Iphone Xs Vs 7 Plus Is Upgrading Really Worth It

For many iPhone 7 Plus owners, the question isn’t whether they *can* upgrade—it’s whether they *should*. The iPhone XS arrived just two years after the 7 Plus, bringing a sleeker design, faster processor, and improved camera system. But if your 7 Plus still powers through daily tasks without issue, is spending hundreds on an upgrade truly justified? The answer depends on what you value: raw performance, camera quality, longevity, or simply the peace of mind that comes with modern features.

This breakdown compares the iPhone XS and iPhone 7 Plus across key areas—design, performance, camera, battery life, software support, and real-world usability—to help you make a decision rooted in practicality, not marketing hype.

Design and Build: A Shift in Philosophy

The most immediate difference between the iPhone XS and 7 Plus lies in their design language. The 7 Plus, released in 2016, features a classic aluminum body with prominent antenna lines and a thick bezel surrounding its 5.5-inch LCD display. In contrast, the iPhone XS (2018) embraces Apple’s move toward edge-to-edge OLED screens, offering a more compact 5.8-inch form factor despite a smaller physical footprint.

The XS introduces a glass back for wireless charging compatibility and a premium feel, but it also makes the phone more prone to cracks. The 7 Plus, while heavier and bulkier, remains durable and familiar in hand—especially for those who appreciate the home button and Touch ID.

Tip: If you rely on Touch ID over Face ID, sticking with the 7 Plus—or considering a case with fingerprint access—might be preferable.

Performance: Speed That Makes a Difference

Beneath the surface, the performance gap is substantial. The iPhone 7 Plus runs on the A10 Fusion chip, which was groundbreaking in 2016 but now struggles with heavier apps and multitasking. The iPhone XS, powered by the A12 Bionic chip, delivers nearly twice the CPU performance and significantly better GPU efficiency.

In real-world use, this means faster app launches, smoother gaming at high settings, quicker photo processing, and better responsiveness when switching between apps. The XS also includes 4GB of RAM compared to the 7 Plus’s 3GB, which enhances background app retention—a subtle but noticeable improvement for power users.

“Even though both phones can run iOS 16, the experience on the XS is markedly smoother, especially with augmented reality apps and camera-intensive workflows.” — David Lin, Mobile Performance Analyst

Camera Comparison: Evolution, Not Revolution

The camera systems on both phones feature dual 12MP rear lenses—one wide, one telephoto—but the improvements in the XS are meaningful. The XS brings Smart HDR, deeper depth sensing, and better low-light performance thanks to larger pixels and advanced image signal processing.

While the 7 Plus captures excellent photos in daylight and offers portrait mode (added via software update), the XS produces more balanced exposures, better skin tones, and superior bokeh effects. Its front-facing TrueDepth camera enables Portrait Mode selfies, something the 7 Plus lacks entirely.

Video recording sees a major leap as well. The XS supports 4K video at 60fps and extended dynamic range, whereas the 7 Plus maxes out at 4K/30fps with no stabilization beyond basic digital.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	iPhone XS
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.8)	Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.4)
Front Camera	7MP (f/2.2)	7MP TrueDepth (f/2.2)
Portrait Mode	Rear only	Rear & front
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 60fps, EIS
Low-Light Performance	Good	Excellent with Smart HDR

Battery Life and Charging: Trade-offs in Efficiency

Despite having a smaller battery, the iPhone XS manages comparable battery life to the 7 Plus thanks to the energy-efficient A12 chip and OLED display. Real-world usage shows both lasting around 10–12 hours of mixed use. However, the XS introduces wireless charging and faster wired charging (with a compatible adapter), features absent on the 7 Plus.

That said, the 7 Plus still holds an edge in peak endurance during long video playback or GPS navigation. And because it’s been on the market longer, replacement batteries are cheaper and more widely available.

Tip: If you frequently travel or rely on your phone all day, consider battery health. An old 7 Plus battery may perform worse than a new XS—even if specs suggest otherwise.

Software Support and Longevity

As of 2024, both devices have reached the end of major iOS updates. The iPhone 7 Plus supports up to iOS 16, while the iPhone XS goes further with compatibility up to iOS 17—and potentially iOS 18 depending on final release criteria.

This extension matters. Longer software support means better security patches, continued app compatibility, and access to newer features like enhanced privacy controls and improved Siri integration. For users who keep phones for three years or more, the XS offers a longer viable lifespan.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

• ✅ Need Face ID or wireless charging? → XS wins
• ✅ Want better low-light photos and video? → XS is superior
• ✅ Prefer Touch ID and physical home button? → Stick with 7 Plus
• ✅ Still satisfied with 7 Plus speed? → Upgrade isn't urgent
• ✅ Planning to keep your phone past 2025? → XS offers better future-proofing
• ✅ On a tight budget? → Repairing or replacing the 7 Plus battery may suffice

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had used her iPhone 7 Plus since 2017. By 2022, she noticed apps taking longer to load, occasional crashes in messaging apps, and difficulty scanning QR codes quickly. Her battery drained by mid-afternoon. She considered upgrading but hesitated due to cost.

After testing an iPhone XS at a friend’s house, she was struck by how fast the camera launched and how smoothly maps rendered in 3D mode. She also appreciated being able to charge wirelessly at her office desk. Ultimately, she upgraded—not because her 7 Plus stopped working, but because the daily friction had become too much.

Her experience reflects a common truth: upgrades aren’t always about necessity. Sometimes, they’re about reclaiming time, convenience, and confidence in your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 7 Plus still run modern apps?

Yes, but with limitations. Most mainstream apps still support iOS 15–16, which the 7 Plus can run. However, some newer apps either don’t support the device or run slowly due to hardware constraints.

Is the iPhone XS waterproof?

Yes. The XS has an IP68 rating, meaning it can survive submersion in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes. The 7 Plus has IP67 (1 meter for 30 minutes), so the XS offers slightly better protection.

How much does it cost to replace a battery on each model?

Apple charges $69 for an out-of-warranty 7 Plus battery replacement. For the XS, it's $89. Third-party shops often offer lower prices, typically $40–$60.

Conclusion: Weighing Value Against Experience

Upgrading from the iPhone 7 Plus to the XS isn’t a night-and-day transformation, but it is a meaningful step forward. The XS delivers faster performance, better cameras, improved displays, and longer software support—all wrapped in a more modern design.

If your 7 Plus is struggling with everyday tasks, suffering from poor battery life, or limiting your ability to use current apps and services, then yes—the upgrade is worth it. But if you're still happy with your phone’s functionality and don’t need the latest features, extending its life with a battery replacement or protective case might be the smarter financial move.

Technology should serve you, not pressure you. Evaluate your actual needs, not just the allure of newness. Whether you stay or switch, the best phone is the one that works reliably for your life.

🚀 Ready to decide? Assess your current phone’s performance, check your battery health in Settings, and try an XS at a local store. Hands-on experience beats speculation every time.