iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone X: Which iPhone Reigns Supreme?
Stuck in a smartphone dilemma? You’re not alone! Deciding between the iPhone 7 Plus and the iPhone X can be a tough call, especially if you’re looking for the best value or the latest features. Both phones have their own strengths and weaknesses, making the choice a complex one.
The iPhone 7 Plus, a classic in its own right, offered a large screen and a dual-camera system that was impressive for its time. On the other hand, the iPhone X introduced a new era of design with its nearly bezel-less display and Face ID technology. It was a game-changer.
This comparison dives deep into the key differences between these two iconic iPhones. We’ll explore everything from performance and camera capabilities to design and battery life. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which phone best suits your needs and budget. Let’s find out which iPhone deserves a spot in your pocket!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 7 Plus | iPhone X |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.5-inch | 5.8-inch |
| Display Technology | Retina HD | Super Retina |
| Processor | A10 Fusion | A11 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 3GB |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Storage Options | 32/128/256GB | 64/256GB |
| Face ID | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | No |
| Wireless Charging | No | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- iPhone 7 Plus: Features a classic aluminum unibody design with prominent bezels and a physical home button. It offers a familiar and comfortable feel for users accustomed to previous iPhone models. However, its design feels dated compared to newer devices.
- iPhone X: Introduces a radical redesign with an edge-to-edge display, a glass back, and a stainless steel frame. It eliminates the home button and features Face ID. This design is modern and premium, but the glass back is prone to fingerprints and potential breakage.
- Winner: iPhone X
Display
- iPhone 7 Plus: Boasts a 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD display. The display is bright and sharp, but lacks the vibrancy and contrast of OLED technology. The bezels are also quite large.
- iPhone X: Features a 5.8-inch Super Retina display (OLED). The OLED technology delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, providing a superior visual experience. The edge-to-edge design also maximizes screen real estate.
- Winner: iPhone X
Processor
- iPhone 7 Plus: Equipped with the A10 Fusion chip, offering solid performance for its time. It handles everyday tasks and gaming well, but can show its age with more demanding applications.
- iPhone X: Powered by the A11 Bionic chip, significantly faster and more efficient than the A10. It provides smoother performance, better graphics capabilities, and enhanced machine learning features.
- Winner: iPhone X
Camera
- iPhone 7 Plus: Features a dual 12MP camera system with wide-angle and telephoto lenses. It offers optical zoom and portrait mode, but the image processing isn’t as advanced as newer models.
- iPhone X: Also features a dual 12MP camera system, but with improvements in image processing and a faster sensor. It offers better low-light performance and more refined portrait mode effects.
- Winner: iPhone X
Biometrics
- iPhone 7 Plus: Uses Touch ID, a fingerprint sensor integrated into the home button, for secure authentication. It’s fast and reliable but can be less convenient compared to Face ID.
- iPhone X: Utilizes Face ID, a facial recognition system, for unlocking the phone and authenticating payments. It’s more secure than Touch ID and offers a more immersive experience, but can be slightly slower in certain situations.
- Winner: iPhone X
Battery Life
- iPhone 7 Plus: Offers a decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. However, battery degradation can be an issue with older devices.
- iPhone X: Provides comparable battery life to the iPhone 7 Plus, but with a smaller battery due to the design. Battery life can vary based on usage patterns.
- Winner: iPhone 7 Plus
Storage Options
- iPhone 7 Plus: Available in storage options ranging from 32GB to 256GB. Users should consider their storage needs, as there is no expandable storage.
- iPhone X: Available in storage options ranging from 64GB to 256GB. Similar to the 7 Plus, users are limited to the initial storage purchased and cannot expand.
- Winner: Tie
Price & Availability
- iPhone 7 Plus: Generally available at lower prices on the used market, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, finding a new one can be difficult.
- iPhone X: No longer available new. The used market prices are usually more expensive than the iPhone 7 Plus, reflecting its superior features.
- Winner: iPhone 7 Plus
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design | iPhone X |
| Display | iPhone X |
| Performance | iPhone X |
| Camera Features | iPhone X |
| Innovation | iPhone X |
| Value | iPhone 7 Plus |
What They Have in Common
- Dual Cameras: Both phones feature dual-camera systems, allowing for Portrait mode and other advanced photography features.
- Water Resistance: Both the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone X are rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, offering protection against spills and splashes.
- Operating System: Both phones run on iOS, providing a consistent user experience with access to the App Store and regular software updates.
- Fast Performance: Both devices offer smooth and responsive performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Excellent Build Quality: Both phones are constructed with premium materials, ensuring a high-quality feel and durability.
iPhone 7 Plus Vs iPhone X Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone X boasts a significantly more powerful processor, the A11 Bionic chip, compared to the iPhone 7 Plus’s A10 Fusion chip. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced performance in graphically intensive games. The A11 Bionic also features a dedicated neural engine, enabling advanced machine learning capabilities for features like Face ID. While the iPhone 7 Plus remains a capable phone, the iPhone X offers a noticeable performance upgrade, providing a more responsive and future-proof experience.
