Why iPhone 7 Plus is STILL Relevant in 2020!
**The iPhone 7 Plus: A Comprehensive Review in 2020**
Introduction
In September 2020, the iPhone 7 Plus will turn four years old. Despite its age, it remains one of the best bargains in the iPhone lineup and continues to perform exceptionally well. In this article, we revisit the iPhone 7 Plus to discuss how it has held up over time and whether it is still worth keeping or upgrading to a newer model.
A Look Back at the iPhone 7 Plus
Last year, I made a video titled "Why the iPhone 7 Plus is the Best iPhone to Buy in 2019." At the time, the main reason for recommending the iPhone 7 Plus was its excellent performance and its availability on eBay for an incredibly low price. This was shortly after the release of the iPhone 10, 10s Max, and 10 Art models.
Is the iPhone 7 Plus Still a Great Phone in 2020?
Now, in 2020, is the iPhone 7 Plus still a great phone when considering its price? And should you keep it, sell it, or buy a newer iPhone instead? These are the questions I aim to answer in this article.
Design and Aesthetics
The iPhone 7 Plus retains that classic "old iPhone" look with large bezels on the top, sides, and bottom. It also features the iconic home button, making it feel like a relic of the past compared to today's standards. However, it was revolutionary for its time as the first iPhone to ship without a headphone jack.
The iPhone 7 Plus was also the only iPhone ever sold in a beautiful matte black colorway. While the iPhone 11 Pro and Max have a similar matte finish, it doesn't quite match the elegance of the iPhone 7 Plus's design. The removal of the headphone jack wasn't a big deal for me at launch and remains irrelevant today since most users now rely on wireless headphones or ear pods.
Camera Capabilities
One of the standout features of the iPhone 7 Plus was its dual-camera setup, which marked a first for iPhones. The camera system included a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens, along with quad-LED True Tone flash, HDR support, portrait mode, and the ability to shoot video in 4K.
Four years later, the iPhone 7 Plus's camera still performs well. Regular shots and portraits come out looking good, while selfies and videos are decent but not exceptional. The main drawback is that it can only shoot video in 4K at 30 frames per second (fps), whereas newer iPhones like the iPhone 10 and later models offer 4K at 60 fps.
However, for most users buying an iPhone 7 Plus today, video quality isn't a top priority. If you're not concerned about shooting in 4K 60 or don't know the difference, you'll still be satisfied with the video output.
Home Button and Touch ID
The iPhone 7 Plus introduced the first pressure-sensitive home button powered by an enhanced Taptic Engine. Unlike previous iPhones, which had mechanical home buttons prone to breaking, the home button on the iPhone 7 Plus is designed to last longer. You can even adjust the pressure sensitivity in settings, ranging from light to firm clicks.
Touch ID remains a reliable and fast method of unlocking your phone, though I personally prefer Face ID for its convenience and security. Touch ID is still useful for Apple Pay transactions, as you don't need to look at your phone to complete a payment.
Build Quality and Durability
The iPhone 7 Plus is constructed from 7000-series aluminum, giving it a premium feel despite its age. It weighs 188 grams, slightly lighter than the iPhone 11 but still comparable in terms of heft. The aluminum build makes it more durable than glass-backed iPhones, as it's less likely to shatter upon dropping.
Over the years, my iPhone 7 Plus has held up remarkably well. I've used a screen protector since day one and stopped using a case after the first year. Despite this, the phone still looks great, with minimal signs of wear on both the front and back. The matte black finish is less prone to fingerprints and scratches compared to glass-backed models.
My family members, including my mom, dad, and brother, have also experienced consistent performance with their iPhone 7 Plus units. While a couple had issues with faulty cameras or no service (which were resolved for free by Apple), none reported significant durability problems.
Display Performance
The iPhone 7 Plus features a 5.5-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1080x1920 pixels and a pixel density of 401 pixels per inch. It supports up to 625 nits of brightness, the same as the newer iPhone 11 model. While it's not an OLED screen, the blacks are still crisp, and dark mode pairs well with the sleek matte black design.
Performance and Software Support
Under the hood, the iPhone 7 Plus is powered by Apple's A10 Fusion chip, which has held up surprisingly well over time. It runs smoothly on iOS 13, supporting features like dark mode, a revamped Photos app, and enhanced Face ID functionality.
The iPhone 7 Plus will likely receive updates through iOS 15 and possibly beyond, ensuring it remains relevant for at least the next couple of years. This makes it a great value for users on a budget.
Battery Life Considerations
Battery life on the iPhone 7 Plus is decent but not outstanding without a replacement. If you've already replaced the battery or plan to do so soon, you'll be happy with the performance. However, if you're still using the original battery, expect noticeable drain over time due to lithium-ion degradation.
I recommend enabling "Optimized Battery Charging" on your iPhone 7 Plus to extend battery life. Additionally, monitoring your battery health in settings can help you decide when it's time for a replacement.
Should You Keep Your iPhone 7 Plus?
If you already own an iPhone 7 Plus and it's functioning well, I say keep using it. It's served me and my family members well over the years, and there's no need to upgrade unless you're ready to move on to newer features or want a fresh device.
Should You Buy an iPhone 7 Plus in 2020?
If you're considering purchasing an iPhone 7 Plus in 2020, it depends on your current setup. If you own an iPhone 6s or 6s Plus, I recommend waiting to see what Apple releases this year before making a decision. However, if you're coming from an older iPhone like the iPhone 6 or earlier models, the iPhone 7 Plus is still a great option.
Budget-wise, you can find an iPhone 7 Plus for under $300 on platforms like Amazon or eBay. The only other iPhone in that price range is the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, which aren't much different from the 7 series. For this reason, I suggest saving your money to upgrade to a newer model when it becomes more affordable.
Conclusion
The iPhone 7 Plus remains a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable device. While it doesn't excel in any particular area, it also doesn't lag behind in any category. With proper care and maintenance, the iPhone 7 Plus can continue to serve you well into the next decade.
If you have an iPhone 7 Plus or are considering purchasing one, I hope this article has addressed your questions. Let me know in the comments if there's anything specific you'd like to discuss further!