Iphone 7 Vs Oneplus 7t Is Upgrading Really Worth It In 2024

For users still relying on the iPhone 7 in 2024, the question isn’t just about desire—it’s about necessity. Apple’s 2016 flagship was a landmark device, but nearly a decade later, its limitations are increasingly apparent. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 7T, released in 2019, offers a compelling alternative with modern hardware, faster performance, and longer software support. But is making the switch truly worthwhile today?

This isn’t just a specs race. It’s about daily usability, app compatibility, security updates, and whether your current device can keep up with evolving digital demands. We’ll break down the key differences, examine real-world performance, and help you decide if an upgrade makes sense—both technically and financially.

Performance: A Clear Generational Leap

The iPhone 7 runs on Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, a 64-bit processor that was top-tier in 2016. At the time, it delivered smooth multitasking, solid gaming performance, and efficient power management. Fast forward to 2024, and while iOS remains optimized for older hardware, the A10 struggles with heavier apps, background processing, and newer versions of iOS that weren’t designed with such aging silicon in mind.

In contrast, the OnePlus 7T features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855—a high-end Android chipset from 2019. Even by today’s standards, it handles most tasks effortlessly. With 8GB of RAM (compared to the iPhone 7’s 2GB), the 7T maintains more apps in memory, switches between them faster, and manages resource-heavy applications like photo editing, streaming, and mobile gaming without lag.

Tip: If your iPhone 7 frequently freezes or reloads apps when switching, it's a sign of insufficient RAM and outdated processing power.

Benchmark Comparison

Metric	iPhone 7 (A10 Fusion)	OnePlus 7T (Snapdragon 855)
Geekbench 5 (Single-Core)	~360	~740
Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core)	~630	~2,500
Storage Type	eMMC (slower)	UFS 3.0 (much faster)
RAM	2GB	8GB

The difference isn’t just numbers. On the OnePlus 7T, apps launch almost instantly, file transfers are snappier, and animations remain fluid even under load. For anyone using productivity tools, social media, or navigation apps regularly, this responsiveness translates into tangible time savings and reduced frustration.

Software & Long-Term Support

iOS support for the iPhone 7 has been impressive. Apple extended updates through iOS 16, released in 2022, and some security patches continued into early 2024. However, iOS 17 dropped support for the iPhone 7, meaning no new features, critical security fixes, or app compatibility guarantees moving forward.

On the other hand, the OnePlus 7T launched with Android 10 and received official updates up to Android 12. While OxygenOS support ended in 2022, the open-source nature of Android allows custom ROMs like LineageOS to extend its life. This means users can still run modern, secure versions of Android—something impossible on the iPhone 7.

“Even two years after official support ends, well-maintained Android devices with active developer communities can offer safer, more functional experiences than unsupported iPhones.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at OpenFirmware Group

If app compatibility is a concern, many newer apps now require Android 10 or higher—or iOS 15+. The iPhone 7, stuck on iOS 16, may soon face increasing incompatibility, especially with banking, healthcare, and government services that demand up-to-date OS versions for security.

Battery Life and Charging: Night and Day Difference

The iPhone 7 packs a 1,960mAh battery—modest even in 2016. After years of charging cycles, most units today suffer from degraded capacity, often lasting less than a full day with moderate use. Wireless charging isn’t supported, and fast charging requires a separate adapter (not included).

The OnePlus 7T, meanwhile, comes with a 3,800mAh battery and Warp Charge 30T, capable of going from 0% to 70% in just 30 minutes. In real-world testing, it consistently delivers 1.5 to 2 days of light use and a solid full day under heavy load. The charging speed alone is transformative—plugging in during a shower or coffee break can yield hours of extra usage.

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

Display, Camera, and Daily Experience

The iPhone 7 features a 4.7-inch LCD display with 750 x 1334 resolution. Colors are accurate, but brightness and viewing angles fall short compared to modern standards. There’s no OLED, no high refresh rate, and no water resistance beyond basic splash protection.

The OnePlus 7T ups the ante with a 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display at 1080 x 2400 resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. Scrolling feels smoother, colors pop, and outdoor visibility is significantly better. The larger screen enhances everything from reading to video calls.

Camera-wise, both phones have strengths. The iPhone 7’s 12MP rear sensor produces natural colors and excellent dynamic range for its era. But it lacks Night Mode, ultra-wide lens, and advanced computational photography. The OnePlus 7T includes a 48MP main sensor, 16MP ultra-wide, and 2MP depth camera. Its Nightscape mode outperforms the iPhone 7 in low light, and the ultra-wide lens adds creative flexibility.

Real Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used her iPhone 7 for client communication, social media posting, and occasional shooting. By late 2023, she noticed delays uploading images, apps crashing during edits, and poor performance on Zoom calls. After testing a friend’s OnePlus 7T, she was struck by how quickly Lightroom synced and how smoothly Instagram Stories rendered. She upgraded in January 2024 and reported saving over an hour per week in workflow efficiency—time she now reinvests in client outreach.

Step-by-Step: Should You Upgrade?

1. Evaluate your current phone’s condition: Check battery health, storage space, and frequency of crashes.
2. Test app performance: Try opening your most-used apps. Do they reload every time? That indicates insufficient RAM.
3. Check for software updates: If your device can’t run the latest OS, future app compatibility is at risk.
4. Assess your needs: Do you rely on your phone for work, navigation, or media creation? Modern tasks demand modern hardware.
5. Compare upgrade costs: Refurbished OnePlus 7T units sell for $100–$150. Compare that to potential productivity losses from a sluggish device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 7 still be used safely in 2024?

It can, but with growing risks. Without security updates, it’s vulnerable to exploits targeting outdated iOS versions. Avoid storing sensitive data or using it for online banking if not updated.

Is the OnePlus 7T still supported?

Officially, no—OxygenOS updates ended in 2022. However, community-developed ROMs like LineageOS 20 (Android 13) are stable and actively maintained, offering renewed functionality and security patches.

Will apps stop working on my iPhone 7?

They already are. Many developers now require iOS 15 or later. Over time, more apps will drop support for iOS 14 and earlier, limiting functionality in messaging, finance, travel, and productivity tools.

Final Verdict: Yes, Upgrading Is Worth It

For iPhone 7 owners, clinging to familiarity comes at a cost—diminished performance, shrinking app support, and declining security. The OnePlus 7T, even four years after release, delivers a dramatically better experience across every metric: speed, battery, display, and long-term usability.

You don’t need the latest flagship to feel modern. Devices like the OnePlus 7T strike a sweet spot between affordability and capability, especially when sourced secondhand. The upgrade isn’t just about new features—it’s about reclaiming reliability, efficiency, and peace of mind.

💬 Have you upgraded from an older iPhone to an Android device? Share your experience and tips in the comments—your story could help others make the leap confidently.