When Apple released the iPhone 8 Plus in 2017 as a successor to the widely praised iPhone 7 Plus, many users wondered whether the upgrade was meaningful—especially when it came to battery life. For those still relying on a 7 Plus or considering a used device, understanding the real-world differences between these two models is essential. Battery performance isn’t just about capacity; it’s about how long your phone lasts under daily use, how efficiently it manages power, and how future-proof the experience feels.
This article breaks down the technical and practical differences between the iPhone 8 Plus and 7 Plus batteries, evaluates actual user experiences, and determines whether the upgrade delivers tangible benefits in everyday scenarios.
Battery Specifications Compared
At first glance, the battery capacities of the iPhone 8 Plus and 7 Plus appear nearly identical. The iPhone 7 Plus has a 2900 mAh battery, while the 8 Plus features a slightly smaller 2691 mAh unit. On paper, this suggests the 7 Plus should last longer. However, raw milliampere-hour (mAh) ratings don’t tell the full story.
The key difference lies in efficiency. The iPhone 8 Plus uses Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, built on a more advanced 10nm process compared to the A10 Fusion in the 7 Plus, which runs on a 16nm process. This allows the 8 Plus to deliver higher performance with lower power consumption. Additionally, iOS optimizations and improved power management contribute to better real-world endurance despite the smaller physical battery.
“Battery life isn’t just about size—it’s about how smartly the system uses energy. The A11 Bionic is a leap forward in efficiency.” — Dr. Linus Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Research
Real-World Usage: How Long Do They Last?
To understand true battery performance, we need to look beyond lab tests. Real-world usage includes screen-on time, app switching, background activity, and network conditions. Based on aggregated user reports from forums like Reddit, MacRumors, and consumer testing platforms:
- iPhone 7 Plus: Average screen-on time ranges from 5 to 6.5 hours under mixed use (social media, browsing, messaging, light video).
- iPhone 8 Plus: Users consistently report 6 to 7.5 hours of screen-on time under similar conditions.
This improvement may seem modest, but over the course of a day, an extra hour of reliable use can make a noticeable difference—especially for commuters, travelers, or professionals who rely on their phones throughout the workday.
Charging Technology: A Hidden Advantage
One of the most underrated upgrades in the iPhone 8 Plus is its support for fast charging and wireless charging—features absent in the 7 Plus.
With a compatible 18W (or higher) USB-C power adapter and Lightning-to-USB-C cable, the iPhone 8 Plus can charge up to 50% in about 30 minutes. In contrast, the 7 Plus charges at a standard rate, typically taking over two hours for a full charge using the included 5W adapter.
Wireless charging adds convenience, especially for nightstand or desk-based charging. While not faster than wired options, it reduces wear on the Lightning port and streamlines the charging routine.
“I upgraded solely for wireless charging. It sounds minor, but not fumbling for a cable every night changed my phone habits completely.” — Sarah Kim, long-time iPhone user and tech reviewer
Performance Impact on Battery Drain
The A11 Bionic chip not only improves efficiency but also handles multitasking and graphics-intensive apps more smoothly. This means less strain on the CPU when running modern applications, translating into slower battery depletion over time.
For example, loading Instagram reels, streaming HD video on YouTube, or playing games like Minecraft Earth results in lower thermal output and reduced power draw on the 8 Plus. Over extended periods, this efficiency compounds into longer usable battery life—even if both devices are performing the same tasks.
Additionally, iOS updates tend to run more fluidly on the 8 Plus due to better hardware support. As newer versions of iOS demand more resources, older chips like the A10 in the 7 Plus struggle, leading to increased background activity and quicker battery drain.
Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | iPhone 7 Plus | iPhone 8 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 2900 mAh | 2691 mAh |
| Screen-On Time (avg) | 5 – 6.5 hours | 6 – 7.5 hours |
| Processor | A10 Fusion (16nm) | A11 Bionic (10nm) |
| Fast Charging | No | Yes (with 18W+ adapter) |
| Wireless Charging | No | Yes (Qi-compatible) |
| iOS Support Timeline | Up to iOS 16 | Up to iOS 17+ (expected) |
| Charge Time (0–100%) | ~2.5 hours (5W) | ~2 hours (fast), ~3.5 (5W) |
Mini Case Study: Daily Use Across Two Devices
Consider Mark, a freelance photographer who used his iPhone 7 Plus daily for five years. His routine included checking emails, editing photos in Lightroom Mobile, navigating with Google Maps, and capturing behind-the-scenes clips. By 2023, he noticed his battery barely lasted until mid-afternoon, even after replacing the battery twice.
He upgraded to a refurbished iPhone 8 Plus and immediately observed changes. Despite using the same apps intensively, his battery now comfortably lasted until bedtime. More importantly, fast charging allowed him to top up during short breaks at cafes. Wireless charging simplified his nightly routine. After three months, he reported a 30% reduction in daily charging anxiety.
The upgrade wasn’t just about battery longevity—it was about reliability and flexibility in high-demand situations.
Longevity and Future-Proofing
Beyond immediate battery gains, consider software support. Apple typically provides iOS updates for 5–6 years after a device’s release. The iPhone 7 Plus stopped receiving major updates with iOS 16, while the 8 Plus continues to receive security patches and feature updates under iOS 17, with potential support into 2024.
This extended lifecycle means better app compatibility, enhanced security, and access to new battery optimization features. For instance, iOS 13 introduced Optimized Battery Charging, which learns your routine and slows down charging past 80% to reduce wear—a feature that benefits long-term battery health.
Checklist: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Use this checklist to determine if moving from iPhone 7 Plus to 8 Plus makes sense for your needs:
- ✅ Need longer screen-on time without carrying a power bank?
- ✅ Want faster charging during short breaks?
- ✅ Value wireless charging for convenience?
- ✅ Still using your 7 Plus and experiencing slowdowns or frequent reboots?
- ✅ Plan to keep your phone for another 1–2 years?
- ✅ Rely on up-to-date apps that require newer iOS versions?
If you answered yes to three or more, the upgrade offers meaningful improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the iPhone 8 Plus really have better battery life with a smaller battery?
Yes. Although the 8 Plus has a smaller battery, its A11 Bionic chip is significantly more power-efficient. Combined with iOS-level optimizations, this results in longer real-world usage despite the lower mAh rating.
Can I use fast charging with my iPhone 8 Plus out of the box?
No. You’ll need to purchase a compatible 18W USB-C power adapter and a USB-C to Lightning cable separately, as Apple only includes the slower 5W charger in the box.
Is it worth upgrading just for battery improvements?
If your current 7 Plus struggles to last a full day or requires constant topping up, then yes. The combination of longer endurance, fast charging, and wireless capability creates a noticeably smoother experience, especially for active users.
Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The iPhone 8 Plus doesn’t revolutionize battery technology, but it refines the smartphone experience in ways that matter. The incremental gains in battery efficiency, coupled with modern conveniences like fast and wireless charging, add up to a more dependable device for real-world use.
For someone still holding onto a 7 Plus, particularly one showing signs of aging, the jump to the 8 Plus represents a smart investment. You’re not just getting slightly better battery life—you’re gaining peace of mind, future-ready software support, and daily conveniences that improve usability.
If you're buying secondhand or looking to extend your iPhone lifespan affordably, the 8 Plus remains a compelling option in its class. It strikes a rare balance between proven durability and meaningful innovation.
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