Apple iPhone 8 Pro Reviews

When all is said and done, the iPhone 8 betters the G6 in a few key areas like camera quality, battery life, basic storage, processing speed and LTE network compatibility. And it should, since it is the more expensive one, starting at $699, against the LG G6 that hovers around the $500 mark at the moment, not to mention some BOGO offers or other enticements over at US carrier shops.

Reviewing the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus is a little like a kid reviewing Christmas Eve. Sure, you’ll get a day off school and probably some chocolate too, but you can’t forget the main event is just around the corner. The smartphone world always has one eye on what’s in the pipeline, but Apple has managed to overshadow itself most comprehensively with the iPhone X. It’s a pity, because the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are good devices. If you’re an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus owner I’m not sure there’s enough here to warrant an upgrade, especially since you’re getting iOS 11’s enhancements as a free download, but those with an iPhone 6s or earlier will see significant improvements. That’s from $699 or $799 for the iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus respectively, too, rather than the $1k+ an iPhone X will set you back.

For those looking for a bit more flare in the product they use, the Galaxy S8 may be the better solution. Samsung is quicker to embrace forward-looking technologies like super-thin front bezels, glass exteriors and fast wireless charging. This year, more than ever before, it feels like Samsung is acting like the design trend-setter. Sure, its overall package isn't as perfected, but it's bold and willing to experiment, to take bigger risks. Sometimes, these risks pay off, as is the case with the Galaxy S8, which will give you much of the technology and style found in the super-premium and expensive iPhone X, in a way more affordable but still desirable form that is here now. As for the iPhone 8, it's a great phone, perhaps your safest choice in the ~$700 price tier. But safety and excitement often don't go hand-in-hand. The iPhone 8 is nothing more than a perfected iPhone 6, and that's something terribly difficult to get excited about. This is one problem the Galaxy S8 doesn't have.

In the end, assuming you're properly educated on all of Apple's 2017 iPhone options, you shouldn't feel bad about going with the iPhone 8. But maybe don't be afraid to try something new, even if that means stepping outside your comfort zone a little.

The sensible, speedy iPhone 8 makes a nice upgrade to the iPhone 6S and earlier siblings, but we won't know until November how it compares to the much pricier iPhone X.