Iphone 7 Plus Vs 8 Plus Is The 8 Plus Worth The Upgrade

For iPhone users clinging to their 7 Plus, the question isn’t whether the 8 Plus exists—it’s whether it matters. After all, both devices share a nearly identical design language, similar screen size, and dual-camera systems. But beneath the surface, Apple made meaningful improvements with the 8 Plus that could justify an upgrade—especially if you're pushing your 7 Plus past its prime.

The iPhone 8 Plus arrived in 2017 as part of Apple’s 10th-anniversary lineup, sitting just below the futuristic iPhone X. While it didn’t introduce a radical redesign, it packed next-generation internals into a familiar aluminum-and-glass body. For owners of the 7 Plus, this creates a unique dilemma: is upgrading worth it when the changes seem subtle?

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the iPhone 7 Plus and 8 Plus appear almost indistinguishable. Both feature a 5.5-inch display, physical home button with Touch ID, and vertical dual cameras on the back. However, the most notable change lies in the materials used.

The iPhone 7 Plus has an aerospace-grade aluminum back, which is durable but prone to scratches and scuffs over time. The 8 Plus replaces this with a glass back—a first for non-Pro models. This shift wasn’t purely aesthetic; it enabled wireless charging, a feature absent on the 7 Plus.

While the glass makes the 8 Plus slightly heavier (202g vs 188g), it also gives the device a more premium feel. That said, the glass is more fragile. Users upgrading from the 7 Plus should consider a protective case, especially since repairs for cracked backs are significantly more expensive.

Tip: If you're upgrading to the 8 Plus, invest in a quality case and avoid dropping it on hard surfaces—the glass back is elegant but less forgiving than aluminum.

Performance and Hardware Upgrades

This is where the 8 Plus pulls ahead decisively. Under the hood, it features Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, a significant leap over the A10 Fusion in the 7 Plus. Benchmarks show the A11 delivers up to 25% faster CPU performance and nearly 30% better GPU efficiency.

In real-world use, this translates to smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and improved gaming performance. Apps like Instagram, TikTok, and mobile games load noticeably faster on the 8 Plus. Even after years of updates, iOS remains fluid on the 8 Plus, whereas the 7 Plus may begin to show signs of strain with newer operating systems.

Another key difference is RAM. While Apple doesn’t officially disclose RAM sizes, teardowns confirm the 8 Plus has 3GB compared to the 7 Plus’s 2GB. This extra memory allows for better background app retention and improved performance in graphics-intensive tasks.

“Even without a flashy redesign, the A11 Bionic gave the 8 series a longevity edge that the 7 series simply couldn’t match.” — Mark Thompson, Senior Mobile Analyst at TechPulse

Camera Comparison: Subtle But Meaningful Improvements

Both phones feature dual 12MP rear cameras—one wide-angle and one telephoto—capable of 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode. On paper, they’re similar. In practice, the 8 Plus offers tangible upgrades.

The 8 Plus introduces a larger and faster sensor, improved color filters, and deeper pixels. These changes result in better low-light performance, more accurate skin tones, and enhanced dynamic range. Photos taken in dim lighting retain more detail and exhibit less noise.

Portrait Mode also benefits from software refinements. Edge detection is sharper, and lighting effects (like Studio Light and Contour Light) are applied more naturally. The front-facing camera remains unchanged at 7MP, so selfies won’t differ much between models.

Video recording sees a major boost: the 8 Plus supports 4K video at 60fps (up from 30fps on the 7 Plus) and includes advanced video stabilization. For content creators or anyone who records frequently, this is a compelling reason to upgrade.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	iPhone 8 Plus
Processor	A10 Fusion	A11 Bionic
Rear Camera (Main)	12MP f/1.8	12MP f/1.8 (larger sensor)
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 60fps
RAM	2GB	3GB
Back Material	Aluminum	Glass (supports wireless charging)
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 14 hours	Up to 13 hours

Charging and Battery Life

Battery capacity is nearly identical—2900mAh in the 8 Plus versus 2900mAh in the 7 Plus—but efficiency gains from the A11 chip mean the 8 Plus often lasts longer under typical use. Real-world testing shows about 30–45 minutes more screen-on time, depending on usage patterns.

The bigger innovation is support for Qi-based wireless charging. The 8 Plus was Apple’s first phone to offer this feature, allowing users to charge simply by placing the phone on a compatible pad. While not revolutionary, it adds convenience—especially for nightstand or desk charging.

It’s worth noting that wireless charging is slower than wired unless using a fast charger (which Apple did not include in the box). Still, the flexibility is appreciated, particularly for users building a wireless ecosystem.

Real-World Upgrade Scenario: Sarah’s Experience

Sarah had used her iPhone 7 Plus since 2016. By late 2022, she noticed apps taking longer to open, occasional crashes in Safari, and degraded battery life—down to 60% health. She considered switching to Android but decided to test the 8 Plus instead.

After upgrading, she immediately noticed faster FaceTime call setup, smoother scrolling in Instagram, and fewer app reloads. The improved camera helped her capture clearer photos of her toddler in indoor lighting. Most surprisingly, wireless charging became a daily habit—she no longer needed to plug in at night.

“I didn’t think the 8 Plus would feel so different,” she said. “It’s not flashy, but everything just works better. It felt like getting a new phone without learning a new system.”

Is the 8 Plus Worth the Upgrade? A Checklist

If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself the following:

• Is your 7 Plus showing performance lag with current apps?
• Do you want better photo quality, especially in low light?
• Would wireless charging add convenience to your routine?
• Are you planning to keep your phone for another 2+ years?
• Have you experienced battery degradation affecting daily use?

If you answered yes to two or more, the upgrade is likely worthwhile. The 8 Plus extends usable lifespan, supports newer iOS versions longer, and delivers tangible improvements in speed and camera quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 Plus still run the latest iOS?

Yes. The iPhone 8 Plus supports up to iOS 17, released in 2023. It will likely receive updates through 2025, making it a viable option for long-term use.

Does the 8 Plus have better audio than the 7 Plus?

Slightly. Both have stereo speakers, but the 8 Plus features improved tuning and louder output. The difference is noticeable when watching videos or playing games with headphones unplugged.

Is the price difference justified today?

As of 2024, both models are discontinued, but used/refurbished 8 Plus units typically cost $30–$50 more than 7 Plus models. Given the performance, camera, and wireless charging advantages, this premium is generally justified for active users.

Conclusion: A Quietly Significant Step Forward

The iPhone 8 Plus may not have turned heads like the iPhone X, but for 7 Plus owners, it represents a smart, practical upgrade. You retain the familiar form factor and Touch ID while gaining a faster processor, better camera, and modern conveniences like wireless charging.

If your 7 Plus is struggling with everyday tasks or you want a device that can handle future iOS updates smoothly, the 8 Plus delivers real value. It’s not a revolution—but sometimes, evolution is exactly what you need.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Check certified refurbished options or trade-in programs to get the most value from your 7 Plus and step into a faster, more capable iPhone experience.