Is The Iphone 7 Plus Still Worth It In 2024 Or Should You Go For An Htc U11 Life 2

In 2024, choosing a smartphone isn’t just about specs—it’s about longevity, ecosystem support, and real-world usability. The iPhone 7 Plus, once a flagship powerhouse, now sits in the realm of legacy devices. Meanwhile, the HTC U11 Life 2, though not officially released, is often speculated as a spiritual successor to HTC’s mid-range revival attempt. But if you’re considering either device secondhand or on a tight budget, the question remains: which offers better value today?

This comparison cuts through nostalgia and marketing to assess both phones based on current software support, performance, camera quality, battery life, and long-term viability.

Software & Longevity: The Hidden Lifeline

Software updates are critical to security, app compatibility, and user experience. Apple historically supports its iPhones with iOS updates for five to six years post-launch. The iPhone 7 Plus launched in 2016 and received its final major update with iOS 16 in 2022. As of 2024, it no longer receives feature updates and is excluded from iOS 17 and beyond.

While it still runs iOS 16.7 (the last supported version), this means:

• No new features like StandBy mode, improved autocorrect, or advanced privacy tools.
• Diminishing app compatibility—some newer apps may stop supporting iOS 16.
• Reduced security patch frequency, increasing vulnerability over time.

HTC, on the other hand, has a spotty track record with software support. The original U11 Life launched in 2017 with Android 7.1 and received only one major OS upgrade. Assuming a hypothetical U11 Life 2 were released around 2023–2024 with Android 13 or 14, it would likely receive two years of OS updates and three years of security patches—a standard now expected from mid-range Android devices.

“Even if hardware holds up, outdated software can make a phone feel obsolete within months.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at TechShield Insights

Tip: Always check if a used phone can run the latest OS version before purchasing—this significantly impacts lifespan.

Performance Comparison: Chipsets and Real-World Use

The iPhone 7 Plus was powered by Apple’s A10 Fusion chip—an impressive performer in its day. Even in 2024, iOS optimization allows it to handle basic tasks like web browsing, email, and light social media use. However, multitasking, video streaming at high bitrates, and modern games will push it to its limits.

The rumored HTC U11 Life 2 would likely use a mid-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 or 7 series processor—something like the Snapdragon 695 or 732G. These chips outperform the A10 in raw benchmarks and support faster RAM, better GPU rendering, and modern connectivity like Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	HTC U11 Life 2 (Estimated)
Processor	Apple A10 Fusion	Snapdragon 695 / 732G
RAM	3GB	6GB
Storage Options	32GB, 128GB, 256GB	64GB, 128GB (expandable via microSD)
OS Support Status	No further updates (iOS 16 max)	Expected: 2 OS + 3 security years
Battery Capacity	2900 mAh	~4000 mAh

Despite older hardware, iOS efficiency gives the iPhone 7 Plus smoother UI animations than similarly aged Android devices. But without background app refresh and fast app switching, daily usability lags behind even modest 2023 Android phones.

Camera Capabilities: Portrait Mode vs. Modern AI

The iPhone 7 Plus was among the first smartphones to popularize dual-lens portrait photography. Its 12MP wide and telephoto sensors delivered excellent depth sensing and natural bokeh for its time. In good lighting, it still captures sharp, color-accurate images.

However, low-light performance is weak by today’s standards. No Night Mode, minimal HDR, and lack of computational photography mean dim environments result in noisy, underexposed shots.

A modern mid-range Android phone like the theoretical U11 Life 2 would include AI-enhanced multi-frame processing, Night Sight modes, wider dynamic range, and higher-resolution sensors (e.g., 50MP main). Front cameras would also be superior—likely 16MP with auto-focus and screen flash—versus the iPhone 7 Plus’s 7MP fixed-focus selfie cam.

Tip: If photography matters, prioritize software-driven features like Night Mode and HDR over megapixels alone.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a freelance writer in Lisbon, uses her phone for emails, research, note-taking, and occasional social media. Her old iPhone 6 died in early 2024, and she considered buying a used iPhone 7 Plus for €120. She found one online, fully functional, with 128GB storage.

After two weeks, she noticed apps crashing, slow Safari loading, and inability to use newer versions of Google Docs and Zoom. Her WhatsApp backups failed due to iCloud compatibility issues. She eventually returned it and bought a refurbished Android phone with Android 13 for €140—one with near-U11 Life 2-level specs.

“I thought Apple’s ecosystem would protect me,” she said. “But without updates, even basic functions started failing.”

Step-by-Step: How to Decide Between Legacy and Budget New

1. Assess your primary use: If you mostly text, call, and browse lightly, the iPhone 7 Plus may suffice short-term.
2. Check app requirements: Open the App Store and verify that essential apps still support iOS 16.
3. Evaluate repairability: The iPhone 7 Plus has widely available replacement parts, but water damage (despite IP67) often leads to speaker or button failure.
4. Compare total cost: A used iPhone 7 Plus might cost €100–€150. For €160–€200, you can get a functional 2022–2023 Android phone with better battery, screen, and support.
5. Consider future-proofing: Will you need this phone for more than a year? If yes, avoid devices without ongoing software support.

Checklist: Is This Phone Right for You?

Use this checklist to evaluate either device:

• ✅ Does it run the latest OS version available for it?
• ✅ Can it install and run your essential apps (WhatsApp, banking, email)?
• ✅ Battery holds charge for at least one full day of moderate use?
• ✅ Has replaceable battery or accessible service options?
• ✅ Supports modern connectivity (Wi-Fi 5+, Bluetooth 5.0)?
• ✅ Camera performs well in indoor/light-poor conditions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 7 Plus still get security updates?

Apple provides limited security patches for unsupported devices, but they are infrequent and not guaranteed. As of 2024, no new patches have been issued since late 2023, making the device increasingly vulnerable.

Is the HTC U11 Life 2 officially released?

No. As of 2024, HTC has not announced an \"U11 Life 2.\" The reference is speculative, based on community hopes for a reboot of the U-series. Any such device would likely be a budget-to-mid-range Android phone with modern basics.

Which phone lasts longer on battery?

The iPhone 7 Plus has a 2900 mAh battery, while a modern equivalent like a Pixel 6a or Moto G Power offers 4000–5000 mAh. Even with efficient iOS, the 7 Plus struggles beyond a single day with moderate use. The HTC U11 Life 2 (if built today) would almost certainly offer superior endurance.

Final Verdict: Skip the iPhone 7 Plus in 2024

The iPhone 7 Plus was a landmark device, but its time has passed. Without iOS 17 support, dwindling app compatibility, and aging hardware, it’s no longer a practical daily driver. While nostalgic and reliable for very basic tasks, it cannot keep pace with modern digital demands.

If you're considering the HTC U11 Life 2—or any similar modern budget Android alternative—you’re looking at a device with longer software support, better battery, improved camera tech, and greater flexibility. Even refurbished models from 2022–2023 outshine the 7 Plus in nearly every category relevant in 2024.

Unless you’re buying the iPhone 7 Plus as a backup, gift for a child, or secondary device with minimal usage, it’s time to move on.

💬 Have experience using an iPhone 7 Plus in 2024 or curious about HTC’s potential comeback? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments—we’d love to hear what’s working (or not) in today’s mobile landscape.