Apple iPhone 8 Plus in Australia: Classic Design, Timeless Performance

The Apple iPhone 8 Plus might not be the latest flagship in Apple’s lineup, but it remains one of the most popular and reliable smartphones among Australian users looking for a classic, no-frills Apple experience. Introduced in 2017, the iPhone 8 Plus continues to attract users thanks to its iconic design, solid camera performance, and dependable battery life. Whether you're a student, a professional, or someone looking for a reliable second phone, the Apple iPhone 8 Plus still makes a lot of sense in 2025.

This article explores the Apple iPhone 8 Plus from the perspective of Australian buyers—examining its features, performance, camera quality, software experience, and where to buy it for the best value today.

Elegant Glass-and-Aluminium Design

When the iPhone 8 Plus debuted, it brought back the elegant combination of glass on the front and back with a durable 7000 series aluminium frame, a design that still feels premium. Its 5.5-inch Retina HD display is framed by the iconic bezels and a physical home button with Touch ID, catering to Australians who prefer the tactile familiarity of older iPhones.

The phone is IP67 certified, making it resistant to water and dust—great for outdoor adventures in Australia’s varied climates. Available in classic colours like Space Grey, Silver, and Gold, the iPhone 8 Plus looks professional and timeless, a perfect fit for both casual users and business professionals.

Retina HD Display: Sharp and Colour Accurate

The iPhone 8 Plus features a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen’s colour temperature based on ambient lighting—providing a more comfortable viewing experience.

The screen delivers vibrant colours, crisp text, and great viewing angles, making it ideal for watching videos, scrolling social media, or browsing websites. With 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution and 401 PPI, the display remains competitive even today. Australians who enjoy reading or streaming on the go will find this screen sufficient for most daily tasks.

Performance Backed by the A11 Bionic Chip

Powering the iPhone 8 Plus is Apple’s A11 Bionic processor, a six-core chip that still holds up well in 2025 for most everyday tasks. While it doesn't match today’s A17 or M-series chips in power, the A11 remains capable for web browsing, video playback, and light gaming.

Coupled with 3GB of RAM, the iPhone 8 Plus runs iOS 16 smoothly, with support for essential apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify. For Australians seeking a lag-free experience on a budget, this phone still performs reliably, thanks to Apple’s optimisation and long-term software support.

Dual-Lens Camera for Versatile Photography

One of the standout features of the iPhone 8 Plus is its dual-lens rear camera system, which includes:

• 12MP wide-angle lens (f/1.8)

• 12MP telephoto lens (f/2.8)

• 2x optical zoom and up to 10x digital zoom

With this setup, users can take advantage of Portrait Mode with depth control and Portrait Lighting, allowing for more professional-looking shots. Australians who love taking portraits or scenic shots during travel or family gatherings will appreciate the consistent photo quality.

The iPhone 8 Plus also supports 4K video recording at 60fps and 1080p slow-motion video at 240fps, making it a capable device for video creators, vloggers, or anyone who enjoys capturing moments in high quality.

The 7MP front camera is suitable for selfies, FaceTime calls, and social media posts. While not as advanced as newer iPhones, it still produces clear and natural images with Smart HDR.

iOS Experience: Smooth, Secure, and Familiar

The iPhone 8 Plus runs iOS 16, offering a clean and intuitive interface. Apple’s consistent updates ensure the phone remains secure and functional even years after its launch. For Australians already in the Apple ecosystem—using a MacBook, iPad, or Apple Watch—the iPhone 8 Plus fits right in, enabling features like Handoff, AirDrop, iCloud syncing, and Apple Pay.

Even in 2025, the iOS environment on the iPhone 8 Plus delivers:

• Access to the latest versions of most major apps

• Timely security patches

• Regular performance tweaks

• Access to Siri, Apple Maps, Screen Time, and Health app integrations

This software continuity makes the phone an excellent choice for Australians who prefer a stable and familiar platform.

Battery Life and Charging Performance

The iPhone 8 Plus features a 2691mAh battery, which, thanks to the efficiency of the A11 chip and iOS optimisation, delivers all-day battery life for most users. Australians using the phone for calls, emails, browsing, and moderate video streaming can expect up to 12–14 hours of mixed use.

The device supports fast charging (50% in 30 minutes) with an 18W charger (sold separately) and Qi wireless charging. This adds convenience for users who want to charge on the go or utilise a wireless charging pad at work or home.

Security with Touch ID

In an age where facial recognition is becoming more common, many Australians still appreciate the simplicity and reliability of Touch ID. The physical fingerprint sensor embedded in the home button allows users to unlock their phone, confirm App Store purchases, and access Apple Pay securely.

For users who prefer fingerprint security over Face ID, the iPhone 8 Plus continues to deliver a fast, accurate, and comfortable user experience.

Storage Options and Performance

The iPhone 8 Plus is available in 64GB and 256GB storage variants in the Australian market. While there’s no microSD slot for expandable storage, iCloud integration ensures easy access to cloud-based backups, documents, photos, and videos.

For most casual users, 64GB suffices for apps, pictures, and occasional media. However, 256GB is recommended for those who enjoy offline media, mobile photography, or plan to use the phone for a few years without upgrading.

Audio Quality and Media Experience

The iPhone 8 Plus features stereo speakers—one at the bottom and the other integrated into the earpiece—which deliver loud, clear audio for calls, music, and videos. Australians who frequently use their phones for entertainment or speakerphone calls will enjoy the balanced sound output.

While the phone lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, it supports Lightning headphones and Bluetooth 5.0, making it compatible with Apple’s AirPods and other wireless accessories.

Where to Buy iPhone 8 Plus in Australia

Although Apple no longer sells the iPhone 8 Plus directly, it remains widely available through:

• Refurbished retailers like Reebelo, OzMobiles, and Green Gadgets

• Online platforms such as Wise Market Australia and eBay

• Carrier deals from Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone (refurbished or second-hand)

• Marketplace listings on Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace

Prices range from AUD $250 to $500, depending on the condition, storage capacity, and included accessories. Australians looking for budget-friendly options should consider buying from certified refurbished sellers who offer warranty and quality checks.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the Apple iPhone 8 Plus continues to offer a dependable and enjoyable experience for many Australians. It strikes a perfect balance between performance, build quality, and price, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who want to stay within the Apple ecosystem.

Whether you’re buying your first iPhone, looking for a solid backup, or gifting a smartphone to a family member, the iPhone 8 Plus remains a compelling option. It’s a timeless classic that proves quality design and user experience never go out of style.

FAQs

Q: Is the iPhone 8 Plus still good in 2025?

A: Yes, the iPhone 8 Plus still performs well for everyday tasks, has great camera features, and supports iOS 16.

Q: Can I use the iPhone 8 Plus with Australian networks?

A: Yes, it supports 4G LTE and is compatible with all major Australian carriers including Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone.

Q: Does the iPhone 8 Plus support wireless charging?

A: Yes, it supports Qi wireless charging.

Q: Is the iPhone 8 Plus waterproof?

A: It has an IP67 rating, meaning it can withstand splashes and brief submersion in water.

Q: Where can I buy a refurbished iPhone 8 Plus in Australia?

A: Reputable places include Reebelo, OzMobiles, Amazon Australia, and certified resellers with warranty.