When it comes to choosing the perfect iPhone, Apple fans often find themselves torn between two of the company’s most popular models: the iPhone 7 Plus and the iPhone 8. Both devices have their unique features, advantages, and disadvantages, making it challenging to decide which one is better. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of each phone, comparing their design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and more, to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Display
The iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 share a similar design language, with both devices featuring a sleek and sturdy aluminum body. However, there are some subtle differences between the two. The iPhone 7 Plus has a slightly larger footprint, measuring 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3mm, compared to the iPhone 8’s 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm dimensions. The iPhone 7 Plus also weighs slightly more, tipping the scales at 188g, while the iPhone 8 weighs 148g.
In terms of display, both phones feature a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. However, the iPhone 8 has a slightly brighter display, with a maximum brightness of 625 nits, compared to the iPhone 7 Plus’s 574 nits. The iPhone 8 also features Apple’s True Tone technology, which adjusts the display’s color temperature based on the surrounding environment, providing a more natural viewing experience.
Water and Dust Resistance
Both the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 are water and dust resistant, with a rating of IP67. This means that both devices can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. However, it’s essential to note that water damage is not covered under Apple’s warranty, so it’s still important to exercise caution when exposing your device to water.
Performance
The iPhone 7 Plus is powered by Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, which features a quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM. The iPhone 8, on the other hand, is powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, which features a six-core processor and 2GB of RAM. The A11 Bionic chip provides a significant boost in performance, with Apple claiming that it’s up to 25% faster than the A10 Fusion chip.
In terms of storage, both devices are available in 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB variants. However, the iPhone 8 also features a 64GB variant, which is not available on the iPhone 7 Plus.
Benchmark Scores
To give you a better idea of the performance difference between the two devices, here are some benchmark scores:
| Device | Geekbench 4 (Single-Core) | Geekbench 4 (Multi-Core) |
| — | — | — |
| iPhone 7 Plus | 1744 | 4161 |
| iPhone 8 | 2475 | 6629 |
As you can see, the iPhone 8 significantly outperforms the iPhone 7 Plus in both single-core and multi-core tests.
Camera
The camera is one of the most significant differences between the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8. The iPhone 7 Plus features a dual-camera setup, with a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens. The iPhone 8, on the other hand, features a single 12-megapixel camera.
However, the iPhone 8’s camera is not to be underestimated. It features a larger sensor and a wider aperture, which allows for better low-light performance. The iPhone 8 also features Apple’s advanced image signal processor, which provides improved image quality and reduced noise.
Camera Features
Here are some of the key camera features of both devices:
- iPhone 7 Plus:
- Dual-camera setup with 12-megapixel wide-angle and telephoto lenses
- 2x optical zoom
- Portrait mode with depth effect
- 4K video recording at 30fps
- iPhone 8:
- Single 12-megapixel camera
- 5x digital zoom
- Portrait Lighting with five effects
- 4K video recording at 60fps
Battery Life
The iPhone 7 Plus has a slightly larger battery, with a capacity of 2900mAh, compared to the iPhone 8’s 1821mAh battery. However, the iPhone 8’s more efficient A11 Bionic chip and improved software optimization provide similar battery life to the iPhone 7 Plus.
In terms of battery life, Apple claims that the iPhone 7 Plus provides up to 14 hours of talk time, while the iPhone 8 provides up to 14 hours of internet use. However, real-world usage may vary depending on your specific needs and habits.
Battery Life Comparison
Here’s a comparison of the battery life of both devices:
| Device | Talk Time | Internet Use | Video Playback |
| — | — | — | — |
| iPhone 7 Plus | Up to 14 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 14 hours |
| iPhone 8 | Up to 14 hours | Up to 12 hours | Up to 13 hours |
Software
Both the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 run on Apple’s iOS operating system. However, the iPhone 8 comes with iOS 11 out of the box, while the iPhone 7 Plus comes with iOS 10. The iPhone 7 Plus is eligible for an upgrade to iOS 11, but it may not receive future software updates as quickly as the iPhone 8.
iOS 11 Features
Here are some of the key features of iOS 11:
- AR capabilities with ARKit
- Core ML for machine learning
- Do Not Disturb While Driving
- New App Store design
- Improved Siri capabilities
Price
The iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 have different price points, with the iPhone 7 Plus starting at $669 for the 32GB variant and the iPhone 8 starting at $599 for the 64GB variant.
