Should You Buy the iPhone 7 ? – Specs and Reviews
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The iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR are fantastic phones, but for those who can’t stretch to the asking prices or want something a little more affordable, there’s also the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and — yep — the iPhone 7. While these three models aren’t as cutting-edge as Apple’s most recent releases, they offer users with more restrained budgets access to some of the best smartphone technology on the market. The iPhone 7 is the cheapest of Apple’s flagship handsets right now, available for around £300 SIM-free or around £20 per month on a contract. That makes it a great alternative to one of the newer models if you don’t have much cash to spare. So what exactly is this device like, and should you consider buying one? Let’s take a look.
What’s the same?
The iPhone 7 has much in common with Apple’s other recent flagship devices. It has a powerful 64-bit A10 Fusion chip and 2GB of RAM, letting it run all kinds of apps and processes smoothly. The same is true of its 12MP rear-facing camera and 7MP front-facing camera, which provide excellent quality photos and videos. The worst you’ll see is some slow-down when you have a lot of apps open at once, but this is true of most smartphones. You’ll also get a (somewhat) water-resistant design, a similar range of connectivity options, iOS 12, and the same capacity models as the newer iPhone XS and XS Max. This means you can store up to 256GB on the iPhone 7, which is excellent for those who like to have plenty of photos and other media on their device.
What’s different?
The fact that the iPhone 7 is a bit older means some differences exist. One of these is its size and design, which take a step back from what Apple has done with its latest flagship devices. Rather than the super-slim bodies of the iPhone XS and XS Max, you’ll get a much thicker device with smaller screen size. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. While the iPhone XS and XS Max are fantastic devices, the smaller size and thicker design of the iPhone 7 means it’s easier to hold and use with one hand. This is a plus for those with smaller hands or who prefer a larger phone. The iPhone 7’s design doesn’t have the edge-to-edge screen of the XS models either, but it does have a fingerprint scanner built into the home button. This feature is missing from Apple’s more expensive models, which means you can’t unlock your device with your thumb as easily as before. The iPhone 7 also has a smaller battery than the XS handsets, but this shouldn’t be a significant issue for most users.
Camera
The camera is another place where the iPhone 7 trails behind its more expensive siblings, but it may not be much different for most users. Apple’s more expensive devices have been criticized for having a “beauty” filter that makes skin look too smooth and flawless. While the iPhone 7 doesn’t have this problem, its camera does have one limitation. It doesn’t support the new “Smart HDR” feature found on the XS handsets or the iPhone XR, which means it may struggle to handle certain types of lighting. This is something you should keep in mind if you take a lot of photos. The iPhone 7 also has a more miniature front-facing camera than the XS models, but again, you probably won’t notice much difference in quality. The most significant contrast here is that the seven doesn’t include a TrueDepth camera like the XS models, which means you can’t use advanced features like Animoji. You can still take great selfies, though, and the 7’s camera has the same features as the XS models, including a portrait mode.
Software & User Interface
The most significant difference between the iPhone 7 and Apple’s newer iPhones is the software they run. The iPhone 7 comes with iOS 11, an older version of Apple’s operating system. The good news is that it’s easier to find bugs and issues that have been fixed in more recent updates and security updates like Apple’s September patch. It also means it’s easier for Apple to add functionality and improve the device in future updates. If you’re a heavy user of Apple services such as iMessage, you may notice other differences on the iPhone 7. For example, Siri is slightly less advanced on this model, and you don’t get the “Shortcuts” and “Siri-based automation” features available on the XS and XS Max.
Verdict: Should you buy an iPhone 7?
The iPhone 7 is an excellent device, but it’s certainly not perfect. Those who want the latest iPhone with all of Apple’s most advanced features — including the edge-to-edge screen and triple-lens camera — should look at the XS or XS Max. This is particularly true if you like the idea of the improved camera and the XS Max’s larger screen. But if you want an iPhone that is cheaper than Apple’s newest models and provides most of the same features, the iPhone 7 is a great option. It’s a little thicker, cheaper, and less advanced, but it’s still an excellent phone that would suit most people.