Display
The iPhone X features a stunning 5.8-inch Super Retina display with OLED technology, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional contrast. The iPhone 7 Plus has a 5.5-inch Retina HD display, which is still good but uses LCD technology. The OLED display on the iPhone X provides a more immersive viewing experience, especially when watching videos or playing games. The edge-to-edge design of the iPhone X further enhances the visual impact compared to the bezels on the iPhone 7 Plus.
Camera
Both phones have dual-lens cameras, but the iPhone X offers improvements. The iPhone X has a telephoto lens with optical image stabilization (OIS) on both lenses, improving low-light performance and zoom capabilities. The TrueDepth camera on the iPhone X enables Portrait mode with advanced features like Portrait Lighting, which isn’t available on the iPhone 7 Plus. Both cameras take great photos, but the iPhone X provides better low-light shots and more creative options.
Design
The iPhone X boasts a modern design with a glass back and stainless steel frame, giving it a premium feel. It also features a nearly bezel-less display and the removal of the Home button, introducing Face ID for authentication. The iPhone 7 Plus has a more traditional design with an aluminum unibody and a physical Home button. The design of the iPhone X is more modern and sleek, making it feel more futuristic compared to the iPhone 7 Plus.
Battery Life
The iPhone 7 Plus generally offers slightly better battery life in real-world usage scenarios. Its larger physical size allows for a bigger battery capacity. While the iPhone X’s battery life is still good for everyday use, the iPhone 7 Plus tends to last longer on a single charge. However, battery life varies depending on usage patterns, so individual experiences may differ. The iPhone 7 Plus is the better choice for users prioritizing all-day battery performance.
Price and Value
The iPhone X was initially more expensive than the iPhone 7 Plus when both were new. However, the iPhone 7 Plus is now available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. Considering the age and specifications, the iPhone 7 Plus presents a better value for money, especially for users who aren’t prioritizing the latest features. The iPhone X, while superior in many aspects, demands a higher investment.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 7 Plus If…
- You prefer a physical home button.
- You want a larger screen size.
- You prefer a traditional design.
- You want to save money.
Buy iPhone X If…
- You want the latest design and technology.
- You want Face ID for secure unlocking.
- You prioritize a more immersive display experience.
- You want a phone with wireless charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone X has a significantly better display. It features a 5.8-inch Super Retina display with OLED technology, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional contrast, with the edge-to-edge design. The iPhone 7 Plus features a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with LCD technology. The OLED display on the iPhone X provides a more immersive experience for media consumption.
Does the iPhone X have a headphone jack?
No, the iPhone X does not have a headphone jack. Apple removed the headphone jack with the iPhone 7, and this design decision carried over to the iPhone X. Users will need to use wireless headphones, a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter, or a set of Lightning headphones to listen to audio.
What is the main difference in camera quality?
The iPhone X has a superior camera system. It includes a telephoto lens with optical image stabilization (OIS) on both lenses, improving low-light performance and zoom capabilities. The TrueDepth camera enables Portrait mode with enhanced Portrait Lighting. The iPhone 7 Plus’s camera is still capable, but the iPhone X provides better low-light performance and more creative options.
Which phone is more powerful?
The iPhone X is considerably more powerful due to its A11 Bionic chip. This processor offers faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced performance in graphically intensive games. The A10 Fusion chip in the iPhone 7 Plus is still capable, but it is less powerful than the A11 Bionic. The iPhone X’s neural engine also supports machine learning.
Does the iPhone X have Face ID?
Yes, the iPhone X features Face ID, Apple’s facial recognition technology, which replaces the Home button and Touch ID. Face ID uses the TrueDepth camera system to securely unlock the phone and authenticate users. The iPhone 7 Plus relies on Touch ID, using a fingerprint sensor embedded in the Home button. Face ID is more secure and convenient.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 7 Plus generally offers slightly better battery life in real-world usage. Its larger physical size allows for a bigger battery capacity. While the iPhone X’s battery life is still good for everyday use, the iPhone 7 Plus tends to last longer on a single charge. However, battery life varies depending on usage patterns, so individual experiences may differ.
Which phone is a better value?
The iPhone 7 Plus is currently a better value. Considering the age and specifications, and the lower price the iPhone 7 Plus is available at, presents a better value for money, especially for users who aren’t prioritizing the latest features and the newest features. The iPhone X demands a higher investment.
Final Verdict
The iPhone X offers a more modern design, superior performance, and an improved camera system compared to the iPhone 7 Plus. While the iPhone 7 Plus remains a capable phone, the iPhone X’s display, processor, and features make it the superior choice for users seeking the latest technology. The iPhone 7 Plus is still a good option, if you are on a budget.
Winner: iPhone X