Iphone 14 Plus Vs 7 Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It In 2024

For millions of iPhone 7 Plus owners still holding onto a device released nearly eight years ago, the question isn’t just about new features—it’s about value. In 2024, Apple’s iPhone 14 Plus remains a current-gen option with modern capabilities, while the iPhone 7 Plus, though once revolutionary, now struggles to keep pace. But does that gap justify the upgrade cost? The answer depends on how you use your phone, what you expect from software support, and whether future-proofing matters to you.

The iPhone 7 Plus was a landmark device—water resistance, a dual-camera system, and solid performance made it one of Apple’s longest-lived models. Many users are still running it daily. However, technology has evolved dramatically since 2016. The iPhone 14 Plus brings advancements in every category: processing power, display quality, camera intelligence, and cellular connectivity. But for someone satisfied with their aging 7 Plus, is this leap essential—or overkill?

Performance and Software Longevity

The most critical difference between these two phones lies under the hood. The iPhone 7 Plus runs on the A10 Fusion chip, a 64-bit processor that was impressive in its time but now falters under modern iOS demands. As of 2024, iOS 17 is the latest operating system, and while the 7 Plus topped out at iOS 15, it no longer receives security updates or app compatibility guarantees.

In contrast, the iPhone 14 Plus features Apple’s A15 Bionic chip—the same processor used in the iPhone 13 Pro lineup—with a 5-core GPU and advanced neural engine. This translates to significantly faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and seamless handling of graphics-intensive tasks like augmented reality or mobile gaming.

Tip: If your current phone can't run the latest iOS version, you're missing critical security patches and new features—making an upgrade increasingly necessary.

More importantly, the iPhone 14 Plus will likely receive iOS updates through 2028 or beyond. That means long-term usability, continued access to new apps, and integration with upcoming Apple ecosystem features like enhanced Vision Pro compatibility or AI-driven tools expected in iOS 18.

Camera Comparison: Night Mode, Computational Photography, and More

The camera gap between these devices is not just measurable—it's transformative. The iPhone 7 Plus introduced a dual-lens setup (wide + telephoto) with optical zoom and Portrait Mode, which felt groundbreaking in 2016. Today, those features are standard, but the execution has improved drastically.

The iPhone 14 Plus features a 12MP main sensor with larger pixels, sensor-shift optical image stabilization, Night mode on all lenses, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, and Photographic Styles. It also supports Cinematic Mode in 4K video recording—something the 7 Plus couldn’t dream of.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	iPhone 14 Plus
Main Camera	12MP f/1.8	12MP f/1.5 with OIS
Telephoto Lens	12MP f/2.8 (2x zoom)	No telephoto (digital zoom only)
Night Mode	Not available	Supported on all cameras
Video Recording	4K at 30fps	4K at 60fps with Dolby Vision HDR
Front Camera	7MP f/2.2	12MP f/1.9 with Night Mode

While the 14 Plus lacks a dedicated telephoto lens (a trade-off compared to the 7 Plus), its computational photography more than compensates. Digital zoom up to 3x is usable thanks to superior sensors and AI processing. Low-light photos show dramatic improvements—less noise, better color accuracy, and brighter details.

“Smartphone photography today is less about hardware and more about software intelligence. The A15 chip enables real-time scene analysis, exposure blending, and depth mapping that older iPhones simply can’t match.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechScope Weekly

Battery Life and Charging: From Frustration to All-Day Power

One area where the iPhone 14 Plus shines is endurance. Apple rates it for up to 26 hours of video playback. Real-world usage typically sees 1.5 to 2 full days on a single charge, depending on screen brightness and app usage.

The iPhone 7 Plus, by comparison, offers around 13 hours of mixed usage. After years of charging cycles, most existing batteries have degraded further, often requiring midday top-ups even with light use.

Additionally, the 14 Plus supports fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter) and Qi wireless charging. The 7 Plus charges slowly via Lightning and doesn’t support wireless charging without third-party accessories.

Tip: Replace old charging cables and use Apple-certified adapters to maximize efficiency and protect battery health.

Display, Design, and Durability

The design philosophies differ greatly. The iPhone 7 Plus features a home button, thick bezels, and an aluminum body. It’s compact and familiar, but its 5.5-inch LCD screen feels dated next to modern standards.

The iPhone 14 Plus uses a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with higher contrast, deeper blacks, and better outdoor visibility. It lacks a home button—relying instead on Face ID—and has slimmer bezels and a flat-edge stainless steel design. It’s also IP68 water- and dust-resistant (rated for up to 6 meters for 30 minutes), surpassing the 7 Plus’s IP67 rating (1 meter for 30 minutes).

Though both phones feel sturdy, the 14 Plus benefits from Ceramic Shield front cover glass, which Apple claims is tougher than any smartphone glass. For users who’ve cracked screens on older models, this added resilience matters.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used her iPhone 7 Plus for work and personal life until early 2024. She loved its reliability but noticed growing frustrations: slow photo exports, frequent app crashes, and poor low-light shots that required heavy editing.

After testing a friend’s iPhone 14 Plus, she upgraded. The difference was immediate. Her Instagram content improved with richer colors and stabilized video. She could shoot in low light without a tripod. Editing apps like Lightroom ran smoothly, and she no longer had to close background apps to free memory.

“It wasn’t just about having a newer phone,” she said. “It was about being able to work efficiently again. My old phone was holding me back creatively.”

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

Use this checklist to determine if moving from iPhone 7 Plus to iPhone 14 Plus makes sense for you:

• ✅ Your current phone struggles with basic tasks (sluggish scrolling, delayed responses)
• ✅ You’re stuck on an outdated iOS version (iOS 15 or earlier)
• ✅ Apps you rely on no longer support your device
• ✅ Battery dies before evening, even with moderate use
• ✅ You want better photos, especially at night or in motion
• ✅ You plan to keep your next phone for 3+ years
• ✅ You value Face ID, larger screen, or wireless charging

If four or more apply, the upgrade is likely worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It will continue to function as a phone, but without security updates, it becomes vulnerable to malware. Many apps will eventually drop support, limiting functionality. Over time, web browsing and email may become unreliable due to outdated TLS protocols.

Is the iPhone 14 Plus too big compared to the 7 Plus?

It is physically larger (6.7” vs 5.5”), but the screen-to-body ratio is much higher. Some users adapt quickly; others prefer smaller models like the iPhone 15. Try holding a demo unit at an Apple Store to assess comfort.

Can I save money by choosing an older model instead?

Potentially. The iPhone 13 or iPhone SE (2022) offer modern chips at lower prices. However, only the 14 Plus delivers the full lifespan advantage with projected support into 2028.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Upgrade Is Worth It in 2024

The iPhone 14 Plus isn’t just an incremental improvement over the iPhone 7 Plus—it represents a generational leap. From processing speed and camera intelligence to battery life and long-term software support, the advantages are tangible and lasting.

If you’ve held onto your 7 Plus out of loyalty or frugality, consider this: continuing to use outdated technology costs more in frustration, inefficiency, and missed opportunities than the price of an upgrade. The iPhone 14 Plus ensures you stay connected, secure, and capable in a world that increasingly expects smartphones to do more.

Technology evolves, and so should your tools. Whether you're capturing memories, managing work, or simply staying in touch, the right device empowers you to do it better.

💬 Have you upgraded from an iPhone 7 Plus? Share your experience—what surprised you most about the change? Join the conversation below.