The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus share the same Apple A10 Fusion processor, the same operating system (capped at iOS 15), and a nearly identical design. What sets them apart lies in three hardware components: screen size, camera module, and amount of RAM. These differences, minor on paper in 2016, weigh differently on the user experience when considering a refurbished purchase several years after their release.
RAM and multitasking: the gigabyte that changes daily use
The iPhone 7 comes with 2 GB of RAM, compared to 3 GB for the 7 Plus. At the time of launch, the difference went unnoticed. Under iOS 15, the latest system supported by both models, this additional gigabyte significantly alters the comfort of use.
On the standard model, opening a browser with multiple tabs and then switching to a messaging app often leads to background pages reloading. The 7 Plus retains more apps in memory, which reduces these interruptions.
To delve deeper into the differences between iPhone 7 and 7 Plus in terms of hardware, RAM remains the most underestimated criterion, even though it directly impacts the perceived smoothness in daily use.
This point deserves some nuance: neither device will run demanding recent applications with ease. The question is more about whether the device remains usable for web browsing, social media, and messaging. The 7 Plus performs this role better thanks to its 3 GB of RAM.
Dual camera of the iPhone 7 Plus: optical zoom and portrait mode
The camera module is the most visible difference between the two models. The iPhone 7 has a single 12-megapixel rear sensor. The 7 Plus features a dual 12-megapixel sensor: a wide-angle and a telephoto lens.
This configuration provides access to two functions absent from the standard model:
- An optical zoom 2x that allows you to get closer to the subject without losing quality, while the iPhone 7 relies solely on digital zoom (which degrades the image).
- The Portrait mode, which simulates a background blur by utilizing depth data captured by both lenses. The rendering remains decent for portraits in good lighting.
- A DxOMark Mobile score of 88 for the 7 Plus, compared to 85 for the 7, indicating a measurable but not spectacular advantage in varied conditions.
In low light, both devices show their limitations compared to later generations. The dual sensor of the 7 Plus does not compensate for the lack of Night mode, introduced much later in the Apple lineup.
Screen size and battery life: a physical compromise
The iPhone 7 features a 4.7-inch screen with a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels, resulting in a density of 326 ppi. The 7 Plus increases to 5.5 inches at 1080 x 1920 pixels, with a density of 401 ppi. Both displays use the same IPS LCD technology with extended P3 gamut.
The difference in pixel density clearly favors the 7 Plus for reading text and watching videos. On the standard model, fine characters may appear slightly less defined, especially when accustomed to more recent screens.
The larger format of the 7 Plus accommodates a larger capacity battery. In real-world usage, several tests converge on nearly double the battery life in favor of the 7 Plus. This superior endurance is explained by the physical volume available in the chassis, not by different software optimization.
Weight and bulk
The 7 Plus weighs 188 grams compared to 138 grams for the 7. The 50-gram difference is noticeable in your pocket and in hand. The width increases from 67.1 mm to 77.9 mm, making one-handed use difficult for most users on the Plus model.
Refurbished prices in 2026: a reduced gap
At launch, the 7 Plus was significantly more expensive than the 7. In the refurbished market, this gap has considerably narrowed. According to data compiled from platforms like Swappa, Back Market, and Alibaba, a 32 GB unlocked iPhone 7 in good condition sells for between 40 and 60 dollars, while the equivalent 7 Plus ranges from 59 to 97 dollars.
The average price difference no longer justifies foregoing the Plus model for budgetary reasons. The real question concerns the physical format: accept a larger and heavier phone, or prioritize compactness.
Removal of the headphone jack: a common point not to forget
Both models marked the removal of the 3.5 mm headphone jack at Apple. A Lightning to headphone adapter was included in the original box, but it is often missing from refurbished packages. Checking for its presence or planning for Bluetooth headphones is part of the precautions to take before purchase.
Which iPhone to choose based on intended use
The choice between these two models boils down to three concrete trade-offs:
- For photography with a minimum of versatility (zoom, portraits), the 7 Plus stands out thanks to its dual sensor.
- For usage focused on messaging and web browsing with a compact format, the standard 7 remains functional, but its 2 GB of RAM limits multitasking.
- For battery life, the 7 Plus offers significantly superior endurance, which is even more important as refurbished batteries have lost some of their original capacity.
Both devices share the same software limitation: iOS 15 is the last supported version, meaning no future security updates and gradual incompatibility with certain applications. This ceiling affects both models equally and is the most determining factor for the longevity of the device.