For users still holding onto an iPhone 7 Plus in 2024, the question isn't just about hardware—it's about value. The iPhone 8 Plus, released just one year later, brought meaningful improvements, but whether they justify an upgrade depends on your usage, budget, and expectations. While both devices share a nearly identical design language and screen size, the internal upgrades in the 8 Plus are more significant than they first appear. This analysis breaks down every key difference to help you decide if stepping up from the 7 Plus to the 8 Plus—or choosing between them secondhand—is truly worthwhile.
Design and Build: Subtle Changes, Same Feel
At first glance, the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus look almost indistinguishable. Both feature a 5.5-inch display, physical Home button with Touch ID, aluminum frame (with different finishes), and similar weight and dimensions. However, Apple made a critical material change: the 8 Plus uses a glass back instead of aluminum. This allows for wireless charging—a feature absent on the 7 Plus—and gives the phone a slightly more premium feel.
The glass back does come with trade-offs. It’s more prone to cracking and requires more careful handling. Additionally, the 8 Plus has a slightly heavier build at 200g compared to the 7 Plus’s 188g, which some users may notice during prolonged use.
Performance: A Noticeable Leap Forward
The most impactful difference lies under the hood. The iPhone 7 Plus runs on the A10 Fusion chip, while the 8 Plus features the A11 Bionic processor. This might seem like a minor generational jump, but the performance gap is tangible.
The A11 Bionic delivers approximately 25% faster CPU performance and a 30% improvement in GPU speed. More importantly, it includes a second-generation performance controller and better thermal management, reducing throttling during extended use. For everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and social media, both phones perform smoothly. But when running graphics-intensive apps, multitasking with multiple apps, or playing modern mobile games, the 8 Plus maintains fluidity where the 7 Plus may begin to struggle.
“Even a single-generation chip upgrade can extend usable lifespan by 1–2 years, especially as apps become more demanding.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights
Additionally, both devices have 3GB of RAM, so multitasking capacity is identical. However, the efficiency of the A11 allows the 8 Plus to manage background processes more effectively, contributing to smoother overall operation over time.
Camera Comparison: Similar Setup, Better Processing
Both phones feature dual 12MP rear cameras—one wide-angle and one telephoto—with 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode. On paper, the specs are nearly identical. In practice, the iPhone 8 Plus pulls ahead thanks to improved image signal processing powered by the A11 chip.
The 8 Plus offers better noise reduction in low light, faster autofocus, and enhanced Smart HDR (though not full HDR as seen in later models). Photos taken in dim lighting show noticeably cleaner shadows and more accurate color reproduction. Front-facing selfies also benefit from better tone mapping and detail retention.
One often-overlooked advantage: the 8 Plus supports 1080p slow-motion video at 240fps, doubling the frame rate of the 7 Plus’s 120fps. This results in smoother, more cinematic slow-motion clips.
| Feature | iPhone 7 Plus | iPhone 8 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Cameras | Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.8) | Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.8) |
| Portrait Mode | Yes (software-limited) | Yes (depth control via firmware) |
| Front Camera | 7MP f/2.2 | 7MP f/2.2 |
| Slow-Motion Video (Front) | 1080p at 120fps | 1080p at 240fps |
| Smart HDR | No | Limited support |
Battery Life and Charging: Incremental Gains
Battery capacity is nearly identical—the 7 Plus has a 2900mAh battery, while the 8 Plus packs a 2691mAh unit. Despite the smaller capacity, Apple claims slightly better battery life on the 8 Plus due to the energy efficiency of the A11 chip. Real-world testing confirms this: the 8 Plus typically lasts 30–60 minutes longer under mixed usage.
More significant is the addition of Qi wireless charging on the 8 Plus. While the 7 Plus lacks this entirely, the 8 Plus supports all standard Qi chargers, offering greater convenience. You can simply place the phone on a charging pad without plugging in a cable—a small luxury that becomes habitual once adopted.
However, neither phone supports fast charging out of the box. To enable it on the 8 Plus, you must purchase a USB-C to Lightning cable and a compatible power adapter (not included), which adds cost.
Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision
Sarah had used her iPhone 7 Plus since 2017. By 2022, she noticed apps taking longer to load, occasional crashes in Instagram and TikTok, and diminishing battery life—down to 5 hours of screen time. She considered switching to Android but decided to explore iOS options first.
She tested both phones side-by-side at a local electronics store. The 8 Plus felt snappier, especially when switching between Snapchat, Spotify, and Maps. The camera produced clearer night shots, and she appreciated being able to charge it wirelessly on her office desk.
She ultimately bought a refurbished 8 Plus for $220. Two years later, she reports stable performance, consistent battery health (after replacing the battery once), and no desire to upgrade again yet. For her, the move was absolutely worth it—not because of flashy new features, but because it restored the seamless experience she originally loved about her iPhone.
Software Support and Longevity
As of 2024, both devices run iOS 17, but support is winding down. Apple typically provides software updates for 5–6 years after release. The iPhone 7 Plus launched in 2016, meaning it likely received its final major update with iOS 17. The iPhone 8 Plus, released in 2017, may receive iOS 18—but only as a beta or limited release.
If future-proofing matters to you, the 8 Plus holds a clear edge. Even if only for one additional year of updates, that extra time ensures access to newer security patches, app compatibility, and minor feature improvements.
Checklist: Is the iPhone 8 Plus Worth It for You?
- ✅ Do you want wireless charging capability?
- ✅ Are you experiencing slowdowns on your 7 Plus?
- ✅ Do you take photos in low-light environments regularly?
- ✅ Do you plan to keep your phone for more than 18 months?
- ✅ Is your current 7 Plus battery below 80% health?
If three or more apply, the upgrade makes practical sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone 8 Plus still run modern apps smoothly?
Yes, for most everyday apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, YouTube, and even moderate gaming, the 8 Plus performs well. However, very demanding titles like Genshin Impact may require reduced settings for smooth gameplay.
Is there a camera difference in daylight photos?
In good lighting, both phones produce excellent results. Differences are minimal, though the 8 Plus tends to balance highlights and shadows slightly better due to improved processing.
Should I pay extra for the 8 Plus if buying secondhand?
If the price difference is under $50 and the 8 Plus is in good condition, yes. The combination of better performance, wireless charging, and slightly longer software support justifies the small premium.
Final Verdict: Yes, But With Conditions
The upgrade from iPhone 7 Plus to iPhone 8 Plus is not revolutionary, but it is meaningful. You won’t get a new design or Face ID, but you gain a faster processor, better camera processing, wireless charging, and potentially another year of iOS updates. These improvements compound over time, especially if you rely on your phone daily for work, communication, and photography.
For users whose 7 Plus is still functioning well with a healthy battery, the upgrade may be optional. But if you’re noticing lag, poor battery life, or frustration with older hardware limitations, the 8 Plus delivers a refreshingly smoother experience without jumping into the full-screen era of iPhones.
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