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 Without future iOS updates and security patches, the iPhone 8 is now outdated and less secure.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. It’s limited to iOS 16 and won’t support the latest iOS 26.Without these updates:
- Apps may stop working properly over time.
- New iOS features will be unavailable, making the experience outdated.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If you’re considering the iPhone 8 in 2025, it’s no longer a wise investment due to outdated software, weaker performance, and limited app support.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.
Best Alternatives
#1 — iPhone SE (3rd Gen) — $140+ (Same Size and 5G)
Specs Comparison
| Feature |
iPhone 8 |
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
| Release Year |
2017 |
2022 |
| Display |
4.7-inch Retina HD |
4.7-inch Retina HD |
| Processor |
A11 Bionic |
A15 Bionic |
| iOS Support |
iOS 16 (ended) |
iOS 26 (Fully Supported) |
| Rear Camera |
12MP |
12MP Wide |
| Front Camera |
7MP |
7MP |
| Touch ID / Face ID |
Touch ID |
Touch ID |
| Battery Life |
Up to 13 hrs video playback |
Up to 15 hrs video playback |
| 5G Support |
No |
Yes |
| Price in 2025 (Certified Used / Refurbished) |
Not recommended |
$140+ |
Key Feature Differences
Performance Leap: The iPhone SE 3rd Gen packs the A15 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 13 series. Compared to the iPhone 8’s A11, it’s significantly faster, more efficient, and far more future-proof.
5G Connectivity: Unlike the iPhone 8, the SE 3rd Gen supports 5G, ensuring modern network speeds and longer usability.
Same Size and Design: Both phones share a nearly identical 4.7-inch display and Touch ID button, making the SE 3rd Gen the perfect upgrade for iPhone 8 owners who want familiarity with modern power.
#2 — iPhone 11 — $140+ (Larger but Not 5G)
Specs Comparison
| Feature |
iPhone 8 |
iPhone 11 |
| Release Year |
2017 |
2019 |
| Display |
4.7-inch Retina HD |
6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD |
| Processor |
A11 Bionic |
A13 Bionic |
| iOS Support |
iOS 16 (ended) |
iOS 26 (Fully Supported) |
| Rear Camera |
12MP |
Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide) |
| Front Camera |
7MP |
12MP TrueDepth |
| Touch ID / Face ID |
Touch ID |
Face ID |
| Battery Life |
Up to 13 hrs video playback |
Up to 17 hrs video playback |
| 5G Support |
No |
No |
| Price in 2025 (Certified Used / Refurbished) |
Not recommended |
$140+ |
Key Feature Differences
Bigger Display: The iPhone 11 has a 6.1-inch screen, offering much more viewing space compared to the compact 4.7-inch display of the iPhone 8.
Dual Cameras: The iPhone 11 adds an Ultra-Wide lens, making it far more versatile for photography than the single-lens iPhone 8.
Better Performance: The A13 Bionic chip runs circles around the iPhone 8’s A11, making multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps smoother and faster.
Modern Design: Face ID and an edge-to-edge screen give the iPhone 11 a modern look and feel that the iPhone 8 lacks.
#3 — iPhone 12 — $150+ (Larger and 5G)
Specs Comparison
| Feature |
iPhone 8 |
iPhone 12 |
| Release Year |
2017 |
2020 |
| Display |
4.7-inch Retina HD |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor |
A11 Bionic |
A14 Bionic |
| iOS Support |
iOS 16 (ended) |
iOS 26 (Fully Supported) |
| Rear Camera |
12MP |
Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide) |
| Front Camera |
7MP |
12MP TrueDepth |
| Touch ID / Face ID |
Touch ID |
Face ID |
| Battery Life |
Up to 13 hrs video playback |
Up to 17 hrs video playback |
| 5G Support |
No |
Yes |
| Price in 2025 (Certified Used / Refurbished) |
Not recommended |
$150+ |
Key Feature Differences
OLED Display: The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch OLED screen with HDR, higher contrast, and brighter colors — a huge upgrade over the iPhone 8’s LCD.
5G Connectivity: Unlike the iPhone 8, the iPhone 12 includes 5G, giving it longer relevance as networks evolve.
Performance Upgrade: The A14 Bionic chip is much faster and more efficient than the iPhone 8’s A11, ensuring smooth performance for years.
Modern Premium Design: With flat edges, Face ID, and slim bezels, the iPhone 12 feels like a true flagship device compared to the dated design of the iPhone 8.
Conclusion — Should You Buy the iPhone 8 in 2025?
The iPhone 8 was one of Apple’s most successful models, but by 2025 it is no longer worth buying. With iOS support ending years ago at iOS 16, the device has lost access to critical software updates and security patches. Performance lags behind even budget models, and refurbished units often come with heavily degraded batteries.
Fortunately, better options exist for nearly the same price:
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen), starting at $140+, delivers the same compact size as the iPhone 8, but with the powerful A15 chip and 5G support.
The iPhone 11 offers a bigger display and dual cameras at around $140+, making it a better all-around choice.
For those who want 5G and a modern OLED display, the iPhone 12 is only slightly more expensive at $150+.
If you’re upgrading in 2025, skip the iPhone 8. Spending just a little more will give you a phone that’s faster, more secure, and built to last years longer.
FAQ: Buying the iPhone 8 in 2025
1. How much does the iPhone 8 cost in 2025?
Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone 8 models can often be found for under $100, but they are not recommended due to outdated software and hardware.
2. Is the iPhone 8 still supported by Apple?
No. The iPhone 8 is capped at iOS 16, and it no longer receives major iOS updates and doesn’t support new features in 2025.
3. Why is the iPhone 8 not recommended in 2025?
The iPhone 8 lacks modern software support, has significantly weaker performance compared to newer iPhones, and most refurbished models are prone to battery wear. It is near the end of its usable lifespan.
4. What’s the best alternative to the iPhone 8?
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is the closest match in size and design, while the iPhone 11 offers a bigger display and dual cameras. The iPhone 12 adds 5G and an OLED display, making it the best long-term choice.
5. Is the iPhone SE 3rd Gen better than the iPhone 8?
Yes. The SE 3rd Gen runs on the A15 Bionic chip, supports iOS 26, has 5G, and will continue to receive updates for years — all of which make it a massive upgrade over the iPhone 8.
6. Is the iPhone 11 better than the iPhone 8?
Absolutely. The iPhone 11 has a 6.1-inch display, dual cameras, a faster A13 chip, and iOS 26 support. It offers far more value at nearly the same price.
7. Is the iPhone 12 worth the extra cost over the iPhone 11?
Yes. For about $10–20 more, the iPhone 12 gives you an OLED screen, 5G support, and a sleeker design — making it the most future-proof option under $200.
8. Where can I find the best deals on refurbished iPhones?
The easiest way is through UpTrade, where you can compare real-time prices on Certified Used and Refurbished iPhones from trusted sellers like Apple, BestBuy, and Amazon.
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