Apple iPhone 8 Plus

Apple introduced the iPhone 8 Plus at the same time as iPhone 8 and iPhone X. It's the first year that the Plus model is not the most comprehensive of all iPhones. That may make it a tough sell, especially since the price difference with the much more innovative iPhone X is not that big. Here's why you should consider the iPhone 8 Plus.

Wise choice?

First, the elephant in the room. The most expensive version of the iPhone 8 Plus is almost as expensive as the entry-level model of the iPhone X. So what's a good reason to go for the iPhone 8 Plus and not for the apparently more interesting iPhone X? Actually, there's only one reason and that's that this iPhone 8 Plus has fingerprint recognition and the iPhone X does not. You can only unlock it with a code or your face. Furthermore, there are actually few good reasons not to go for the iPhone X. However, if you choose the 64 GB entry-level model then the price difference is greater and then the iPhone 8 Plus can be a more sensible choice. Especially if you're not willing to spend more than a thousand euros for a smartphone. This year, Apple was kind enough to upgrade the entry-level model from 32GB to 64GB. Note: this is not expandable so what you buy now, you'll buy later.

Main Apple iPhone 8 Plus specifications

• Large 5.5 inch True Tone screen
• Sharp 7 megapixel selfiecam with Portrait Lighting
• Double 12 megapixel camera that lets you zoom in
• Waterproof and dustproof housing made of glass and metal (IP67 rating)
• Powerful Apple A11 Bionic enables Augmented Reality
• 4G support for high-speed mobile internet on the go

New portrait mode functions

Just like the year before, the Plus version of iPhone 8 features a large 5.5-inch Retina HD screen. Apple applies True Tone this time, with sensors scanning your environment to find the right white balance. That makes it easier for your eyes to see what's on the screen. We also recognise last year's dual 12-megapixel camera. A wide-angle lens is combined with a telephoto lens. This allows you to zoom in optically without loss of quality. What's more, it allows you to add out-of-focus backgrounds to a portrait photo. This results in more professional photos. Apple has expanded the portrait mode this year to include portrait exposure. You can make a background disappear altogether, just like in the studio. On the iPhone 8 Plus, this Portrait Lighting feature even works with the FaceTime camera at the front.

New brain, wireless charging

Apple has equipped the iPhone 8 Plus with the most powerful processor they've ever made; the A11 Bionic. This powerhouse should make it even faster, and it also gives you a few extra features. All that extra processing power is used to merge reality with the virtual world. This is also called Augmented Reality and there are already many apps that use it. For example, point your camera at a table and let dinosaurs walk over it. But AR is not only suitable for games, there are also many educational possibilities imaginable. Finally, the iPhone 8 Plus has a new feature. Because Apple uses a glass back this time it is possible to charge it wirelessly. You need a so-called Qi charger for this. According to Apple, you don't have to worry about this glass breaking quickly; it's the strongest glass Apple has ever used in a smartphone. Whether this claim holds up will soon become clear.