Iphone 7 Plus Vs Iphone 16 Plus Is Upgrading Really Worth The Hype

For millions of iPhone 7 Plus owners still holding onto their trusty devices—some even past the five-year mark—the arrival of the iPhone 16 Plus raises a critical question: is upgrading truly worth the cost and change? After all, the 7 Plus was a landmark device in its time: solid build, excellent dual-camera system for 2016, and iOS support that lasted longer than expected. But technology doesn’t stand still. The iPhone 16 Plus represents over half a decade of innovation in design, processing power, AI integration, and longevity. This isn't just an incremental upgrade—it's a generational leap. Yet, whether that leap translates into tangible benefits depends on how you use your phone.

Performance: From A10 Fusion to A18 Chip

The most dramatic difference between these two phones lies under the hood. The iPhone 7 Plus launched with Apple’s A10 Fusion chip—a quad-core processor that was blazing fast in 2016. At the time, it delivered smooth multitasking, efficient app launches, and strong gaming performance. Today, however, that same chip struggles with modern apps, especially those leveraging machine learning or high-resolution media.

In contrast, the iPhone 16 Plus runs on the A18 chip, built on a 3nm process. This brings not only raw speed improvements but also vastly superior energy efficiency and neural engine capabilities. Real-world usage shows up to 15x faster CPU performance and nearly 40x faster graphics rendering compared to the A10.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	iPhone 16 Plus
Chipset	A10 Fusion	A18 Bionic
Process Node	16nm	3nm
CPU Cores	4 (2 performance + 2 efficiency)	6 (2 performance + 4 efficiency)
Neural Engine	No dedicated unit	16-core, 35 TOPS
Geekbench 6 (approx.)	Single: ~290 / Multi: ~550	Single: ~3100 / Multi: ~7300

Tip: If you frequently experience app crashes, long load times, or overheating on your iPhone 7 Plus, the performance gap alone may justify an upgrade.

Camera Evolution: Dual Lens to Computational Photography

The iPhone 7 Plus introduced Apple’s first dual-lens rear system: a 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto setup enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode. It was revolutionary then. Today, the iPhone 16 Plus features a triple-camera array with sensor-shift stabilization, Night mode on all lenses, Photonic Engine enhancements, and AI-powered computational photography.

The front-facing camera has also evolved from a basic 7MP shooter to a 12MP TrueDepth system capable of 4K HDR video and advanced facial recognition for Animoji and Face ID. More importantly, the new Camera Control button allows quick access to manual settings—something absent in earlier models.

“Modern iPhone cameras don’t just capture images—they interpret scenes using AI to optimize lighting, depth, and color in real time.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechScope Labs

For users who value photography—whether capturing family moments, social media content, or low-light environments—the jump in image quality, dynamic range, and consistency is undeniable. The 16 Plus also supports ProRAW and ProRes video recording, appealing to semi-professional creators.

Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power vs Adaptive Efficiency

The iPhone 7 Plus offered respectable battery life in its era—around 12–13 hours of mixed usage. However, after years of charging cycles, most remaining units suffer from degraded batteries, often lasting less than a full day even with light use.

The iPhone 16 Plus, by comparison, boasts up to 28 hours of video playback and intelligent power management through iOS 18’s Adaptive Battery Optimization. It supports fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes), MagSafe wireless charging, and optimized background activity based on user habits.

Tip: Check your iPhone 7 Plus’ battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If maximum capacity is below 80%, replacement or upgrade should be seriously considered.

Software, Security, and Long-Term Support

iOS updates are where the divide becomes most apparent. The iPhone 7 Plus received iOS updates until iOS 16—with no support for iOS 17 or beyond. That means missing out on critical features like StandBy mode, enhanced privacy controls, improved autocorrect, and security patches released regularly for newer devices.

The iPhone 16 Plus will likely receive software support until at least 2031, ensuring compatibility with future apps, services, and security standards. Given increasing cyber threats targeting outdated systems, staying on unsupported hardware poses real risks.

• Lack of iOS 17+ features: Interactive widgets, advanced Siri integrations, and on-device AI processing
• No future app compatibility: Developers increasingly optimize for A12 and newer chips
• Security vulnerabilities: Unpatched iOS versions are prime targets for malware

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah, a freelance photographer and longtime iPhone 7 Plus user, held onto her device well into 2024. She appreciated its durability and familiarity but began noticing issues: slow Instagram uploads, frequent app reloads, and poor low-light photos compared to peers. Her battery died by mid-afternoon, forcing her to carry a bulky external charger.

After testing an iPhone 16 Plus for a week, she upgraded. Instantly, her workflow improved. Editing RAW files in Lightroom became seamless. She used Live Text to extract information from printed notes during shoots. The improved Night mode allowed her to skip carrying extra lighting gear for indoor events. For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t about luxury—it was about keeping up professionally.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before making the investment, ask yourself the following:

1. Does your iPhone 7 Plus struggle to run basic apps smoothly?
2. Have you replaced the battery recently, yet still face short battery life?
3. Are you unable to update to the latest iOS version?
4. Do you take photos or videos regularly, especially in challenging lighting?
5. Do you rely on your phone for work, communication, or productivity tools?
6. Are you concerned about data privacy and security on outdated software?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the upgrade is likely justified—not as a luxury, but as a necessary tool for modern digital life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my iPhone 7 Plus in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. It can handle calls, texts, and simple apps. However, many newer apps either won’t install or run poorly. Without iOS updates, it lacks modern security patches and feature enhancements.

Will my accessories work with the iPhone 16 Plus?

Most Lightning accessories will require adapters, as the iPhone 16 Plus uses USB-C. Cases, screen protectors, and wireless chargers are not compatible due to different dimensions and MagSafe integration.

How much does upgrading cost?

The iPhone 16 Plus starts at $999. Trade-in values for functional iPhone 7 Plus units range from $50–$120, depending on condition. Consider payment plans or refurbished options to reduce upfront cost.

Conclusion: Time to Move Forward?

The iPhone 7 Plus was a milestone device—one of the last with a home button, headphone jack, and tactile feedback users loved. But clinging to nostalgia comes at a cost: reduced performance, compromised security, and missed opportunities in both creativity and convenience.

Upgrading to the iPhone 16 Plus isn’t about chasing hype. It’s about aligning your tools with your needs. Whether you're a casual user wanting longer battery life or a professional relying on photo quality and speed, the advancements since 2016 are too significant to ignore.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your current usage, check your battery health, and consider how much smoother—and safer—your mobile experience could be. The future of iOS isn’t backward-compatible forever.