Price Comparison
Here’s a comparison of the prices of both devices:
| Device | 32GB | 128GB | 256GB |
| — | — | — | — |
| iPhone 7 Plus | $669 | $769 | $869 |
| iPhone 8 | $599 | $699 | $799 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 are both excellent devices, but they cater to different needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a device with a dual-camera setup and a larger battery, the iPhone 7 Plus may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a device with a more efficient processor, improved camera features, and a lower price point, the iPhone 8 may be the better option.
Ultimately, the decision between the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 depends on your specific needs and priorities. We hope that this article has provided you with a comprehensive comparison of both devices, helping you make an informed decision.
What are the main differences between the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8?
The main differences between the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 lie in their design, camera capabilities, and performance. The iPhone 8 features a more seamless glass design, whereas the iPhone 7 Plus has a metal body. Additionally, the iPhone 8 has a more advanced camera system with features like Portrait Lighting, which allows users to adjust the lighting effects in their photos.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 8 is powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, which provides faster processing speeds and improved efficiency compared to the A10 Fusion chip in the iPhone 7 Plus. This results in smoother performance, faster app launching, and improved overall user experience.
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone 8 has a slightly better camera system compared to the iPhone 7 Plus. The iPhone 8 features a 12-megapixel camera with a wider color gamut, which allows for more vivid and lifelike colors. Additionally, the iPhone 8 has features like Portrait Lighting, which allows users to adjust the lighting effects in their photos.
However, the iPhone 7 Plus also has a dual-camera setup, which allows for features like Portrait mode and optical zoom. The camera on the iPhone 7 Plus is still capable of taking high-quality photos, but the iPhone 8 has a slight edge in terms of overall camera performance.
Is the iPhone 8 worth upgrading to from the iPhone 7 Plus?
Whether or not the iPhone 8 is worth upgrading to from the iPhone 7 Plus depends on individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for improved performance, a more seamless design, and advanced camera features, the iPhone 8 may be worth considering.
However, if you’re happy with your current iPhone 7 Plus and don’t feel the need for the latest and greatest features, it may not be worth upgrading. The iPhone 7 Plus is still a capable device that can handle most tasks with ease, and upgrading to the iPhone 8 may not provide significant enough benefits to justify the cost.
How does the battery life compare between the two phones?
The battery life of the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 is similar, with both phones providing around 10-12 hours of internet use. However, the iPhone 8 has a slightly smaller battery, which may affect its overall battery life.
Despite this, the iPhone 8’s more efficient A11 Bionic chip helps to offset the smaller battery, resulting in similar battery life to the iPhone 7 Plus. However, actual battery life may vary depending on individual usage patterns and settings.
Which phone has more storage options?
The iPhone 8 is available in 64GB and 256GB storage options, whereas the iPhone 7 Plus is available in 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB options. While the iPhone 7 Plus has a lower storage option, the iPhone 8’s higher storage option is more expensive.
Ultimately, the choice of storage option depends on individual needs and preferences. If you need a lot of storage space, the 256GB option on either phone may be the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, the 64GB iPhone 8 or 32GB iPhone 7 Plus may be sufficient.
Is the iPhone 8 more durable than the iPhone 7 Plus?
The iPhone 8 has a more seamless glass design, which may make it more prone to damage from drops. However, the iPhone 8 also features IP67 water and dust resistance, which can help protect it from accidental splashes or spills.
In contrast, the iPhone 7 Plus has a metal body, which may be more durable in terms of scratches and drops. However, the iPhone 7 Plus also has IP67 water and dust resistance, making it similarly resistant to water and dust damage.
Which phone is more affordable?
The iPhone 7 Plus is generally more affordable than the iPhone 8, especially when it comes to older models or refurbished devices. However, prices can vary depending on the storage option, condition, and retailer.
If budget is a concern, the iPhone 7 Plus may be the more affordable option. However, if you’re looking for the latest and greatest features, the iPhone 8 may be worth the extra cost.