iPhone 11 • Unlocked vs iPhone 7 Plus • Unlocked

iPhone 11 • Unlocked
iPhone 11 • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$149.00

Versus $499.00 new

See options
iPhone 7 Plus • Unlocked
iPhone 7 Plus • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$98.00

Versus $289.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 11, released in September 2019, and the iPhone 7 Plus, launched in September 2016, represent different generations of Apple's smartphone evolution. While both devices operate on the iOS platform, a significant three-year gap separates their initial release dates, leading to notable distinctions in their internal components, camera capabilities, and overall user experience. The iPhone 11 offers a more modern design, an updated camera system with an ultrawide lens, and enhanced processing power, while the iPhone 7 Plus retains a classic iPhone aesthetic with a physical home button.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is heavily influenced by its release timeline and ongoing software support. The iPhone 11 and iPhone 7 Plus differ considerably in this aspect.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 11 was released in September 2019, three years after the iPhone 7 Plus, which debuted in September 2016. This age difference directly impacts their expected practical lifespan and software support.
  • Software Support: The iPhone 11 launched with iOS 13 and is compatible with the current iOS 26, indicating continued software updates for several more years. In contrast, the iPhone 7 Plus launched with iOS 10 and its major software support ended with iOS 15, meaning it no longer receives new iOS features or significant security updates.
  • Durability Features: The iPhone 11 features IP68 water and dust resistance, allowing submersion up to 2 meters for 30 minutes, and a glass front and back. The iPhone 7 Plus has IP67 water and dust resistance, rated for submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, and an aluminum body.

Release Year

2019

2016

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

No

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator between these two devices, with the newer iPhone 11 offering a more responsive and capable experience for modern applications.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 11 features a more advanced processor, which translates to smoother operation for demanding applications, faster app loading times, and more efficient multitasking. Users will experience a noticeable difference in overall system responsiveness compared to the iPhone 7 Plus.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 11 comes with 4GB of RAM, providing more headroom for running multiple applications simultaneously without slowdowns. The iPhone 7 Plus has 3GB of RAM. Both models offer various storage options, with the iPhone 11 starting at 64GB and the iPhone 7 Plus starting at 32GB.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 11 generally offers better battery life due to its larger battery capacity (3110 mAh) and more power-efficient processor. The iPhone 7 Plus has a 2900 mAh battery. This means the iPhone 11 can typically last longer on a single charge, especially for heavy users.

Memory

4 GB

3 GB

Screen quality

The display technology and viewing experience have evolved between the iPhone 7 Plus and the iPhone 11, offering different characteristics for users.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD LCD display, while the iPhone 7 Plus has a 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD display. The iPhone 11's display offers a larger viewing area and a more modern, edge-to-edge design without a physical home button.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 7 Plus has a higher resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels at 401 ppi, providing a sharper image. The iPhone 11 has a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels at 326 ppi. Despite the lower pixel density on paper, many users report that the iPhone 11's display still appears vibrant and clear in everyday use.
  • Brightness and Features: The iPhone 11's Liquid Retina HD LCD panel offers good color accuracy, True Tone, and generally feels brighter and more vibrant. Both displays are LCD, but the iPhone 11's newer panel provides a better visual experience.

Resolution

828 x 1792

1080 x 1920

Screen type

Liquid Retina IPS LCD

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

The camera systems of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 7 Plus showcase significant advancements, particularly in computational photography and lens versatility.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 11 features a dual 12MP camera system with a wide and an ultrawide lens, offering a broader perspective for photos. The iPhone 7 Plus also has a dual 12MP camera system, but it includes a wide and a telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom for closer shots.
  • Low-Light and Photography Features: The iPhone 11 significantly outperforms the iPhone 7 Plus in low-light conditions due to its dedicated Night Mode and Smart HDR. It also offers advanced Portrait Mode with Depth Control and Deep Fusion technology for improved image processing. The iPhone 7 Plus has Portrait Mode but lacks Night Mode and the advanced processing of the iPhone 11.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The iPhone 11 supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second (fps) on both its rear and front cameras, with improved stabilization. The iPhone 7 Plus records 4K video at 30fps and has a 7MP front camera, while the iPhone 11 has a 12MP front camera for sharper selfies and video calls.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and camera, several practical elements differentiate the iPhone 11 and iPhone 7 Plus, impacting daily usability.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices utilize the Lightning port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a traditional headphone jack. The iPhone 11 supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections. Neither phone supports 5G connectivity.
  • Biometric Authentication: The iPhone 11 relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition and unlocking. The iPhone 7 Plus features a physical home button with Touch ID for fingerprint authentication. This difference impacts how users interact with their device for security and navigation.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 11 has a more modern design with a glass front and back and an aluminum frame, weighing 194 grams. The iPhone 7 Plus has an aluminum unibody design with larger bezels and a weight of 188 grams. The iPhone 11's larger 6.1-inch screen in a slightly more compact body (compared to the 7 Plus's overall dimensions) offers a more immersive viewing experience.

Weight

7 oz

7 oz

Width

2,98 in

3.07 in

Height

5,94 in

6.23 in

Depth

0,32 in

0.29 in

Screen size (inches)

6.1

5.5

Network

LTE

LTE

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

The iPhone 11 and iPhone 7 Plus cater to different user needs, reflecting the technological advancements over their respective release years. Users frequently praise the iPhone 11 for its significantly improved camera system, especially its Night Mode and ultrawide lens, which allows for more versatile photography. Its enhanced processing power and better battery life are also commonly highlighted as major advantages, contributing to a smoother and more enduring user experience.

Conversely, the iPhone 7 Plus is often appreciated for its classic iPhone design, including the physical home button with Touch ID, which some users prefer. For basic tasks and those who do not require the latest software features, the iPhone 7 Plus can still be a functional device. However, a frequent criticism of the iPhone 7 Plus is its lack of ongoing major software updates, which can lead to compatibility issues with newer applications and a less secure experience over time. Its aging processor and battery performance are also noted as limitations for users with more demanding usage patterns.

Users prioritizing a modern smartphone experience with strong camera capabilities, longer software support, and robust performance for current applications will find the iPhone 11 well-suited to their needs. This includes individuals who frequently use their phone for photography, gaming, or multitasking. On the other hand, users who prefer a traditional iPhone design, primarily use their device for essential communication and browsing, and do not require the latest features or extensive software longevity, may still find the iPhone 7 Plus adequate. For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative to extend the life cycle of these products.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons