iPhone 7 Plus • Unlocked vs iPhone X • Unlocked

The iPhone 7 Plus, released in September 2016, and the iPhone X, launched in November 2017, represent distinct evolutionary steps in Apple's smartphone lineup. While both devices offer dual-camera systems and robust performance for their time, the iPhone X introduced a significant design overhaul with an edge-to-edge display and facial recognition, moving away from the traditional home button design of the iPhone 7 Plus. Both operate on Apple's iOS platform, providing a consistent software experience, though their hardware differences cater to varying user preferences.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and subsequent software support are key factors. The iPhone 7 Plus was released in September 2016, while the iPhone X followed in November 2017. This difference in launch date impacts their expected software support duration.

• Software Updates: The iPhone 7 Plus received major iOS updates up to iOS 15.8.3, while the iPhone X supports iOS 16.7.15 as of March 2026. This means the iPhone X benefits from a slightly longer period of access to newer features and security enhancements.
• Practical Lifespan: Users generally report that the iPhone X should remain usable until around 2026 or 2027, with app support continuing for a few years after major OS updates cease. The iPhone 7 Plus, having been released earlier, will likely see its practical lifespan conclude sooner, though security updates for older iOS versions can extend usability.
• Durability Features: Both models feature IP67 water and dust resistance, offering protection against splashes and brief immersion. The build materials differ, with the iPhone 7 Plus featuring an aluminum body and the iPhone X utilizing a glass and stainless steel construction, which can influence their resilience to drops and impacts.

The performance capabilities of the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone X reflect the advancements in mobile processing technology between their respective release years. Both devices were designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking efficiently.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 7 Plus is equipped with a capable processor that handles everyday tasks, app loading, and moderate gaming smoothly. The iPhone X, with its newer generation processor, offers enhanced speed and efficiency, resulting in quicker app launches and more fluid multitasking, particularly with graphically intensive applications.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 7 Plus includes 3GB of RAM, which supports a good level of multitasking. The iPhone X also features 3GB of RAM, but its more advanced processor contributes to an overall snappier and more responsive user experience, especially when switching between multiple open applications.
• Storage Options: Both models were available with various storage capacities, allowing users to choose based on their needs for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone 7 Plus started at 32GB, with options up to 256GB. The iPhone X offered 64GB and 256GB configurations.

The display is a primary point of divergence between the iPhone 7 Plus and the iPhone X, impacting the visual experience significantly.

• Display Technology: The iPhone 7 Plus features a 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD display, known for its accurate color reproduction and good viewing angles. The iPhone X introduced a 5.8-inch Super Retina HD OLED display, marking Apple's first use of OLED technology in an iPhone. OLED technology allows for true blacks and higher contrast ratios, contributing to a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience.
• Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 7 Plus has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels at 401 pixels per inch (ppi). The iPhone X offers a higher resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels at 458 ppi, providing a sharper image with finer detail.
• Brightness and Features: Both displays offer a maximum brightness of 625 cd/m2 (nits) for typical use, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The iPhone X's OLED display also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, enhancing the dynamic range of colors and contrast in compatible media. It also includes True Tone technology, which adjusts the display's white balance to match the ambient light.

Both the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone X feature dual-camera systems, but the iPhone X introduced notable enhancements, particularly in its telephoto lens and front-facing camera capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone 7 Plus has dual 12-megapixel wide-angle (f/1.8) and telephoto (f/2.8) lenses, with optical image stabilization (OIS) on the wide-angle lens. The iPhone X also features dual 12-megapixel wide-angle (f/1.8) and telephoto (f/2.4) lenses, but crucially, both lenses benefit from optical image stabilization. The iPhone X's telephoto lens also has a wider aperture, allowing for better low-light performance and improved depth-of-field effects.
• Photography Features: Both models offer Portrait Mode, which creates a depth-of-field effect to blur the background. The iPhone X further introduced Portrait Lighting, allowing users to apply studio-quality lighting effects to portraits. Video recording capabilities are similar, with both supporting 4K video at 30 fps, and slow-motion video. The iPhone X can record 4K video at up to 60 fps.
• Front Camera and Biometrics: The iPhone 7 Plus features a 7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera. The iPhone X upgraded to a 7-megapixel TrueDepth camera system, which enables advanced features like Portrait Mode for selfies, Animoji, and Face ID for secure facial recognition. This marked a significant shift from the Touch ID fingerprint sensor found on the iPhone 7 Plus.