Choosing a new iPhone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Are you trying to decide between the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 7 Plus? This comparison will help you navigate the key differences and decide which phone best suits your needs and budget.
Released just a year apart, the iPhone 8 and 7 Plus share some similarities but also boast significant distinctions. We’ll delve into the specifications, performance, and overall user experience of both devices to provide a comprehensive overview. Get ready to discover the perfect iPhone for you!
Whether you prioritize the latest features or are looking for a more affordable option, this guide has you covered. We’ll explore everything from the cameras and processors to the battery life and display quality of the iPhone 8 and the 7 Plus. Let’s find out which one comes out on top!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iphone 8 | 7 plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7-inch | 5.5-inch |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Processor | A11 Bionic | A10 Fusion |
| RAM | 2GB | 3GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps | 4K @ 30fps |
| Storage Options | 64/128/256GB | 32/128/256GB |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | No |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
| Operating System | iOS 11 (Upgradable) | iOS 10 (Upgradable) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build Quality
- iPhone 8: Features a glass back and aluminum frame, offering a more premium feel and enabling wireless charging. It’s slightly smaller and lighter than the 7 Plus. The glass back is prone to breaking.
- 7 Plus: Boasts an aluminum unibody design, which is sturdy and provides a good grip. It’s available in more color options than the iPhone 8 and is less prone to damage than the glass back. The design is dated.
- Winner: 8
Display
- iPhone 8: Features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen’s color temperature to match ambient lighting. The display is crisp and vibrant. The smaller size may be a con for some.
- 7 Plus: Equipped with a larger 5.5-inch Retina HD display, providing more screen real estate for media consumption and gaming. The display lacks True Tone, but is still bright and clear. The bezels are large.
- Winner: 7 Plus
Processor
- iPhone 8: Powered by the A11 Bionic chip, providing significantly faster performance and improved graphics compared to the 7 Plus. This results in smoother multitasking and faster app loading.
- 7 Plus: Uses the A10 Fusion chip, which is still capable but slower than the A11 Bionic. Performance is adequate for everyday tasks, but it struggles with demanding applications.
- Winner: 8
Camera
- iPhone 8: Features a single 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization and improved image processing. Offers excellent image quality in various lighting conditions. Lacks the telephoto lens of the 7 Plus.
- 7 Plus: Boasts a dual 12MP rear camera system with wide-angle and telephoto lenses, enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait mode. Offers greater versatility in photography. Low light performance isn’t as good as the iPhone 8.
- Winner: 7 Plus
Battery Life
- iPhone 8: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. The smaller size means a smaller battery.
- 7 Plus: Provides significantly better battery life due to its larger battery capacity. Can easily last a full day and often longer with moderate use.
- Winner: 7 Plus
Storage Options
- iPhone 8: Available in 64GB and 256GB storage options. Offers sufficient storage for most users.
- 7 Plus: Available in 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options. Provides a wider range of storage choices, with a lower entry-level option.
- Winner: Tie
Wireless Charging
- iPhone 8: Supports wireless charging, allowing for convenient charging without the need for cables. Requires a separate wireless charging pad.
- 7 Plus: Does not support wireless charging, relying solely on a Lightning cable for charging.
- Winner: 8
Price and Availability
- iPhone 8: Generally more expensive if purchased new, but may be found at a lower price on the used market.
- 7 Plus: Typically available at a lower price point, especially on the used market. Offers a more budget-friendly option.
- Winner: 7 Plus
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iphone 8 |
| Display | 7 plus |
| Camera | 7 plus |
| Battery Life | 7 plus |
| Design | iphone 8 |
| Features | iphone 8 |
What They Have in Common
- Water Resistance: Both the iPhone 8 and 7 Plus share an IP67 rating, offering protection against water and dust. This means they can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
- Operating System: Both phones run on iOS, providing a consistent user experience with access to the App Store and regular software updates, although the 7 Plus starts with an older iOS version.
- Front Camera: Both phones feature a 7MP front-facing camera, suitable for selfies and video calls. The quality is similar on both devices.
- Headphone Jack: Neither phone includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring the use of wireless headphones or an adapter.
- Connectivity: Both phones support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular connectivity, allowing users to stay connected wherever they go.
- Design: Both phones share a similar design aesthetic, with a sleek and modern look, although the 8 has a glass back.
iPhone 8 vs 7 Plus Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone 8 boasts the A11 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance leap over the iPhone 7 Plus’s A10 Fusion chip. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics performance, especially in demanding games. The A11 Bionic also features a dedicated neural engine for machine learning tasks, enhancing features like Face ID and improved Siri performance. While the 7 Plus remains a capable device, the 8’s superior processing power provides a noticeably more responsive and efficient user experience. This makes the iPhone 8 a better choice for power users.
