IPhone 7 Plus Vs IPhone 12 Is Upgrading Really Worth It In Current Year 3

The iPhone 7 Plus was a flagship powerhouse in its time—launched in 2016, it delivered solid performance, a dual-camera system, and an iconic design. Fast forward to today, and Apple’s iPhone 12 from 2020 represents a major leap in technology with 5G, OLED displays, and significantly improved processing power. But if you’re still using an iPhone 7 Plus in 2023, the real question isn’t just about specs—it’s whether upgrading to an iPhone 12 makes practical sense for your lifestyle, budget, and usage patterns.

This comparison cuts through marketing hype to assess tangible benefits: daily usability, software support, camera quality, battery life, and future-proofing. The answer might surprise you—especially if you're on a tight budget or simply don’t use your phone heavily.

Performance and Software Experience

The core of any smartphone experience lies in its processor and operating system fluidity. The iPhone 7 Plus runs on Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, which was excellent in 2016 but now struggles with modern iOS demands. While iOS 16 was technically supported on the 7 Plus, performance degradation is common—app launches are slower, multitasking feels sluggish, and some newer apps either run poorly or aren't compatible at all.

In contrast, the iPhone 12 uses the A14 Bionic chip, built on a 5nm process. This isn’t just faster—it’s dramatically more efficient. Apps open instantly, AR experiences run smoothly, and background processes handle without lag. More importantly, the A14 ensures compatibility with iOS updates likely through 2025 or beyond, giving you at least three more years of security patches and new features.

Tip: If your current phone takes more than two seconds to open frequently used apps, it's a strong indicator that a hardware upgrade will meaningfully improve your daily experience.

Camera Capabilities: Night Mode, Low Light, and Video

The camera gap between these two models is one of the most significant differentiators. The iPhone 7 Plus featured a 12MP dual-lens system (wide and telephoto), capable of decent portraits and 1080p video. However, it lacks Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR, and advanced computational photography.

The iPhone 12 introduced Night mode across all lenses, vastly improving low-light photos. Its larger sensor and wider aperture capture more light, while Smart HDR 3 enhances dynamic range in complex lighting. Portrait mode is more accurate, and the front-facing camera received a substantial upgrade to 12MP with Night mode support.

Video recording jumps from 1080p on the 7 Plus to 4K at 60fps on the iPhone 12, with extended dynamic range and stereo audio. For anyone who regularly records videos—whether for social media, family moments, or remote work—the iPhone 12 offers a professional-grade leap.

“Smartphone photography has evolved less about megapixels and more about computational intelligence. The A14 enables real-time scene analysis that older chips simply can't process.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechVision Insights

Battery Life and Charging Technology

Battery longevity is a major pain point for aging devices. After six years, even well-maintained iPhone 7 Plus units typically have degraded batteries—often holding below 80% capacity. This results in shorter usage times, unexpected shutdowns, and frequent charging needs.

The iPhone 12 comes with better battery optimization thanks to the efficiency of the A14 chip and larger battery capacity relative to screen size. It supports fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter) and MagSafe wireless charging—neither of which the 7 Plus supports. While actual screen-on time varies by usage, users consistently report 1.5x longer battery life on the iPhone 12 under similar conditions.

Tip: Replace your iPhone 7 Plus battery before considering an upgrade—if it’s below 80%, a $69 official Apple replacement could extend usable life by another year.

Durability, Design, and Display Quality

The iPhone 7 Plus sports a 5.5-inch LCD display with thick bezels and a physical Home button. While durable for its era, the screen lacks true blacks, has lower contrast, and is less vibrant than modern standards. The build is aluminum with IP67 water resistance—good, but not exceptional.

The iPhone 12 brings a complete design overhaul: flat aerospace-grade aluminum edges, Ceramic Shield front cover (four times better drop performance), and an edge-to-edge 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. Colors are richer, blacks are deeper, and brightness reaches up to 1200 nits for HDR content. It also has IP68 rating, surviving up to 6 meters underwater for 30 minutes.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	iPhone 12
Display	5.5\" LCD (Retina HD)	6.1\" OLED (Super Retina XDR)
Processor	A10 Fusion	A14 Bionic
Rear Cameras	12MP + 12MP (f/1.8 & f/2.8)	12MP + 12MP (f/1.6 & f/2.4) + Night mode
Front Camera	7MP (f/2.2)	12MP (f/2.2) + Night mode
Video Recording	1080p at 60fps	4K at 60fps, Dolby Vision HDR
Battery Charging	Standard USB-Lightning	Fast charging, MagSafe, Qi wireless
Water Resistance	IP67 (1m for 30 min)	IP68 (6m for 30 min)
Software Support (Expected End)	Ended with iOS 16	Estimated through iOS 19+ (2025–2026)

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a freelance graphic designer based in Portland, had been using her iPhone 7 Plus since 2017. She relied on it for client communication, photo editing via mobile apps, and capturing design inspiration. By early 2023, she noticed delays when using Procreate, Instagram crashed frequently, and her battery wouldn’t last through a half-day of moderate use.

She considered replacing the battery but realized that even with a fresh battery, her device couldn’t run the latest versions of Adobe Lightroom efficiently. After testing an iPhone 12 at a local store, she was struck by how quickly filters rendered and how much clearer the preview looked on the OLED screen. She upgraded—and reported saving nearly an hour per day in workflow efficiency.

For professionals or creatives, this kind of productivity gain often justifies the cost of a new phone far more than raw specs alone.

Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2023?

The answer depends on your needs:

• If you're a casual user—mainly texting, calling, browsing, and light social media—the iPhone 7 Plus may still suffice, especially with a new battery and conservative app usage.
• If you rely on your phone for work, photography, or multimedia, the iPhone 12 delivers noticeable improvements in speed, reliability, and creative tools that enhance real-world usability.
• If future-proofing matters, the iPhone 12 will receive updates longer, maintain resale value better, and integrate more seamlessly with modern accessories like AirPods Pro and Apple Watch Ultra.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

1. ✅ Does your iPhone 7 Plus frequently freeze or crash during normal use?
2. ✅ Has your battery health dropped below 80%?
3. ✅ Are you unable to install the latest version of key apps (e.g., Zoom, Instagram, banking apps)?
4. ✅ Do you take photos in low light or record videos regularly?
5. ✅ Do you want access to 5G, wireless charging, or better screen quality?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, upgrading to the iPhone 12 is likely a worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the iPhone 7 Plus still work in 2023?

Yes, it will continue to function for calls, texts, and basic apps. However, lack of iOS updates means reduced security, app compatibility issues, and declining performance over time.

Can I save money by buying a used iPhone 12?

Absolutely. Refurbished or gently used iPhone 12 models can be found for $300–$400, making them a cost-effective upgrade path. Just ensure it’s unlocked and has good battery health.

Does the iPhone 12 support 5G, and do I need it?

Yes, the iPhone 12 supports 5G. Whether you need it depends on your carrier and location. In urban areas with 5G coverage, it improves download speeds and streaming quality. In rural zones, LTE remains sufficient for most tasks.

Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not?

Upgrading from an iPhone 7 Plus to an iPhone 12 in 2023 isn’t just about having a newer device—it’s about reclaiming time, reliability, and capability. For light users, patching along with a battery replacement may be enough. But for anyone who uses their phone as a tool for creativity, communication, or productivity, the iPhone 12 offers meaningful advancements that justify the cost.

Technology should serve you, not slow you down. If your current phone feels like an anchor, it might be time to move forward.

💬 Have you made the jump from iPhone 7 Plus to iPhone 12? Share your experience, savings tips, or regrets in the comments—your insight could help someone decide their next move.