Considering an upgrade and wondering if the Apple iPhone 8 is a significant leap from the iPhone 7? You’re not alone in this dilemma. Both devices represent solid choices in Apple’s lineup, but the differences might sway your decision.
The iPhone 7, released in 2016, brought water resistance and a dual-camera system to the Plus model. It was a powerful device for its time, still capable for many users today. However, technology marches on, and the iPhone 8 arrived with its own set of enhancements.
This comparison dives deep into what sets the Apple 7 and Apple 8 apart. We’ll explore design, performance, camera capabilities, and battery life to help you determine which iPhone best suits your needs and budget.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple 7 | Apple 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7-inch | 4.7-inch |
| Display Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels | 1334 x 750 pixels |
| Processor | A10 Fusion | A11 Bionic |
| RAM | 2GB | 2GB |
| Storage Options | 32GB, 128GB | 64GB, 128GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Biometric Authentication | Touch ID | Touch ID |
| Wireless Charging | No | Yes |
| Fast Charging | No | Yes |
| Audio Jack | No | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Apple 7: 4.7-inch Retina HD display with IPS technology. Offers good color accuracy and viewing angles for its time, but lacks HDR support and has a lower resolution compared to newer models.
- Apple 8: 4.7-inch Retina HD display with IPS technology and True Tone. While the size is the same, the A11 Bionic chip enables better color management and the True Tone feature adjusts white balance for a more natural viewing experience.
- Winner: apple 8
Processor
- Apple 7: A10 Fusion chip with 64-bit architecture. This was a powerful chip for its era, offering good performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Apple 8: A11 Bionic chip with neural engine. This chip is significantly faster and more power-efficient than the A10, featuring a dedicated neural engine for advanced machine learning tasks and improved graphics performance.
- Winner: apple 8
Camera (Rear)
- Apple 7: 12MP wide-angle camera with f/1.8 aperture. Capable of taking good photos in well-lit conditions, but lacks optical image stabilization (OIS) and advanced computational photography features.
- Apple 8: 12MP wide-angle camera with f/1.8 aperture and OIS. The addition of OIS greatly improves low-light performance and reduces blur from hand shake. Also benefits from A11 Bionic for enhanced image processing.
- Winner: apple 8
Camera (Front)
- Apple 7: 7MP FaceTime HD camera. Offers decent selfie quality for its time but lacks features like Portrait Mode.
- Apple 8: 7MP FaceTime HD camera. While the resolution is the same, it benefits from the A11 Bionic for improved image processing and supports Portrait Mode for professional-looking selfies.
- Winner: apple 8
Battery Life
- Apple 7: Offers all-day battery life for moderate users. While decent, it can struggle with heavy usage and lacks fast charging capabilities.
- Apple 8: Similar all-day battery life to the iPhone 7, but with the advantage of supporting wireless charging and fast charging (with a compatible adapter).
- Winner: apple 8
Build and Design
- Apple 7: Aluminum unibody design. Features a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was removed in subsequent models. Water and dust resistant (IP67).
- Apple 8: Glass back design with aluminum frame. This enables wireless charging. It also retains water and dust resistance (IP67) but loses the 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Winner: apple 8
Storage Options
- Apple 7: Available in 32GB and 128GB. The 32GB option is adequate for basic users, but 128GB is recommended for more extensive media storage.
- Apple 8: Available in 64GB and 256GB. The base storage is doubled from the iPhone 7, offering more flexibility for app installation and media.
- Winner: apple 8
Biometric Authentication
- Apple 7: Touch ID (1st generation) fingerprint sensor. Reliable for unlocking and authorizing purchases, but slower and less secure than newer generations.
- Apple 8: Touch ID (2nd generation) fingerprint sensor. Faster and more accurate than the first generation, providing a smoother unlocking and authentication experience.
- Winner: apple 8
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | Apple 8 |
| Display | Tie |
| Camera | Tie |
| Battery Life | Apple 8 (slight edge due to efficiency) |
| Charging Features | Apple 8 |
| Design Refinements | Apple 8 |
| Value for Money | Apple 7 |
What They Have in Common
- Design: Both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 share a similar overall design language with rounded edges and a physical home button. They both feature an aluminum frame and a glass back, though the iPhone 8’s glass back is designed for wireless charging.
- Display Size and Resolution: Both phones sport a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. This means the visual clarity and sharpness of the screen are identical between the two models.
- Cameras: The main rear camera on both devices is a 12MP sensor capable of taking excellent photos. The front-facing camera on both is also a 7MP FaceTime HD camera, providing good quality for selfies and video calls.
