Iphone 7 plus is too big. Touch Home button - is it difficult to get used to?
2018 has finally arrived and many are starting all over again, including purchasing a completely new smartphone. Everyone recommends buying an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus, but is it worth it?
There will also be information about the price of this device. In general, everything is quite predictable, so let’s start reading, it will be very interesting.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: pros and cons
So that you understand what you will encounter after the purchase, I suggest going through all the points in order. To avoid disappointments and misunderstandings.
Design. If you need something fresh both in feel and in design as a whole, then this is definitely not the place for you. Here you will find an improved design of the still old iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
The device is beautiful and there is no doubt about it. You won't feel like you're holding something like an iPhone 5S in your hands. Just get ready that this is an ordinary smartphone from Apple, which is beautiful in its own way and absolutely everyone will recognize it.
There are more than enough color options here, because this model was made in Jet Black, Black, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold and Red. Of course, some colors have already been discontinued, but you can still find them.
iPhone 7 is very compact and comfortable to operate. The same cannot be said about the Plus version - it is a huge shovel, with large frames, and the weight of the device is also not small. Of course, you can get the hang of it, but when you look at the same iPhone X or Galaxy S8, you will understand that you are holding the past in your hands, albeit a recent one.
We write down the design as a minus.
Filling. Here we have on board a very fast Apple A10 Fusion processor, as well as 2 GB (iPhone 7) and 3 GB (iPhone 7 Plus). The filling is quite decent and the next couple of years, fresh iOS should fly.
Only 32 GB and 128 GB versions are currently available in the official store. But considering the huge cost of the 256 GB versions, I think there are enough in the folds to find one for you.
In terms of hardware in general, Apple has never chased the amount of RAM and has always taken top places in performance ratings.
There are no questions about the filling, it is a plus.
Camera. Previously, everyone tried to buy an iPhone precisely because of the camera. Now the world has turned upside down and there are many examples that have long surpassed them.
Even when the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus came out, the Galaxy S8 quietly outperformed them, although not by a large margin. This doesn't mean their camera is bad. She's just not top-notch.
Let’s not forget about the same portrait mode, which is no longer in beta mode and in the right hands, takes simply magical pictures.
The front cameras are 7 MP, and the main cameras on the iPhone 7 are 12 MP, and the iPhone 7 Plus has two 12 MP cameras with a telephoto lens with a fixed 2x optical zoom.
Despite the slight lag with modern models, it is still a plus.
Battery. If the Plus version has as much as 2900 mAh and you will feel quite comfortable with it, then the smaller version is equipped with a pitiful 1960 mAh.
Of course, it all depends on the type of use, but usually this is not enough. It is also worth considering technologies that are not here - wireless and fast charging.
This is not an extreme necessity, but for 2018 it is already a standard that simply must be present. A 2A iPad charger can help.
I can only write down the negatives: there were too many complaints about this last year.
Features. Then we got stereo speakers, a cool touch-sensitive Home button powered by the Apple Taptic Engine and, of course, moisture protection.
I don’t know whether this should be listed as a feature or a drawback, but it was with this model that the era in the world of smartphones began, when they began to remove the 3.5 mm jack.
I think this is more of a minus than a plus. That year was a catch-up year and we simply added what was missing earlier and what others had already had for a long time.
Price. This is probably the biggest plus that can be noted from all of the above. If you look at the price of modern flagships, then the iPhone 7 is just sweet.
RUB 43,990.00 for the 32 GB version. And if you take gray, it will be even cheaper. I'm not saying it's super cheap, but the prices are much more reasonable than the iPhone 8 or iPhone X.
Definitely a plus and there is nothing to add here.
Should you buy an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus in 2018?
Despite the fact that Apple has many worthy competitors this year, fans of this particular company will always exist and if you are one of them, then the choice usually remains between iPhone models.
If we look at the situation with a sober look, then besides framelessness, we have not received anything at all in the latest new products. Everything is the same, only now it’s something more interesting and convenient.
Everyone is catching up to this trend and Apple showed what it can do with the iPhone X. The first pancake is a little lumpy, of course, but I think everything will be fixed in the fall.
Design is design, but the price is simply incredible. If you want a beautiful smartphone, then get ready to pay a pretty penny for it, and then we start thinking about older models, like the iPhone 7.
Let's summarize our pros and cons:
I noted only the most important points. I think we could also say something separately about the display or something else. But I think there is no particular need for this.
I can say this: at the beginning of 2018, it’s definitely worth taking the iPhone 7, and especially the iPhone 7 Plus. For this price, you definitely won’t find a better iPhone, and in the case it looks like the same eight.
