Iphone 7 Plus Vs Iphone 8 Is The Bigger Size Actually Worth It

When choosing between the iPhone 7 Plus and the iPhone 8, many users find themselves torn between screen real estate and modern performance. While both phones are now considered older models, they still appear in secondhand markets and budget-conscious buyer decisions. The iPhone 7 Plus offers a larger display and dual cameras, while the iPhone 8 brings updated internals and wireless charging. But does the extra size of the 7 Plus translate into tangible benefits—or is it just bulk without purpose?

Design and Physical Experience

The most immediate difference between these two iPhones is size. The iPhone 7 Plus measures 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm and weighs 188 grams, while the iPhone 8 is significantly more compact at 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and 148 grams. That’s nearly 40 grams lighter and noticeably smaller in width and height.

Holding the iPhone 8 feels closer to one-handed usability. Its glass back (a first since the iPhone 4) supports wireless charging and gives it a more premium feel than the aluminum body of the 7 Plus. However, that glass is also more prone to cracking on impact—something to consider if you don’t use a case.

The 7 Plus’s larger footprint means more screen space but can make pocketing difficult, especially for users with smaller hands or slimmer clothing. It's not just about weight—it’s about how the phone fits into your daily routine.

Tip: If portability and comfort are priorities, test both devices in hand before deciding. Size affects long-term satisfaction more than specs alone.

Display and Usability Comparison

The iPhone 7 Plus features a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels (~401 ppi), whereas the iPhone 8 has a 4.7-inch Retina HD display at 1334x750 pixels (~326 ppi). On paper, this makes the 7 Plus superior for media consumption, reading, and multitasking.

In practice, the larger screen enhances video viewing, web browsing, and gaming. Split-view functionality on iOS works better on the 7 Plus due to available horizontal space. Typing accuracy also improves slightly thanks to wider keys.

However, the iPhone 8 compensates with True Tone technology—an adaptive color temperature feature absent on the 7 Plus. This adjusts the display warmth based on ambient lighting, reducing eye strain over extended use. For readers and night-time users, this subtle upgrade adds real value.

“Screen size isn't just about immersion—it’s about interaction. A bigger display changes how you engage with apps, messages, and content.” — David Lin, Mobile UX Designer

Performance and Software Longevity

Under the hood, the iPhone 8 runs the A11 Bionic chip, Apple’s first six-core processor. The iPhone 7 Plus uses the older A10 Fusion chip. While both handle everyday tasks smoothly, the A11 delivers up to 25% faster CPU performance and 30% faster graphics rendering.

This gap becomes apparent when running intensive apps like photo editors, AR games, or multitasking across multiple Safari tabs. More importantly, software support favors the iPhone 8. Apple typically extends iOS updates to devices for five years post-launch. The iPhone 8 launched in 2017 and received updates through iOS 17 (2023), while the 7 Plus stopped receiving major updates at iOS 16.

If you plan to keep your device beyond two years, the iPhone 8 offers better future-proofing despite its smaller form factor.

Camera Capabilities: Dual vs Single Lens

One area where the iPhone 7 Plus clearly outshines the iPhone 8 is in photography. It was Apple’s first phone with a dual-camera system: a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP telephoto lens enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode.

The iPhone 8, despite sharing the same sensor generation, only has the wide-angle lens. You can simulate zoom and portrait effects digitally, but results lack the depth accuracy and clarity of true optical hardware.

For casual photographers, the difference may be negligible. But if you frequently take portraits, travel shots, or need tighter framing without moving closer, the 7 Plus remains compelling.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	iPhone 8
Display Size	5.5 inches	4.7 inches
Resolution	1920x1080	1334x750
Processor	A10 Fusion	A11 Bionic
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto)	Single 12MP (wide)
Front Camera	7MP	7MP
Battery Life (Video)	Up to 14 hours	Up to 13 hours
Charging	Lightspeed only	Lightspeed + Wireless
Last iOS Version	iOS 16	iOS 17

Real-World Use Case: Who Benefits Most from Each Phone?

Consider Sarah, a freelance writer who commutes daily and reads e-books during transit. She initially leaned toward the iPhone 7 Plus for its larger screen, ideal for long reading sessions. After testing both in-store, she realized the iPhone 8 fit comfortably in her coat pocket and felt less fatiguing to hold for extended periods. Though the screen was smaller, she adapted quickly and appreciated the improved battery efficiency and continued iOS updates.

On the other hand, James, an amateur photographer, chose the iPhone 7 Plus specifically for its optical zoom and Portrait Mode. He often takes candid shots of friends and family, and the ability to blur backgrounds naturally made a visible difference in his social media content. Despite the phone’s age, he prioritized camera quality over raw speed.

Your lifestyle determines which trade-offs matter most. Ask yourself: Do you value screen space over software longevity? Are you willing to sacrifice one-hand control for better photos?

Checklist: Choosing Between iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8

• ✅ Need dual cameras and optical zoom? → Lean toward iPhone 7 Plus
• ✅ Prefer one-handed use and lighter weight? → Choose iPhone 8
• ✅ Plan to keep the phone for 2+ years? → iPhone 8 offers longer software support
• ✅ Watch videos or read extensively on your phone? → Larger screen of 7 Plus helps
• ✅ Want wireless charging? → Only available on iPhone 8
• ✅ Concerned about durability? → Both benefit from cases; 8’s glass back is more fragile

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone 8 faster than the iPhone 7 Plus?

Yes. The iPhone 8’s A11 Bionic chip outperforms the 7 Plus’s A10 Fusion in both CPU and GPU benchmarks. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and augmented reality experiences are more stable on the iPhone 8.

Does the iPhone 7 Plus have better battery life?

Slightly. Apple rated the 7 Plus for up to 14 hours of video playback versus 13 hours for the iPhone 8. In real-world mixed usage, the difference averages around 1–1.5 hours per charge. The larger physical battery in the 7 Plus contributes to this edge.

Can the iPhone 8 take portrait photos like the 7 Plus?

Yes, but not as effectively. The iPhone 8 uses software-based depth mapping for Portrait Mode, which works well in good lighting but struggles with complex edges (like hair or glasses). The 7 Plus uses dual-lens data for more accurate depth sensing, producing more natural bokeh effects.

Final Verdict: Is the Bigger Size Worth It?

The iPhone 7 Plus’s larger size offers genuine advantages: a roomier display, longer video playback, and a superior dual-camera setup. These benefits are meaningful for media lovers and photography enthusiasts. However, they come at the cost of portability, outdated processing power, and discontinued software support.

The iPhone 8, though smaller, represents a technological step forward. With faster performance, wireless charging, True Tone display, and longer update cycles, it’s better suited for users who prioritize reliability and future usability over screen size.

In most cases, unless camera versatility is your top priority, the iPhone 8 is the smarter long-term choice—even with its smaller footprint. The “bigger” option isn’t always “better.” What matters is how well the device aligns with your habits, needs, and expectations.

🚀 Ready to make your decision? Try both phones in person, reflect on your daily usage, and choose the one that fits—not just your hand, but your life.