Still Worth Buying? A Deep Dive into the iPhone 7/8 in 2024
Hey there! If you're reading this, you're probably looking for a reliable, budget-friendly smartphone that still holds up. You've landed on two absolute classics: the iPhone 7/8. These devices defined an era of modern smartphone design, and even years later, they remain a popular choice in the refurbished market.
But the big question remains: in a world dominated by Pro Max models and triple camera arrays, can the iPhone 7 or the iPhone 8 still handle your daily grind? We're going to break down everything you need to know, from performance to software support, helping you decide if grabbing an iPhone 7/8 is a smart move right now.
Let's find out exactly what these iconic phones offer and where they might fall short in today's demanding digital landscape.
The Legacy: What Makes the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 Stand Out?
The iPhone 7, released in 2016, and the iPhone 8, launched a year later, represent Apple's mastery of the compact form factor. They are the last generation of iPhones featuring the traditional physical (or pressure-sensitive) home button with integrated Touch ID, a feature many users still prefer for quick security.
While their designs look similar on the surface, the iPhone 8 introduced significant changes under the hood and a crucial shift in exterior material. This difference is key when considering which model of the iPhone 7/8 lineage is right for you.
Key Specs Showdown: iPhone 7 vs iPhone 8
The transition from the 7 to the 8 was less about radical design changes and more about incremental but powerful internal upgrades. The biggest improvements involved the processor and charging capabilities.
The iPhone 7 runs on the A10 Fusion chip, a solid performer in its day, but the iPhone 8 utilizes the A11 Bionic chip. The A11 chip offers significantly better performance, especially when dealing with augmented reality (AR) or more graphics-intensive tasks.
Here's a quick look at the core differences between the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 8:
- Chipset: iPhone 7 (A10 Fusion) vs. iPhone 8 (A11 Bionic).
- Build Material: iPhone 7 (Aluminum) vs. iPhone 8 (Glass back and aluminum frame).
- Wireless Charging: iPhone 7 (No) vs. iPhone 8 (Yes, due to the glass back).
- Display Technology: Both use Retina HD, but the iPhone 8 adds True Tone technology for better color temperature adjustment.
- Longevity: The A11 Bionic gives the iPhone 8 a slight edge in future iOS compatibility.
Timeless Design and Portability
If you miss the days of one-handed phone use, the compact size of the iPhone 7/8 is a huge draw. With a 4.7-inch screen, these phones are incredibly easy to slip into any pocket. They maintain a simple, elegant aesthetic that avoids the bulkiness of many modern flagships.
A note on the design: the iPhone 8's glass back is sleek and necessary for wireless charging, but it makes the device more fragile than the aluminum-backed iPhone 7. If durability is your main concern, the iPhone 7 might require fewer repairs, unless you absolutely need wireless charging.
Performance and Everyday Use: Is It Still Fast Enough?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Can an older chip handle today's apps? For most basic tasks—social media, messaging, navigation, streaming videos—absolutely. The optimization of iOS, even on older hardware, ensures a surprisingly smooth experience.
However, if you are a heavy mobile gamer or routinely use professional editing apps, you will notice limitations, especially on the iPhone 7. The A11 chip in the iPhone 8 offers a much more comfortable baseline for moderate multitasking and casual gaming.
Camera Capabilities: Are They Still Snapping Good Photos?
Both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 feature a single 12MP wide camera. While they lack the Ultra Wide or Telephoto lenses found in newer models, the core image quality is excellent, particularly in good lighting conditions.
The iPhone 8 has a slight advantage thanks to its A11 chip, which enables better image signal processing (ISP). This means the iPhone 8 can handle HDR and noise reduction more effectively, resulting in marginally sharper and more colorful images than the iPhone 7.
If photography is important, remember this major caveat: neither the standard iPhone 7 nor the standard iPhone 8 offers Portrait Mode. That feature was exclusive to the larger Plus models in this generation.
Battery Life Expectations
Let's be honest: battery life was never the strong suit of the compact iPhone models. When buying a refurbished iPhone 7/8, the battery health is the single most important factor determining your daily experience.
If you purchase a used model, ensure the battery health percentage is 85% or higher. Otherwise, budget for a battery replacement immediately. With a fresh battery, you can generally expect a full day of light to moderate use, but heavy users will likely need a mid-day top-up.
The iPhone 8 benefits from fast charging (reaching 50% in about 30 minutes with a compatible charger), a feature missing on the iPhone 7. This is a huge convenience factor for daily commuting.
Software Support and Longevity
The longevity of an iPhone is determined by Apple's software support policy. This is the biggest differentiator right now, specifically between the 7 and the 8.
The iPhone 7 officially stopped receiving major iOS upgrades with iOS 16. While it still gets critical security updates, it misses out on the latest features, meaning its shelf life for modern app compatibility is rapidly decreasing.
The iPhone 8, thanks to its A11 chip, survived longer. It received the iOS 16 update, but is generally expected to be cut off from major iOS updates sooner rather than later. For instance, the iPhone 8 did not support iOS 17.
Choosing the iPhone 8 over the 7 gives you a slightly longer runway for future security and compatibility.
Here's a simple assessment for buying the older generation iPhone 7/8:
- Pros (for both): Affordable price point, excellent build quality, reliable performance for basic tasks, compact size.
- Cons (for both): Limited battery life (especially on used models), lack of modern features like Night Mode, significant bezel size.
- Key Advantage (iPhone 8): Wireless charging, faster processor (A11), and slightly longer software support timeline.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict on the iPhone 7/8
So, should you buy the iPhone 7/8 today? It truly depends on your needs.
If you need a secondary phone, a first smartphone for a child, or simply require the absolute cheapest iPhone available that still runs smoothly for messaging and calls, the iPhone 7 is acceptable. Just be aware that its software support is essentially over, making it riskier for long-term use.
If you can stretch your budget slightly, the iPhone 8 offers a much better value proposition. The A11 Bionic chip, True Tone display, wireless charging, and better camera processing make it a far superior choice for an everyday device that feels faster and will maintain app compatibility for a little longer. It strikes the perfect balance between classic design and necessary modern conveniences.
Ultimately, both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 prove that classic Apple design and optimized operating systems can defy Father Time, provided you understand their limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the iPhone 7/8
- Is the iPhone 7 still getting security updates?
- Yes, Apple typically provides critical security patches for devices even after they stop receiving major iOS version upgrades. However, the iPhone 7 will not receive new feature updates.
- What is the main difference in durability between the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8?
- The iPhone 7 has an aluminum back, making it quite durable against drops. The iPhone 8 features a glass back to allow for wireless charging, which makes it more susceptible to cracking if dropped.
- Can I use AirPods with the iPhone 7/8?
- Absolutely! Both models feature Bluetooth connectivity and work seamlessly with AirPods, AirPods Pro, and other Bluetooth headphones. Just remember, neither phone has a traditional headphone jack.
- Is the iPhone 8 camera much better than the iPhone 7?
- Hardware-wise, they are similar (12MP single lens). However, the iPhone 8's A11 chip allows for much better image processing, leading to improved sharpness, color accuracy, and low-light performance compared to the iPhone 7.
- Where is the best place to buy a refurbished iPhone 7 or iPhone 8?
- It is highly recommended to buy from reputable refurbished retailers or certified pre-owned programs. Always prioritize models that include a warranty and guarantee minimum battery health (ideally 85% or higher).
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