I just want to warn you that this year will be a year of change. The fashion for framelessness has begun and I think somewhere in the fall, and perhaps earlier, you will feel that you are holding something outdated in your hands.
If you don't care about that and just want everything to work great, the camera is great and you'll like this design. So we take it and you definitely won’t regret it.
When will the iPhone 7 become cheaper in 2018?
The first price drop for the iPhone 7 was last fall, with the advent of new models. The next stage, I think we’ll have to wait until the fall of 2018, unless Apple comes up with something, which is unlikely.
iPhones always have a good price. For example, just go to any online store and check the prices for the iPhone 6. If you want to buy it, then you should do it at a time when it is convenient for you.
You can wait forever. We buy and enjoy using them, because they become outdated and then we will have to save up or wait for something else.
Detailed review of iPhone 7 Plus in 2019 - how does it work on iOS 13?
iPhone 7 Plus is a unique smartphone. This year it will be three years old, and it is still ahead of most of the latest smartphones in terms of speed, battery life and shooting quality. But still, is it worth buying the iPhone 7 Plus in 2019? In this detailed review, we examined all the strengths and weaknesses of the smartphone, taking into account modern realities.
Where is the best place to buy an iPhone 7 Plus (November 21, 2019)
We regularly monitor the lowest prices for iPhone 7 Plus in Russia and update this section. As of June 22, 2019, the cheapest prices to buy an iPhone 7 Plus are as follows:
- iPhone 7 Plus 32 GB - 34,990 rubles .
- iPhone 7 Plus 128 GB - 42,740 rubles .
- iPhone 7 Plus 32 GB “Like New” - 29,990 rubles .
- iPhone 7 Plus 128 GB “Like New” - 35,990 rubles .
Note that the price difference between models with 128 and 256 GB of memory in 2019 has become relatively small. In this regard, buying an iPhone 7 Plus with 256 GB storage looks more profitable.
If you're considering buying an iPhone 7 Plus online, you'll be able to save a little more by purchasing the 32GB model. The Tmall online store (Russian AliExpress platform with shipping from a warehouse in Russia) sells the official iPhone 7 Plus model with 32 GB of memory for 35,990 rubles. It is important to emphasize that we are talking about a smartphone with a full Russian warranty, and not about a “gray” model.
Packaging and equipment
The iPhone 7 Plus comes in the traditional rectangular packaging for Apple smartphones, which at first glance is completely identical to the previous boxes. However, it is not. Starting with the iPhone 5, Apple designers depicted the front surface of smartphones on package covers. The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus boxes show the back surface of the devices on the lids. In the case of the iPhone 7 Plus, this is, of course, done in order to attract users' special attention to the dual camera.
To complete the picture, we note that the iPhone 7 Plus in glossy black color “Black Onyx” (Jet Black) comes in a stylish black package. Interestingly, the matte black model has a white box.
The iPhone 7 Plus package is also different from all previous models. Along with the usual 5W charger, Lightning charging cable, SIM card tray ejector, stickers and leaflets, there are two “new” elements in the box with the smartphone.
These are EarPods headphones - the most common ones, but with a Lightning connector and a small adapter from Lightning to a 3.5 mm audio jack. With the iPhone 7 Plus, Apple for the first time and, it seems, forever, abandoned the classic audio jack. In this regard, these innovations appeared in the configuration of the smartphone.
The adapter is very compact and convenient, which is why all the criticism regarding the abandonment of the 3.5 mm jack in the iPhone 7 Plus is incomprehensible to us. If you are used to using specific headphones with a 3.5 mm jack in conjunction with your iPhone, then you just need to connect the Lightning adapter that comes with your smartphone to them. It holds securely, and it seems impossible to accidentally lose it. There is absolutely no inconvenience due to this.
Design
In appearance, the iPhone 7 Plus is very similar to all other 5.5-inch Apple smartphones. The iPhone 7 Plus is most similar to its predecessor, the iPhone 6s Plus - even the dimensions are the same. However, the noticeable novelty in the design of the iPhone 7 Plus is due to the new body colors, which we described in detail in the next section.
Now let's look at the distinctive design features of the iPhone 7 Plus, which are hidden at first glance. Plastic antenna inserts on the smartphone body are less noticeable. There are simply fewer of them, but this did not affect the quality of communication. On black bodies the veins are barely noticeable.
