3 things the iPhone 8 can do that the iPhone X can’t – CNET

Almost immediately after the announcement of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, Apple seemingly took the wind of out the sails of the two newest iterations of its ever-popular iPhone. With a new design, a new display and a handful of new features, the iPhone X casts a large shadow over its regular iPhone linemates.

That said, the iPhone X can’t do it all. Here are three things the iPhone 8 can do that the iPhone X can’t.

Now Playing: Watch this: iPhone X: An early first look

Be Gold

One thing you might notice about the new iPhones is the difference in color options. Last year, the iPhone 7 ($826.00 at Amazon Marketplace) and iPhone 7 Plus ($785.70 at Amazon Marketplace) were offered in Black, Jet Black, Silver, Gold and Rose Gold. Apple also released a (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 7 .

vCard QR Code

vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.

The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.

This year, your iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus will only come in Silver, Space Gray and Gold. And, much to the chagrin of gold lovers, the iPhone X will only come in Space Gray and Silver.

Unlock with Touch ID

apple-091217-iphone-8-4090
James Martin/CNET

The display of the iPhone X extends from the top of the phone all the way to the bottom edge, leaving only a tiny “nudge” at the top to house all the sensors. This means the home button is no longer present, which also means Touch ID is not available on the iPhone X.

Instead, on the iPhone X, users will unlock their phones and authenticate Apple Wallet purchases using Face ID.

If you’re a fan of Touch ID, however, you’ll be happy to know both the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus both still have their home buttons and Touch ID.

Fit into your old case

apple-091217-iphone-8-plus4072

The size and shape of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 or the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 Plus are similar enough that your old case should still fit.

James Martin/CNET

Despite its larger display, the iPhone X actually has a smaller footprint than the iPhone 8 Plus. And it’s just a hair larger than the iPhone 8. What this means is the iPhone X will not fit into any of your existing iPhone cases (save for a one-size-fits-all pouch).

Meanwhile, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (compare specs here) are close enough in size to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus that they should fit into most cases. 

The iPhone 8 is 0.01 inch (0.1 millimeter) taller, wider and thicker than the iPhone 7. The iPhone 8 Plus is 0.01 inch (0.1 millimeter) taller and thicker than the iPhone 7 Plus. While this doesn’t guarantee every case will fit the newer models, these differences should be so minuscule that a large number of cases will be interchangeable between the corresponding iPhone models.

Apple Sept. 12 iPhone event live coverage: Read about everything that happened on CNET’s live blog.

iPhone X, iPhone 8: Everything we know about Apple’s new iPhones.

See everything announced at the Apple event in under 5 minutes.


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