IPhone 7 Plus Vs. IPhone 8 Plus: A Head-to-Head Showdown
Hey tech enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into a classic battle of the titans: the iPhone 7 Plus versus the iPhone 8 Plus. These phones, released just a year apart, still hold their own in today's market. Picking between the two can be a bit tricky, so we're going to break down everything from the design and display to the performance, camera capabilities, and overall value. By the end of this, you'll have a clear winner (for you, that is!). Ready to find out which iPhone reigns supreme? Let's get started!
Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Plus-Sized iPhones
First impressions matter, right? Let's kick things off by comparing the design and build quality of the iPhone 7 Plus and the iPhone 8 Plus. Both phones share a similar overall aesthetic, but there are some key differences that might sway your decision. The iPhone 7 Plus sports an aluminum unibody design. It's sleek, feels solid in hand, and is available in a variety of colors, including the iconic Jet Black (which, let's be honest, was a fingerprint magnet!). The iPhone 8 Plus, on the other hand, made a significant shift, introducing a glass back. This wasn't just for looks; it enabled wireless charging, a feature that was missing in the 7 Plus. The glass back gives the 8 Plus a more premium feel, and it's also available in colors like Space Gray, Silver, and Gold. The iPhone 8 Plus has a more modern look, and it's also compatible with the latest wireless charging technology. It features a glass back and a metal frame, giving it a more premium feel than its predecessor. Additionally, it has a more advanced display technology known as True Tone, which adjusts the screen's color temperature based on the ambient light.
Both devices are quite large, as they are part of the Plus series, but they offer a great grip when using them. The build quality in both is solid, but the iPhone 8 Plus does come off feeling more premium, thanks to the glass back. Both phones are water-resistant, but it's always smart to avoid unnecessary splashes. The iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 Plus were both built to be durable, and you should always take care of them and consider using a case to further protect the device from damage. The build of both phones is solid and reliable for daily use, but the iPhone 8 Plus does have a bit of an edge thanks to the glass back and wireless charging compatibility. For most, the design differences won't be a deal-breaker, but if you value wireless charging and a more modern aesthetic, the iPhone 8 Plus is the clear winner in this category. For those prioritizing a classic design or the feel of the aluminum unibody, the iPhone 7 Plus is still a great pick. Both devices are still usable, but depending on your personal preference you may prefer the iPhone 8 Plus over the 7 Plus.
Durability and Water Resistance
Both the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 Plus come with some level of water resistance, which is a great feature for everyday use. While neither phone is fully waterproof, they can withstand splashes and brief immersion in water. The iPhone 7 Plus has an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 8 Plus also has an IP67 rating, so the water resistance is similar between the two models. However, it's always a good idea to be cautious around water with any electronic device. Avoid prolonged exposure to water, and if your phone does get wet, make sure to dry it off as soon as possible. Also, consider investing in a waterproof case for extra protection if you often find yourself near water. Although both phones have some water resistance, it is always a good idea to consider these devices as vulnerable to water.
Display: Visual Showdown
Let's move on to the display – after all, you're going to be staring at it all day! The iPhone 7 Plus features a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It's a sharp and vibrant display that looks great for everyday tasks, from browsing the web to watching videos. The iPhone 8 Plus also has a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with the same resolution, but it introduces a few upgrades. The 8 Plus includes True Tone technology, which adjusts the display's color temperature to match the ambient light in your environment. This makes the screen look more natural and easier on the eyes, especially in different lighting conditions. This makes for a more comfortable viewing experience overall. In real-world use, both displays are excellent. They offer good brightness, accurate colors, and wide viewing angles. However, the True Tone feature on the iPhone 8 Plus gives it a slight edge in terms of viewing comfort. While the resolution and size are the same, the True Tone makes the 8 Plus a more pleasant display to use for extended periods. The displays on both are great for daily use, but the addition of True Tone gives the iPhone 8 Plus a small edge, making it the better choice for the display category. Overall, both phones provide excellent visual experiences, but the iPhone 8 Plus wins thanks to its more advanced technology. However, you can't go wrong with either one since the difference is minimal.
