Iphone 8 Plus Vs 7 Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It In Current Year 5

Five years after its release, the iPhone 8 Plus remains a topic of quiet admiration among budget-conscious Apple users. Meanwhile, the iPhone 7 Plus, though slightly older, still lingers in secondhand markets and family hand-me-downs. With both devices now considered legacy models, a pressing question emerges: if you’re currently using an iPhone 7 Plus, is upgrading to the 8 Plus in 2025 actually worthwhile?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as checking spec sheets. While the 8 Plus brought meaningful improvements at launch, time has leveled some of those advantages. Still, for users clinging to a 7 Plus in 2025, understanding the real differences—especially in everyday usability, software support, and longevity—is essential before deciding whether to make the move.

Performance and Hardware: The Core Differences

The most significant leap between these two models lies in their processors. The iPhone 7 Plus runs on the A10 Fusion chip, while the 8 Plus features the A11 Bionic—a processor that introduced neural network capabilities and marked Apple’s first in-house design focused on machine learning.

In practical terms, the A11 delivers about 25–30% faster CPU performance and nearly double the GPU speed. This translates to smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and better performance in graphics-intensive apps and games. For users who rely on productivity tools or enjoy mobile gaming, this difference remains noticeable even today.

Tip: If your current 7 Plus feels sluggish when switching between apps or loading photos, the A11 in the 8 Plus will offer a tangible improvement.

Another key hardware upgrade is wireless charging. The iPhone 8 Plus was the first iPhone to support Qi wireless charging, thanks to its glass back design. The 7 Plus, with its aluminum body, lacks this feature entirely. While not essential, wireless charging adds convenience—especially if you already own a charging pad or drive.

Camera Comparison: Subtle but Meaningful Gains

Both phones feature dual 12MP rear cameras with wide and telephoto lenses, offering 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode. However, the 8 Plus brings refinements that matter in real-world use.

The 8 Plus includes larger and deeper pixels, improved color filters, and a newer image signal processor. These upgrades result in better low-light performance, more natural skin tones, and reduced noise in dim conditions. Apple also introduced Portrait Lighting on the 8 Plus (via software update), allowing users to simulate studio lighting effects like natural light, studio light, and contour light.

Front-facing video quality sees a boost too—the 8 Plus supports 1080p HD video recording at 60fps, compared to the 7 Plus’s 1080p at 30fps. If you frequently record selfie videos or participate in video calls, the smoother motion on the 8 Plus is a clear advantage.

“Even minor camera improvements can compound over time—especially in mixed lighting. The 8 Plus handles shadows and highlights more gracefully.” — David Lin, Mobile Photographer & Tech Reviewer

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	iPhone 8 Plus
Release Year	2016	2017
Processor	A10 Fusion	A11 Bionic
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.8)	Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.8), improved sensor
Portrait Mode	Yes (software-limited)	Yes, with Portrait Lighting
Front Video	1080p @ 30fps	1080p @ 60fps
Charging	Lightsaber only	Lightsaber + Qi Wireless Charging
Build Material	Aluminum	Glass back, aluminum frame
iOS Support (Estimated End)	Ended with iOS 16	Expected through iOS 18 (2025)

Software and Longevity in 2025

This is where the decision becomes critical. As of 2025, the iPhone 7 Plus no longer receives major iOS updates. It maxes out at iOS 16, meaning it lacks new features, security patches, and app compatibility rolling out in iOS 17 and 18.

In contrast, the iPhone 8 Plus is expected to receive iOS 18, making it one of the last models to do so. While performance may slow slightly with each update, Apple typically optimizes legacy devices well. For users who depend on up-to-date banking apps, messaging platforms, or health tracking tools, staying on a supported OS is non-negotiable.

App developers increasingly optimize for newer iOS versions. Some newer apps either won’t install or run poorly on iOS 16. If you’ve noticed certain apps crashing or refusing to update on your 7 Plus, the 8 Plus could restore access to modern digital services.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a teacher in Portland, has used her iPhone 7 Plus since 2017. By early 2024, she noticed her phone struggled with Zoom meetings, her favorite recipe app stopped updating, and her camera lagged when taking quick classroom photos.

She considered buying a newer model but found a refurbished iPhone 8 Plus for $170. After switching, she immediately noticed faster app responses, smoother video calls, and regained access to updated educational apps. Most importantly, her phone received iOS 17, restoring security and functionality she didn’t realize she’d lost.

For Maria, the upgrade wasn’t about chasing specs—it was about regaining reliability. The 8 Plus gave her another two years of stress-free use without jumping to a $700+ device.

Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2025? A Practical Checklist

Before spending money on an 8 Plus, ask yourself the following. Check off what applies:

• ✅ My 7 Plus no longer receives iOS updates
• ✅ Apps are crashing or failing to install
• ✅ Battery life has dropped below 3 hours of screen-on time
• ✅ I want wireless charging for convenience
• ✅ I still prefer iOS but can’t afford a new iPhone
• ✅ Camera performance in low light is important to me

If three or more apply, the upgrade to the 8 Plus is likely justified—even in 2025. You’ll gain additional software support, better performance, and modest but meaningful quality-of-life improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 Plus run iOS 18 smoothly?

Preliminary reports suggest yes, though with minor slowdowns in app launches and animations. Apple continues to optimize iOS for older devices, and the A11 Bionic remains capable for basic tasks. Heavy multitasking or AR apps may feel constrained, but everyday use—messaging, browsing, email—should remain fluid.

Is it safe to buy a used iPhone 8 Plus in 2025?

Yes, but with caveats. Ensure the battery health is above 80%, the device has been updated to the latest iOS version, and there are no iCloud lock issues. Buying from certified refurbishers (like Apple’s Renew program or reputable retailers) reduces risk significantly.

Will the iPhone 8 Plus get iOS 19?

It’s unlikely. Historically, iPhones receive five major iOS updates. The 8 Plus launched with iOS 11 and is expected to top out at iOS 18 in fall 2025. Beyond that, no further updates are anticipated.

Final Verdict: A Calculated Step Forward

Upgrading from the iPhone 7 Plus to the 8 Plus in 2025 isn’t about excitement—it’s about pragmatism. You’re not gaining a revolutionary experience, but you are extending functional life by potentially two more years.

The combination of continued iOS support, wireless charging, improved camera processing, and a noticeably faster chip makes the 8 Plus a sensible bridge for users not ready to commit to a modern iPhone’s price tag. It’s especially valuable for parents, students, or secondary-device users who need reliability without premium cost.

If your 7 Plus is still working fine and meets your needs, holding on is perfectly reasonable. But if you’re experiencing software obsolescence, app incompatibility, or daily frustrations, the 8 Plus represents one of the last affordable entry points into a fully supported iOS ecosystem.

🚀 Ready to extend your iPhone’s life? Evaluate your current usage, check battery health, and consider a smart, cost-effective upgrade. Share your experience—have you made the jump from 7 Plus to 8 Plus? Your story could help others decide.