The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus were among Apple’s most popular smartphones when they launched in 2016. Even though both phones are now several years old, they still appear regularly in Nigeria’s used-phone market.
That makes the question of iPhone 7 vs iPhone 7 Plus surprisingly relevant for buyers looking for an affordable used iPhone.
At first glance, the two phones look very similar. Both use Apple’s A10 Fusion processor, both have Touch ID, both support 32GB, 128GB and 256GB storage options, and both have an IP67 rating for splash, water and dust resistance. However, the Plus model brings several important upgrades, particularly its larger display, bigger battery and dual-camera system.
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In this comparison, I will break down the major differences between the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus and explain which one makes more sense depending on your needs and budget.
iPhone 7 vs iPhone 7 Plus: Quick Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 7 | iPhone 7 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 4.7-inch LCD | 5.5-inch LCD |
| Resolution | 1334 × 750 | 1920 × 1080 |
| Processor | Apple A10 Fusion | Apple A10 Fusion |
| RAM | 2GB | 3GB |
| Rear camera | 12MP single camera | Dual 12MP cameras |
| Optical zoom | No | 2× |
| Storage | 32GB, 128GB, 256GB | 32GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Water resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Weight | 138g | 188g |
Apple’s official specifications confirm the different screen sizes and resolutions, while both models use the A10 Fusion chip.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones follow Apple’s familiar aluminium design language from that generation. The iPhone 7 is noticeably smaller and lighter, making it easier to use with one hand.
The iPhone 7 measures 138.3mm tall and weighs 138 grams. The iPhone 7 Plus is considerably larger at 158.2mm tall and weighs 188 grams.
If you prefer compact phones that fit comfortably into your hand and pocket, the regular iPhone 7 has an advantage.
The Plus model, however, feels more substantial and gives you a larger screen for watching videos, browsing websites, reading documents and using social media.
Both phones also introduced IP67 water and dust resistance. However, buyers purchasing these phones second-hand should not assume that an older device still has the same level of water resistance it had when new.
Display: iPhone 7 vs iPhone 7 Plus
This is one of the biggest differences between the two phones.
The iPhone 7 has a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD with a resolution of 1334 × 750 pixels and 326 pixels per inch.
The iPhone 7 Plus has a much larger 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD with a 1920 × 1080 resolution and 401 pixels per inch.
Both displays support Apple’s wide colour display technology and have a typical maximum brightness of 625 cd/m².
In everyday use, the Plus model provides more screen space. That can make browsing, watching videos and editing photos more comfortable.
The regular iPhone 7 is better if you value portability. Its smaller screen also makes one-handed operation easier.
If screen size matters more to you, however, the iPhone 7 Plus is clearly the better option.
Performance
Both phones use Apple’s A10 Fusion chip. When these phones launched, the processor delivered a major performance improvement compared with the previous generation.
Apple described the A10 Fusion as a four-core processor combining high-performance and high-efficiency cores.
The iPhone 7 has 2GB of RAM, while the iPhone 7 Plus has 3GB.
That additional RAM gives the Plus model an advantage when switching between applications and handling workloads that require more memory.
However, buyers should remember that processor performance is only one part of the experience when purchasing an older phone. Battery condition, storage health, software compatibility and physical condition can have a major effect on how a used iPhone feels today.
If you are comparing older phones, you may also find our guide on 7 signs your phone needs replacement useful.
Camera Comparison
The camera is where the iPhone 7 Plus separates itself most clearly from the regular iPhone 7.
The iPhone 7 has a single 12MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization. It can record 4K video at 30 frames per second and 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second.
The iPhone 7 Plus also has a 12MP main camera, but Apple added a second telephoto camera.
The dual-camera system provides 2× optical zoom and enabled features such as Portrait mode. Apple lists digital zoom of up to 10× on the iPhone 7 Plus.
This makes the Plus model more interesting for people who enjoy photography.
The regular iPhone 7 can still take good photographs for basic social media, messaging and everyday use, but the additional telephoto camera gives the Plus model considerably more flexibility.
Video Recording
Both phones can record 4K video at 30fps and Full HD video at 30fps or 60fps.
They also support slow-motion recording, including 1080p at 120fps and 720p at 240fps.
For someone creating basic videos, either model can still be useful. However, the Plus model’s larger display can make reviewing footage more comfortable.
If you are interested in creating content with a smartphone, you may also want to read our beginner’s guide to video editing.
Battery Life
The iPhone 7 Plus has a larger battery than the regular iPhone 7, and that larger battery was one of its practical advantages.
Apple rated the iPhone 7 for up to 14 hours of 3G talk time, while its specifications list up to 14 hours of internet use over Wi-Fi.
However, battery life on a used iPhone cannot be judged from the original specifications alone.
After years of use, the battery may have significantly less capacity than when the phone was new.