True Tone Technology
One of the key differences in the display is the inclusion of True Tone technology in the iPhone 8 Plus. This technology dynamically adjusts the white balance of the display to match the ambient light in your environment. This means that the screen will appear warmer or cooler depending on the lighting conditions around you, which can reduce eye strain and make the display more comfortable to view. The iPhone 7 Plus lacks this feature, so its display will have a consistent white balance regardless of the lighting. True Tone can make a significant difference in your viewing experience, especially if you spend a lot of time looking at your phone in different lighting conditions. This makes the iPhone 8 Plus a more comfortable option for extended use. Both phones offer excellent displays, but this is a nice quality-of-life upgrade. This upgrade provides a more pleasant viewing experience and allows you to enjoy the display longer, which makes the iPhone 8 Plus more valuable. True Tone is an amazing feature for those who want a better display experience, which is why this feature makes the iPhone 8 Plus better.
Performance: Speed and Power
Alright, let's talk about what's under the hood! Performance is a crucial factor, and the iPhone 8 Plus definitely has an edge here. The iPhone 7 Plus is powered by the A10 Fusion chip, which was a powerhouse in its day. It's still a capable processor, handling everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking without much trouble. The iPhone 8 Plus, on the other hand, features the A11 Bionic chip. This chip offers a significant performance boost over the A10 Fusion, with faster CPU and GPU performance. You'll notice smoother animations, quicker app loading times, and improved performance in graphically intensive games. The A11 Bionic chip also has a dedicated neural engine, which powers machine learning tasks, making features like facial recognition and augmented reality applications even better. The real-world difference? The iPhone 8 Plus feels snappier and more responsive. It can handle more demanding tasks with ease, and it's likely to remain relevant for a longer period due to its superior processing power.
The iPhone 7 Plus is still a functional phone, and it can do everything a normal user would need. The A10 Fusion chip can handle most apps and games, and it still performs well. However, if you are looking for the best performance, the iPhone 8 Plus will be the better choice because of its A11 Bionic chip. If you're a heavy user who demands top-tier performance, the iPhone 8 Plus is the clear winner here. If you're looking for a cheaper option, the iPhone 7 Plus will be good, but you may notice some lag when using your device. Overall, in terms of performance, the iPhone 8 Plus is better, and for the performance category, the iPhone 8 Plus will be the better choice.
The A11 Bionic Chip
The A11 Bionic chip is a major upgrade over the A10 Fusion, offering several performance improvements. It has a faster CPU, which makes the phone feel more responsive and snappy. It also has a more powerful GPU, which improves gaming performance and allows for smoother graphics. The A11 Bionic chip also has a neural engine, which is a dedicated processor for machine learning tasks. This means that features like Face ID and augmented reality applications run faster and more efficiently on the iPhone 8 Plus. The iPhone 8 Plus can handle more tasks and it will run more smoothly. The iPhone 8 Plus uses the A11 bionic chip which enhances the performance for the user. Overall, the A11 Bionic is better and a great improvement for a phone, and is why it's a great option.
Camera Capabilities: Capture the Moment
Camera is a big deal for many of us, so let's see how these iPhones stack up. Both the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 Plus have dual-camera systems, but there are some notable differences. The iPhone 7 Plus features a dual 12MP camera setup. It offers impressive image quality for its time, with great detail and color accuracy in good lighting conditions. It also has a portrait mode, allowing you to take photos with a blurred background (bokeh effect). The iPhone 8 Plus also has a dual 12MP camera setup, but with improved sensors and a more advanced image signal processor (ISP). This results in better low-light performance, improved dynamic range, and more accurate colors. The iPhone 8 Plus also has an improved portrait mode, with better edge detection and more natural-looking bokeh. The video recording capabilities are also improved on the iPhone 8 Plus, with support for 4K video at up to 60fps.
In real-world use, the iPhone 8 Plus takes slightly better photos than the iPhone 7 Plus, especially in low light. If you are an avid photographer or you just want to take the best photos, you may prefer the iPhone 8 Plus. The camera on the iPhone 8 Plus is better than the iPhone 7 Plus. The iPhone 8 Plus also offers more accurate colors, and its portrait mode is also better. Both phones are capable of capturing great photos and videos, but the iPhone 8 Plus has a slight edge due to its improved sensors and processing capabilities. Both models offer dual-camera systems, which provide an excellent way to capture the moment. This is a very close category, but the iPhone 8 Plus edges out the 7 Plus thanks to improvements in the camera sensors and video recording quality.
