If you're still using an iPhone 7 Plus in 2024, you’re running one of Apple’s most durable long-term devices. Released in 2016, the iPhone 7 Plus earned a reputation for reliability, solid performance, and excellent build quality. But nearly eight years later, newer models like the iPhone 11 offer significant technological leaps. So, is upgrading from the iPhone 7 Plus to the iPhone 11 truly worth it? The answer depends on your usage, priorities, and expectations from a smartphone.
This comparison dives deep into key areas—performance, camera capabilities, battery life, software support, and overall user experience—to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're clinging to nostalgia or simply waiting for a compelling reason to upgrade, this breakdown will clarify whether the jump makes sense for your lifestyle.
Performance: A Quantum Leap in Speed and Efficiency
The most immediate difference between the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 11 lies under the hood. The iPhone 7 Plus runs on Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, a solid performer in its time but now significantly outpaced by modern standards. In contrast, the iPhone 11 features the A13 Bionic chip—one of Apple’s most efficient processors, still capable of handling demanding apps and multitasking with ease.
Benchmarks show the A13 Bionic delivers roughly twice the CPU performance and over three times the GPU power compared to the A10. This translates to real-world benefits: faster app launches, smoother scrolling, quicker photo editing, and seamless gaming. Apps that may lag or stutter on the 7 Plus run fluidly on the 11, especially those optimized for augmented reality or machine learning.
Additionally, the iPhone 11 includes improved thermal management, reducing throttling during extended use. For users who rely on their phone throughout the day, this consistency in performance is invaluable.
Camera Comparison: Night Mode and Dual-Lens Advantages
The camera is where the iPhone 11 pulls far ahead. While the iPhone 7 Plus was among the first iPhones to feature a dual-camera system (wide and telephoto), its capabilities are now outdated. It captures decent photos in daylight but struggles in low light and lacks advanced computational photography.
The iPhone 11, however, introduced Night mode—a game-changer for low-light photography. Even in dim environments, it produces bright, detailed images with accurate colors and minimal noise. Combined with Smart HDR and Deep Fusion, the 11 delivers richer dynamic range and better texture retention than the 7 Plus.
Here’s a direct comparison of camera specs:
| Feature | iPhone 7 Plus | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Cameras | Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto) | Dual 12MP (Ultra-Wide + Wide) |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP |
| Night Mode | No | Yes (rear and front) |
| Smart HDR | No | Yes |
| Video Recording | 4K at 30fps | 4K at 60fps, Extended Dynamic Range |
The addition of an ultra-wide lens on the iPhone 11 opens up creative possibilities, allowing you to capture more in a single shot—ideal for landscapes, architecture, or group photos. The front-facing camera also sees a major upgrade, enabling high-quality selfies and smoother FaceTime calls.
“Computational photography has transformed smartphone imaging. The iPhone 11 represents the point where software began enhancing hardware limitations.” — David Kim, Mobile Photography Analyst
Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power, Finally
One of the most criticized aspects of the iPhone 7 Plus was its modest battery life. With moderate use, it typically lasted a full day, but heavy users often needed a midday charge. By today’s standards, its 2,900mAh battery feels limiting.
The iPhone 11, equipped with a larger battery and more power-efficient A13 chip, offers noticeably better endurance. Apple claims up to 17 hours of video playback, compared to the 7 Plus’s 13 hours. Real-world testing shows the 11 consistently lasts a full day—even with screen-on times exceeding five hours.
While neither model supports fast charging out of the box (without buying a separate adapter), the iPhone 11 is compatible with faster charging when using a 18W+ adapter. It also supports Qi wireless charging, a convenience absent on the 7 Plus.
Software Support and Longevity
As of 2024, the iPhone 7 Plus no longer receives iOS updates. It topped out at iOS 15, meaning it lacks critical security patches, new features, and compatibility with updated apps. Many developers are beginning to phase out support for devices unable to run iOS 16 or later.
In contrast, the iPhone 11 launched with iOS 13 and is eligible for updates up to iOS 17, with potential support through iOS 18. This extended software lifecycle ensures access to modern privacy tools, Siri improvements, Focus modes, and continued app compatibility.
Upgrading isn’t just about new features—it’s about staying secure. Outdated operating systems are more vulnerable to exploits, putting your personal data at risk. For anyone using banking apps, email, or cloud services, running current software is essential.
Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision
Sarah had been using her iPhone 7 Plus since 2017. It handled basic tasks—calls, texts, occasional photos, and social media—but started showing its age. Apps took longer to load, the battery drained by 3 PM, and her favorite camera app stopped supporting her device.
After researching, she upgraded to a used iPhone 11 for $250. The change was immediate: her maps app loaded instantly, she could take clear photos at her daughter’s evening recital, and she no longer carried a portable charger. Most importantly, her phone received the latest iOS update the same day it was released.
“I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I upgraded,” Sarah said. “It’s not just faster—it feels like a smarter, more capable tool.”
Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Step-by-Step Decision Guide
Before making the switch, consider these steps:
- Assess Your Current Pain Points: Does your iPhone 7 Plus lag, die quickly, or fail to run apps?
- Check App Compatibility: Try opening your most-used apps. Are they slow or no longer supported?
- Evaluate Camera Needs: Do you take photos in low light or want better video quality?
- Review Budget: Refurbished or used iPhone 11 models are often available under $300.
- Consider Long-Term Use: Will you keep the phone for 2+ years? The 11 offers better future-proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone 7 Plus still be used in 2024?
Yes, for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing. However, lack of software updates, slower performance, and app incompatibility make it less practical for daily drivers.
How much faster is the iPhone 11 than the iPhone 7 Plus?
Benchmark tests show the iPhone 11 is approximately 2x faster in CPU tasks and up to 3.5x faster in graphics performance, thanks to the A13 Bionic chip.
Is the iPhone 11 waterproof like the iPhone 7 Plus?
Both phones have IP67 water resistance, meaning they can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. However, water resistance degrades over time and is not permanent.
Final Verdict: Yes, Upgrading Is Worth It
For most iPhone 7 Plus users, upgrading to the iPhone 11 is not just worthwhile—it’s overdue. The gains in performance, camera quality, battery life, and software support represent a generational leap. At typical resale prices under $300, the iPhone 11 offers exceptional value, especially as a refurbished or lightly used device.
You’re not just getting a newer phone; you’re gaining peace of mind with ongoing security updates, modern features, and a device that keeps up with your life. The iPhone 7 Plus was a landmark device in its era, but technology has moved on. The iPhone 11 brings you back into the present—without breaking the bank.
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