The iPhone 7 Plus was a flagship in its day—large display, dual cameras, and solid build. Fast forward to today, and Apple’s iPhone SE (3rd generation) offers modern power in a compact body. But if you're still clinging to your 7 Plus, wondering whether it's time to upgrade, the question isn’t just about specs—it’s about usability, longevity, and value. Is trading the big screen for cutting-edge performance actually worth it?
This isn't just a tech showdown; it's a lifestyle decision. The 7 Plus gave users room to multitask, watch videos, and take better photos. The SE 3rd Gen brings 5G, A15 Bionic chip, and iOS support for years to come. Let’s break down what really matters when choosing between legacy comfort and future-ready efficiency.
Performance: Night and Day Difference
The most dramatic shift between these two phones lies under the hood. The iPhone 7 Plus runs on the A10 Fusion chip—an impressive processor in 2016 but now struggling with modern apps and multitasking. In contrast, the iPhone SE 3rd Gen packs Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, the same found in the iPhone 13 series. This isn’t a minor upgrade; it’s generational leap.
Benchmarks show the A15 delivering over four times the CPU performance and nearly ten times the GPU speed compared to the A10. Real-world impact? Apps launch instantly, games run smoothly, and iOS updates feel snappy rather than sluggish. Even after years of use, the SE will likely remain responsive, while the 7 Plus already shows signs of slowdown with iOS 16 and beyond.
Display and Usability: Big Screen vs Compact Powerhouse
The 7 Plus features a 5.5-inch Retina HD display—still large by today’s standards, though modest compared to modern Pro Max models. It supports wide color gamut and has decent brightness, but it lacks True Tone and modern contrast ratios. More importantly, it uses older LCD technology without Haptic Touch or advanced gesture responsiveness.
The SE 3rd Gen, meanwhile, has a 4.7-inch Retina HD display—the same size as the original iPhone SE and iPhone 8. While smaller, it benefits from improved color accuracy, higher brightness, and True Tone. For users who prefer one-handed operation, the SE is easier to handle. However, watching videos, reading e-books, or editing documents is undeniably more comfortable on the 7 Plus’s larger canvas.
But here’s the trade-off: the SE runs current and future iOS versions efficiently. The 7 Plus may not receive iOS updates beyond 2024. Long-term usability favors the SE, even if short-term comfort leans toward the older giant.
Camera Comparison: Evolution Over Revolution
The iPhone 7 Plus was notable for introducing a dual-camera system: 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto, enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode. At the time, this was groundbreaking. Today, those sensors are dated—low-light performance is weak, autofocus is slow, and video maxes out at 1080p at 60fps.
The SE 3rd Gen has a single 12MP wide lens but leverages computational photography powered by the A15 chip. It supports Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Night mode—features absent on the 7 Plus. Video recording jumps to 4K at 60fps with extended dynamic range and stereo audio. Portrait Mode is software-based using machine learning, which works well on people but lacks the flexibility of a second lens.
“Hardware matters, but software can elevate a single lens beyond what older dual systems deliver.” — Mark Lee, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechScope Weekly
In practical terms, the SE produces sharper, more balanced photos in varied lighting. The 7 Plus still captures good daylight shots, but low-light images are noisy and lack detail. If you care about photo quality for social media or family memories, the SE wins despite having fewer lenses.
Connectivity, Battery, and Future-Proofing
One area where the SE pulls far ahead is connectivity. It supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0—modern standards that ensure faster downloads, better streaming, and improved accessory compatibility. The 7 Plus is limited to LTE Advanced, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 4.2, making it less efficient in high-speed environments.
Battery life is surprisingly close. The 7 Plus has a larger battery and slightly longer endurance, especially during video playback. But the A15’s efficiency means the SE lasts all day for moderate users. Both support fast charging (with adapter sold separately) and wireless charging—a feature added to the SE 3rd Gen but missing on the 7 Plus.
| Feature | iPhone SE (3rd Gen) | iPhone 7 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A15 Bionic (2022) | A10 Fusion (2016) |
| Display Size | 4.7\" Retina HD | 5.5\" Retina HD |
| Rear Camera | 12MP (wide), Night mode, 4K video | 12MP + 12MP (dual), no Night mode, 1080p video |
| Front Camera | 7MP, Retina Flash | 7MP, FaceTime Flash |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 | LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Charging | Fast & Wireless | Fast (adapter sold separately), No wireless |
| iOS Support (Estimated End) | 2027+ | 2024–2025 |
Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma
Sarah has used her iPhone 7 Plus since 2017. She loves the screen size for reading news and watching YouTube while commuting. But lately, her phone freezes during FaceTime calls, takes forever to load maps, and no longer receives app updates. Her daughter gifted her an iPhone SE (3rd Gen), urging her to switch.
At first, Sarah missed the large display. But within a week, she noticed how quickly messages loaded, how clear her Zoom meetings looked, and how her fitness app tracked workouts without crashing. She started using Apple Wallet for transit passes—something her old phone couldn’t support reliably. After two months, she admitted: “I didn’t realize how much I was compromising until I had a phone that just worked.”
Her experience reflects a broader truth: convenience today often masks obsolescence tomorrow.
Checklist: Should You Upgrade?
Ask yourself the following before deciding:
- ✅ Does your 7 Plus struggle with basic tasks like loading web pages or switching apps?
- ✅ Have you stopped receiving iOS updates or security patches?
- ✅ Do you want access to modern features like 4K video, Night mode, or 5G?
- ✅ Are you concerned about app compatibility in the next 2–3 years?
- ✅ Can you adapt to a smaller screen for gains in speed and longevity?
If three or more apply, the SE 3rd Gen is likely a smart move—even with the screen size trade-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone SE 3rd Gen replace a phablet for media consumption?
It can, but with compromise. The 4.7-inch screen is adequate for podcasts, audiobooks, and short videos. For extended Netflix binges or reading PDFs, you’ll miss the 7 Plus’s real estate. Consider pairing the SE with headphones or a tablet for heavy media use.
Is the iPhone 7 Plus obsolete in 2024?
Nearly. While it still functions, it lacks support for many new apps, security updates, and modern services like CarPlay enhancements or AR experiences. Performance degradation makes daily use frustrating for most users.
Does the SE 3rd Gen feel outdated because of its design?
Externally, yes—it retains the Home button and thick bezels. But internally, it’s one of the most powerful small phones available. For users prioritizing function over form, the design is a non-issue.
Final Verdict: Progress Over Preference
The iPhone 7 Plus was a milestone device. But technology moves forward, and clinging to familiarity comes at a cost. The iPhone SE 3rd Gen may not offer a bigger screen, but it delivers a faster, safer, and more capable experience. It ensures compatibility with future apps, supports modern networks, and provides superior camera processing and battery efficiency.
If you value performance, longevity, and seamless integration with today’s digital ecosystem, the upgrade is absolutely worth it—even if you have to adjust to a smaller display. The real question isn’t whether you’re giving up screen space. It’s whether you’re ready to stop settling for a phone that merely survives each day instead of one that excels.
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