Iphone 7 To Iphone 12 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It In 2024

If you're still using an iPhone 7 in 2024, you’re likely among a shrinking but loyal group of users who appreciate durability and simplicity. Apple’s iconic 2016 flagship was groundbreaking at the time—water resistance, a solid A10 chip, and one of the best speaker systems ever in an iPhone. But five years later, technology has leaped forward. The iPhone 12, released in 2020, brought major upgrades: 5G, OLED displays, Night mode photography, and a powerful A14 Bionic chip. So, is it still worth making the jump in 2024? The answer depends on your usage, expectations, and budget.

Performance: From A10 Fusion to A14 Bionic

The iPhone 7 runs on Apple’s A10 Fusion chip—a 64-bit processor that was top-tier in 2016. For basic tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and light app use, it still holds up surprisingly well. However, modern apps and iOS updates have become increasingly demanding. As of iOS 17, the iPhone 7 is no longer supported, meaning it maxes out at iOS 16. This lack of future software updates limits security patches, new features, and app compatibility.

In contrast, the iPhone 12 is powered by the A14 Bionic chip—one of the first mobile processors built on a 5nm architecture. It delivers nearly three times the CPU performance and five times the GPU power compared to the A10. Real-world impact? Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and augmented reality (AR) experiences are fluid. Even in 2024, the A14 remains capable of handling iOS 17 and is expected to support iOS 18 and beyond.

Tip: If your current phone struggles with app crashes or slow loading, upgrading to a newer chip can dramatically improve daily usability.

Display and Design: A Generational Leap

The iPhone 7 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display with a resolution of 1334x750 pixels. While functional, it lacks vibrancy, deep blacks, and high brightness levels. The screen also doesn’t support HDR or true blacks due to its LCD nature.

The iPhone 12 introduces a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display—a massive leap in visual quality. OLED technology delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios (up to 2,000,000:1), and peak brightness of 1,200 nits for HDR content. Whether you’re watching videos, editing photos, or just scrolling through social media, the difference is immediately noticeable.

Design-wise, the iPhone 12 returns to flat edges reminiscent of the iPhone 5, offering a more modern and premium feel. It’s also lighter and slightly thinner than the iPhone 7, despite being larger. Both phones feature glass backs and aluminum frames, but the iPhone 12 adds Ceramic Shield front cover, improving drop resistance by up to four times.

“Moving from an older LCD iPhone to an OLED model is one of the most visible upgrades users experience—it changes how they interact with their device.” — David Kim, Mobile Tech Analyst at GadgetInsight

Camera Comparison: Daylight to Low-Light Mastery

The iPhone 7 has a single 12MP rear camera with f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS). In good lighting, it captures decent photos, but low-light performance is limited. There’s no Night mode, portrait mode, or Deep Fusion processing.

The iPhone 12 features a dual-camera system: a 12MP wide lens (f/1.6) and a 12MP ultra-wide lens (f/2.4). The wider aperture allows 27% more light, significantly improving low-light shots. Combined with Night mode on both rear and front cameras, Smart HDR 3, and Deep Fusion, the iPhone 12 produces consistently better images across all conditions.

Video capabilities also see a dramatic upgrade. The iPhone 12 supports Dolby Vision HDR recording at up to 4K/60fps—the first smartphone to do so. This means richer colors, better dynamic range, and cinematic video quality that the iPhone 7 simply cannot match.

Feature	iPhone 7	iPhone 12
Rear Camera	12MP, f/1.8, OIS	12MP f/1.6 + 12MP f/2.4 ultra-wide
Front Camera	7MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2, Night Mode
Night Mode	No	Yes (rear & front)
Video Recording	4K at 30fps	4K Dolby Vision HDR at 60fps
Smart HDR	HDR (basic)	Smart HDR 3

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency vs. Longevity

The iPhone 7 has a 1,960mAh battery. With moderate use, it typically lasts a full day, though aging batteries in used models may struggle to make it through eight hours. It supports only 5W charging and does not have wireless charging.

The iPhone 12 packs a 2,815mAh battery and benefits from the energy-efficient A14 chip. Despite having 5G radios—which are power-hungry—it manages to deliver up to 17 hours of video playback. It supports 20W fast charging (reaching 50% in about 30 minutes) and MagSafe wireless charging at 15W. This flexibility in charging options makes it far more convenient in daily use.

However, 5G connectivity can drain the battery quickly if left enabled in areas with weak signal. Users often report better battery life when switching to LTE manually—an important consideration for real-world usage.

Tip: Disable 5G auto-mode and use “LTE” or “5G On Demand” in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options to extend battery life.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, held onto her iPhone 7 until early 2024. She relied on it for client communication, social media posting, and occasional photo edits. But as iOS slowed and apps like Lightroom began lagging, she realized she was losing efficiency. After upgrading to a refurbished iPhone 12, she noticed immediate improvements: faster exports, sharper previews on the OLED screen, and the ability to shoot Dolby Vision clips for Instagram Reels. “It felt like going from dial-up to broadband,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much I was compromising until I upgraded.”

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If You Should Upgrade

1. Evaluate Your Current Usage: Do you frequently experience app crashes, slow loading, or overheating?
2. Check iOS Compatibility: The iPhone 7 stops at iOS 16. Are you missing critical security updates or app features?
3. Assess Camera Needs: Do you take photos in low light or create video content?
4. Consider Battery Health: Check battery health in Settings. Below 80% capacity? Performance throttling is likely.
5. Research Pricing: Refurbished iPhone 12 models start around $250–$300. Compare that to repair costs for your current device.
6. Test Before Buying: Visit an Apple Store or authorized reseller to handle an iPhone 12 and compare screens and speed.

FAQ

Will iPhone 12 get iOS 18?

While Apple hasn't officially confirmed iOS 18 compatibility, historical patterns suggest the iPhone 12 will likely support it. Previous iPhones have received 5–6 years of updates, and the A14 chip remains robust enough for modern OS demands.

Can I use my iPhone 7 accessories with iPhone 12?

Most Lightning cables, headphones, and docks remain compatible. However, the iPhone 12’s flat edges mean older cases won’t fit. Also, MagSafe accessories require the iPhone 12 or newer.

Is 5G necessary in 2024?

5G offers faster download speeds and lower latency, but coverage varies. In urban areas, it enhances streaming and cloud workflows. In rural regions, LTE may be more reliable. It’s a bonus, not a necessity, but future-proofing matters.

Conclusion: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Upgrading from the iPhone 7 to the iPhone 12 in 2024 isn’t just about new features—it’s about staying relevant in a digital world that moves fast. You gain a modern operating system, vastly superior camera, brighter display, better battery management, and access to the latest apps and services. While the iPhone 7 was a champion of its era, it now operates in survival mode.

The iPhone 12, even four years after release, remains a compelling device. At competitive refurbished prices, the upgrade offers excellent value. If you rely on your phone for work, creativity, or staying connected, the investment pays off in speed, reliability, and peace of mind.

🚀 Ready to make the leap? Check certified refurbished options on Apple’s website or trusted retailers like Back Market. Your future self—and your Instagram feed—will thank you.