Iphone 7 Vs Iphone 12 Is Upgrading Really Worth It In Current Year

For millions of users still holding onto their iPhone 7, the question isn’t just about desire—it’s about necessity. Released in 2016, the iPhone 7 was a reliable workhorse built for its time. But now, in 2024, Apple has moved on, iOS updates are shifting focus, and app demands are growing. Meanwhile, the iPhone 12, launched in 2020, brought major design and performance upgrades. So, if you're weighing whether to upgrade, the real issue is: does the leap from iPhone 7 to iPhone 12 deliver meaningful improvements today?

The answer depends on your usage, budget, and expectations. While both phones run iOS, they represent entirely different generations of technology. Let’s examine what’s changed—and whether those changes matter enough to justify the switch.

Performance: A Generational Leap

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 7 and iPhone 12 lies under the hood. The iPhone 7 runs on Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, a solid performer in its day but now significantly outpaced by modern standards. In contrast, the iPhone 12 features the A14 Bionic chip—the first 5nm processor in any smartphone—delivering dramatically faster CPU and GPU performance.

Benchmarks tell a clear story: the A14 is roughly 3.5 times faster in single-core tasks and over 4 times faster in multi-core performance than the A10. Real-world impact includes smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and better handling of graphics-intensive apps like games or AR tools. Apps that may lag or stutter on an iPhone 7 open instantly on the iPhone 12.

Tip: If you frequently use navigation, streaming, or productivity apps, the speed and responsiveness of the iPhone 12 will feel like a new device.

iOS updates also play a role. While the iPhone 7 supports up to iOS 16 (with limited feature availability), the iPhone 12 is compatible with iOS 17 and expected to receive updates through at least 2026. This means longer security support, access to new features, and better app compatibility moving forward.

Display and Design: Night and Day Difference

The design language shift between these two models reflects Apple’s evolution. The iPhone 7 features a traditional 4.7-inch LCD screen with thick bezels and a physical Home button. The iPhone 12, however, introduces a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with edge-to-edge glass, slimmer bezels, and Face ID authentication.

OLED technology brings deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and more vibrant colors—especially noticeable when watching videos or viewing photos. The larger screen also improves readability and makes one-handed use less cramped, though some users accustomed to compact devices may find the size adjustment challenging.

Build quality is another key upgrade. The iPhone 12 uses Ceramic Shield front cover, which Apple claims offers far better drop resistance than previous glass. It’s also IP68-rated for water and dust resistance—something the iPhone 7 lacks (it only has basic splash resistance).

“Moving from an iPhone 7 to a modern device isn’t just about specs—it’s about how much more immersive and responsive the experience feels.” — Jordan Lee, Mobile Technology Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera Comparison: From Decent to Competitive

Camera performance has evolved substantially between these models. The iPhone 7 has a single 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization—an impressive shooter for its era but limited by today’s standards. The iPhone 12, meanwhile, features a dual-camera system: a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens.

This dual setup allows for greater creative flexibility. You can capture wider landscapes, get closer to subjects without losing context, and shoot in Night mode across both lenses. The front-facing camera also improved—from 7MP on the iPhone 7 to 12MP on the iPhone 12—with support for Night mode selfies and 4K video recording.

In low-light conditions, the difference is stark. The iPhone 12’s Night mode automatically activates in dim environments, producing brighter, clearer photos with accurate color balance. HDR processing and Deep Fusion further enhance texture and detail, especially in complex lighting.

Feature	iPhone 7	iPhone 12
Rear Camera	12MP Wide (f/1.8)	12MP Wide (f/1.6) + 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.4)
Front Camera	7MP (f/2.2)	12MP (f/2.2), TrueDepth
Night Mode	No	Yes (rear & front)
Video Recording	4K at 30fps	4K at 60fps, Dolby Vision HDR
Zoom	Digital up to 5x	2x optical out, 5x digital

Battery Life and Charging: Practical Improvements

Battery life on the iPhone 7 was modest even at launch—Apple rated it for up to 14 hours of video playback. Over years of charging cycles, most existing units now struggle to last a full day with moderate use.

The iPhone 12 offers better endurance, rated for up to 17 hours of video playback. More importantly, real-world usage shows it consistently lasting a full day, even with mixed app use, GPS navigation, and streaming. Standby efficiency is also improved thanks to the A14’s power management.

Charging options have expanded too. The iPhone 12 supports fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter) and MagSafe wireless charging—a feature absent on the iPhone 7, which only supports basic Qi wireless charging via third-party accessories (and even then, inconsistently).

Tip: Pair your iPhone 12 with a MagSafe charger for effortless alignment and efficient wireless power delivery.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, held onto her iPhone 7 for nearly six years. She relied on it for client communication, light editing, and social media posting. By late 2023, she noticed delays in uploading images, sluggishness in Instagram’s editing tools, and frequent crashes in Lightroom Mobile.

After upgrading to an iPhone 12, her workflow transformed. “I used to wait 10 seconds just to apply a preset,” she said. “Now everything happens instantly. The camera lets me shoot wider scenes, and Night mode saved me during an outdoor event shoot in low light.”

She also appreciated the larger screen for reviewing photos and found Face ID more reliable than Touch ID once she adjusted. For her, the upgrade wasn’t just about novelty—it directly improved her professional output.

Upgrade Checklist: Is It Right for You?

Before making the move, consider these factors. Use this checklist to evaluate your needs:

• ✅ Are you experiencing slow app performance or frequent crashes?
• ✅ Do you want better photo and video quality, especially in low light?
• ✅ Is battery life becoming a daily struggle?
• ✅ Do you rely on newer iOS features (e.g., App Tracking Transparency, Focus modes)?
• ✅ Are you concerned about future software support?
• ❌ Are you satisfied with current performance and unwilling to spend $400–$600?

If most of your answers are “yes” to the positives, the upgrade is likely worthwhile. If not, sticking with your iPhone 7—and optimizing its performance—may be sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my iPhone 7 stop working if I don’t upgrade?

No, your iPhone 7 will continue to function. However, it no longer receives major iOS updates beyond iOS 16, meaning reduced access to new features, potential app incompatibility over time, and eventual security risks as support phases out.

Can I keep using my old accessories?

Most Lightning-based accessories (like headphones and chargers) will still work. However, cases won’t be compatible due to different dimensions and design. Wireless charging pads designed for older iPhones will work, but you’ll miss MagSafe-specific benefits like magnetic alignment and faster charging.

Is the iPhone 12 still a good phone in 2024?

Absolutely. Despite being four years old, the iPhone 12 remains a strong performer. With the A14 chip, excellent cameras, and ongoing iOS support, it delivers a premium experience. Refurbished or used models are widely available at competitive prices, making it a smart choice for upgraders.

Final Verdict: Yes, Upgrading Is Worth It

For most iPhone 7 users, upgrading to the iPhone 12 in 2024 is not just beneficial—it’s practical. The gains in performance, camera capability, display quality, and long-term software support address real pain points that accumulate over years of use. What might seem like incremental upgrades on paper translate into a noticeably smoother, more capable, and future-proof experience.

The investment—typically between $400 and $600 for a used or refurbished iPhone 12—is justified by at least three to four more years of reliable service. And unlike switching to a completely new ecosystem, staying within Apple ensures seamless data transfer, iCloud integration, and accessory compatibility.

💬 Have you upgraded from an iPhone 7 to a newer model? Share your experience below. Your insights could help others decide whether it’s finally time to let go of a trusted device.