Camera
Both phones offer excellent camera capabilities, but the iPhone 8 edges ahead with its improved image processing. The 8’s camera benefits from the A11 Bionic chip’s image signal processor, resulting in better low-light performance, improved dynamic range, and more accurate color reproduction. While the 7 Plus features a dual-camera system with portrait mode, the iPhone 8 offers similar features with a single lens, plus enhanced video recording capabilities, including 4K at 60fps. The iPhone 8 delivers sharper, more detailed photos overall. (See Also: Maybelline Exhilarator Vs Pioneer )
Design & Display
The iPhone 8 features a glass back, enabling wireless charging, a feature absent in the 7 Plus. This design change gives the 8 a more premium feel and modern aesthetic. The 7 Plus, with its aluminum back, offers a more traditional design. Both phones have Retina HD displays, but the iPhone 8 incorporates True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen’s white balance to match the ambient lighting, making the display easier on the eyes in various environments. The iPhone 8’s glass back and True Tone display offer a more refined experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial consideration for any smartphone. The iPhone 7 Plus generally offers slightly better battery life than the iPhone 8 due to its larger battery capacity. While the iPhone 8’s A11 Bionic chip improves power efficiency, it doesn’t quite compensate for the smaller battery size. Users who prioritize all-day battery performance might find the 7 Plus to be a better option, especially for heavy usage scenarios. However, the iPhone 8 offers the convenience of wireless charging.
Storage & Price
Both phones were available in various storage configurations. The initial price points for the iPhone 8 were typically higher than those of the 7 Plus, especially when they were new. As the 7 Plus is older, it can often be found at a lower price point now, especially in the used or refurbished market. When considering a purchase, factor in your storage needs and budget. If you require more storage or are looking for the best value, consider the available options for each model at the time of purchase.
Software & Updates
Both the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 7 Plus are compatible with the latest iOS updates, ensuring access to the newest features and security enhancements. Apple’s commitment to providing software support for several years means both phones will remain relevant for the foreseeable future. However, the iPhone 8, being the newer model, may receive software updates for a longer duration. This ensures you have access to the latest features and security patches for a longer period. Both devices offer a comparable software experience. (See Also: Omron Bp5450 Vs Bp7450 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iphone 8 If…
- You prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone.
- You want wireless charging.
- You want a faster processor for better performance.
- You value the latest iOS features and updates.
Buy 7 plus If…
- You prefer a larger screen for media consumption and gaming.
- You want a dual-camera system with telephoto capabilities.
- You can find it at a significantly lower price point.
- You prioritize longer battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The iPhone 8 boasts the A11 Bionic chip, significantly outperforming the 7 Plus’s A10 Fusion chip. This leads to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics performance. The A11 also incorporates a neural engine for machine learning, enhancing features like Face ID and Siri. The 8 offers a noticeably more responsive and efficient user experience compared to the 7 Plus, which is still a capable device.
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone 8 has a slight edge in camera performance due to improvements in image processing. The A11 Bionic’s image signal processor results in better low-light performance, dynamic range, and color accuracy. While the 7 Plus has a dual-camera setup with portrait mode, the iPhone 8 provides similar features with enhanced video recording, offering a sharper and more detailed overall photo experience. It is a subtle difference.
Does the iPhone 8 have wireless charging?
Yes, the iPhone 8 features a glass back that enables wireless charging, a feature absent in the iPhone 7 Plus. This is a significant design change that provides more convenience and modern functionality. This allows you to charge the phone more easily with a charging pad. The 7 Plus uses a traditional aluminum back.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 7 Plus generally offers slightly better battery life due to its larger battery capacity. While the iPhone 8’s A11 Bionic chip improves power efficiency, it does not fully compensate for the smaller battery size. Users who prioritize all-day battery performance might find the 7 Plus preferable. It is a significant advantage for the 7 Plus. (See Also: Furnace Rental Vs Purchase )
Are both phones still receiving software updates?
Yes, both the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 7 Plus are compatible with the latest iOS updates. Apple provides software support for several years, ensuring both phones receive new features and security enhancements. However, the iPhone 8, being the newer model, will likely receive updates for a longer period. This ensures you have the latest software experience.
What about the design differences?
The iPhone 8 has a glass back, enabling wireless charging, giving it a more premium feel. The 7 Plus has an aluminum back. Both have Retina HD displays, but the iPhone 8 features True Tone technology, adjusting the screen’s white balance to match ambient lighting. The iPhone 8 offers a more modern design, with wireless charging and a more premium feel.
Which phone is more expensive?
When they were new, the iPhone 8 was typically more expensive than the 7 Plus. However, the 7 Plus, being an older model, is often available at a lower price now, especially in the used or refurbished market. The price can vary based on storage capacity and condition. Consider your budget and storage needs when making your decision.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 8 emerges as the superior choice due to its faster performance, enhanced camera capabilities, and modern design featuring wireless charging. While the iPhone 7 Plus offers slightly better battery life and can often be found at a lower price point, the iPhone 8’s overall improvements in performance, image quality, and features make it the more compelling option for most users. The iPhone 8 is the better choice.
Winner: iPhone 8