- Water Resistance: Both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 are rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This offers peace of mind against accidental spills or rain.
- Biometric Security: Both models utilize Apple’s reliable Touch ID fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking, app purchases, and Apple Pay.
- No Headphone Jack: A significant shared characteristic is the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring users to use Lightning-compatible headphones or wireless options.
Apple 7 Vs Apple 8 Buying Guide
Considering Your Budget
The Apple iPhone 7, being an older model, generally offers a more budget-friendly entry point. If cost is a primary concern and you’re looking for a functional smartphone without the latest bells and whistles, the iPhone 7 is a solid choice. You can often find it at significantly reduced prices compared to its successor.
Conversely, the iPhone 8, while also a few generations old, will command a higher price tag. This reflects its improved features and performance. If your budget allows for a bit more, the iPhone 8 provides a more refined experience. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Performance Needs
For everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming, both phones are still quite capable. However, the iPhone 8 boasts a more powerful A11 Bionic chip, offering a noticeable boost in speed and efficiency. This translates to smoother multitasking and the ability to handle more demanding applications and games with greater ease.
If you’re a power user who frequently engages in intensive tasks, video editing, or graphically rich games, the performance advantage of the iPhone 8 will be more apparent and beneficial for your daily usage.
Camera Capabilities
While both phones capture good photos, the iPhone 8 introduces some notable improvements. It features a better image signal processor, which can result in enhanced detail, color accuracy, and low-light performance. The iPhone 8 also supports Portrait Mode on its rear camera, allowing for professional-looking bokeh effects.
For casual photography, the iPhone 7’s camera is still perfectly adequate. However, if you prioritize capturing higher quality photos with more advanced features and a slight edge in image processing, the iPhone 8 is the superior option. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Future-Proofing and Software Updates
As older devices, neither the iPhone 7 nor the iPhone 8 will receive the same length of future software updates as newer models. However, the iPhone 8, being released a year later, is likely to receive iOS updates for a slightly longer period. This means it might stay compatible with the latest apps and features for a bit longer.
If you plan to keep your phone for several years and want to ensure it remains supported with the latest security patches and operating system features for as long as possible, the iPhone 8 offers a marginal advantage in terms of future-proofing.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Apple 7 If…
- You’re on a tighter budget and looking for a capable iPhone.
- You don’t need wireless charging or fast charging capabilities.
- You are upgrading from an older iPhone model and want a significant improvement.
- You prefer the familiar feel of a slightly older, but still very functional, iPhone.
Buy Apple 8 If…
- You want the convenience of wireless charging.
- You desire slightly faster performance and future-proofing with the A11 Bionic chip.
- You appreciate the refined design with a glass back.
- You want to take advantage of fast charging for quicker power-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone 8 features a slightly improved display over the iPhone 7. It boasts Apple’s True Tone technology, which dynamically adjusts the white balance of the screen to match the ambient light, making colors appear more natural and reducing eye strain. While both have Retina HD displays, the iPhone 8’s screen offers a more refined viewing experience.
Is the battery life significantly different?
Battery life can be quite comparable for everyday use, with both phones generally offering a full day of moderate usage. However, the iPhone 8’s more efficient A11 Bionic chip can sometimes lead to slightly better power management, especially under load. Actual battery performance will also depend heavily on usage patterns and the health of the battery itself. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Does the iPhone 8 have a headphone jack?
No, neither the iPhone 7 nor the iPhone 8 features a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. Both devices rely on the Lightning port for audio output, either directly or through Lightning-equipped headphones or adapters. This was a design choice Apple made starting with the iPhone 7.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone 8 is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful A11 Bionic chip. This processor handles demanding games with higher frame rates and smoother performance. While the iPhone 7 can still run many games, you’ll likely experience a more fluid and immersive gaming experience on the iPhone 8, especially with graphically intensive titles.
Is the camera difference noticeable in everyday shots?
For casual everyday shots in good lighting conditions, the difference in camera quality between the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 might not be dramatically noticeable to the average user. However, the iPhone 8 does offer improvements in image processing, low-light performance, and the addition of Portrait Mode, which can result in more professional-looking photos when those features are utilized.
Final Verdict
While the iPhone 7 remains a capable device, the iPhone 8 offers a compelling upgrade with its faster processor, improved camera features including Portrait Mode, and slightly better display technology. For those seeking a more refined user experience and a bit more longevity in terms of software support, the iPhone 8 is the clear winner, even at a higher price point.
Winner: Apple 8