Iphone 7 Plus Vs 8 Plus Camera Is The Upgrade Worth It For Photos

When Apple released the iPhone 8 Plus in 2017, it arrived just one year after the widely praised iPhone 7 Plus. Both devices featured dual-camera systems with portrait mode capabilities, making them stand out in smartphone photography at the time. For owners of the 7 Plus wondering whether to upgrade, the question wasn’t just about hardware—it was about real photographic value. Does the iPhone 8 Plus deliver enough of an improvement in photo quality to justify the switch?

The answer depends on how you use your phone’s camera, what kind of lighting conditions you shoot in, and how much you value subtle but meaningful refinements in image processing and stability.

Differences in Camera Hardware

On paper, the camera specs between the iPhone 7 Plus and 8 Plus appear nearly identical. Both feature a dual-lens setup:

• Wide-angle lens: 12MP, f/1.8 aperture
• Telephoto lens: 12MP, f/2.8 aperture
• Optical zoom (2x), digital zoom up to 10x
• Portrait Mode with depth control (added via software update to 7 Plus)

Despite these similarities, Apple made key internal upgrades in the 8 Plus that affect image capture. The most significant change is the shift to a newer generation image signal processor (ISP) within the A11 Bionic chip. This allows for better noise reduction, improved dynamic range, and more accurate color reproduction.

Additionally, the iPhone 8 Plus introduced optical image stabilization (OIS) to both rear cameras—while the 7 Plus only had OIS on the wide-angle lens. This means sharper zoomed shots and better low-light performance from the telephoto lens, which previously struggled in dim environments.

Tip: If you frequently take zoomed-in or low-light photos, the addition of OIS on the telephoto lens in the 8 Plus can make a noticeable difference in clarity and detail retention.

Image Quality Comparison: Real-World Performance

In daylight, both phones produce excellent results. Colors are natural, details are sharp, and dynamic range handles high-contrast scenes well. However, closer inspection reveals subtle but consistent advantages in the 8 Plus:

• Better highlight preservation: Bright skies retain more detail.
• Improved skin tones: More accurate rendering in portraits.
• Faster autofocus: Thanks to the A11 chip, focus acquisition is snappier, especially in mixed lighting.

The most pronounced difference emerges in low-light photography. The combination of the upgraded ISP and dual OIS enables the 8 Plus to capture brighter images with less noise. Shadows are cleaner, and color fidelity remains stronger even when ambient light drops.

“Even with the same megapixel count and aperture, sensor tuning and processing matter more than raw specs.” — David Haynes, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK

Apple also improved Smart HDR algorithms over time through iOS updates, giving the 8 Plus access to more advanced tone mapping techniques. While later versions of iOS brought some enhancements to the 7 Plus, the underlying hardware limits its ability to process multiple exposures as efficiently.

Camera Features and Software Enhancements

One area where the 8 Plus pulls ahead is in computational photography. The A11 Bionic chip introduced machine learning capabilities that enhance photo processing in real time. This includes:

• Advanced noise reduction in night shots
• Better face detection and exposure balancing in group photos
• More consistent bokeh simulation in Portrait Mode

While the 7 Plus eventually received Portrait Mode via a software update, the effect often lacked precision around hair and edges. The 8 Plus, benefiting from faster processing and improved depth mapping, delivers smoother background blur and better subject isolation.

Moreover, the 8 Plus supports HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format), which saves storage space without sacrificing quality—a small but practical advantage for heavy photographers.

Side-by-Side Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	iPhone 8 Plus
Wide-angle Aperture	f/1.8	f/1.8
Telephoto Aperture	f/2.8	f/2.8
OIS – Wide Lens	Yes	Yes
OIS – Telephoto Lens	No	Yes
Image Signal Processor	A10 Fusion	A11 Bionic (next-gen)
Portrait Mode (Launch)	No (added later)	Yes
Smart HDR Support	Limited	Full support (via updates)
HEIF Photo Format	No	Yes

Real-World Example: Nighttime Cityscape Photography

Consider a scenario where a photographer walks through downtown at dusk, capturing storefronts and streetlights. Using the iPhone 7 Plus, the telephoto lens produces slightly blurred text on signs due to lack of stabilization. The wide-angle shot is usable but shows visible grain in shadow areas.

With the iPhone 8 Plus, the same scene yields a noticeably cleaner image. Street signs remain legible even when zoomed, and artificial lights are rendered with less blooming. The additional stability allows for slightly longer exposure times without handshake blur, resulting in richer tonal gradients.

This isn’t a dramatic leap like moving from single to dual cameras—but for someone who values consistency across different lenses and lighting conditions, the upgrade proves worthwhile.

Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The decision hinges on your current usage and expectations:

• If you’re satisfied with the 7 Plus and mostly shoot in good lighting, the improvements may feel incremental.
• If you regularly shoot indoors, at night, or rely on the telephoto lens, the 8 Plus offers tangible benefits.
• Owners still using older models like the iPhone 6s or earlier will notice a bigger jump than 7 Plus users upgrading to the 8 Plus.

It's also worth noting that battery life, glass back design (for wireless charging), and overall system responsiveness contribute to the photography experience. A faster phone means quicker camera launch, shorter shutter lag, and smoother editing—all of which matter in candid or fast-paced shooting situations.

Tip: Test both devices side by side in your typical shooting environment—such as restaurants or evening walks—before deciding. Real-world differences often outweigh spec sheets.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

1. Do you frequently take photos in low light? → Yes = leans toward 8 Plus
2. Do you use the 2x optical zoom often? → Yes = benefit from dual OIS
3. Are you frustrated by slow camera startup or processing? → Yes = A11 helps significantly
4. Have you maxed out storage and want HEIF compression? → Yes = 8 Plus supports it
5. Are you happy with current photo quality? → Yes = upgrade less urgent

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 7 Plus take Portrait Mode photos?

Yes, Apple added Portrait Mode to the iPhone 7 Plus via a software update after the release of the 8 series. However, edge detection and background blur are less refined compared to the 8 Plus due to hardware and processing limitations.

Does the iPhone 8 Plus have a better front camera?

No significant upgrade. Both phones feature a 7MP front-facing camera with f/2.2 aperture. Selfie quality is very similar, though the 8 Plus processes images slightly faster thanks to the A11 chip.

Will I notice a big difference in everyday photos?

For casual snapshots in daylight, the difference is minimal. But in challenging conditions—low light, motion, or zoomed shots—the 8 Plus consistently delivers cleaner, sharper results.

Final Verdict

The iPhone 8 Plus doesn’t revolutionize smartphone photography, but it refines it. For iPhone 7 Plus owners, the camera upgrade is evolutionary rather than groundbreaking. Yet, when combined with better processing, dual OIS, improved HDR, and long-term software support, the package adds up to a more capable and reliable photography tool.

If you're passionate about mobile photography and want the best possible output from a device of this era, the upgrade is justified. But if your needs are modest and your 7 Plus still performs well, holding off—or saving for a larger leap—might be smarter.

💬 Have you upgraded from the iPhone 7 Plus to the 8 Plus? Share your experience with photo quality—did the camera improvements make a difference in your daily shots?