What To Do If You Can’t Decide Between The iPhone X & iPhone 8

On Tuesday, Apple CEO Tim Cook took to the stage at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California, to unveil a host of new products to the world. These big event keynotes are nothing new for Apple, which is by leaps and bounds the world's most profitable tech company, but nonetheless, they always seem to generate a lot of attention and anticipation. And this time around, a pair of new iPhones were announced, the iPhone 8 and the iPhone X, raising a predictable dilemma: which iPhone should you buy?

If you're in the market to buy a new iPhone, one of the first things you should consider is the price. This year's two new models have the iPhone 8 starting at $699, the iPhone 8 Plus starting at $799, and the iPhone X ― marking the 10-year anniversary of the release of the original iPhone ― starting at $999.

That last figure represents the highest-ever starting price for an Apple phone, though if you're looking for more storage, the iPhone X 256 gigabyte version is currently listed on Apple's website at $1,149. But let's say price isn't a factor for you. Then, to consider all three of the latest options, your decision probably depends on how you use your phone.

If, for example, you're planning to spend a lot of time doing photography, the iPhone X sounds pretty impressive. It boasts a dual camera with optical image stabilization on both the phone's wide and telescopic lenses, while the iPhone 8 Plus, according to Engadget, only has that feature on its wide lens. It also features a screen that stretches to the very edges of the device, as well as a Super Retina Display for increased crispness and image clarity. It also has a 5.8-inch screen, slightly bigger the iPhone 8 Plus.

If you're looking for a big screen for a slightly cheaper price, however, the 8 Plus might be more your speed. Just like the iPhone 7 Plus, the 8 Plus features a 5.5-inch screen, and that extra size can prove useful if you use your phone for a lot of in-car navigation, for example ― like if you work for a ride-hailing service like Lyft or Uber. It does take up a lot more room in your pocket, however, so be forewarned.

Of course, the base-level iPhone 8 is also a worthy option, and the cheapest of the three. If you're looking to upgrade your current iPhone 7 without a particular need for the most high-end, cutting-edge new features, and you don't need or want a plus-sized screen, this could be the perfect choice for you.

Needless to say, you can also take advantage of the new generation's release in an entirely different way. If you've never had a big iPhone before and you are looking to try it out, the iPhone 7 Plus, for example, would surely fulfill most of the same purposes as the 8 Plus would for an entry-level consumer. The iPhone X is a unique device, but the iPhone 8 models are more in line with the specifications of the iPhone 7 models.

In fact, that's the unheralded, equally valid approach you could take, now that a new generation of iPhones are coming out: you can also pick up an older model that'll nonetheless meet your needs for the foreseeable future. For example, the price of the iPhone 6 Plus is currently down to less than $400 through some online outlets. It's always worth exercising some crafty frugality.

Of course, if you want the new and most futuristic iPhone on the market, the iPhone X will surely be your best bet. But if the differences between the iPhone X and the iPhone 8 just aren't worth it to you, then consider the iPhone 8 or even a less recent model.