Iphone 6 Vs Iphone 7 Plus Camera Is The Upgrade Worth It For The Photos

For millions of iPhone users, the camera is the most-used feature. Whether capturing family moments, travel memories, or everyday inspiration, image quality matters. When Apple released the iPhone 7 Plus in 2016, it brought significant changes to its imaging system—especially when compared to the iPhone 6 from 2014. But was the upgrade truly worthwhile for photography enthusiasts and casual shooters alike?

The answer depends on what you value: convenience, consistency, or professional-grade results. Let’s break down the key differences between these two devices, analyze real-world photo performance, and determine whether upgrading from an iPhone 6 to a 7 Plus still makes sense today—especially if your priority is better photos.

Camera Hardware: A Generational Leap

The iPhone 6 came with a solid but modest rear camera setup: an 8-megapixel sensor, f/2.2 aperture, and no optical image stabilization (OIS). While it performed well in daylight, it struggled in dim lighting and lacked advanced focusing features.

In contrast, the iPhone 7 Plus introduced a dual-camera system—a first for Apple—featuring:

• A 12-megapixel wide-angle lens (f/1.8 aperture)
• A second 12-megapixel telephoto lens (f/2.8 aperture) enabling 2x optical zoom
• Optical Image Stabilization on the primary lens
• Larger pixels (1.22µm vs 1.22µm with improved sensitivity)
• Improved autofocus with Focus Pixels

This hardware shift wasn’t just about numbers—it represented a fundamental change in how iPhone cameras could perform. The wider f/1.8 aperture on the main lens allowed 50% more light intake, directly improving low-light shots. OIS reduced blur caused by hand movement, especially in longer exposures or shaky conditions.

Tip: In low-light environments, even small improvements in aperture and stabilization make a visible difference. Hold your phone steady and let the camera process multiple frames for best results.

Photo Quality Comparison: Real-World Differences

To assess whether the upgrade is worth it, consider actual shooting scenarios. Here’s how the two models stack up across common use cases:

Scenario	iPhone 6 Performance	iPhone 7 Plus Performance
Daylight Photos	Good detail, accurate colors, but limited dynamic range	Sharper details, richer color depth, better highlight/shadow balance
Low-Light Indoor	Frequent noise, motion blur, inconsistent exposure	Noticeably cleaner images, less blur thanks to OIS, better white balance
Nighttime (e.g., cityscapes)	Poor performance; often underexposed or grainy	Significantly better; retains usable detail and color even in darkness
Zoomed Shots	Digital zoom only; quality drops sharply beyond 1x	2x optical zoom available; digital zoom enhanced by Smart HDR processing
Portrait Mode (Simulated Bokeh)	Not supported	Available using dual-lens data; creates convincing background blur

The jump in computational photography between these generations is substantial. The iPhone 7 Plus uses local tone mapping, noise reduction algorithms, and multi-frame alignment to produce sharper, more balanced images—even when lighting isn’t ideal.

“Apple’s move to dual cameras in the 7 Plus wasn’t just about zoom—it laid the foundation for smarter, software-driven photography that continues to define their strategy.” — David Ng, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechVision Weekly

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Weekend Trip

Sarah had been using her iPhone 6 since 2015. She loved taking photos during weekend hikes and family dinners but often found her pictures too dark indoors or blurry when kids were moving. Last year, she traded up to a used iPhone 7 Plus for $180.

On a recent trip to a mountain lodge, she noticed immediate differences. Inside the dimly lit cabin, her old iPhone 6 would have produced muddy, noisy images. With the 7 Plus, the same scene came out bright, clear, and true-to-life—thanks to OIS and better sensor efficiency.

She also experimented with Portrait Mode during a group dinner. Though not perfect, the bokeh effect made her daughter stand out beautifully against a softly blurred background. “I didn’t need my DSLR anymore,” she said. “The iPhone did 80% of what I needed, right in my pocket.”

For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t about megapixels—it was about confidence. She now takes more photos because she trusts the camera to deliver consistent results.

Step-by-Step Guide: Maximizing Your iPhone 7 Plus Camera

If you’ve upgraded—or are considering one—here’s how to get the most out of the iPhone 7 Plus camera:

1. Use Natural Light Whenever Possible: Even with improved low-light capabilities, natural sunlight produces the most vibrant and detailed images.
2. Tap to Focus and Adjust Exposure: Tap your subject on-screen, then slide the sun icon up or down to brighten or darken the shot.
3. Enable HDR Automatically: Go to Settings > Camera > HDR Auto to let the phone decide when high dynamic range processing helps.
4. Switch Between Lenses Thoughtfully: Use the 1x (wide) lens for landscapes and group shots. Switch to 2x (telephoto) for tighter framing without losing quality.
5. Hold Steady in Low Light: The camera may use slower shutter speeds. Brace your arms or lean against a wall to avoid blur.
6. Edit Within Photos App: Use built-in tools to fine-tune exposure, contrast, and saturation without needing third-party apps.

Tip: Avoid digital zoom on the 7 Plus unless absolutely necessary. Stick to optical zoom (1x or 2x) for maximum clarity.

Is the Upgrade Worth It for Photos? A Balanced View

If you're still using an iPhone 6, the leap to the 7 Plus brings tangible photographic benefits:

• Better low-light performance means fewer unusable night shots.
• Optical zoom and Portrait Mode expand creative options.
• Reduced blur and noise lead to more shareable, printable images.
• Faster processing and focus help capture fleeting moments.

However, consider this: both phones are now several generations old. If you're relying solely on an iPhone 6 today, battery life, app compatibility, and iOS support may be bigger concerns than camera quality alone. The 7 Plus supports newer versions of iOS longer and handles modern camera apps more efficiently.

That said, if you’re choosing between keeping a working iPhone 6 or spending money on a used 7 Plus purely for photography, the upgrade is justified—but only if you take photos regularly in varied conditions. For occasional users, the difference might not be transformative.

FAQ

Can the iPhone 7 Plus take professional-quality photos?

Yes, within limits. Its 12MP sensors, optical zoom, and Portrait Mode allow for creative, high-detail photography suitable for social media, blogs, and even small prints. However, it lacks manual controls and large sensors found in dedicated cameras.

Does the iPhone 6 support Portrait Mode?

No. Portrait Mode requires the dual-camera system introduced with the iPhone 7 Plus. The iPhone 6 does not have the necessary hardware or depth-sensing capability.

How much does the iPhone 7 Plus improve video recording over the iPhone 6?

Significantly. The 7 Plus records 4K video at 30fps, compared to the 6’s maximum of 1080p at 30fps. It also includes optical stabilization for smoother handheld footage and better audio filtering.

Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?

The iPhone 7 Plus represents a meaningful evolution in smartphone photography. Compared to the iPhone 6, it delivers sharper images, superior low-light performance, and innovative features like optical zoom and Portrait Mode—all of which contribute to more reliable, enjoyable photo-taking experiences.

If you value photography and still rely on an aging iPhone 6, upgrading to a 7 Plus (even secondhand) can breathe new life into your mobile creativity. You’ll gain more than just better pixels—you’ll gain confidence that your phone can handle real-world lighting, movement, and composition challenges.

While newer iPhones offer even greater advancements, the 7 Plus remains a compelling step up from the 6—especially for those who want noticeable improvements without paying premium prices.

🚀 Ready to see the difference? Try a side-by-side test with both devices or rent a 7 Plus for a weekend. See how much sharper, brighter, and more versatile your photos can be—and decide for yourself if the upgrade is worth it.