Iphone 12 Camera Vs Iphone 7 Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It In 2024

In 2024, many iPhone 7 Plus owners are still getting by with a device that was once considered top-tier. Released in 2016, the iPhone 7 Plus brought dual cameras to the mainstream—something revolutionary at the time. Fast forward eight years, and Apple’s iPhone 12 series has become the new baseline for capable smartphone photography. But if you’re holding onto a working iPhone 7 Plus, is upgrading to an iPhone 12 purely for the camera actually worthwhile?

The answer isn’t just about megapixels or marketing claims. It’s about real-world performance, usability, software support, and whether the improvements translate into meaningful benefits for how you use your phone today.

Camera Hardware: A Generational Leap

The iPhone 7 Plus featured a dual-camera system with a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP telephoto lens—impressive for its era. It introduced Portrait Mode using hardware-based depth sensing, which was groundbreaking at the time. However, both lenses lacked optical image stabilization (OIS) on the telephoto side, and low-light performance was limited.

The iPhone 12, released in 2020, represents a significant leap. It includes a 12MP wide sensor with larger pixels, sensor-shift optical image stabilization (on the Pro models; standard iPhone 12 uses OIS), and a more advanced 12MP ultra-wide lens. The wide sensor captures 46% more light than the iPhone 7 Plus, enabling far better dynamic range and noise control.

Apple also introduced Night Mode on all rear cameras starting with the iPhone 11 series. The iPhone 12 improves on this with faster processing and longer exposures. Meanwhile, the iPhone 7 Plus has no native Night Mode—it simply brightens images in dark conditions, often resulting in grainy, overexposed photos.

Tip: If you frequently take photos in dim lighting—indoors, at night, or during evening events—the iPhone 12’s Night Mode alone makes the upgrade compelling.

Image Quality Comparison: Real-World Scenarios

To assess whether the upgrade matters, consider these everyday situations:

• Low-light photography: The iPhone 12 produces clean, balanced shots even in near-darkness. The iPhone 7 Plus struggles, producing blurry or noisy results without a tripod.
• Landscape shots: The iPhone 12’s ultra-wide lens allows creative framing impossible on the 7 Plus, which only has wide and 2x zoomed telephoto options.
• Portrait Mode: While both phones offer Portrait Mode, the iPhone 12 uses machine learning and LiDAR (on Pro models) for more accurate edge detection and natural bokeh. The 7 Plus often misjudges hair or background elements.
• Video recording: The iPhone 12 supports Dolby Vision HDR recording at 4K/30fps—a feature absent on the 7 Plus, which maxes out at 1080p/60fps without advanced color grading.

“Smartphone photography isn’t just about resolution anymore—it’s about computational imaging. The gap between 2016 and 2020 tech is wider than most realize.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechVisuals

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	iPhone 12
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto)	Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide)
Front Camera	7MP	12MP (with Night Mode & Deep Fusion)
Night Mode	No	Yes (all cameras)
Deep Fusion	No	Yes (improves texture & detail)
Smart HDR	HDR (basic)	Smart HDR 3 (scene-aware tone mapping)
Video Recording	1080p up to 60fps	4K Dolby Vision HDR at 30fps
Zoom	2x optical, up to 10x digital	2x optical (digital zoom up to 12x)
Software Support (as of 2024)	iOS 15 (end-of-life)	iOS 17+, expected iOS 18 support

A Real User Scenario: From 7 Plus to iPhone 12

Sarah, a freelance food blogger based in Portland, used her iPhone 7 Plus for five years to photograph meals, post Instagram stories, and shoot short recipe videos. By 2023, she noticed clients requesting higher-quality content. Her indoor shots were consistently too dark, and editing couldn't fix the lack of dynamic range.

She upgraded to a refurbished iPhone 12 in early 2024. Immediately, her workflow improved. Night Mode allowed her to capture vibrant restaurant dishes without flash. Smart HDR preserved details in both shadows and highlights. She started filming reels in Dolby Vision, giving her content a professional edge. Within two months, her engagement increased by 35%, and she landed two new brand partnerships.

For Sarah, the camera upgrade wasn’t just about better photos—it was about staying competitive in a visually driven market.

Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2024? A Checklist

If you're still deciding, ask yourself the following. Check each item that applies:

• ☐ Do you regularly take photos in low light (evenings, indoors, concerts)?
• ☐ Do you share photos on social media or use them for work (blogging, selling, marketing)?
• ☐ Are you frustrated by slow camera processing or blurry zoom shots?
• ☐ Do you want to record high-quality video with minimal effort?
• ☐ Is your iPhone 7 Plus running iOS 15 or earlier (limiting app compatibility)?

If three or more apply, the iPhone 12 camera upgrade offers tangible, lasting benefits.

What You Gain Beyond Megapixels

The difference isn’t just technical—it’s experiential. The iPhone 12 delivers:

• Faster processing: Photos are captured instantly with minimal shutter lag.
• Better autofocus: Uses focus pixels across the frame, not just the center.
• Improved color science: More natural skin tones and accurate whites.
• Computational photography: Features like Photographic Styles let you customize looks while shooting.
• Longer software support: The iPhone 12 will likely receive updates through 2027, ensuring compatibility with future apps and AI-enhanced photo tools.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 7 Plus hasn’t received major camera software updates since 2019. Even third-party apps are beginning to phase out support due to outdated hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notice the difference just by looking at photos side by side?

Yes. When viewed on a computer or tablet screen, the iPhone 12 images show finer detail, smoother gradients, and less noise. The dynamic range difference is especially obvious in backlit scenes.

Is the front camera really that much better?

Significantly. The iPhone 12’s 12MP TrueDepth camera includes Night Mode and Smart HDR, making selfies usable even in dim lighting. The 7 Plus front camera often underperforms in anything but ideal light.

Should I wait for iPhone 15 instead?

If budget allows and you want the latest features (like USB-C, Action Mode video, or 48MP main sensor), yes. But for most users, the jump from iPhone 7 Plus to iPhone 12 is already transformative. Refurbished iPhone 12 models are widely available under $300, offering excellent value.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Upgrade Is Worth It

Eight years in smartphone evolution is an eternity. The iPhone 12 isn’t just a newer version—it’s a fundamentally different photography platform. With Night Mode, ultra-wide capability, Dolby Vision video, and ongoing iOS support, it brings modern mobile imaging within reach.

If you rely on your phone to document life, create content, or simply capture moments clearly, the iPhone 12 camera upgrade from the 7 Plus is not just justified—it’s overdue. You don’t need to be a professional photographer to benefit from sharper focus, truer colors, and the confidence that your phone can handle any lighting condition.

🚀 Ready to see the world in better detail? Consider a certified refurbished iPhone 12—it could be the last camera upgrade you need for years.