Is it Still Worth Buying the iPhone 8 in 2025

 

The iPhone 8 was once a popular choice for Apple users, offering a compact design, solid performance, and a home button with Touch ID. But in 2025, is it still a smart purchase?

According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, you can find a Certified Refurbished iPhone 8 starting at just $110. While this price may seem attractive, we don’t recommend buying it due to Apple ending software support for this model. Without future iOS updates and security patches, the iPhone 8 is now outdated and less secure.

Instead, there are better alternatives in the same price range that still receive the latest iOS updates and offer longer usability.

Let’s break down why the iPhone 8 is no longer a great choice in 2025 and explore better alternatives that provide better longevity and performance.

 

Why the iPhone 8 Might Not Be Worth It

1. No More iOS Upgrade or Security Updates

Apple has officially stopped software support for the iPhone 8, meaning it won't receive iOS 18 or future security updates. Without these updates:

• Apps may stop working properly over time.
• Security vulnerabilities won't be patched, putting your data at risk.
• New iOS features will be unavailable, making the experience outdated.

2. Aging Hardware and Slower Performance

The iPhone 8 runs on the A11 Bionic chip, which was powerful when launched but now struggles with modern apps and multitasking. Compared to newer budget options, it falls behind in:

• Speed and responsiveness, especially with multiple apps open.
• Camera quality, as it lacks Night Mode and advanced AI image processing.
• Battery life, which has significantly degraded in most used models.

3. Limited App Compatibility in the Future

With no future iOS updates, many apps will gradually stop supporting the iPhone 8. This means:

• Popular apps like WhatsApp, banking apps, and games may no longer work properly.
• New features in apps will be unavailable on older iOS versions.
• Apple services like iCloud and Apple Pay may face restrictions in the future.

4. Lower Resale and Trade-In Value

Since Apple has officially ended support for the iPhone 8, its resale value will drop significantly. If you buy one now, you may not be able to trade it in for a good value later.

Bottom Line:

If you’re considering the iPhone 8 in 2025, it’s no longer a wise investment due to outdated software, weaker performance, and limited app support. Instead, consider a better alternative at a similar price.

 

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re looking for a budget iPhone under $200, these models are much better choices than the iPhone 8 in 2025:

1. iPhone SE (2nd Gen) – The Best Alternative

Price: Starts at $110 (limited availability)

Why Choose It?

• ✅ Supports the latest iOS version
• ✅ Same compact size as iPhone 8 but faster A13 chip
• ✅ Touch ID and Home Button remain for familiarity

🔹 Availability is limited—The only downside is its limited availability. If you see one at UpTrade for the right price, buy it immediately!

 

2. iPhone XR – Bigger Screen & Better Battery

Price: Starts at $140

Why Choose It?

• ✅ Larger 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display
• ✅ A12 Bionic chip is much faster than iPhone 8
• ✅ Face ID and modern design

🔹 A great choice if you prefer a bigger screen and longer battery life.

 

3. iPhone 11 – Best Overall Performance

Price: Starts at $160

Why Choose It?

• ✅ Supports iOS 18 and future updates
• ✅ A13 Bionic chip is fast and efficient
• ✅ Dual-camera system with Night Mode

🔹 The best option if you want future-proof performance and camera quality.

 

iPhone 8 vs. Better Alternatives: Specs Comparison

To help you decide which iPhone is the best option for 2025, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the iPhone 8 vs. iPhone SE (2nd Gen), iPhone XR, and iPhone 11.

 

Specs Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone 8	iPhone SE (2nd Gen)	iPhone XR	iPhone 11
Release Year	2017	2020	2018	2019
Software Support	No iOS 18 updates	iOS 18 supported	iOS 18 supported	iOS 18 supported
Chipset	A11 Bionic	A13 Bionic	A12 Bionic	A13 Bionic
Display	4.7-inch Retina LCD	4.7-inch Retina LCD	6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD	6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD
Resolution	1334 x 750 (326 ppi)	1334 x 750 (326 ppi)	1792 x 828 (326 ppi)	1792 x 828 (326 ppi)
Camera (Rear)	12MP, f/1.8 (single)	12MP, f/1.8 (single)	12MP, f/1.8 (single)	12MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide)
Camera (Front)	7MP, f/2.2	7MP, f/2.2	7MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2
Night Mode	No	No	No	Yes
Battery Life	Up to 13 hours	Up to 13 hours	Up to 16 hours	Up to 17 hours
Charging	Wireless & 18W fast charging	Wireless & 18W fast charging	Wireless & 18W fast charging	Wireless & 18W fast charging
Face ID / Touch ID	Touch ID	Touch ID	Face ID	Face ID
5G Support	No	No	No	No
Starting Price (Certified Used)	$110	$110 (Limited)	$140	$160

 

Key Differences & Takeaways

1. Software Support: iPhone 8 is No Longer Getting iOS Updates

One of the biggest reasons the iPhone 8 is not a good choice in 2025 is lack of software support. Unlike the iPhone SE (2nd Gen), iPhone XR, and iPhone 11, which all support iOS 18, the iPhone 8 is stuck on iOS 17 with no future updates.

• Security risks increase over time.
• Apps will gradually stop working.
• Features like Live Voicemail, iOS Widgets, and Apple Intelligence updates are unavailable.

