iPhone 7 Plus vs Xr: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Struggling to decide between two iconic iPhones? The iPhone 7 Plus and the iPhone XR both offer compelling features, but they cater to different needs and budgets. This comparison dives deep into the key differences, helping you make the best choice for your next smartphone.
Released years apart, the iPhone 7 Plus and the iPhone XR represent distinct generations of Apple’s mobile technology. The iPhone 7 Plus, with its classic design, offers a familiar feel. The iPhone XR, on the other hand, introduced a more modern aesthetic.
We’ll examine everything from performance and camera capabilities to battery life and display quality. Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or simply seeking the best value, this comparison of the iPhone 7 Plus vs XR will provide you with the insights you need to make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 7 Plus | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | September 2016 | October 2018 |
| Display Size | 5.5 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Technology | Retina HD | Liquid Retina HD |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels | 1792 x 828 pixels |
| Processor | A10 Fusion | A12 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 3GB |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Storage Options | 32/128/256GB | 64/128/256GB |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 7 Plus: Features a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. It offers good color accuracy and brightness for its time but lacks the vibrancy and sharpness of newer displays. It can be viewed as dated compared to current standards.
- Xr: Boasts a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 1792×828 pixels. While the resolution is lower than the 7 Plus, it offers a wider color gamut and better overall viewing experience, including improved brightness and contrast, though not as detailed as OLED displays.
- Winner: xr
Processor
- iPhone 7 Plus: Powered by the A10 Fusion chip, which was powerful for its release. It still handles everyday tasks well, but may struggle with more demanding games and applications compared to newer chips.
- Xr: Equipped with the A12 Bionic chip, offering significantly improved performance compared to the A10. It handles multitasking, gaming, and complex applications with ease, providing a smoother and faster user experience.
- Winner: xr
Camera System
- iPhone 7 Plus: Features a dual 12MP camera system with wide-angle and telephoto lenses, enabling features like Portrait Mode and 2x optical zoom. The image quality is good in favorable lighting conditions, but struggles in low light compared to newer models.
- Xr: Sports a single 12MP wide-angle lens with advanced image processing. While it lacks a telephoto lens, it uses software and the A12 Bionic chip to create Portrait Mode photos. It generally produces excellent images with strong dynamic range and improved low-light performance over the 7 Plus.
- Winner: xr
Battery Life
- iPhone 7 Plus: Offers decent battery life for its era, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. However, battery health degrades over time, potentially leading to shorter runtimes.
- Xr: Provides significantly improved battery life compared to the 7 Plus, easily lasting a full day and often extending into a second day with moderate use.
- Winner: xr
Design and Build
- iPhone 7 Plus: Features a familiar design with a physical home button and thick bezels. It’s made of aluminum and has a water-resistant design.
- Xr: Introduces a more modern design with an edge-to-edge display and no home button, relying on Face ID for security. It features a glass back and aluminum frame.
- Winner: xr
Storage Options
- iPhone 7 Plus: Available in storage options of up to 256GB.
- Xr: Available in storage options of up to 256GB.
- Winner: Tie
Software and Updates
- iPhone 7 Plus: Likely to receive fewer software updates compared to the xr.
- Xr: Likely to receive more software updates and support from Apple.
- Winner: xr
Price and Availability
- iPhone 7 Plus: Typically available at lower prices on the used market.
- Xr: Generally more expensive to purchase.
- Winner: 7 Plus
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone XR |
| Display | iPhone XR |
| Camera (Overall) | iPhone XR |
| Battery Life | iPhone XR |
| Design | iPhone XR |
| Value | iPhone 7 Plus |
What They Have in Common
- Operating System: Both phones run on iOS, providing a user-friendly interface and access to the App Store.
- Water Resistance: Both the iPhone 7 Plus and the iPhone XR are rated IP67, offering protection against splashes and dust.
- Front Camera: Both phones feature a 7MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
- Connectivity: Both support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular connectivity, allowing for seamless communication and internet access.
- App Ecosystem: Both phones have access to the vast App Store ecosystem, offering a wide range of apps for various needs.
- Portrait Mode: Both phones can take Portrait Mode photos, although the iPhone 7 Plus uses a dual-camera system, and the XR uses software.
iPhone 7 Plus Vs XR Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone XR boasts a significant performance advantage due to its A12 Bionic chip, compared to the iPhone 7 Plus’s A10 Fusion. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The XR handles demanding tasks with ease, offering a noticeably more responsive user experience. The 7 Plus, while still capable, struggles with modern, resource-intensive applications. It may experience occasional lag or slowdowns compared to the XR’s seamless operation. The difference is most evident during prolonged use.
