: get a seat on the best piston airliner ever, or take a chance on jet engines.

“If you want an awesome iPhone, this is it. I’d recommend the 8 Plus, if you can stomach the size, because the added camera power and battery life are really nice to have. But both are fantastic phones, upgrades over even last year’s model. But if you want to be part of the future, save your money for now. Then go get an iPhone X and see what’s really coming next.”

TechCrunch

“As far as a consumer goes, however, the iPhone 8 is the easy traditional choice this year. It’s got nearly every technical enhancement that the iPhone X has outside of the TrueDepth camera and OLED screen. I think the mental calculus on this one is probably closer than it’s ever been, but the framework is roughly the same: If you’re the kind of person who buys the high end iPhone every year then wait for the iPhone X. With the one added caveat of if the notch for the depth camera on the front of the X offends you, well you have most of the major tech right in the iPhone 8.”

Daring Fireball

“No one is going to describe the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus as having a radical new design. But they do have new glass backs that are the biggest change to their finishings since this general form factor started with the iPhone 6. The displays have gained True Tone. The cameras are significantly improved, both for still images and video. (Did I mention that both the 8 and 8 Plus can shoot true 4K video at 60 frames per second when you use the new HEVC format instead of the more compatible H.264?) The iPhone 8 Plus gets the new Portrait mode lighting effects. Both phones have the amazing A11 Bionic chip. They get inductive charging.

“These are solid year-over-year updates — at least as impressive as the iPhone 7 was over the iPhone 6S. If they hadn’t debuted alongside the iPhone X we’d be arguing about whether these are the most impressive new iPhone models since the iPhone 6. There’s a lot to love about them and nothing to dislike.”

Business Insider

“The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus will be the best phones on the market when they go on sale September 22. And they'll likely remain the best phones available until November, when the iPhone X arrives.

“So, you have a tough decision to make if you're ready for a new iPhone this year. Do you go with the iPhone 8 (which starts at $699) or iPhone 8 Plus (starting at $799) now, or hold out another month for the iPhone X (which starts at $999)?

“My call: If you choose one of the iPhone 8 models, I think you'll be happy with your decision. But I think the iPhone X's better. After spending a short time with the X last week, I think it'll be worth the wait — and its sky-high price.”

The Independent

“The super-charged processor is enough to make a big difference, too, not just because the phone races along but because as more demanding apps such as augmented reality titles become more commonplace, you’ll be wanting that extra power. The display is noticeably better thanks to the addition of True Tone for more faithful colours in any lighting condition and the camera is improved on both sizes of phone. But on the iPhone 8 Plus, it’s especially spectacular, offering images which can sometimes match the richness and detail of a DSLR camera, but from a device which still fits in your pocket. All in a gadget which looks like an excited iPhone 7, refreshed in its best party get-up.”

The Washington Post

“Both phones have features that make them worth upgrading for, especially from the iPhone 6s line. If you're a fan of wireless charging, it may even be worth an upgrade from the iPhone 7.

"If you don't mind the size and the price bump, I'd say that the iPhone 8 Plus is more appealing between the two phones. The camera features are worth paying for — as is the extra battery life — even if it does feel a little cumbersome at times if you're not accustomed to the size.

"Not that interested in the camera features, but want a new iPhone? Stick with the iPhone 8, which has received a very nice upgrade even if it's not going to blow you away.”