iPhone 7 vs 7 Plus: Which iPhone Reigns Supreme?
Struggling to decide between the iPhone 7 and its bigger sibling, the 7 Plus? You’re not alone! Both phones were game-changers upon release, boasting sleek designs and powerful performance. This comparison will dive deep, helping you understand the key differences and determine which iPhone best suits your needs.
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, launched in 2016, share many similarities but also have crucial distinctions that impact the user experience. From screen size and camera capabilities to battery life, we’ll explore every facet. Get ready to uncover the ultimate winner in the iPhone 7 vs 7 Plus showdown.
Whether you prioritize portability or crave a larger display and advanced camera features, this guide will provide valuable insights. We’ll break down the specs, highlight the pros and cons, and ultimately help you make an informed decision. Let’s find out which iPhone 7 model is the perfect fit for you.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 7 | 7 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7-inch | 5.5-inch |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Processor | A10 Fusion | A10 Fusion |
| RAM | 2GB | 3GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K at 30fps | 4K at 30fps |
| Storage Options | 32/128/256GB | 32/128/256GB |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 13 hours | Up to 14 hours |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm | 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 138 grams | 188 grams |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 7: 4.7-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. Offers vibrant colors and good clarity, but is smaller and less immersive compared to the Plus model.
- 7 Plus: 5.5-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Provides a larger and more immersive viewing experience, ideal for media consumption and multitasking.
- Winner: 7 Plus
Size & Design
- iPhone 7: More compact and easier to handle with its smaller dimensions. Offers a sleek and pocketable design.
- 7 Plus: Larger and heavier, providing more screen real estate but less portability.
- Winner: Tie
Processor
- iPhone 7: Features the A10 Fusion chip, offering fast and efficient performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- 7 Plus: Also equipped with the A10 Fusion chip, delivering the same level of performance as the iPhone 7.
- Winner: Tie
Camera (Rear)
- iPhone 7: Single 12MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization. Captures good quality photos in various lighting conditions.
- 7 Plus: Dual 12MP wide-angle and telephoto lenses, enabling 2x optical zoom and portrait mode for professional-looking bokeh effects. Offers greater versatility and creative options.
- Winner: 7 Plus
Camera (Front)
- iPhone 7: 7MP FaceTime HD camera. Good for selfies and video calls.
- 7 Plus: 7MP FaceTime HD camera. Good for selfies and video calls.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- iPhone 7: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage.
- 7 Plus: Provides significantly longer battery life due to its larger size, easily lasting a full day or more.
- Winner: 7 Plus
Storage Options
- iPhone 7: Available in 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options.
- 7 Plus: Available in 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone 7: Generally less expensive compared to the 7 Plus.
- 7 Plus: More expensive due to the larger size and additional features.
- Winner: 7
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | iPhone 7 Plus |
| Performance | Tie |
| Camera | iPhone 7 Plus |
| Battery Life | iPhone 7 Plus |
| Portability | iPhone 7 |
| Value | iPhone 7 |
What They Have in Common
- Processor: Both phones are powered by the A10 Fusion chip, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications.
- Water Resistance: Both the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus share an IP67 rating, offering protection against splashes, spills, and dust.
- Front Camera: Both phones feature a 7MP front-facing camera, ideal for selfies and video calls.
- Video Recording: Both devices can record videos in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, allowing you to capture high-quality footage.
- Storage Options: Both models are available with the same storage options, including 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB, catering to different user needs.
iPhone 7 vs 7 Plus Buying Guide
Screen Size and Resolution
The most immediately noticeable difference is the screen size. The iPhone 7 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, while the 7 Plus boasts a larger 5.5-inch Retina HD display. This size difference significantly impacts the viewing experience, particularly for media consumption like videos and games. The 7 Plus’s larger screen offers more real estate for content, making it a better choice for those who prioritize a more immersive experience. The resolution also differs, with the 7 Plus having a higher pixel density, resulting in sharper images.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 7 features a single 12MP wide-angle lens, offering excellent image quality in various lighting conditions. However, the iPhone 7 Plus steps up the game with a dual-camera system. This system includes a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom and enhanced portrait mode capabilities. Portrait mode allows users to create stunning photos with a blurred background effect (bokeh). The 7 Plus’s camera system is a significant advantage for photography enthusiasts, offering more versatility and creative options.