If you want longer usability, choose an iPhone SE (2nd Gen), XR, or 11 instead.

2. Performance: A11 Bionic vs. A13 Bionic

The A11 Bionic chip in the iPhone 8 was fast when it launched, but it’s outdated by 2025. It struggles with:

• Newer apps and multitasking
• Gaming performance
• Battery efficiency

By comparison:

• The iPhone SE (2nd Gen) and iPhone 11 have the A13 Bionic, which is twice as fast and better for gaming and everyday use.
• The iPhone XR has the A12 Bionic, still faster and more power-efficient than the A11.

 

How UpTrade Makes It Easy to Get the Best Deal

Finding the best budget iPhone under $200 can be overwhelming, especially with so many sellers offering different prices and conditions. UpTrade simplifies the process by comparing Certified Used and Refurbished iPhones from trusted resellers like Apple, Amazon, and BestBuy, all in one place.

• 🔎 Real-Time Price Updates – Get the latest prices on Certified Used iPhones, including iPhone SE (2nd Gen), iPhone XR, and iPhone 11.
• ✅ Trusted & Verified Sellers – Avoid scams and unreliable third-party sellers.
• 💰 Compare the Best Deals – See side-by-side comparisons based on specs, condition, and price.
• 🚀 Fast & Easy Buying Process – No need to search multiple websites—UpTrade finds the best deals for you.

 

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the iPhone 8 in 2025?

No—the iPhone 8 is not worth buying in 2025.

While it may seem like a cheap option at $110, the lack of software support, outdated hardware, and poor battery life make it a bad investment. Instead, for the same price range, you can get a much better iPhone with iOS 18 support and better long-term value.

 

Best Alternatives to the iPhone 8 in 2025

• ✅ Best Budget Option: iPhone SE (2nd Gen) ($110) – Same compact size as iPhone 8 but with a faster A13 chip and iOS 18 support (limited availability).
• ✅ Best for Battery Life & Bigger Screen: iPhone XR ($140) – 6.1-inch display, better battery life, and improved performance over the iPhone 8.
• ✅ Best Overall Performance: iPhone 11 ($160) – Fastest, best cameras, and longest software support under $200.

👉 Find the best deal on iPhone SE (2nd Gen), iPhone XR, or iPhone 11 today! 🚀

 

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FAQs

 

1. Is the iPhone 8 still supported in 2025?

No. Apple discontinued software updates for the iPhone 8 in 2023. It no longer receives iOS upgrades or security patches in 2025.

 

2. Is it safe to use the iPhone 8 in 2025?

It can still function for basic tasks, but without security updates, it poses increased risks for data security and app compatibility.

 

3. What iOS version does the iPhone 8 support?

The iPhone 8 is capped at iOS 16, which was its last major update before support ended.

 

4. How much does the iPhone 8 cost in 2025?

Certified used or refurbished iPhone 8 units start at around $110 in 2025, depending on storage and condition.

 

5. What is the best alternative to the iPhone 8 under $150?

The iPhone SE (2nd Gen) at $110 is the best alternative if you want the same compact size and iOS 18 support. iPhone XR at $140 is also a great choice for a larger display and better battery life.

 

6. Is the iPhone 8 good for light use?

Yes, it can still handle calling, texting, and basic apps. But expect slower performance, limited features, and growing app incompatibility.

 

7. Is the iPhone 8 waterproof?

The iPhone 8 has an IP67 rating (up to 1m for 30 minutes), but water resistance can weaken over time. It's not recommended to expose older phones to water.

 

8. Does the iPhone 8 have Face ID?

No. The iPhone 8 uses Touch ID and the classic Home Button, which some users still prefer for simplicity and reliability.

 

9. How does the iPhone 8 compare to the iPhone XR?

The iPhone XR has a larger 6.1-inch display, better battery life, Face ID, and more modern performance—making it a better value for just $30 more in 2025.

 

10. Should I buy the iPhone 8 in 2025?

No. Due to the lack of software support and outdated performance, the iPhone 8 is not recommended. Spend a little more to get the iPhone SE (2nd Gen), iPhone XR, or iPhone 11 instead.

 

11. How old is the iPhone 8?

The iPhone 8 was released in September 2017, making it 8 years old in 2025.

 

12. Is the iPhone 8 the same as the iPhone XS?

No. While both were released around the same time, the iPhone XS is a higher-end model with an OLED display, Face ID, a better dual-camera system, and a faster A12 chip. The iPhone 8 has a Home Button, LCD screen, and older A11 chip.

 

13. Does the iPhone 8 have wireless charging?

Yes. The iPhone 8 was Apple’s first model to support wireless charging, using the Qi standard.

 

14. What other iPhones have the same size as the iPhone 8?

The iPhone SE (2nd Gen) and iPhone SE (3rd Gen) have nearly identical dimensions to the iPhone 8, with a 4.7-inch display and Touch ID Home Button.

 

15. How can I tell the difference between iPhone 8 and iPhone SE?

The design is almost identical, but internally:

• iPhone 8 has an A11 Bionic chip
• iPhone SE (2nd Gen) has an A13 Bionic chip

Check Settings > General > About to see the model name or chip type. Also, iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd Gen) came in newer color options like PRODUCT(RED).