They’re here! Apple’s new iPhone range have finally rumbled onto the world stage with a host of improvements under their collective hoods. Some of the changes are significant, others are incremental. If you’re planning to upgrade to the iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus, here’s everything you need to know, including Australian pricing, release date and specifications.
Note: This article focuses on the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. Apple unveiled a third phone today, dubbed the iPhone X. For the iPhone X pricing, specs and release date, click here.
Specifications
The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus share a lot in common with the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. In fact, these devices really should have used the ‘7s’ moniker to denote a minor upgrade. (Presumably, Apple didn’t want its new phones to appear “lesser” than the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.)
The display size, native resolution and camera lenses are all essentially identical to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Curiously, Apple is also offering fewer colour and storage choices this time around.
Arguably the most significant improvements are the addition of wireless charging and a sturdier (albeit heaver) glass back. This is something Android handsets have had for a long while, but Apple has been slow to play catchup. Videophiles should be pleased by the addition of 4K 60p recording and 1080p 240p slow-mo. There’s also a new Portrait Lighting mode which uses machine learning to light your face.
Here’s a look at the chief specifications:
| iPhone 8 | iPhone 8 Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | iOS 11 | iOS 11 |
| Dimensions | 138.4mm x 67.3mm x 7.3mm | 158.4mm x 78.1mm x 7.5mm |
| Weight | 148g | 202g |
| CPU | Apple A11 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture | Apple A11 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture |
| Memory/Storage | 64/256 GB | 64/256 GB |
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD Display | 5.5-inch Retina HD Display |
| Resolution | 750 x 1334 pixels (~326 ppi) | 1080 x 1920 (401 ppi) |
| Camera | 12MP rear (f/1.8) with optical image stabilisation, 7MP front | Dual 12MP rear (f/1.8, 28mm and f/2.8, 56mm) with optical image stabilisation, 7MP front |
| Colours | Silver, Gold, Space Grey | Silver, Gold, Space Grey |
iPhone 8 Availability
The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus will be shipped next week on Friday, September 22. Customers can start ordering the devices from 6:01PM AEDT on September 15. Pre-orders can be done through the Apple Store online.
iPhone 8 Pricing
The outright cost of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus varies depending on how much storage you want. Surprisingly, the prices are slightly better compared to the original iPhone 7’s RRP, although Apple has cut out one of the storage options this time around. (There’re a choice between 64GB and 256GB for both models.)
Here’s how the pricing breaks down:
iPhone 8:
- iPhone 8, 64GB $1079
- iPhone 8 Plus, 256GB $1329
iPhone 8 Plus:
- iPhone 8, 64GB: $1229
- iPhone 8 Plus, 256GB $1479
Australian telcos have not released pricing of the phone on their contracted plans yet, but we’ll be providing all the details as soon as we get them.
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