iPhone 7 Plus • Unlocked vs iPhone 8 • Unlocked

The iPhone 7 Plus, released in September 2016, and the iPhone 8, launched in September 2017, represent two consecutive generations of Apple's smartphone lineup. While both devices share a similar design philosophy and the familiar Touch ID home button, the iPhone 8 introduces a more advanced internal processor and new features like wireless charging, setting it apart from its larger predecessor. Both run on Apple's iOS operating system, offering a consistent user experience.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including software support and physical durability.

• Release Timeline: The iPhone 7 Plus was released in September 2016, making it a slightly older device compared to the iPhone 8, which launched in September 2017. This one-year difference impacts their respective software support lifecycles.
• Software Longevity: The iPhone 7 Plus received major iOS updates up to iOS 15.8.3. The iPhone 8, being a year newer, benefits from an additional year of major iOS updates, supporting up to iOS 16.7.15. This means the iPhone 8 will continue to receive security patches and compatibility updates for a longer period.
• Repairability: The iPhone 8 has a repairability score of 6 out of 10, primarily due to the difficulty of replacing its glass back. However, components like the screen and battery are considered relatively easy to replace on the iPhone 8. Both models feature IP67 water and dust resistance, offering protection against splashes and submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components, affecting everything from app loading to multitasking capabilities.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPhone 7 Plus is powered by the A10 Fusion chip, while the iPhone 8 features the A11 Bionic chip. The A11 Bionic offers a notable performance increase, with its performance cores being 25% faster and efficiency cores 70% faster than those in the A10. This translates to smoother operation and quicker response times for demanding applications on the iPhone 8.
• Storage Options: Both devices were available with various storage capacities, typically starting from 64GB for the iPhone 8 and 32GB for the iPhone 7 Plus, with larger options available for both.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 7 Plus has a 2900 mAh battery, while the iPhone 8 has an 1821 mAh battery. Despite the smaller capacity, the iPhone 8's more efficient processor can lead to comparable or slightly improved real-world battery performance for some users, though heavy users of the iPhone 7 Plus often report it lasting through a full day.

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both models offer a clear viewing experience with some key distinctions.

• Display Technology: Both the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 feature Retina HD IPS LCD displays. These displays provide good color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
• Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 7 Plus has a larger 5.5-inch display with a 1920x1080 pixel resolution, resulting in a pixel density of 401 pixels per inch (ppi). The iPhone 8 has a smaller 4.7-inch display with a 1334x750 pixel resolution, offering 326 ppi. The higher pixel density on the 7 Plus provides a slightly sharper image, particularly noticeable when viewing fine text or detailed images.
• Brightness and Features: Both displays offer a maximum brightness of 625 nits and support wide color (P3) for vibrant visuals. A notable addition to the iPhone 8 is True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the screen's white balance to match the ambient light, providing a more comfortable viewing experience.

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and these models offer different photographic strengths.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone 7 Plus features a dual 12-megapixel rear camera system, including a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens. This setup enables 2x optical zoom and the popular Portrait Mode, which creates a depth-of-field effect. The iPhone 8 has a single 12-megapixel wide-angle rear camera. While the iPhone 8's single camera benefits from an improved sensor and image signal processor compared to the standard iPhone 7, it lacks the optical zoom and Portrait Mode found on the 7 Plus.
• Photography Performance: In good lighting, both phones produce detailed images with accurate colors. The iPhone 7 Plus's telephoto lens can struggle in low-light conditions, while its wide-angle lens performs well. The iPhone 8 shows improvements in low-light performance over its direct predecessor, the iPhone 7.
• Video Recording: The iPhone 8 offers enhanced video capabilities, including 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second and 1080p slow-motion video at 240 frames per second. The iPhone 7 Plus records 4K video at 30 frames per second and 1080p slow-motion at 120 frames per second.