Iphone 7 Plus Vs Iphone 12 Is The Upgrade Worth It For The Size Difference Alone

For many long-time iPhone users, the decision to upgrade isn’t always about chasing the latest model—it’s about whether the improvements make a tangible difference in daily use. If you're still holding onto an iPhone 7 Plus, you might be wondering: is moving to the iPhone 12 worth it, especially when one of the most noticeable changes is the slightly larger screen and modern form factor? While size plays a role, the answer goes far beyond dimensions. The leap between these two devices spans nearly five years of technological advancement, touching every aspect of the smartphone experience.

The iPhone 7 Plus was a flagship device in its time—solid build, excellent dual-camera system for 2016, and strong performance. But by today’s standards, even its strengths show their age. The iPhone 12, released in 2020, brought modern design, 5G connectivity, improved processing power, and a vastly superior display. So while the physical size difference may seem subtle on paper, the impact on usability, longevity, and overall satisfaction is significant.

Design and Physical Dimensions: More Than Just Size

The iPhone 7 Plus measures 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm with a 5.5-inch LCD display, while the iPhone 12 comes in at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. At first glance, the iPhone 12 is actually more compact in height and width despite having a larger screen. This is due to thinner bezels and a more efficient design.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	iPhone 12
Display Size	5.5 inches (LCD)	6.1 inches (OLED)
Resolution	1920 x 1080	2532 x 1170
Bezels	Thick, with home button	Narrow, edge-to-edge
Weight	188 grams	164 grams
Water Resistance	IP67 (up to 1m for 30 mins)	IP68 (up to 6m for 30 mins)

The iPhone 12 feels more modern not just because of its size but because of its materials—Ceramic Shield front cover, flat aluminum edges, and a glass back that supports wireless charging. The 7 Plus lacks wireless charging and MagSafe compatibility, which limits accessory options today.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone one-handed, the iPhone 12's more compact footprint—even with a larger screen—may offer better ergonomics than the bulkier 7 Plus.

Performance and Software Longevity

Under the hood, the differences are staggering. The iPhone 7 Plus runs on the A10 Fusion chip, which was powerful in 2016 but now struggles with newer iOS versions and multitasking. The iPhone 12 features the A14 Bionic chip—the first 5nm processor in any smartphone—which delivers twice the CPU and GPU performance.

This isn't just about speed; it's about future-proofing. As of 2024, iOS 17 runs smoothly on the iPhone 12, with full support for AR apps, machine learning features, and advanced photography tools. The iPhone 7 Plus maxes out at iOS 15 and receives only security updates. App developers increasingly optimize for newer hardware, meaning older devices face longer load times, crashes, or missing features.

“Devices more than four years old often can’t leverage new software capabilities, even if they technically support the OS.” — David Lin, Mobile Systems Analyst at TechForward Insights

If you rely on productivity apps, navigation, or mobile banking, the responsiveness of the iPhone 12 makes tasks faster and less frustrating. Multitasking between Safari, Messages, and Maps feels fluid, whereas the 7 Plus often stutters or reloads background apps.

Camera Quality: A Night-and-Day Difference

While both phones have dual rear cameras, the improvements in the iPhone 12 are transformative. The 7 Plus introduced portrait mode, but the 12 enhances it with Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3, and Dolby Vision video recording.

• Low-light performance: The iPhone 12 captures significantly brighter, clearer photos in dim lighting thanks to larger pixels and sensor-shift stabilization.
• Front camera: The 12 has a 12MP TrueDepth camera vs. the 7 Plus’s 7MP FaceTime HD, making selfies and video calls much sharper.
• Video: The 12 records 4K video at 60fps with cinematic stabilization; the 7 Plus tops out at 4K/30fps with no advanced stabilization.

Even casual photographers will notice a dramatic improvement. Photos taken on the 12 have better dynamic range, color accuracy, and detail retention in shadows and highlights.

Real Example: Travel Photography Upgrade

Sarah, a freelance writer who used her iPhone 7 Plus for five years, upgraded to the iPhone 12 before a trip to Iceland. She noticed immediate differences: snow-covered landscapes retained detail without overexposure, indoor café shots didn’t come out grainy, and her vlogs looked professional enough to include in client pitches. “I didn’t realize how much I was compromising until I saw what the 12 could do,” she said. “It felt like switching from a point-and-shoot to a DSLR.”

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity

The iPhone 7 Plus has a 2900mAh battery, while the iPhone 12 packs 2815mAh—a slight decrease on paper. However, thanks to the energy-efficient A14 chip and OLED display, the iPhone 12 often lasts longer in real-world use, especially with mixed 4G/5G and app usage.

More importantly, the 12 introduces modern charging options:

• Fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with 20W adapter)
• Wireless charging (Qi-compatible)
• Magsafe ecosystem (cases, wallets, chargers)

In contrast, the 7 Plus supports only slow wired charging and lacks wireless functionality entirely. For users who value convenience, this shift alone improves daily workflow.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before making the jump, consider these factors:

1. Are you experiencing slowdowns? If apps take time to open or the interface lags, the A14 chip will provide immediate relief.
2. Do you want better photos? Especially in low light or for social media, the 12’s camera is a major step up.
3. Is software support a concern? The 7 Plus won’t receive new iOS versions, limiting access to future app features.
4. Do you use wireless accessories? Magsafe and Qi charging add flexibility the 7 Plus can’t match.
5. How important is durability? The 12’s Ceramic Shield and deeper water resistance offer better protection.

Tip: Trade-in programs from Apple and carriers often reduce the cost of upgrading. Check current offers—you might pay less than $400 for a new iPhone 12.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my accessories work with the iPhone 12?

Most Lightning cables and headphones will work, but cases designed for the 7 Plus won’t fit due to different dimensions and camera layout. Wireless chargers and Magsafe accessories are new additions not supported by the 7 Plus.

Is 5G necessary on the iPhone 12?

While 5G coverage is still expanding, it provides faster download speeds in supported areas. Even if you don’t use it heavily now, having 5G extends the phone’s relevance as networks improve.

Can the iPhone 12 last another 4–5 years?

Likely yes. Apple typically supports iPhones with iOS updates for 5–6 years. Purchased today, the iPhone 12 should receive updates through at least 2027, making it a durable long-term device.

Final Verdict: Size Is Just the Beginning

The physical size difference between the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 12 may seem minor, but it represents a broader evolution in smartphone design and capability. Upgrading isn’t just about a slightly larger screen—it’s about embracing a faster, more capable, and future-ready device.

The iPhone 12 delivers better performance, superior photo quality, longer software support, and modern conveniences like wireless charging and 5G. For someone still using a 7 Plus, this upgrade redefines what a smartphone can do in everyday life. Whether you’re capturing memories, staying productive, or simply browsing, the experience is smoother, richer, and more reliable.

If your current phone is showing signs of age—slow performance, poor battery, outdated camera—the iPhone 12 isn’t just a worthwhile upgrade. It’s a meaningful leap into the present state of mobile technology.

💬 Have you made the switch from iPhone 7 Plus to iPhone 12? Share your experience, tips, or questions in the comments below—your insights could help others decide their next move.