iPhone 7 • Unlocked vs iPhone 8 Plus • Unlocked

The iPhone 7, released in September 2016, and the iPhone 8 Plus, launched a year later in September 2017, represent two consecutive generations of Apple's smartphone lineup. While both devices share a similar design philosophy and operate on the iOS platform, the iPhone 8 Plus introduces several key enhancements, particularly in performance, camera capabilities, and charging technology, setting it apart from its predecessor.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and software support are important factors.

• Release and Support: The iPhone 7, released in September 2016, received major iOS updates up to iOS 15. It continues to receive security updates for iOS 15, with the latest available as of March 2026 being iOS 15.8.7. The iPhone 8 Plus, launched in September 2017, supports major iOS versions up to iOS 16 and is expected to receive security updates for iOS 16 until September 2025. This means the iPhone 8 Plus benefits from a slightly longer period of major software feature updates.
• Practical Lifespan: Users of the iPhone 7 may encounter limitations with newer applications that require iOS 16 or later, potentially impacting app compatibility over time. The iPhone 8 Plus, having supported iOS 16, will likely maintain broader app compatibility for a longer duration. Both models are rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, offering protection against splashes and submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
• Repairability: The iPhone 7 received a repairability score of 7 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating a reasonable ease of repair for components like the battery and display. While the iPhone 8 Plus shares some internal similarities, its glass back design, introduced for wireless charging, can make rear panel repairs more complex compared to the aluminum back of the iPhone 7.

Performance differences between the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 Plus are notable, particularly in processing power and multitasking capabilities.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 7 is equipped with a quad-core processor, providing smooth operation for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The iPhone 8 Plus features a newer, more advanced hexa-core processor, which offers improved speed and efficiency. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced performance in demanding applications and augmented reality experiences.
• Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 7 comes with 2GB of RAM, which is sufficient for typical smartphone usage. The iPhone 8 Plus includes 3GB of RAM, providing additional headroom for running multiple applications simultaneously and handling more intensive tasks without slowdowns. Both devices offer various internal storage options, allowing users to choose based on their content storage needs.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 7 has a 1,960 mAh battery, generally providing enough power for a full day of average use. The iPhone 8 Plus, with its larger 2,691 mAh battery, offers extended battery life, often lasting longer under similar usage patterns. The iPhone 8 Plus also introduces support for wireless charging and faster wired charging capabilities, though a compatible fast charger is typically sold separately.

Both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 Plus feature Retina HD LCD displays, but there are distinct differences in size, resolution, and display technology.

• Display Size and Resolution: The iPhone 7 has a 4.7-inch display with a resolution of 1334 by 750 pixels at 326 pixels per inch (ppi). The iPhone 8 Plus offers a larger 5.5-inch display with a higher resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels at 401 ppi, resulting in a sharper image, particularly noticeable on text and fine details.
• Color and Brightness: Both models feature wide color gamut (P3) support, delivering vibrant and accurate colors. They also offer a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions.
• True Tone Technology: A key differentiator for the iPhone 8 Plus is the inclusion of True Tone technology. This feature automatically adjusts the display's white balance to match the ambient light in the environment, providing a more natural and comfortable viewing experience, especially for reading.

The camera systems on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 Plus offer different capabilities, particularly for photography enthusiasts.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone 7 features a single 12-megapixel wide-angle camera with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS), capable of recording 4K video at 30 frames per second. The iPhone 8 Plus elevates this with a dual 12-megapixel camera system, including a wide-angle lens (f/1.8) and a telephoto lens (f/2.8). This dual-camera setup enables 2x optical zoom and up to 10x digital zoom.
• Photography Features: The iPhone 8 Plus introduces Portrait Mode, which creates a depth-of-field effect, blurring the background while keeping the subject in sharp focus. It also includes Portrait Lighting, offering various studio-quality lighting effects. These features are not available on the iPhone 7. Both models have a Quad-LED True Tone flash for improved low-light photography.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: The iPhone 8 Plus offers enhanced video recording capabilities, supporting 4K video at 24, 30, or 60 frames per second, and slow-motion video at 1080p up to 240 frames per second. The iPhone 7 records 4K video at 30 frames per second and slow-motion at 1080p up to 120 frames per second. Both devices feature a 7-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.