iPhone 11 • Unlocked vs iPhone 7 • Unlocked

iPhone 11 • Unlocked
iPhone 11 • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$149.00

Versus $499.00 new

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

Refurbished price:$64.00

Versus $179.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 11, released in September 2019, and the iPhone 7, launched in September 2016, represent different generations of Apple's smartphone evolution. While both devices operate on the iOS platform, the iPhone 11 offers a more contemporary experience with significant advancements in processing power, camera capabilities, and display technology. The iPhone 7, as an older model, provides a more classic iPhone design and feature set.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is heavily influenced by its release date and subsequent software support. The iPhone 11, being a newer device, benefits from a longer expected period of major operating system updates compared to the iPhone 7.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 11 was released three years after the iPhone 7, giving it a substantial advantage in terms of its lifecycle. This difference in age directly impacts how long each device will continue to receive the latest software features and security enhancements.
  • OS Support Duration: The iPhone 7 launched with iOS 10 and received major updates up to iOS 15.8.x, but no longer receives new iOS versions. In contrast, the iPhone 11, which started with iOS 13, has received updates up to iOS 18 and is expected to continue receiving software support for a few more years, offering a longer period of access to new features and security patches.
  • Durability Features: Both devices offer water and dust resistance, with the iPhone 11 rated at IP68 (up to 2 meters for 30 minutes) and the iPhone 7 at IP67 (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes). The iPhone 11 features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, while the iPhone 7 has an aluminum unibody design.

Release Year

2019

2016

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

No

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key area where the generational gap between these two iPhones becomes evident, impacting everything from app loading times to multitasking efficiency.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 11 is equipped with a significantly more advanced processor, which translates to faster app launches, smoother navigation, and more efficient handling of demanding applications and games. The iPhone 7's processor, while capable for its time, will show noticeable slowdowns with newer, more resource-intensive software.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 11 features 4GB of RAM, allowing it to manage more open applications simultaneously without needing to reload them as frequently. The iPhone 7, with 2GB of RAM, will experience more frequent app reloads when switching between tasks, particularly with several applications running in the background.
  • Storage Options: Both models offer various internal storage capacities. The iPhone 11 is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB configurations, while the iPhone 7 was offered in 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB. Users who store many photos, videos, or large applications may find the higher storage options more suitable.

Memory

4 GB

2 GB

Screen quality

The display experience differs between the two models, primarily in size and overall visual impact.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 11 features a larger 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD IPS LCD display, offering a more expansive viewing area compared to the iPhone 7's 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD screen. Both displays utilize IPS technology for wide viewing angles.
  • Resolution and Clarity: While both phones have a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch (ppi), the iPhone 11's larger screen has a resolution of 1792x828 pixels, whereas the iPhone 7 has a resolution of 1334x750 pixels. Both offer good clarity for typical viewing distances.
  • Brightness and Color: Both devices achieve a maximum typical brightness of 625 nits and support Wide Color (P3), contributing to vibrant and accurate color reproduction. The iPhone 11 also includes True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the display's white balance to match the ambient light.

Resolution

828 x 1792

750 x 1334

Screen type

Liquid Retina IPS LCD

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

The camera systems represent one of the most significant upgrades from the iPhone 7 to the iPhone 11, offering enhanced versatility and image quality.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 11 boasts a dual-camera setup with a 12MP wide lens (f/1.8) and a 12MP ultra-wide lens (f/2.4) with a 120-degree field of view, allowing for broader landscape shots and more creative compositions. The iPhone 7 features a single 12MP main camera (f/1.8). Both include optical image stabilization on their main wide lenses.
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 11 introduces advanced features like Night mode for significantly improved low-light photography, Deep Fusion for enhanced detail and texture in medium-light conditions, and next-generation Smart HDR. The iPhone 7 offers standard HDR for photos and a Quad-LED True Tone flash.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones can record 4K video, with the iPhone 11 supporting up to 60 frames per second (fps) and the iPhone 7 up to 30 fps. The iPhone 11 also features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera capable of 4K video recording, while the iPhone 7 has a 7MP front camera that records 1080p HD video.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily usability of these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The iPhone 11 supports newer connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections compared to the iPhone 7's Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, relying on the Lightning port for wired audio or wireless solutions.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 11 utilizes Face ID for secure facial recognition and authentication, providing a modern and convenient unlocking method. The iPhone 7 features Touch ID, a fingerprint sensor integrated into its capacitive home button.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 11 has a larger form factor, measuring 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm and weighing 194 grams. The iPhone 7 is more compact and lighter at 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm and 138 grams, making it easier for one-handed use for some users. The iPhone 11 also includes Apple's U1 Ultra Wideband chip for spatial awareness.

Weight

7 oz

5 oz

Width

2,98 in

2.64 in

Height

5,94 in

5.44 in

Depth

0,32 in

0.28 in

Screen size (inches)

6.1

4.7

Network

LTE

LTE

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

The iPhone 11 and iPhone 7 cater to different user needs and expectations, largely due to the three-year gap in their release. Users often praise the iPhone 11 for its robust camera system, particularly the inclusion of Night mode and the ultra-wide lens, which significantly enhances photography in various conditions. Its faster performance and longer battery life are also frequently highlighted as major advantages, making it suitable for users who engage in demanding tasks or require their device to last a full day of heavy use. Some common criticisms of the iPhone 11 often revolve around its LCD display, which, while good, doesn't offer the deep blacks and contrast of OLED screens found in its 'Pro' counterparts.

The iPhone 7, on the other hand, is often appreciated for its more compact size and the familiar physical home button with Touch ID. For users who prefer a smaller device that is easy to handle with one hand, the iPhone 7 remains a practical choice. However, its primary criticism in current times is its limited software support, meaning it no longer receives major iOS updates, which can impact compatibility with newer applications and security features. Its battery life and processing power are also considerably less capable for modern usage compared to newer models.

Users prioritizing a device with a modern camera, strong performance for current applications, and a longer lifespan for software updates will find the iPhone 11 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who prefer a smaller form factor, a physical home button, and primarily use their phone for basic tasks may still find the iPhone 7 adequate, though they should be aware of its aging software support. For those considering either model, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can be an eco-friendly alternative to extend the life of these devices.

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