Iphone X Vs 7 Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It 2

More than half a decade after their releases, the debate between the iPhone X and iPhone 7 Plus still surfaces—especially among users holding onto older devices or considering secondhand upgrades. While both phones were groundbreaking in their time, the question remains: if you're currently using an iPhone 7 Plus, is jumping to an iPhone X still a meaningful improvement in today’s context? The answer depends on your priorities—be it display quality, camera capabilities, software longevity, or overall user experience.

Design and Build: A Leap Forward

The most immediate difference between the iPhone X and 7 Plus lies in their design philosophy. The iPhone 7 Plus, released in 2016, features a traditional home button, thick bezels, and a metal body with a prominent antenna line. In contrast, the iPhone X (2017) marked Apple’s bold shift toward a modern, edge-to-edge aesthetic. With its stainless steel frame, glass back for wireless charging, and nearly borderless OLED Super Retina display, the X set the template for future iPhones.

The removal of the home button introduced Face ID, replacing Touch ID. This transition wasn’t just cosmetic—it redefined how users interact with their devices. While some longtime iPhone users initially missed the tactile feedback of the home button, Face ID proved faster and more secure over time, especially in low-light conditions with attention detection.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone with gloves or in bed, consider that Face ID may require you to look at the screen, whereas Touch ID worked with any finger orientation.

Display Technology: OLED vs LCD

The iPhone X introduced Apple’s first OLED display—a 5.8-inch Super Retina screen with a resolution of 2436x1125 pixels. This brought deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios (1,000,000:1), and better color accuracy compared to the 7 Plus’s 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD (1920x1080). OLED also enables true blacks by turning off individual pixels, improving battery efficiency when viewing dark content.

While the 7 Plus offered excellent brightness and clarity for its time, the X’s display is objectively superior in every measurable way. Scrolling feels smoother due to better pixel response times, and HDR video playback benefits significantly from the increased dynamic range.

“OLED changed the game for mobile displays. Once you’ve seen true black, going back to LCD feels like watching standard definition after 4K.” — David Kim, Display Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Performance and Software Longevity

Both devices launched with powerful chipsets for their era—the iPhone 7 Plus with the A10 Fusion and the iPhone X with the A11 Bionic. On paper, the A11 was a major leap: 70% faster CPU performance and up to 30% better graphics efficiency. More importantly, it included a neural engine designed for machine learning tasks, laying the foundation for advanced AR and camera features.

In real-world usage, this translates to noticeably snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and better handling of modern apps and games. But perhaps the most critical factor today is software support. As of 2024, iOS 17 is compatible with the iPhone X but dropped support for the 7 Plus after iOS 16. That means 7 Plus users miss out on new features, security patches, and app compatibility moving forward.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	iPhone X
Chipset	A10 Fusion	A11 Bionic
RAM	3GB	3GB
Max Supported iOS	iOS 16	iOS 17+
Neural Engine	No	Yes (first-gen)
Face ID / Touch ID	Touch ID	Face ID

Camera Comparison: Portrait Mode and Beyond

Both phones feature dual 12MP rear cameras, but the implementation differs. The 7 Plus pioneered portrait mode using software-based depth mapping with its telephoto lens. However, results could be inconsistent—especially around hair or complex edges.

The iPhone X refined this with improved sensors, optical image stabilization on both wide and telephoto lenses, and enhanced computational photography powered by the A11’s neural engine. Portrait mode became more accurate, and the addition of Portrait Lighting effects gave users creative control previously unseen on smartphones.

Front-facing cameras tell an even starker story. The 7 Plus uses a basic 7MP FaceTime camera without portrait capabilities. The iPhone X introduced the TrueDepth camera system, enabling Animoji, better selfies with depth data, and reliable facial recognition—all of which are still relevant in messaging and social media today.

Tip: If you regularly take selfies or use video calls, the X’s front camera offers far better dynamic range and consistency in various lighting conditions.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had been using her iPhone 7 Plus since 2017. By late 2023, she noticed apps taking longer to load, frequent crashes in newer versions of Instagram and TikTok, and declining battery life. After replacing the battery, she found the screen felt cramped and outdated compared to her colleagues’ devices.

She purchased a refurbished iPhone X for $180. Immediately, she noticed the difference: Face ID made unlocking effortless, apps ran smoothly, and photos taken at her niece’s birthday party looked sharper with natural bokeh. Most importantly, her phone received iOS 17, bringing new accessibility features and security updates she hadn’t realized she was missing.

“It felt like I’d skipped two generations,” she said. “Not flashy, but everything just… works better.”

Step-by-Step: Is the Upgrade Right for You?

Before deciding, assess your current needs and usage patterns. Follow this timeline to determine if moving from the 7 Plus to the X makes sense in 2024:

1. Week 1: Track how often your 7 Plus lags, crashes, or fails to install app updates.
2. Week 2: Test battery performance under normal use. Does it last a full day?
3. Week 3: Try using an iPhone X at a friend’s place or Apple Store. Pay attention to Face ID, screen quality, and one-handed usability.
4. Week 4: Research refurbished pricing and warranty options. Compare total cost versus potential resale of your 7 Plus.
5. Decision Point: If you rely on your phone for work, communication, or content creation, the X remains a viable mid-tier upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone X still run modern apps smoothly?

Yes. While not as fast as current models, the A11 Bionic handles most daily tasks—including social media, email, banking, and streaming—without issue. Heavy gaming or intensive photo editing may show limitations, but general use remains fluid.

Is the smaller screen size of the iPhone X a drawback?

Despite having a smaller physical footprint, the X’s taller aspect ratio provides more vertical screen space than the 7 Plus in many apps. Many users find it easier to handle one-handed, though those who prefer large screens for videos may miss the 7 Plus’s width.

Should I wait for a newer model instead?

If budget allows, newer models like the iPhone 11 or 12 offer better battery life, faster processors, and longer software support. But for a sub-$200 upgrade, the X delivers disproportionate gains over the 7 Plus.

Final Verdict: Yes, With Caveats

The iPhone X represents more than just a hardware upgrade over the 7 Plus—it's a transition into the modern iPhone era. From the immersive OLED display to Face ID and extended software support, the improvements are tangible and lasting. For users still clinging to a 7 Plus in 2024, upgrading to an iPhone X can breathe new life into their mobile experience without breaking the bank.

However, it’s essential to manage expectations. The X is no longer cutting-edge. Battery degradation is common in used units, and repair costs for the glass back or OLED screen can be high. Always buy from reputable sellers with return policies.

“The iPhone X wasn’t just a new phone—it was a reset. It defined what an iPhone should be for the next decade.” — Lisa Tran, Senior Editor at Mobile Horizon

Take Action Today

If your iPhone 7 Plus is slowing down, crashing, or no longer receiving updates, don’t dismiss the idea of upgrading—even to a five-year-old flagship. The iPhone X offers a surprisingly capable bridge between legacy devices and modern smartphone standards. Evaluate your needs, test the device if possible, and make an informed move. Your productivity, security, and everyday enjoyment might depend on it.

💬 Have you upgraded from a 7 Plus to an X? Share your experience below and help others decide!