Which mobile provider has the best iPhone 8 and iPhone X plans?

Since the original release of its first flagship model back in 2007, the pioneering Apple iPhone has maintained its stranglehold on the smartphone market, despite the rising popularity of more competitively priced competing brands.

Apple debuted the iPhone 8 and the more premium iPhone X within a month of each other, which is unusual for the tech giant. This is the first time the company has released two models with such drastically different price points very close together.

What’s the difference between the iPhone 8 and iPhone X?

So what differentiates the two apart from the price you ask? Well, either very little or a huge amount depending on who you ask!

Let’s start with the similarities: both models contain the same Apple A11 Bionic, M11 co-processor, both models have the same 7Mp FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p video front camera, both support iOS 11, they are both waterproof and both have wireless charging.

When it comes to differences, the most readily apparent between the two are aesthetic. The iPhone X is a little larger than the 8 (both in terms of screen size and the overall handset size) and has both a glass front and back. It’s also a little heavier.

In terms of tech, the iPhone X steps it up when it comes to image display and its rear camera. The iPhone X has a 5.8in Super Retina Display (2436x1125, 458ppi) OLED as opposed to the iPhone 8’s 4.7in Retina HD (1334x750, 326ppi) IPS.

The iPhone 8 rear camera is capable of 12Mp, f/1.8, 5x digital zoom, and has a quad-LED flash, where the X offers a 12Mp wide-angle, f/1.8, OIS + 12Mp telephoto, f/2.4, OIS, optical zoom, 10x digital zoom, Portrait Lighting, Portrait Mode and quad-LED flash.

The iPhone X also does away with the touch ID of the 8, replacing it with sophisticated facial recognition ID.

Enough specs, how much do they cost and where can I get one?     

Comparing handset prices and plans across network operators like-for-like can be a difficult and confusing process so we’ve compiled the easy to read chart you’ll find down below.

Note that this comparison is based on a 24 month billpay contracts only and only consider price plans that include unlimited calls and texts and at least 15GB of data. There are many more options out there, this is just an overview to give you an idea of current iPhone 8 and iPhone X prices.

Price comparison chart of 64GB iPhone 8 & 64GB iPhone X across all networks*

*Prices calculated assuming the following conditions: a 24 month billpay contract with a monthly plan that includes unlimited calls & texts and at least 15GB of data allowance.

What’s the best option for me?

As we can see from the chart above, deciding to purchase a brand new iPhone, for most people, isn’t going to be the lightest of decisions when the overall cost is considered.

Once you have a general idea of costs, the next thing to do is decide which model (if any) better suits your needs.

The difference in price between the 8 and X is considerable, so you’ll need to decide yourself if the aforementioned extra features that come with the X model are worth an extra three to four hundred euro.

The chart shows that no-frills Tesco Mobile are leading on price, but it's worth noting, for example, that pricier operator Vodafone is offering some tasty perks with its offerings and since networks like Vodafone and Three have the highest market share and best coverage out of those networks mentioned, this also marks them out for consideration.

Regardless of the direction you choose to go with your decision, make sure that you carefully consider all of your options before diving into any kind of long-term contract!

If you’re not sure where to start, give us a shout at hello@bonkers.ie and we’ll do our best to give you a hand/