Iphone 7 Vs Iphone 8 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It What Am I Missing

If you're still using an iPhone 7 and wondering whether upgrading to the iPhone 8 makes sense, you're not alone. Many users are weighing the benefits of a newer device against the cost and convenience of sticking with a phone that still works well. The iPhone 7 was a solid performer in its day, but Apple introduced meaningful improvements with the iPhone 8—some visible, others under the hood. Understanding these differences can help you decide if the upgrade is truly worthwhile or if you’re already getting everything you need.

Design and Build: A Step Toward Modern iPhones

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 lies in their construction. While both models share a similar overall size and layout, the iPhone 8 marks a significant shift in materials. It features a glass back instead of the aluminum used on the iPhone 7. This change wasn’t just aesthetic—it enabled wireless charging, a feature absent in the iPhone 7.

The glass back gives the iPhone 8 a more premium feel and aligns it with later models like the iPhone X and beyond. However, it also makes the device more prone to cracking if dropped. Apple reinforced the glass with what they call “the most durable front glass ever in a smartphone,” but real-world durability still depends heavily on case usage.

Tip: If you upgrade to the iPhone 8, consider investing in a protective case with drop protection—especially since the glass back increases repair costs.

Performance: Faster Processor, Smoother Experience

Beneath the surface, the iPhone 8 packs a noticeable performance boost. It runs on the A11 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 7 uses the older A10 Fusion. The A11 isn’t just incrementally faster; it’s built for machine learning and augmented reality applications, making it more future-proof.

In real-world use, this translates to quicker app launches, smoother multitasking, and better responsiveness when using graphics-intensive apps or games. Benchmark tests show the A11 delivering up to 25% faster CPU performance and nearly 30% better GPU performance than the A10.

“Even two years after release, the A11 Bionic kept pace with flagship Android processors of its time.” — TechRadar, 2019 Smartphone Chipset Review

For everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and streaming, both phones perform adequately. But if you frequently use demanding apps or plan to keep your phone for several years, the iPhone 8’s processor offers longer software support and better longevity.

Camera Improvements: Subtle But Meaningful Upgrades

Both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 have a 12MP rear camera, but the iPhone 8 brings refinements that improve photo quality, especially in low light. The larger and faster sensor captures more detail, and the introduction of optical image stabilization (OIS) on both wide-angle and telephoto lenses (in the Plus model) enhances clarity in motion and dim environments.

While the standard iPhone 8 doesn’t have a dual-camera setup like the iPhone 8 Plus, it still benefits from improved image signal processing powered by the A11 chip. This enables better noise reduction, dynamic range, and portrait-mode effects through software—even without a second lens.

Front-facing cameras remain unchanged at 7MP, so selfies won’t see a dramatic leap. However, the iPhone 8 supports better video recording capabilities, including 4K at 60fps and extended dynamic range for video, which smooths out bright and dark areas in scenes.

Camera Comparison Summary

Feature	iPhone 7	iPhone 8
Rear Camera	12MP, f/1.8	12MP, f/1.8 (larger sensor)
Image Stabilization	Yes (standard)	Improved OIS
Video Recording	4K at 30fps	4K at 60fps, HDR video
Portrait Mode	No (software-limited)	Yes (via firmware + A11)

Charging and Battery Life: One Major Advantage

One of the iPhone 8’s standout features is support for wireless charging. Thanks to its glass back, it works seamlessly with Qi-compatible chargers—something the iPhone 7 cannot do without bulky third-party modifications. This may seem minor, but over time, eliminating daily plug-unplug cycles reduces wear on the Lightning port and improves convenience.

Battery capacity is nearly identical between the two models, so actual battery life is comparable. Both offer around 12–14 hours of mixed usage. However, the iPhone 8 supports faster charging with a compatible adapter (sold separately), allowing you to charge up to 50% in about 30 minutes. The iPhone 7 lacks this capability entirely, topping out at slower 5W charging speeds.

Tip: To unlock fast charging on the iPhone 8, you’ll need a USB-C to Lightning cable and an 18W or higher power adapter—Apple doesn’t include these in the box.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah had been using her iPhone 7 since 2016. By 2021, she noticed apps were taking longer to load, and iOS updates felt sluggish. Her battery health had dropped to 78%, requiring a midday charge. She hesitated to upgrade, thinking, “It still works fine.”

After testing an iPhone 8 at a friend’s house, she was struck by how quickly apps opened and how smoothly the camera switched between modes. She also appreciated being able to toss her phone onto a wireless charger at night instead of plugging it in. Within a week, she upgraded—and found the experience significantly more fluid.

What she realized she was “missing” wasn’t one big thing, but a collection of small improvements that added up: faster performance, better photos in dim lighting, easier charging, and confidence that the phone would support future iOS versions longer.

Software Support and Longevity

As of 2024, neither the iPhone 7 nor the iPhone 8 receives major iOS updates. However, the iPhone 8 supported updates for one additional year compared to the iPhone 7. Devices with newer processors tend to run updated operating systems more efficiently and receive security patches longer.

If you’re buying secondhand or considering a used model, this is critical. An iPhone 8 purchased today may no longer get OS upgrades, but it likely handled the last few versions of iOS more smoothly than an aging iPhone 7.

Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready for the iPhone 8?

• ✅ Need wireless charging capability
• ✅ Want better low-light camera performance
• ✅ Use graphics-heavy apps or games
• ✅ Plan to keep the phone for 2+ years
• ✅ Notice lag during iOS updates or multitasking
• ✅ Value future-proofing and resale potential

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 still run the latest apps smoothly?

While the iPhone 8 no longer receives iOS updates (last supported version: iOS 16), most current apps still run well due to the efficiency of the A11 chip. However, some newer AR or AI-powered apps may be limited or unavailable.

Is the iPhone 8 waterproof like the iPhone 7?

Yes, both phones have an IP67 rating, meaning they can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. There’s no practical difference in water resistance between the two models.

Should I upgrade if my iPhone 7 is working fine?

If you’re satisfied with your current performance, aren’t frustrated by slow charging, and don’t miss modern features like wireless charging or Portrait Mode, the upgrade may not be essential. But if you want a noticeably smoother experience and plan to hold onto your phone for another few years, the iPhone 8 delivers tangible benefits.

Final Thoughts: What You Might Be Missing

The jump from iPhone 7 to iPhone 8 isn’t revolutionary like moving from a home button to Face ID—but it’s meaningful. You’re not just getting a newer model; you’re gaining access to faster performance, better cameras, wireless charging, and a device built for the next generation of mobile technology.

For users who rely on their phones daily—for work, photography, or staying connected—the iPhone 8 removes friction. It charges easier, handles updates better, and captures memories with greater clarity. These aren’t flashy features, but they contribute to a more seamless, enjoyable experience over time.

💬 Have you made the switch from iPhone 7 to iPhone 8? Share your experience—was it worth it, or did you find the differences too subtle? Your insights could help others make the right decision.