Iphone X Vs 7 Plus Is The X Still Worth It Or Is The 7 Plus Good Enough 2

When Apple released the iPhone X in 2017, it marked a turning point in smartphone design—edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID, and a sleek stainless steel build. The iPhone 7 Plus, launched a year earlier, was already a powerhouse with its dual-camera system and solid performance. Fast forward to today, both devices are well past their prime, but they still surface in secondhand markets and budget buyer conversations. So, is the iPhone X still worth choosing over the 7 Plus in 2024? Or has time leveled the playing field, making the 7 Plus \"good enough\" for most users?

This isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about real-world usability, software support, camera quality, and long-term value. Let’s break down every critical aspect to help you decide which phone makes more sense today.

Design and Build: A Shift in Philosophy

The iPhone X represented a radical departure from previous designs. It dropped the home button, introduced Face ID, and featured a glass back with a stainless steel frame. The 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display offered deeper blacks and richer colors compared to the 7 Plus’s 5.5-inch LCD. Its compact footprint made it easier to handle despite the larger screen.

In contrast, the iPhone 7 Plus kept the classic iPhone look: thick bezels, a physical home button with Touch ID, and an aluminum body. While durable, it felt bulkier and less modern. The lack of wireless charging (without third-party mods) also put it behind the X in future-proofing.

Tip: If you value one-handed use and modern aesthetics, the iPhone X’s design still holds up better than the 7 Plus in 2024.

Performance and Software Longevity

Both phones launched with powerful chips for their time—the 7 Plus with the A10 Fusion and the X with the A11 Bionic. While the difference seemed modest in 2017, it has widened significantly due to software evolution.

The A11 chip in the iPhone X handles iOS updates more efficiently. It supported iOS updates up to iOS 16, while the 7 Plus stopped at iOS 15. This means the X can run newer apps, security patches, and features like Live Text and improved privacy controls. The 7 Plus, stuck on iOS 15, may struggle with app compatibility over time, especially as developers optimize for newer systems.

Benchmark tests from 2023 show the iPhone X still outperforms the 7 Plus in multitasking, app launches, and gaming. Safari responsiveness, background app refresh, and overall fluidity favor the X, even after years of use.

“Even two generations apart in silicon, the architectural improvements in the A11 allowed the iPhone X to age far more gracefully.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse

Camera Comparison: Portrait Mode and Beyond

The 7 Plus pioneered Apple’s dual-lens portrait photography with a 12MP wide and telephoto setup. It delivered excellent depth sensing and optical zoom, setting a high bar at the time. The iPhone X inherited this same dual-camera system but added faster autofocus, improved color accuracy, and better low-light processing thanks to the A11’s image signal processor.

In real-world testing, the differences are subtle but noticeable. The X captures slightly sharper details, handles HDR better, and offers more consistent portrait lighting effects. Video recording benefits too—the X supports 4K at 60fps across all lenses, while the 7 Plus is limited to 30fps in some modes.

Feature	iPhone X	iPhone 7 Plus
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.4)	Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.8)
Portrait Mode	Yes, with lighting effects	Yes, basic depth mapping
Front Camera	7MP TrueDepth (Face ID enabled)	7MP regular selfie cam
Video Recording	4K @ 60fps, slo-mo 1080p@240fps	4K @ 30fps, slo-mo 1080p@240fps
Low-Light Performance	Better noise reduction	More grain in dark scenes

The front camera is where the gap widens. The X’s TrueDepth system enables Animoji, better facial recognition, and higher-quality selfies with portrait mode. The 7 Plus lacks these entirely.

Battery Life and Charging Options

The iPhone 7 Plus had a slight edge in raw battery capacity and endurance. In typical usage—browsing, calls, streaming music—it could last a full day with moderate use. The iPhone X, while efficient, often required a charge by late evening under similar conditions.

However, the X introduced wireless charging—a feature the 7 Plus lacks. This adds convenience, especially if you own a Qi-compatible charger or car dock. Both support fast charging with a compatible adapter (not included in-box), but few users take advantage of this on older models.

• iPhone 7 Plus: ~13 hours video playback
• iPhone X: ~12 hours video playback
• Wireless Charging: Available only on iPhone X
• Fast Charging: Supported on both (with 18W+ adapter)

Over time, battery degradation affects both equally. Replacement cost and availability are similar, but finding a reliable technician matters more than the model itself.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer, needed a backup phone for client calls and social media posting. She considered buying a used iPhone 7 Plus for $120 or spending $180 on a lightly used iPhone X. Her primary concern was camera reliability and app performance for Instagram and Lightroom Mobile.

She chose the iPhone X. Despite slightly shorter battery life, the ability to run iOS 16 and the latest versions of creative apps made a tangible difference. The OLED screen helped her preview edits more accurately, and Face ID sped up authentication when switching between accounts. After six months, she reported no lag, smooth app transitions, and better resale value when she eventually upgraded again.

The extra $60 paid off in longevity and functionality.

Checklist: Choosing Between iPhone X and 7 Plus in 2024

Use this checklist to determine which device suits your needs:

1. ✅ Do you need iOS 16 or later features? → Choose iPhone X
2. ✅ Is Face ID or Animoji important? → iPhone X only
3. ✅ Will you use wireless charging? → iPhone X supports it
4. ✅ Is budget under $130? → 7 Plus might be your only option
5. ✅ Do you prioritize battery life over design? → 7 Plus wins slightly
6. ✅ Are you using resource-heavy apps (e.g., editing, gaming)? → iPhone X performs better
7. ✅ Is long-term software support a concern? → iPhone X aged better

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 7 Plus still get security updates?

No. Apple ended major OS updates with iOS 15. While occasional backend patches may occur, the 7 Plus no longer receives regular security updates, increasing vulnerability over time.

Is the iPhone X waterproof?

Yes. The iPhone X has an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The 7 Plus also has IP67, so both offer similar water resistance.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The iPhone X maintains slightly higher resale value due to its modern design and longer software support. Even in 2024, unlocked models in good condition sell for 15–25% more than equivalent 7 Plus units.

Final Verdict: Is the iPhone X Still Worth It?

Yes—the iPhone X remains the better choice in 2024, assuming you can find one in good condition at a reasonable price. It delivers a more modern user experience, longer software relevance, superior display technology, and advanced biometrics. While the 7 Plus is “good enough” for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing, it’s functionally outdated.

If your budget allows even a small premium, the iPhone X offers meaningful advantages that extend usability by another year or two. For anyone relying on apps, cloud services, or mobile photography, that extra lifespan matters.

That said, if you’re on a tight budget and only need a simple secondary phone, the 7 Plus won’t disappoint. Just don’t expect it to keep pace with evolving digital demands.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Check certified refurbished listings for iPhone X units with new batteries and warranties. A little research today can save you frustration tomorrow.