Display
The iPhone XR features a larger 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display, while the iPhone 7 Plus has a 5.5-inch Retina HD display. Although the 7 Plus offers 1080p resolution, the XR’s display is wider. The XR’s screen offers better color accuracy, while the 7 Plus is less impressive. The XR’s display is sharper and more immersive, making it better for media consumption and gaming. The 7 Plus is still adequate, but the XR’s screen is more modern and visually appealing.
Camera
The iPhone XR has a single 12MP wide-angle lens, while the iPhone 7 Plus features dual 12MP lenses, including a telephoto lens for optical zoom and Portrait mode. While the 7 Plus offers more versatility, the XR’s single lens is still impressive, thanks to its advanced image processing. The XR excels in low-light conditions and offers Smart HDR for improved dynamic range. The 7 Plus’s camera is still capable, but the XR produces more detailed and vibrant images. The XR also has better video stabilization.
Battery Life
The iPhone XR offers significantly better battery life than the iPhone 7 Plus. The XR can easily last a full day of heavy use, while the 7 Plus may require charging before the end of the day. This is due to the XR’s more efficient processor and larger battery capacity. The difference in battery life can be a major factor for users who need their phone to last all day. The XR’s superior battery life provides a more reliable and convenient user experience.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone XR features a modern design with a glass back and aluminum frame, while the iPhone 7 Plus has an aluminum unibody design. The XR’s design is more contemporary, with slimmer bezels and a notch for the Face ID sensors. Both phones are well-built, but the XR feels more premium. The XR also offers a wider range of color options. The 7 Plus, while still durable, has a more dated design compared to the XR’s sleek aesthetics.
Price and Value
The iPhone XR, although older now, generally costs more than a used iPhone 7 Plus. Considering the XR’s superior performance, display, camera, and battery life, it offers better value for money. The XR’s advanced features and longer-term software support make it a worthwhile investment. The 7 Plus is a more budget-friendly option, but it comes with compromises in performance and features. The XR delivers a more modern and enhanced overall experience, justifying its price difference.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 7 Plus If…
- You prefer a physical home button.
- You want a phone with a dual-camera system for optical zoom.
- You prefer a smaller display.
- You want a phone with a headphone jack.
Buy iPhone XR If…
- You want a larger, more modern display.
- You prioritize a faster processor for better performance.
- You want a more modern design with Face ID.
- You want a longer battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main performance difference?
The iPhone XR has a much faster A12 Bionic chip, which significantly outperforms the iPhone 7 Plus’s A10 Fusion chip. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness. The XR can handle more demanding tasks and games with ease, offering a noticeably more fluid user experience compared to the 7 Plus.
How does the camera compare?
The iPhone XR features a single 12MP wide-angle lens with advanced image processing, while the iPhone 7 Plus has dual 12MP lenses offering more versatility. The XR excels in low-light and offers Smart HDR for better dynamic range. The 7 Plus still takes good photos, but the XR generally produces more detailed and vibrant images. The 7 Plus offers optical zoom, which the XR lacks.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone XR has significantly better battery life than the iPhone 7 Plus. The XR can easily last a full day of heavy use, while the 7 Plus may require charging before the end of the day. This advantage is due to the XR’s more efficient processor and larger battery capacity. The XR’s improved battery life delivers a more reliable user experience.
What are the display differences?
The iPhone XR has a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display, while the iPhone 7 Plus has a 5.5-inch Retina HD display. The XR’s display is wider and more color-accurate. The XR’s screen offers sharper visuals, making it superior for media consumption and gaming. The 7 Plus’s display is still adequate, but the XR’s screen is more modern and visually appealing.
How does the design differ?
The iPhone XR features a more modern design with a glass back and aluminum frame, while the iPhone 7 Plus has an aluminum unibody design. The XR has slimmer bezels and a notch for Face ID. The XR feels more premium and offers more color options. The 7 Plus has a more dated design. Both phones are well constructed.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone XR is better for gaming due to its more powerful A12 Bionic chip and larger, more vibrant display. This provides a smoother and more immersive gaming experience. The improved performance translates to higher frame rates and better graphics. While the iPhone 7 Plus can still handle games, the XR offers a superior gaming experience.
Which phone is better value?
The iPhone XR, despite typically costing more than a used iPhone 7 Plus, offers better value for money. Its superior performance, display, camera, and battery life justify the price. The XR provides advanced features and longer software support. Although the 7 Plus is budget-friendly, the XR provides a modern and enhanced overall experience.
Final Verdict
The iPhone XR clearly outperforms the iPhone 7 Plus in almost every category, including performance, display, camera, and battery life. While the 7 Plus remains a functional device, the XR offers a significantly more modern and enhanced user experience, making it the superior choice for most users.
Winner: iPhone XR