Iphone 12 Vs Iphone 7 Plus Is Upgrading Really Worth It In Current Year 2

For millions of iPhone users still relying on the iPhone 7 Plus, the question isn’t just about desire—it’s about necessity. Released in 2016, the iPhone 7 Plus was a landmark device with its dual-camera system and robust build. But we’re now in 2024, and Apple has moved far beyond that era. The iPhone 12, released in 2020, represents a major leap in design, performance, and software support. So, is upgrading from the iPhone 7 Plus to the iPhone 12 actually worth it today?

The answer depends on your usage, expectations, and how much longer you plan to keep your phone. Let’s break down the key differences across critical categories to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build: A Modern Leap Forward

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 7 Plus is the design language. The 7 Plus features a classic aluminum body with wide bezels, a home button with Touch ID, and a 3.5mm headphone jack (a rarity today). In contrast, the iPhone 12 adopts Apple’s flat-edge aerospace-grade aluminum frame with a Ceramic Shield front cover, offering dramatically improved drop resistance.

The shift to an edge-to-edge Super Retina XDR OLED display on the iPhone 12 enhances visual clarity, color accuracy, and brightness—especially noticeable when streaming video or browsing outdoors. At 6.1 inches, the screen is slightly smaller than the 7 Plus’s 5.5-inch display, but the higher resolution and pixel density deliver a sharper, more immersive experience.

Tip: If you're used to the home button, give Face ID at least two weeks. Most users adapt quickly and end up preferring the speed and convenience.

Performance: Night and Day Difference

Under the hood, the gap couldn't be wider. The iPhone 7 Plus runs on the A10 Fusion chip, which was impressive in 2016 but now struggles with modern apps, multitasking, and iOS updates. In contrast, the iPhone 12 is powered by the A14 Bionic chip—the first 5nm processor in any smartphone—delivering nearly 2x the CPU and GPU performance.

This means smoother animations, faster app launches, better gaming performance, and more headroom for future iOS updates. While the 7 Plus can technically run iOS 17, many newer features are either limited or disabled due to hardware constraints. The iPhone 12, however, will likely receive updates through at least 2026, ensuring continued security patches and feature improvements.

“Devices on older chips like the A10 are functionally obsolete by today’s standards. The A14 in the iPhone 12 ensures not just current performance, but longevity.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Comparison: From Good to Exceptional

The iPhone 7 Plus was one of the first iPhones to introduce portrait mode using its dual 12MP rear cameras (wide and telephoto). It still takes decent photos in good lighting, but low-light performance, dynamic range, and processing lag behind modern standards.

The iPhone 12 upgrades to a next-gen dual-camera system featuring a 12MP wide and ultra-wide lens, along with Night mode on both rear cameras and the front-facing sensor. Smart HDR 3 and Deep Fusion technology significantly improve detail, color balance, and noise reduction—even in dim environments.

Video capabilities also see a massive upgrade. The iPhone 12 supports Dolby Vision HDR recording at up to 4K/60fps, something the 7 Plus cannot match. For anyone who values mobile photography or records videos regularly, this alone may justify the upgrade.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	iPhone 12
Chipset	A10 Fusion	A14 Bionic
Display	5.5\" LCD (IPS)	6.1\" OLED (Super Retina XDR)
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto)	Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide)
Front Camera	7MP	12MP
Video Recording	4K at 30fps	4K Dolby Vision HDR at 60fps
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 14 hours	Up to 17 hours
Charging	Wired only (up to 1A)	MagSafe & Qi wireless, Fast Charging (~50% in 30 min)
Network Support	LTE only	5G capable (mmWave and sub-6GHz)
iOS Support (Expected End)	Ended with iOS 17	Estimated through iOS 20+

Battery and Charging: Efficiency Meets Speed

While Apple doesn’t publish exact mAh ratings, real-world testing shows the iPhone 12 offers comparable or slightly better battery life despite a smaller physical battery, thanks to the energy-efficient A14 chip and OLED display.

More importantly, the iPhone 12 introduces modern charging options: fast charging (reaching 50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W adapter), MagSafe magnetic charging, and improved Qi wireless compatibility. The iPhone 7 Plus supports only basic 5W wired charging and slow wireless charging via third-party accessories.

If you frequently charge on the go or use wireless pads at work or in your car, the iPhone 12 delivers a noticeably more convenient experience.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had been using her iPhone 7 Plus since 2017. By late 2023, she noticed apps like Instagram and WhatsApp were crashing more often, her phone would overheat during calls, and battery life dropped below a full day. She hesitated to upgrade, thinking “it still works.”

After switching to a used iPhone 12 in January 2024, her experience transformed. Apps opened instantly, Face ID unlocked her phone seamlessly even in low light, and her weekend vlogs looked professional thanks to Dolby Vision recording. She also started using Apple Fitness+ and found the larger, brighter screen made workouts more engaging.

Most importantly, she received confirmation that her new phone would get updates until at least 2026. For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t just about new features—it was about reliability and peace of mind.

Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2024?

Consider these factors before deciding:

• You rely on your phone daily – If your iPhone is essential for communication, navigation, banking, or productivity, the performance boost and reliability of the iPhone 12 are significant.
• You care about photo/video quality – The camera advancements alone offer a generational leap, especially in night mode and video.
• You want long-term usability – The iPhone 12 will continue receiving iOS updates for several more years; the 7 Plus will not.
• You use modern services – 5G, fast charging, and AR apps perform poorly or aren’t supported on older hardware.

Tip: Look for certified refurbished iPhone 12 models from Apple or trusted retailers. You can save $100–$150 while still getting warranty and like-new condition.

Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready?

1. ✅ Assess current pain points (slow performance, short battery, app crashes)
2. ✅ Back up your iPhone 7 Plus (iCloud or computer)
3. ✅ Research prices for iPhone 12 (new, refurbished, carrier deals)
4. ✅ Check if your case and accessories are compatible (likely not)
5. ✅ Transfer data via Quick Start during setup
6. ✅ Recycle or sell your old device responsibly

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my iPhone 7 Plus stop working if I don’t upgrade?

No, it will still make calls, send texts, and run basic apps. However, app developers are increasingly optimizing for newer iOS versions and hardware. Over time, more apps may become unstable or cease support entirely.

Can the iPhone 12 last until 2027?

Yes. Based on Apple’s typical 5–6 year support window, the iPhone 12 should receive iOS updates through at least 2026. With proper care, it can remain a reliable daily driver well into 2027.

Is 5G necessary on the iPhone 12?

It depends on your location and usage. In urban areas with strong 5G coverage, streaming and downloads are noticeably faster. However, if you’re mostly on Wi-Fi, 5G is a bonus rather than a must-have. Still, it future-proofs your device.

Final Verdict: Yes, It’s Worth It

Upgrading from the iPhone 7 Plus to the iPhone 12 in 2024 isn’t just about getting a newer phone—it’s about stepping into the current generation of mobile technology. You gain faster performance, vastly improved cameras, modern charging, enhanced durability, and years of future software support.

The iPhone 7 Plus served millions well, but it’s now seven years old—a lifetime in tech. Holding onto it risks frustration, security vulnerabilities, and missed opportunities in how you use your smartphone.

If you’ve been on the fence, now is the time. Whether you buy new, refurbished, or through a trade-in program, moving to the iPhone 12 ensures you’re not just keeping up—you’re set for the next few years with confidence.

💬 Have you upgraded from an iPhone 7 Plus recently? Share your experience or questions in the comments below—your insights could help others make their decision!