Iphone 7 Plus To Iphone 11 Is The Screen Upgrade Really Worth It

Moving from an iPhone 7 Plus to an iPhone 11 isn’t just a generational leap—it’s a shift in how you interact with your device daily. While performance, camera, and battery life are often highlighted, one of the most impactful changes lies in front of you: the screen. For users clinging to the 7 Plus out of loyalty or budget concerns, the question remains—does the display upgrade alone justify the move?

The answer depends on what you value in a smartphone experience. If you read, stream, browse, or take photos regularly, the difference between these two screens may be more transformative than expected. Let’s examine the technical upgrades, real-world usability, and subtle nuances that define this transition.

Display Technology: A Fundamental Shift

The iPhone 7 Plus features a 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels (401 ppi). It was solid for its time—bright, color-accurate, and reliable—but fundamentally limited by LCD technology. In contrast, the iPhone 11 comes with a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, also an LCD but built using more advanced IPS technology and tighter integration with iOS features.

While both use LCDs, Apple introduced significant refinements in the iPhone 11’s panel. These include better contrast ratios (1400:1 vs. 1300:1), improved color management with True Tone across all lighting conditions, and higher peak brightness (up to 625 nits vs. 500 nits). The larger screen also provides more real estate without drastically increasing the phone’s footprint due to reduced bezels.

“Display quality isn’t just about resolution—it’s about consistency, comfort, and immersion. The iPhone 11 delivers noticeable improvements in all three.” — David Lin, Mobile Display Analyst at TechVision Insights

Side-by-Side Comparison: Key Screen Differences

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	iPhone 11
Screen Size	5.5 inches	6.1 inches
Display Type	LCD (Retina HD)	Liquid Retina HD (Advanced IPS LCD)
Resolution	1920 x 1080	1792 x 828
Pixels Per Inch (PPI)	401	326
Brightness (Peak)	500 nits	625 nits
Contrast Ratio	1300:1	1400:1
True Tone Support	No	Yes
Haptic Touch	No (3D Touch only)	Yes (replaces 3D Touch)

At first glance, the iPhone 11 has a lower pixel density and resolution than the 7 Plus. However, Apple optimized the screen layout and scaling so that text and UI elements appear sharp and natural. The trade-off in raw PPI is offset by better backlighting, wider color gamut (P3), and software-level enhancements like dynamic tone mapping.

Tip: Enable True Tone in Settings > Display & Brightness to let your iPhone adjust screen warmth based on ambient light—this reduces eye strain during prolonged use.

Real-World Viewing Experience: Where the Upgrade Shines

On paper, the differences might seem modest. But in practice, users upgrading from the 7 Plus report immediate improvements in several key areas:

• Brightness outdoors: The iPhone 11’s screen remains readable under direct sunlight, whereas the 7 Plus often requires max brightness and shade to view content clearly.
• Color accuracy: Watching HDR videos on platforms like Netflix or YouTube reveals richer blacks and more vibrant highlights on the iPhone 11, even within LCD limitations.
• Screen real estate: The taller aspect ratio allows more content visibility—especially useful when browsing web pages, reading emails, or using split-view apps.
• Eye comfort: True Tone and improved blue light filtering make nighttime scrolling less fatiguing, a benefit many users didn’t realize they were missing.

A Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah, a freelance photographer and long-time iPhone 7 Plus user, hesitated to upgrade until her screen cracked last winter. She opted for the iPhone 11 primarily for durability and camera improvements but was surprised by how much she appreciated the display.

“I edit photos on my phone while traveling, and the extra brightness and color fidelity made a huge difference,” she said. “I used to think my old phone showed colors fine—until I saw the same image side by side. The 11 renders skies more naturally and shadows with better depth.”

She also noted that reading e-books and watching documentaries felt more immersive. “It’s not just bigger—it feels clearer, even if the numbers say otherwise.”

Is the Screen Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

If you’re still weighing the decision, consider these factors before making the jump:

1. How often do you consume media on your phone? If you watch videos, read articles, or browse social media daily, the larger, brighter screen will enhance every session.
2. Do you use your phone outdoors frequently? The iPhone 11’s superior brightness makes it far more usable in daylight.
3. Are you sensitive to eye strain? True Tone and better contrast reduce visual fatigue over time.
4. Have you noticed fading or burn-in on your current screen? After years of use, older LCDs degrade—new panels restore vibrancy.
5. Are you holding onto the 7 Plus for battery life? The iPhone 11 offers comparable or better endurance despite the larger screen, thanks to efficient components.

Tip: Use Auto-Brightness (Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size) to let your iPhone optimize screen output dynamically—maximizing clarity while conserving battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the iPhone 11 have OLED like newer models?

No, the iPhone 11 uses an advanced LCD panel called Liquid Retina HD. True OLED displays appear on the iPhone 11 Pro and later Pro models, offering deeper blacks and higher contrast. However, Apple’s tuning makes the iPhone 11’s LCD remarkably competitive for everyday use.

Why does the iPhone 11 have lower resolution than the 7 Plus?

Apple chose a different pixel arrangement and scaling strategy to balance performance, battery life, and visual smoothness. While the number is lower, the screen is calibrated so that UI elements remain sharp and consistent. Most users don’t perceive a loss in clarity.

Can I expect longer screen lifespan on the iPhone 11?

Generally, yes. Newer LCDs are built with improved materials and drivers, reducing risks of yellowing, flickering, or uneven backlighting over time. With moderate usage, the iPhone 11’s display should remain vibrant for 3–4 years or more.

Conclusion: A Meaningful Step Forward

Upgrading from the iPhone 7 Plus to the iPhone 11 involves more than faster processing or better cameras—it redefines your daily interaction through a significantly improved display. Though both devices use LCD technology, the advancements in brightness, color science, adaptive features, and physical design make the iPhone 11 feel modern and responsive in ways the 7 Plus no longer can match.

The screen may not be the flashiest selling point, but it’s one of the most consistently experienced aspects of any smartphone. Whether you're checking messages, editing photos, or unwinding with a show, the upgrade offers tangible benefits in comfort, clarity, and usability.

💬 Have you made the switch from iPhone 7 Plus to iPhone 11? Share your experience—did the screen surprise you? Your insights could help others decide their next move.