Iphone 11 Pro Vs Iphone 7 Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It In Current Year

For many long-time iPhone users, the iPhone 7 Plus was a milestone device—reliable, well-built, and packed with features that defined Apple’s mid-2010s smartphone era. But as we move deeper into the 2020s, the question arises: Is holding onto an iPhone 7 Plus still practical? And more importantly, does upgrading to an iPhone 11 Pro—a model released just two years later—offer enough tangible benefits to justify the cost today?

The answer isn’t simply about specs or speed. It’s about how your phone fits into your daily life now: app compatibility, security updates, camera quality, battery longevity, and overall usability. Let’s examine the real differences between these two devices and whether making the leap makes sense in the current year.

Performance and Hardware: A Generational Leap

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 11 Pro lies in their processors and overall system performance. The iPhone 7 Plus runs on the A10 Fusion chip, which was powerful in 2016 but struggles today with modern iOS versions and resource-heavy apps. In contrast, the iPhone 11 Pro features the A13 Bionic chip—an architecture that remains capable even by 2024 standards.

Apple's A13 delivers significantly faster CPU and GPU performance, enabling smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and better handling of augmented reality (AR) and machine learning tasks. This means not only faster operation but also longer software support. While the iPhone 7 Plus stopped receiving major iOS updates after iOS 15, the iPhone 11 Pro continues to receive updates, including iOS 17 and likely iOS 18.

Tip: If your current phone frequently freezes, crashes, or takes more than 5 seconds to open common apps like Instagram or Chrome, it’s a strong indicator that hardware limitations are affecting your experience.

Camera Comparison: Night Mode and Beyond

Photography is where the iPhone 11 Pro pulls dramatically ahead. The iPhone 7 Plus featured a dual 12MP rear camera system (wide and telephoto), which was impressive for its time and still captures decent daylight photos. However, it lacks Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR, and advanced computational photography features.

The iPhone 11 Pro introduced Night mode, allowing dramatically brighter and clearer low-light photos without a flash. Its triple-camera setup (ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto) gives you far more creative flexibility. Whether capturing landscapes, group shots, or macro-like details with the ultra-wide lens, the 11 Pro offers versatility the 7 Plus simply can't match.

In real-world use, this means being able to take usable photos in dim restaurants, at concerts, or during evening walks—scenarios where the iPhone 7 Plus produces dark, noisy, and often unusable images.

“Modern smartphone photography isn’t just about megapixels—it’s about computational intelligence. The gap between 2016 and 2019 camera systems is wider than most realize.” — David Lin, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechScope Weekly

Battery Life and Charging: Practical Daily Impact

Battery degradation is inevitable, especially in phones used daily for several years. Even if your iPhone 7 Plus hasn’t been replaced, its battery health likely sits below 80%, meaning reduced runtime and potential shutdowns under load.

The iPhone 11 Pro offers nearly double the battery life of the 7 Plus under normal usage. Apple rated the 11 Pro for up to 18 hours of video playback versus 13 hours on the 7 Plus—and real-world mixed usage reflects this gap. Additionally, the 11 Pro supports fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with an 18W adapter) and Qi wireless charging, neither of which were available on the 7 Plus.

If you regularly carry a portable charger or find yourself hunting for outlets by midday, upgrading could significantly improve your daily convenience.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	iPhone 11 Pro
Release Year	2016	2019
Chipset	A10 Fusion	A13 Bionic
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto)	Triple 12MP (Ultra-Wide, Wide, Telephoto)
Night Mode	No	Yes
Front Camera	7MP	12MP with 4K video & slow motion
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 13 hours	Up to 18 hours
Fast Charging	No	Yes (18W compatible)
Wireless Charging	No	Yes (Qi standard)
iOS Support (Latest)	iOS 15 (End of Major Updates)	iOS 17+, likely iOS 18
Water Resistance	IP67 (1m for 30 mins)	IP68 (4m for 30 mins)

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah had been using her iPhone 7 Plus since 2017. By 2023, she noticed her phone struggled to keep up: messages delayed, apps crashing, and Maps freezing during navigation. She avoided updating to newer iOS versions due to sluggishness. Her battery died by 2 PM daily, and her photos from family events were often too dark to share.

After borrowing a friend’s iPhone 11 Pro, she was struck by how quickly apps opened, how clear her selfies looked in low light, and how her phone lasted all day—even with GPS active. She decided to upgrade and found the change transformative. “It felt like going from dial-up to broadband,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much I was compromising until I had a faster, more capable phone.”

Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2024?

The value of upgrading depends on your needs, budget, and expectations. Here’s a checklist to help you decide:

• Are you experiencing frequent app crashes or lag? → Likely time to upgrade.
• Do you rely on your phone for photography? → The 11 Pro’s camera system is vastly superior.
• Is your battery lasting less than half a day? → Replacement may be cheaper than a new phone, but performance won’t improve.
• Do you want to keep receiving iOS updates? → The 7 Plus no longer gets them; the 11 Pro does.
• Are you using older accessories? → You’ll need USB-C cables and possibly new cases.

Tip: Before upgrading, back up your data via iCloud or iTunes. Also, consider selling or trading in your iPhone 7 Plus—many buyback programs still offer $30–$70 depending on condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 7 Plus still run modern apps?

Some apps still support the iPhone 7 Plus, but many newer versions require iOS 16 or later, which the device doesn’t support. Apps like TikTok, Snapchat, and banking services may stop functioning or lack key features over time.

Is the iPhone 11 Pro still a good phone in 2024?

Absolutely. While not the latest model, the A13 chip remains efficient for everyday tasks, and iOS optimization ensures smooth performance. With continued update support expected through 2025, it’s a reliable choice for users seeking a balance of price and capability.

Should I wait for a newer model instead?

If budget allows, models like the iPhone 13 or 14 offer longer future-proofing, better displays (with higher refresh rates on Pro models), and improved cameras. But if you're upgrading from a 7 Plus, the 11 Pro represents a massive leap at a lower price point than current flagships.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Upgrade Is Worth It

For anyone still relying on an iPhone 7 Plus in 2024, upgrading to an iPhone 11 Pro isn’t just about getting a newer phone—it’s about reclaiming reliability, security, and functionality. The improvements in performance, camera quality, battery life, and software support are not incremental; they’re transformative.

You’ll gain access to features you didn’t know you needed: shooting in near-darkness, using the latest security features, enjoying all-day battery, and having a device that keeps pace with your life rather than holding you back.

If you’ve hesitated because the 7 Plus “still works,” consider this: technology should empower you, not frustrate you. The upgrade cost is real, but so is the daily toll of a slowing, outdated device. For most users, the iPhone 11 Pro offers a sweet spot of modern capability at a reasonable price—making the jump not just logical, but genuinely worthwhile.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your current usage, check trade-in values, and take the step toward a faster, more capable iPhone experience today.