Therefore, if you are buying either model second-hand, check the battery health before paying. A phone with a worn battery may require a replacement even if everything else works correctly.
Storage Options
Both models were available with three storage capacities: 32GB, 128GB and 256GB.
I would generally avoid choosing 32GB if you intend to keep a lot of photos, videos, applications and music on the phone.
The 128GB version provides considerably more breathing room and can make more sense for a used phone that you intend to keep for some time.
Storage becomes particularly important if you use your phone for photography and video because media files can consume space quickly.
You can also read our guide on why phone storage keeps filling up for practical ways to manage storage.
Audio and Headphones
The iPhone 7 generation was notable because Apple removed the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
Both phones use the Lightning connector and support Apple’s Lightning EarPods.
This means anyone purchasing one today should remember that conventional wired headphones may require an appropriate adapter.
Software and App Compatibility
Software support is one of the biggest things to consider before buying either phone today.
These phones originally launched with iOS 10. Apple later provided several major software updates for the devices, but they are now much older than current iPhone models.
That means buyers should not purchase an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus expecting the same long-term software support as a newer iPhone.
If you are buying a used iPhone primarily for calls, messaging, browsing, social media and basic applications, it may still serve a useful purpose. But anyone who wants several more years of major iOS updates should consider a newer model.
Our guide to used versus brand-new phones in Nigeria can also help when deciding whether an older iPhone is worth the trade-off.
iPhone 7 vs iPhone 7 Plus: Which Is Better for Gaming?
Both phones use the A10 Fusion processor, so they share the same basic processing platform.
However, the Plus model’s larger screen can provide a more comfortable gaming experience.
The regular iPhone 7 has the advantage if you prefer a smaller and lighter device.
For casual gaming, either phone can be usable. For anyone buying specifically for modern mobile games, however, I would recommend considering a much newer iPhone or Android phone because these devices are now several generations old.
Which One Is Better for Photography?
The iPhone 7 Plus wins.
Its dual-camera setup gives it capabilities that the regular iPhone 7 does not have, including 2× optical zoom and Portrait mode.
If photography is an important reason for buying an older iPhone, the Plus model is the obvious choice between these two.
Which One Is Easier to Carry?
The iPhone 7 wins.
At 138 grams, it is significantly lighter than the 188-gram iPhone 7 Plus.
The 4.7-inch display also makes it easier to operate with one hand.
People who dislike large phones will probably find the regular iPhone 7 more comfortable.
Which One Should You Buy in Nigeria?
If your budget is limited and you simply want an affordable used iPhone for basic smartphone tasks, the iPhone 7 can be considered.
However, I would look carefully at the condition of the specific device rather than focusing only on the model name.
For example, check the battery health, display, cameras, Touch ID, charging port, speakers, microphone and network connectivity.
Also check whether the phone has been repaired previously and whether important components have been replaced.
If your budget allows it, stepping up to a newer iPhone can provide better long-term value because newer models generally offer better processors, cameras, battery technology and software support.
Our guide to phones for budget buyers in Nigeria may help you compare other options before making a decision.
iPhone 7 vs iPhone 7 Plus: Final Verdict
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus share many of the same fundamentals, but they target slightly different users.
The iPhone 7 is the better choice if you want a smaller, lighter phone that is easier to handle with one hand.
The iPhone 7 Plus is the better choice if you want a larger display, more RAM, a bigger battery and a more capable camera system.
For me, the Plus model is the more interesting phone because the larger screen and dual-camera system give it more advantages over the regular version.
However, the age of both devices matters. A cheap used iPhone is not necessarily a good deal if the battery is badly worn, the screen has been replaced with a poor-quality panel or the phone has other hardware problems.
Before buying, inspect the actual device carefully and compare its condition with newer alternatives available within the same budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 7 Plus better than the iPhone 7?
For most buyers who value screen size, battery capacity and photography, yes. The iPhone 7 Plus has a 5.5-inch 1080p display and dual 12MP rear cameras, while the iPhone 7 has a 4.7-inch 750p display and a single 12MP rear camera.
Do the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus use the same processor?
Yes. Both use Apple’s A10 Fusion chip.
Does the iPhone 7 Plus have a better camera?
Yes. The Plus model adds a second telephoto camera, 2× optical zoom and Portrait mode.
Which iPhone 7 model has the bigger screen?
The iPhone 7 Plus has a 5.5-inch display, compared with 4.7 inches on the iPhone 7.
Is the iPhone 7 waterproof?
Neither phone should be described as completely waterproof. Both originally carried an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.
What storage options were available?
Both models came in 32GB, 128GB and 256GB versions.
Sources: For the specifications in this comparison, see Apple’s official iPhone 7 technical specifications and iPhone 7 Plus technical specifications. Apple’s original announcement also provides background on the A10 Fusion processor and the launch-generation improvements.
