**A Closer Look at the iPhone 8: Is it Worth the Hype?**
The iPhone 8 has taken the world by storm, with many considering it one of the best smartphones on the market. The phone's camera quality is undoubtedly impressive, earning it a top spot in DXOMark's rankings. With its advanced features and improvements over previous models, the iPhone 8 is a great option for photography enthusiasts.
The camera on the iPhone 8 is truly exceptional, producing high-quality photos right out of the box. Even without the next-generation Google Pixel or an iPhone 10 with slightly better glass, the phone's camera has cemented its place in the top five smartphone cameras of this year. The new improvements to portrait mode on the iPhone 8 Plus are particularly noteworthy, allowing users to adjust the portrait lighting effects during or after taking the photo.
The portrait lighting effects on the iPhone 8 Plus try to mimic different types of contrasty lighting, but they can sometimes look a bit cartoonish if not used perfectly. However, with software updates in the future, these effects are likely to improve and become even more sophisticated. For now, users should use them sparingly unless they want to achieve that perfect stage light profile picture.
In addition to its impressive camera capabilities, the iPhone 8 also boasts excellent performance, thanks to Apple's A11 Bionic chip. This powerful processor provides seamless performance for demanding tasks and makes the phone feel snappy and responsive. The battery life is also noteworthy, with the phone lasting a full day of moderate use without needing to be charged.
Despite its many strengths, there are some areas where the iPhone 8 falls short. One notable issue is its design, which feels dated and uninspired compared to other smartphones on the market. The phone's bezel is particularly large, and it would have been nice if Apple had used this space for a real front-facing speaker. As it stands, the earpiece is relatively weak and doesn't add much to the overall listening experience.
Another area where the iPhone 8 could be improved is in its display. While it's not OLED, which many enthusiasts desire, it does offer good brightness and color accuracy. However, it would have been nice if Apple had opted for a higher resolution or made better use of the screen real estate to reduce the bezel size.
Finally, there's one major drawback that keeps me from wholeheartedly recommending the iPhone 8: its lack of wireless charging speed. While other phones in this class offer faster wireless charging speeds, the iPhone 8 is somewhat slower due to its battery requirements. However, it does charge quickly with a USB-C cable, which makes up for this minor inconvenience.
**Comparison to Future Models**
One major reason to consider the iPhone 8 over future models like the iPhone 10 is that it offers a more affordable option at around $200 less than the upcoming iPhone. This makes it an attractive choice for those who want a high-end smartphone but don't need all the bells and whistles of the latest model.
However, with the iPhone 10 just around the corner, it's difficult to justify spending money on the iPhone 8 when you know that a better phone is on the way. The timing of the release of the iPhone 8 seems somewhat awkward, coming as it does right before the more advanced iPhone 10.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, while the iPhone 8 is an excellent smartphone with many strengths, its lack of innovation in design and limited upgrade cycle make it a less appealing choice than some of its competitors. If you're in the market for a new phone and can wait a few months for the iPhone 10, I would recommend holding off on purchasing the iPhone 8.
That being said, if you're willing to spend money on an older model or want a smaller device with more recent features, the iPhone 8 is still worth considering. Just be aware that it's not going to be the best value in the long run, as future models will likely offer significant upgrades over this year's flagship device.
**iPhone 8: A Great but Not Perfect Device**
The iPhone 8 is a great smartphone that checks many of the boxes for enthusiasts and casual users alike. With its excellent camera capabilities, fast performance, and good battery life, it's easy to see why it's a top contender in its class. However, its lackluster design and limited upgrade cycle make it feel somewhat dated compared to other smartphones on the market.
If you're considering purchasing an iPhone 8, I would recommend weighing the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. While it's an excellent choice for those who want a high-end smartphone without breaking the bank, its limitations may make it less appealing than some of its competitors in the long run.
Overall, while the iPhone 8 is not perfect, it's still a great option for those who want a reliable and feature-packed smartphone. Just be aware that future models will likely offer significant upgrades over this year's flagship device, making it harder to justify spending money on an older model in the near future.