The iPhone 7 Plus, released in September 2016, was a significant phone for Apple. It marked the introduction of a dual-lens camera system on iPhones, forever changing mobile photography for the brand. While no longer the latest model, the iPhone 7 Plus remains a popular choice for those seeking a powerful and affordable iPhone. Let’s delve into its features and see if it’s still a good option in 2024.
Design and Display
The iPhone 7 Plus retained the familiar aluminum unibody design of previous iPhones. It boasted a larger 5.5-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. However, unlike newer models, it did not feature a bezel-less design with Face ID. One notable change was the removal of the headphone jack, a move that was quite controversial at the time.
Camera System
The iPhone 7 Plus was the first iPhone to sport a dual-lens rear camera system. It consisted of a wide-angle 12MP sensor and a telephoto 12MP sensor, enabling features like 2x optical zoom and the popular Portrait Mode with a blurred background effect. The front-facing camera came in at 7MP. While camera technology has significantly advanced since then, the iPhone 7 Plus camera is still capable of taking good quality photos.
Performance and Battery Life
The iPhone 7 Plus was powered by the Apple A10 Fusion chip, which offered a noticeable performance boost over its predecessors. It was paired with 3GB of RAM, which was sufficient for most tasks at the time of its release. While it won’t be the most powerful phone on the market in 2024, it can still handle day-to-day tasks and some gaming.
The battery life of the iPhone 7 Plus was decent, lasting through a workday for most users. However, with newer iPhones offering significantly better battery optimization, users might find themselves needing to charge the iPhone 7 Plus more frequently.
Software and Storage
The iPhone 7 Plus originally launched with iOS 10, but it is currently eligible for upgrade to iOS 15. This means it can still access the latest features and security updates from Apple. Storage options ranged from 32GB to 256GB, though it’s important to note that there is no way to expand storage via a microSD card.
Is the iPhone 7 Plus Still Worth It in 2024?
The iPhone 7 Plus can be a good option for budget-minded users who are looking for a classic iPhone experience. It offers a good camera system, decent performance, and the ability to run the latest iOS version. However, those looking for the best possible camera, battery life, or the latest design features would be better served by opting for a newer iPhone model.
Here’s a quick recap of the pros and cons to help you decide:
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Dual-lens camera system with Portrait Mode
- Upgradable to iOS 15
- Classic iPhone design
Cons:
- No longer the latest model
- Battery life may not be as good as newer iPhones
- No expandable storage
- Lacks features like Face ID and bezel-less display
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not the iPhone 7 Plus is right for you depends on your individual needs and budget.
