Iphone 8 Or Iphone 7 Plus Is The Newer One Really Worth It

When Apple released the iPhone 8 in 2017, it arrived alongside the futuristic iPhone X. Positioned as a more affordable alternative, the iPhone 8 marked the last of Apple’s classic iPhone design before the era of Face ID and edge-to-edge displays. Meanwhile, the iPhone 7 Plus—released just a year earlier—had already built a loyal following for its large screen, dual-camera system, and solid performance. For users still clinging to older iPhones or shopping secondhand, the question remains: Is the newer iPhone 8 actually worth choosing over the slightly older iPhone 7 Plus?

The answer isn’t straightforward. While the iPhone 8 is technically newer and features several hardware upgrades, the iPhone 7 Plus offers unique advantages that some users may prioritize. Let’s break down the key differences and real-world implications to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The iPhone 8 introduced a significant change in materials: a glass back replacing the aluminum shell of the iPhone 7 Plus. This allowed for wireless charging—a first for any non-X iPhone—but also made the device more prone to cracking when dropped. The iPhone 7 Plus, with its durable aluminum body, feels sturdier in hand and is less likely to shatter from minor drops.

Despite being newer, the iPhone 8 is actually smaller than the 7 Plus. It has a 4.7-inch display compared to the 7 Plus’s 5.5-inch screen. If you prefer larger screens for media, reading, or multitasking, the 7 Plus clearly wins. However, the iPhone 8’s compact size makes it easier to handle with one hand, especially for users who find phablets unwieldy.

Tip: If you frequently drop your phone, consider that the iPhone 8’s glass back increases repair costs. A rugged case is almost mandatory.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

Under the hood, the iPhone 8 is superior. It features Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 7 Plus uses the A10 Fusion. Though both processors were powerful in their time, the A11 delivers about 25% better CPU performance and a significant leap in GPU efficiency. This translates to smoother app launches, faster photo processing, and better gaming performance on the iPhone 8.

Both devices have 2GB of RAM, but iOS optimizes memory usage so efficiently that this rarely becomes a bottleneck. However, the iPhone 8 supports more recent iOS versions and will likely receive software updates longer than the 7 Plus. As of 2024, the iPhone 7 Plus no longer receives major iOS updates, while the iPhone 8 can still run iOS 17, ensuring access to new features and security patches.

Feature	iPhone 8	iPhone 7 Plus
Release Year	2017	2016
Processor	A11 Bionic	A10 Fusion
Display Size	4.7 inches	5.5 inches
Display Type	LCD Retina HD	LCD Retina HD
Rear Camera	12MP (Single)	12MP + 12MP (Dual)
Portrait Mode	Yes (via software)	Yes (hardware-enabled)
Wireless Charging	Yes	No
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 13 hours	Up to 14 hours
iOS Support (as of 2024)	Up to iOS 17	Stopped at iOS 16

Camera: Bigger Lens vs. Smarter Processing

The iPhone 7 Plus holds a distinct advantage in photography: its dual-lens system enables true optical zoom and depth sensing for portrait shots. While the iPhone 8 only has a single rear camera, Apple leveraged the A11 chip’s image signal processor to introduce Portrait Mode using software-based depth mapping. In practice, the 8’s version works well in good lighting but struggles with fine details like hair or glasses compared to the 7 Plus’s hardware-driven approach.

For video, both phones shoot 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps. The iPhone 8 benefits from improved stabilization and better low-light performance due to its updated sensor and processing. However, the difference is subtle and may not justify choosing the 8 solely for video quality.

“Even with advanced software tricks, nothing replaces having two lenses for depth accuracy in portrait photography.” — David Lin, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechScope Weekly

Battery Life and Daily Usability

The iPhone 7 Plus has a larger battery, and in real-world use, it lasts noticeably longer—especially for heavy users. Apple rated it for up to 14 hours of video playback versus 13 for the iPhone 8. While that one-hour difference may seem minor, it often translates to an extra 30–60 minutes of screen time during a full day of mixed use.

However, the iPhone 8 supports faster charging (with a compatible adapter) and wireless charging—features absent on the 7 Plus. If you charge frequently in short bursts or use wireless charging pads at home or in the car, these conveniences add meaningful value over time.

Tip: To maximize battery life on either model, enable Low Power Mode and reduce background app refresh for non-essential apps.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had been using her iPhone 7 Plus since 2017. By 2023, she noticed slower app loading times and occasional crashes in newer versions of Instagram and TikTok. Her battery drained by mid-afternoon, and iOS 16 felt sluggish. She considered upgrading to an iPhone 8, but hesitated because she loved the big screen and excellent portrait photos she took with her dual cameras.

After testing both devices at a local electronics store, she realized the iPhone 8 felt snappier and supported iOS 17, giving her peace of mind about security and app compatibility. She decided to switch, accepting the trade-off of a smaller screen and slightly weaker portrait mode. She now charges wirelessly overnight and finds the daily speed improvement worth the compromise.

Checklist: Choosing Between iPhone 8 and iPhone 7 Plus

• ✅ Prioritize software longevity? → Choose iPhone 8
• ✅ Need a larger screen for videos or reading? → Choose iPhone 7 Plus
• ✅ Want wireless charging or faster performance? → Choose iPhone 8
• ✅ Prefer superior portrait photos with optical depth? → Choose iPhone 7 Plus
• ✅ Concerned about durability? → iPhone 7 Plus (aluminum body)
• ✅ Planning to keep the phone for 2+ years? → iPhone 8 (better long-term support)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 take portrait photos without a second lens?

Yes. The iPhone 8 uses software algorithms powered by the A11 Bionic chip to simulate depth-of-field effects. While effective in ideal conditions, it lacks the precision of the iPhone 7 Plus’s dual-camera system, particularly around complex edges like hair or glasses.

Is the iPhone 7 Plus still usable in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. It runs iOS 16, which means no new features from iOS 17 and reduced app compatibility over time. Basic tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and using older versions of social apps still work well, but performance degrades with modern, resource-heavy applications.

Does the iPhone 8’s glass back make it fragile?

Yes. The glass back improves aesthetics and enables wireless charging, but it’s more prone to cracking than the aluminum body of the 7 Plus. Most owners report needing a case and screen protector to avoid costly repairs from accidental drops.

Final Verdict: Is the Newer One Worth It?

The iPhone 8 is objectively the more modern device. Its faster processor, support for wireless charging, and extended iOS compatibility make it a smarter long-term investment—especially if you plan to keep your phone for more than a year. However, the iPhone 7 Plus isn’t obsolete. For users who value a bigger screen, superior portrait photography, and a more durable build, it remains a compelling option, particularly at lower price points in the used market.

If you're choosing between the two today, ask yourself what matters most: future-proofing and convenience (iPhone 8), or camera versatility and screen size (iPhone 7 Plus). For most people, the iPhone 8’s software advantages and performance edge make it the better pick—despite its smaller screen and fragility.

💬 Have experience with either phone? Share your thoughts below—your insight could help someone make their next upgrade decision!