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

In 2024, both the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus are well beyond their prime release years. Yet, they remain in circulation—used, refurbished, or passed down—thanks to Apple’s reputation for longevity. For someone considering an upgrade from the 7 Plus to the 8 Plus, or choosing between the two on a tight budget, the question isn’t just about specs. It’s about real-world value: Does the improvement justify the cost or effort?

The answer depends on your priorities: performance, camera quality, software support, and long-term usability. While the differences may seem subtle on paper, they can significantly impact daily use—even years after launch.

Performance and Hardware: A Noticeable Leap

The most significant upgrade from the iPhone 7 Plus to the 8 Plus lies under the hood. Both phones feature a 5.5-inch display and a dual-camera setup, but the internals tell a different story.

The iPhone 7 Plus runs on the A10 Fusion chip with 3GB of RAM, while the 8 Plus upgrades to the A11 Bionic chip—a first-generation neural engine-equipped processor—and retains the same 3GB RAM. On the surface, that might sound like a modest gain. In practice, it's transformative.

The A11 Bionic delivers up to 25% faster CPU performance and 30% better GPU efficiency than the A10. This translates to smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and better handling of graphics-intensive games and AR applications. Users upgrading from a 7 Plus often report that the 8 Plus feels “snappier” even when performing routine tasks like scrolling through social media or switching between apps.

Tip: If you plan to use iOS 17 or later, the 8 Plus handles updates more reliably due to its newer architecture, even though both devices max out at iOS 16 officially.

Camera Improvements: Subtle but Meaningful

Both phones feature a 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto dual-lens system, enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode. However, the 8 Plus brings key enhancements that improve photo quality in real-world conditions.

• Larger and faster sensors: The 8 Plus has improved low-light performance thanks to larger pixels and better noise reduction.
• Smart HDR (early implementation): Though not labeled as such at launch, the A11 enables smarter exposure balancing in high-contrast scenes.
• Better stabilization: Optical image stabilization on both lenses (only the wide lens had it on the 7 Plus) reduces blur in handheld shots.

In side-by-side tests, the 8 Plus consistently produces sharper images with more accurate colors and better dynamic range. Nighttime photos show less grain, and backlit subjects are rendered with fewer blown-out highlights.

“Even incremental hardware improvements in Apple’s lineup often deliver disproportionate real-world benefits—especially in computational photography.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Battery Life and Charging: Small Gains, Big Implications

Battery capacity is nearly identical: 2900mAh on the 7 Plus versus 2691mAh on the 8 Plus. Despite the slightly smaller battery, the 8 Plus often matches or exceeds the 7 Plus in endurance thanks to the power efficiency of the A11 chip.

But the real advantage comes in charging flexibility. The iPhone 8 Plus introduced support for **Qi wireless charging**—a feature absent on the 7 Plus. You can now charge the 8 Plus on any standard wireless pad without cables, which adds convenience, especially in workspaces or bedside setups.

That said, neither phone supports fast charging out of the box. To enable it on the 8 Plus, you need to purchase a separate USB-C to Lightning cable and a compatible power adapter (like Apple’s 18W charger), which wasn’t included in the box. Still, the option exists—an upgrade path the 7 Plus simply doesn’t offer.

Durability and Design: Glass Back, Same Feel

Externally, both phones look nearly identical. They share the same dimensions, weight, and button layout. But there’s one critical difference: materials.

The iPhone 7 Plus uses an aluminum back, making it durable but incompatible with wireless charging. The 8 Plus returns to a glass back—similar to the iPhone 4 and X—which enables wireless charging but increases fragility. Drop tests consistently show the 8 Plus is more prone to cracking, especially from corner impacts.

If you’re rough on your phone, this trade-off matters. The 7 Plus may be less “future-proof,” but it’s arguably tougher in daily use. That said, both models are IP67 rated for dust and water resistance, meaning they can survive brief submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

Software Support and Longevity

This is where the decision becomes clearer. Apple typically supports iPhones with iOS updates for five to six years after release. The iPhone 7 Plus launched in September 2016 and received updates through iOS 16. The iPhone 8 Plus, released in September 2017, also topped out at iOS 16.

As of 2024, neither device will receive major OS updates. However, the 8 Plus benefits from being on the newer hardware platform. Security patches were delivered slightly longer, and third-party apps tend to optimize first (or only) for more capable devices. Some newer apps may run poorly—or not at all—on the 7 Plus due to increasing performance demands.

If you rely on banking apps, fitness trackers, or communication tools, the 8 Plus offers a more reliable experience today.

Comparison Table: iPhone 8 Plus vs 7 Plus

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	iPhone 8 Plus
Release Year	2016	2017
Chipset	A10 Fusion	A11 Bionic
Rear Camera Stabilization	Wide lens only	Both lenses
Wireless Charging	No	Yes (Qi-compatible)
Back Material	Aluminum	Glass
Battery Capacity	2900 mAh	2691 mAh
Last iOS Version	iOS 16	iOS 16
Fingerprint Sensor	Touch ID (1st gen)	Touch ID (2nd gen, faster)

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria has used her iPhone 7 Plus since 2017. By 2023, she noticed apps taking longer to load, frequent crashes on Instagram, and sluggish performance during video calls. Her battery health was at 78%, and she charged twice daily.

She considered buying a new iPhone but found the cost too high. Instead, she bought a refurbished iPhone 8 Plus for $180. After switching, she immediately noticed faster app responses, smoother camera operation, and the convenience of wireless charging at her office desk. Even with the same iOS version, the experience felt “like a new phone.”

For Maria, the upgrade was absolutely worth it—not because of flashy features, but because it restored reliability and usability at minimal cost.

Checklist: Is Upgrading from 7 Plus to 8 Plus Right for You?

Ask yourself these questions before making the move:

1. Are you experiencing lag or app crashes on your 7 Plus?
2. Do you want wireless charging capability?
3. Is your current battery health below 80%?
4. Do you still rely heavily on your phone for photos or video?
5. Are you on a tight budget but want a meaningful improvement?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the 8 Plus is likely a worthwhile upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 Plus run iOS 17?

No. Apple ended official support for the iPhone 8 Plus with iOS 16.6.1. It does not meet the hardware requirements for iOS 17, which requires at least an A12 chip (iPhone XR and later).

Is the camera difference noticeable?

Yes, particularly in low light and when using Portrait Mode. The 8 Plus captures more detail and handles lighting transitions better due to improved hardware and image processing.

Should I upgrade if I already have an iPhone 7 Plus?

If your 7 Plus still performs well and holds a charge, the upgrade may not be urgent. But if you're facing slowdowns or plan to keep the device for another year or more, the 8 Plus offers tangible benefits in speed, camera, and charging options.

Final Verdict: Worth It—With Caveats

The iPhone 8 Plus is objectively better than the 7 Plus. The performance boost, improved camera stabilization, and addition of wireless charging make it a compelling upgrade—even years later. For users still clinging to a worn-out 7 Plus, stepping up to the 8 Plus can breathe new life into their mobile experience.

However, context matters. If you’re paying over $200 for a used 8 Plus, consider whether that money would be better spent toward a newer model like the iPhone SE (3rd gen) or iPhone 11, which offer modern features like faster charging, better cameras, and ongoing software support.

But if you find a well-maintained 8 Plus at a bargain price—under $150—it remains one of the smartest secondhand upgrades available in the pre-face ID era.

🚀 Ready to extend your iPhone’s life? Evaluate your current device, check battery health in Settings, and explore affordable upgrades that match your needs. Share your experience or ask questions in the comments below.