Performance and Battery Life
Both phones share the same A10 Fusion chip, ensuring similar performance in terms of speed and responsiveness. Whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or running demanding apps, both devices provide a smooth experience. However, the 7 Plus offers a larger battery capacity, resulting in noticeably longer battery life. If you’re a heavy user who spends a lot of time on your phone, the 7 Plus is a better choice to ensure you don’t run out of power during the day. This extra battery life is a key factor to consider.
Design and Ergonomics
Both phones share a similar design language, featuring a sleek aluminum unibody. The main difference lies in the size and weight. The iPhone 7 is smaller and lighter, making it easier to handle and more comfortable for one-handed use. The 7 Plus, being larger, can be more challenging to manage. Consider your hand size and how you typically use your phone. If portability and ease of use are priorities, the iPhone 7 may be preferable. Both models are water-resistant.
Storage Options and Pricing
Both the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus were available in various storage configurations, including 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The price difference between the two models was significant, with the 7 Plus typically costing more than the 7 across all storage options. When making your decision, consider your storage needs and budget. If you store a lot of photos, videos, and apps, opt for a higher storage capacity. Also, factor in the price difference between the two models and whether the extra features of the 7 Plus justify the higher cost.
Who Should Buy Which?
The iPhone 7 is ideal for those who prefer a more compact phone and prioritize ease of use. It’s also a great option for those on a tighter budget. The iPhone 7 Plus is better suited for users who value a larger screen for media consumption, a more advanced camera system for photography, and longer battery life. Consider your specific needs and preferences to make an informed decision. Think about how you use your phone daily, the importance of the camera, and your budget.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 7 If…
- You prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone.
- You want a more affordable option.
- You primarily use your phone for basic tasks, browsing, and casual photography.
- You prefer single-lens camera.
Buy 7 Plus If…
- You enjoy watching videos or playing games on a larger screen.
- You prioritize having a dual-camera system with features like Portrait Mode and optical zoom.
- You need longer battery life.
- You want a phone with more RAM for improved multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus?
The primary differences lie in the screen size, camera system, and battery life. The 7 Plus has a larger 5.5-inch display, a dual-camera system with optical zoom, and a larger battery. The iPhone 7 features a 4.7-inch display and a single-lens camera. Both share the same A10 Fusion chip, offering similar performance, but with battery differences. The 7 Plus is larger and heavier.
Does the iPhone 7 Plus have a better camera?
Yes, the iPhone 7 Plus has a significantly better camera. Its dual-camera system includes a telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait mode, which creates a blurred background effect. The iPhone 7 has a single-lens camera that still produces excellent photos, but lacks the versatility of the 7 Plus’s system. The 7 Plus offers more creative options.
Which iPhone has better battery life?
The iPhone 7 Plus has considerably better battery life due to its larger battery capacity. You can expect to get significantly longer usage time on the 7 Plus compared to the iPhone 7. If battery life is a top priority, the 7 Plus is the superior choice. This is because the larger physical size allows for a larger battery.
Are the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus water-resistant?
Yes, both the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are water-resistant, with an IP67 rating. This means they can withstand splashes and brief submersion in water. However, it’s not recommended to intentionally submerge them. While water-resistant, it’s advised to avoid prolonged exposure to water to prevent potential damage to the device’s internal components.
Do the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus have a headphone jack?
No, neither the iPhone 7 nor the 7 Plus have a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. Apple removed the headphone jack with the launch of these models. Both phones come with EarPods that connect via the Lightning port, and a Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter is included in the box. Bluetooth headphones can also be used.
Which iPhone is better for gaming?
While both phones offer excellent gaming performance due to the A10 Fusion chip, the iPhone 7 Plus is arguably better for gaming. The larger 5.5-inch screen offers a more immersive gaming experience, providing more real estate for on-screen controls and a better view of the game. The increased battery life also allows for longer gaming sessions.
What storage options were available for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus?
Both the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus were available in 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options. The availability of these options allows buyers to select the storage capacity that best suits their needs, depending on how many photos, videos, and apps they plan to store on the phone. Choose the storage based on your usage.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus both offer solid performance and design, but the 7 Plus distinguishes itself with its larger display, superior camera capabilities, and extended battery life. While the iPhone 7 is a capable device, the 7 Plus caters to users who prioritize a richer multimedia experience and enhanced photographic options. The overall improved features of the 7 Plus give it an edge.
Winner: iPhone 7 Plus