by When Apple launched the iPhone 7 Plus in September 2016, it marked a significant turning point in smartphone design and performance. Even though newer models have since taken center stage, the iPhone 7 Plus continues to be a reliable and efficient choice for many users worldwide. With its sturdy build, dual-camera innovation, and smooth software experience, the iPhone 7 Plus remains relevant in 2025 — especially for those seeking a dependable device at an affordable price.
Sleek Design That Stands the Test of Time
At first glance, the iPhone 7 Plus still holds up impressively in terms of aesthetics. Its 5.5-inch Retina HD display is housed in a sleek aluminum unibody with rounded edges, giving it a premium feel. It was also Apple’s first water and dust-resistant iPhone (IP67 rating), providing users with added durability. The device comes in several elegant finishes, including Jet Black, Matte Black, Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold — options that helped it appeal to a wide range of tastes.
While newer phones now sport edge-to-edge displays, the iPhone 7 Plus’ home button and bezels evoke a sense of nostalgia. The home button, integrated with a fingerprint scanner (Touch ID), is still one of the most reliable biometric security features Apple has ever implemented.
Dual Camera Setup: A Game-Changer
One of the standout features of the iPhone 7 Plus was its dual-camera system — a first for Apple. It introduced a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP telephoto lens, allowing for 2x optical zoom and up to 10x digital zoom. More importantly, it brought in Portrait Mode, which used depth-of-field effects to create DSLR-like background blur. This was a revolutionary feature at the time, and it elevated mobile photography standards across the industry.
Even in 2025, the camera system on the iPhone 7 Plus performs surprisingly well for everyday photography, especially in good lighting conditions. Its image processing, aided by Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, delivers crisp and vibrant photos that many mid-range smartphones today struggle to match.
A10 Fusion Chip: Power That Lasts
The A10 Fusion chip was a major leap in processing power when it debuted. Featuring a quad-core CPU with two high-performance cores and two high-efficiency cores, the iPhone 7 Plus was built for speed and multitasking. Even now, this chipset provides a fluid experience for basic tasks, casual gaming, and media consumption.
While the A10 may not support the most demanding apps or games released in the last year or two, it still handles iOS updates with ease (up to iOS 15 officially, with limited community support for later updates). For users who rely on their smartphones for web browsing, messaging, streaming, and social media, the iPhone 7 Plus remains more than capable.
Battery Life and Audio
The iPhone 7 Plus also made a shift in Apple’s hardware philosophy by eliminating the 3.5mm headphone jack — a controversial move at the time. It pushed users toward wireless audio and the Lightning connector for headphones. However, Apple balanced this decision by introducing stereo speakers, offering significantly improved sound quality and loudness over its predecessors.
Battery life on the iPhone 7 Plus has also been commendable. With a 2,900mAh battery and efficient power management from the A10 Fusion chip, users could easily get through a full day on moderate usage. Today, battery health may vary depending on the age and usage of the device, but replacements are widely available and affordable, extending the device’s lifespan further.
iOS Ecosystem and Software Support
While Apple has officially stopped major updates for the iPhone 7 Plus, the device still benefits from security patches and runs on a stable version of iOS that keeps it safe and functional. iOS 15 provides a smooth and consistent experience, and all essential apps — from WhatsApp to YouTube and Spotify — run without issue.
Apple’s ecosystem also plays a big role in the iPhone 7 Plus’ ongoing relevance. Features like iCloud integration, Handoff, AirDrop, and seamless pairing with other Apple devices make it a solid choice for users embedded in the Apple environment.
Affordable Entry into the Apple World
As of 2025, the iPhone 7 Plus represents a budget-friendly gateway into the Apple world. Refurbished or second-hand units are widely available at a fraction of the cost of newer iPhones, making it a great option for students, older users, or those who simply don’t need the latest hardware.
Its performance, camera, and build quality still hold value for anyone who needs a reliable daily driver without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 7 Plus may no longer be the flagship it once was, but it remains a testament to Apple’s design philosophy and commitment to long-term usability. For those looking for a balance of performance, camera quality, and build durability at an affordable price, the iPhone 7 Plus is still a compelling choice in 2025.
Whether you’re buying it as a backup phone, handing it down to a family member, or using it as your main device, the iPhone 7 Plus proves that good technology doesn’t always have to be brand new to be worth having.