Portrait Mode and Low-Light Performance
Both phones offer a Portrait Mode, which creates a blurred background effect that makes your subject stand out. The iPhone 8 Plus has improved portrait mode, with better edge detection and more natural-looking results. The iPhone 8 Plus also has better low-light performance, thanks to its improved sensors and image signal processor (ISP). This means that photos taken in low-light conditions will be brighter, clearer, and have less noise. Overall, if you are a fan of photography, you may prefer the iPhone 8 Plus, as the images that it produces are better than those that the iPhone 7 Plus produces. However, both phones can capture some great images that are still reliable for daily usage. The improved low-light performance is a welcome addition and makes the 8 Plus the better choice for photography enthusiasts.
Battery Life: Keeping You Powered Up
Battery life is a critical factor, and both phones offer decent endurance. The iPhone 7 Plus has a 2900 mAh battery, while the iPhone 8 Plus has a 2691 mAh battery. In practice, the battery life is quite similar between the two. You can expect all-day battery life with moderate usage on both phones. However, the iPhone 8 Plus might be more efficient because of the A11 Bionic chip. Your mileage will vary depending on your usage patterns. Things such as screen brightness, app usage, and gaming can affect battery life. If you're a heavy user, it's always a good idea to have a charger handy, especially if you plan on using your phone for a long time. Both phones offer respectable battery life, which is enough to get you through the day. The iPhone 8 Plus, due to its efficiency improvements, may offer a slight edge. However, the difference is negligible. In this category, there is not a big difference and both are the same, although the iPhone 8 Plus may offer better efficiency.
Wireless Charging and Battery Health
One of the key advantages of the iPhone 8 Plus is the addition of wireless charging, which is not available on the iPhone 7 Plus. This feature allows you to charge your phone by simply placing it on a compatible charging pad. Wireless charging is a convenient feature that eliminates the need to plug in a cable, and it also extends the life of the charging port. Another factor to consider is battery health. Over time, the battery in your phone will degrade, and its capacity will decrease. If you're buying a used iPhone, it's a good idea to check the battery health. Both phones are old now, so battery degradation is a possibility. The iPhone 8 Plus is capable of charging wirelessly which improves the overall usage of the phone.
Value and Availability: Which Phone Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck?
So, which phone offers the best value? This is where things get interesting. Given that the iPhone 7 Plus is older, it's generally available at a lower price than the iPhone 8 Plus. However, the prices vary depending on the condition and the seller. The iPhone 8 Plus, with its better performance and updated features, might be worth the extra cost for some. Before purchasing either phone, you may want to compare the prices and the condition. However, you should compare prices before making a decision. Keep in mind that both phones are older, so finding them in pristine condition might be a challenge. Consider your needs, budget, and desired features to make the best choice. At the end of the day, the best value depends on your personal priorities and your budget. The iPhone 7 Plus is going to be the more affordable option, but the iPhone 8 Plus offers better features. Check your budget and personal requirements and compare the options, but both are a good choice!
Price and Condition
When evaluating the value, it is important to consider the price and the condition. The iPhone 7 Plus is often available at a lower price than the iPhone 8 Plus because it is an older model. However, the prices can vary widely depending on the seller, the condition of the phone, and the included accessories. Always make sure to compare the prices from different sellers before making a purchase. Pay attention to the condition of the phone. Is it in good condition? Does it have any scratches or dents? The condition of the phone will affect its value and its performance. Make sure to choose a seller that you can trust. Read reviews, and make sure that the seller offers a warranty or return policy. Overall, you will want to consider the price and condition to make sure you get the best value for your money. Both phones can be good options, but you will want to compare the prices and conditions.
The Verdict: Which iPhone Reigns Supreme?
Alright, guys, time to wrap things up! The iPhone 8 Plus takes the crown. The iPhone 8 Plus has significant advantages thanks to its better performance, camera capabilities, and wireless charging. The iPhone 7 Plus remains a solid choice, especially if budget is your top priority. If you value a more modern design, wireless charging, and better performance, the iPhone 8 Plus is the clear winner. However, if you're on a tight budget or you are just looking for a good smartphone, the iPhone 7 Plus will be perfect. The choice is yours. Consider your personal preferences, your budget, and the features that matter most to you. Either phone can be a great option for the right person.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you prioritize. Do you want the best possible performance and features, or are you happy with a reliable phone that does the job? The iPhone 8 Plus is the better overall phone, but the iPhone 7 Plus still holds its own in terms of value. No matter your choice, you'll be getting a great phone with its own strengths and weaknesses. Choose the one that best suits your needs, and enjoy your new iPhone!