For millions of iPhone users, the decision to upgrade isn’t just about desire—it’s about value. If you're still using an iPhone 7 Plus, a device that launched in 2016, you might be wondering whether stepping up to the iPhone 8 Plus, released just one year later, is actually worth your money. After all, both phones share nearly identical designs, similar screen sizes, and overlapping features. So what changed between them? More importantly, does the upgrade deliver meaningful improvements in daily use?
The answer depends on what you prioritize: raw performance, long-term software support, camera quality, or future-proofing. While the changes may seem subtle at first glance, the internal upgrades in the iPhone 8 Plus make a tangible difference—especially for users who rely on their phone for photography, multitasking, or gaming.
Design and Build: Almost Identical, But With a Key Change
At first glance, the iPhone 8 Plus looks nearly identical to the iPhone 7 Plus. Both feature a 5.5-inch display, aluminum frame, and physical Home button with Touch ID. However, Apple made one significant material shift: the back panel. The iPhone 8 Plus replaced the aluminum back with glass, enabling wireless charging—a feature absent in the iPhone 7 Plus.
This change may seem minor, but it has lasting implications. Glass allows compatibility with Qi wireless chargers, giving users more flexibility in how they power their devices. It also makes the phone slightly more fragile, though both models have comparable water resistance ratings (IP67), meaning they can survive brief submersion in up to 1 meter of water.
Performance: A Noticeable Leap Under the Hood
The most impactful upgrade lies beneath the surface. The iPhone 8 Plus is powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, a 64-bit hexa-core processor built on a 10nm process. In contrast, the iPhone 7 Plus uses the older A10 Fusion chip, which, while still capable, lags behind in both CPU and GPU performance.
Benchmarks show the A11 delivers approximately 25% faster CPU performance and up to 30% better graphics efficiency. This translates into smoother app launches, faster photo processing, improved AR (augmented reality) experiences, and better multitasking. For example, editing 4K video or playing graphics-intensive games like Infinity Blade or PUBG Mobile runs noticeably more fluidly on the 8 Plus.
“Even small performance gains matter when they compound across everyday tasks—app switching, camera startup, and background processing.” — David Kim, Mobile Performance Analyst at TechPulse Labs
Camera Improvements: Smarter, Sharper Photos
Both phones feature dual 12MP rear cameras: a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens for 2x optical zoom. But the iPhone 8 Plus brings key enhancements that elevate image quality.
- Faster sensors: Improved pixel processing reduces shutter lag.
- Better low-light performance: Larger and deeper pixels capture more light.
- Portrait Mode refinements: The A11 chip enables advanced depth mapping and lighting effects (introduced via software update).
- Smart HDR: Though not called “HDR” at launch, the 8 Plus handles high-contrast scenes better thanks to faster image signal processing.
In practical terms, this means clearer night shots, more accurate colors, and superior bokeh (background blur) in portrait photos. Users upgrading from the 7 Plus will notice crisper details and fewer motion-blurred images, especially in dynamic environments.
Real-World Example: Portrait Photography Upgrade
Sarah, a freelance photographer in Austin, used her iPhone 7 Plus for client previews and social media content. After switching to the 8 Plus, she noticed immediate improvements during outdoor shoots. “The autofocus is snappier, and the lighting effects in Portrait Mode made my subject stand out without looking artificial,” she said. “It’s not DSLR quality, but for quick edits and sharing, it saved me hours of post-processing.”
Display and Audio: Subtle but Meaningful Upgrades
The Retina HD display on both models measures 1920×1080, but the iPhone 8 Plus includes True Tone technology—a feature that adjusts the screen’s white balance based on ambient lighting. This results in a more natural viewing experience, reducing eye strain in warm indoor environments or under sunlight.
Audio also sees a quiet improvement. The 8 Plus features louder stereo speakers—about 25% more powerful than the 7 Plus—making it better suited for watching videos, listening to music, or taking speakerphone calls.
| Feature | iPhone 7 Plus | iPhone 8 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A10 Fusion | A11 Bionic |
| Rear Camera | Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.8) | Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.8), faster sensor |
| Front Camera | 7MP (f/2.2) | 7MP (f/2.2) with Portrait Mode support |
| Charging | Lightsaber only | Lightsaber + Qi wireless charging |
| Display | Retina HD | Retina HD with True Tone |
| Speakers | Stereo (base + earpiece) | Louder stereo speakers |
| iOS Support End (Estimated) | 2023 | 2024–2025 |
Software Longevity and Future-Proofing
One often overlooked factor is long-term iOS support. Apple typically supports iPhones with software updates for 5–6 years after release. The iPhone 7 Plus received its final major update with iOS 16, while the iPhone 8 Plus was compatible through iOS 17 and continues to receive security patches as of 2024.
If you’re buying secondhand or planning to keep your phone for several years, this extra year or two of updates matters. New iOS versions bring security fixes, performance optimizations, and access to modern features like enhanced privacy controls, Live Text, and improved Siri functionality.
Step-by-Step: How to Decide If the Upgrade Makes Sense
- Evaluate your current usage: Are you experiencing slowdowns, app crashes, or camera limitations?
- Check your budget: Used iPhone 8 Plus models range from $150–$250, depending on condition.
- Assess feature needs: Do you want wireless charging or better low-light photos?
- Consider longevity: Will you keep the phone for more than two years? Choose the 8 Plus for longer software support.
- Test before committing: If possible, try both devices side by side—focus on camera speed, app responsiveness, and screen clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone 8 Plus still run modern apps smoothly?
Yes. While not designed for today’s most demanding apps like 3D modeling or 4K video editing, the A11 Bionic handles everyday tasks—including social media, email, navigation, and streaming—with ease. Most popular apps continue to optimize for older hardware.
Is the battery life significantly better?
No major difference. Both phones offer similar battery life—around 13 hours of mixed usage. However, the 8 Plus charges slightly faster when using a higher-wattage adapter (Apple recommends 12W or above), and wireless charging adds convenience.
Should I upgrade if I already have an iPhone 7 Plus?
If your 7 Plus still performs well and meets your needs, the upgrade isn’t urgent. But if you're facing performance issues, want wireless charging, or plan to rely on the phone for another two years, the 8 Plus offers tangible benefits that justify the cost—especially at current used prices.
Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The jump from iPhone 7 Plus to iPhone 8 Plus isn’t revolutionary, but it’s meaningful. You’re not getting a new design or groundbreaking features, but rather a refined version of an already-solid device. The combination of faster performance, improved camera processing, wireless charging, True Tone display, and extended software support adds up to a noticeably better user experience—particularly over time.
For users holding onto a worn-out 7 Plus, or those seeking a budget-friendly iOS experience with modern capabilities, the 8 Plus remains a smart choice in the pre-X era lineup. It strikes a rare balance: familiar ergonomics, upgraded internals, and enough longevity to serve reliably in 2024 and beyond.
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