Another, much more noticeable change on the back surface of the smartphone is the camera. The iPhone 7 Plus has a double one, located horizontally. It is the two combined camera lenses that make it possible to distinguish the iPhone 7 Plus from the 5.5-inch models of previous generations even from afar.
On the front surface of the iPhone 7 Plus, everything is as standard as possible for Apple smartphones of the “pre-iPhone X” era. The display is framed by thick top and bottom frames and noticeable but more than appropriate side frames. The only change in the front part occurred on the bottom frame. Here, in its standard place, there is a Home button, but not a mechanical one, but a touch one. Along with the type of button, its appearance has also changed. More details about the button and whether it is difficult to get used to are also described in a separate section below.
And finally, the last visible change in the design of the case is on the bottom edge. The 3.5mm audio output disappeared from it. Its place is taken by a decorative speaker grille, it is here for symmetry - everything in the iPhone is, as always, perfectly symmetrical.
What colors does the iPhone 7 Plus come in and which one should you choose?
We decided to devote a whole section to the colors of the iPhone 7 Plus case, since there is plenty to choose from, and there is really something to talk about. The iPhone 7 Plus was released in five (!) colors at once (to which a sixth was later added - red), which became a kind of record for Apple. After such a variety of colors, it was even somehow strange to see that iPhone 8 And iPhone 8 Plus came out in only three colors, and the iPhone X came out in two.
iPhone 7 Plus is available in silver, gold, pink (“Rose Gold”), matte black and glossy black (“Onyx Black”). The first three colors for Apple smartphones are quite ordinary, but the black colors are unique, and they remained so a year after the release of the “Sevens”.
The iPhone 7 Plus case in matte black has a very pleasant tactile sensation. It clearly feels velvety, even somewhat rough. Using a smartphone without a case is especially enjoyable. Particularly due to the fact that no iPhone, or indeed any other smartphone, has ever caused such tactile sensations. What's there before? Since the end of 2017, all smartphone manufacturers seem to have forgotten about aluminum and switched to glass. As a result, there was no real analogue to the matte iPhone.
The matte black iPhone 7 Plus deserves special praise for its resistance to fingerprints and dirt. If they remain on the body, they can only be noticed from a certain angle. The case also masks scratches that may appear if you use the smartphone without a case.
Glossy “black onyx” is a completely different story. The coating looks absolutely incredible and is as premium as possible. Newer and more expensive iPhone 8/8 Plus/X do not look as luxurious as the iPhone 7 Plus in Onyx Black. True, you have to pay for a spectacular appearance. “Black Onyx” easily collects fingerprints and small scratches.
However, it is important to note that it all depends on how carefully you use your smartphone. A few months after the release of the iPhone 7/7 Plus in 2016, we collected whole gallery from active users of smartphones in the color “black onyx”. Not the most careful owners had smartphones in their hands in this condition:
Careful users, after several months of use without a case (!), did not have a single visible scratch on the case:
There is another important difference between the matte black and glossy black colors of the iPhone 7 Plus. A matte-colored case is more slippery, although when examining smartphones it may seem the opposite. This is not to say that the matte iPhone 7 Plus directly slips out of your hands, but the chances that it will still slip away are greater than in the case of “black onyx”.
So which iPhone 7 Plus color should you choose? The choice is a purely personal matter, but we will still give a couple of tips. Gold and pink colors are undoubtedly better suited for girls and women. The colors of the cases are very pleasant and “light”. Silver color is unisex and will be a good choice for both sexes. The matte black iPhone 7 Plus is seen as more of a masculine color due to its severity.
Well, “black onyx”, also known as Jet Black. I would recommend buying an iPhone 7 Plus in this color to absolutely everyone. This is an amazingly beautiful color with a coating that is pleasant in every sense, and you don’t want to put it in a case or even cover it with a protective film.
If you want your iPhone 7 Plus to look as original and modern as possible in 2019, then you should choose matte black or glossy black. Simply because Apple no longer released smartphones in these colors, they will definitely stand out.
Display
iPhone 7 Plus has a 5.5-inch Retina HD display on an IPS matrix. The display resolution is 1920×1080 pixels, the aspect ratio is standard for 2016-2017 - 16:9. In 2019, it can already be called non-standard, since almost every new model, including budget ones, is equipped with a widescreen screen with an aspect ratio of 18:9, and sometimes 19:9.
The display pixel density is the highest - 401 ppi. With such a density, of course, not a single pixel on the screen will be visible. The display occupies 67.89% of the front surface of the smartphone. For 2019, the indicator is weak, but the iPhone 7 Plus does not claim to be frameless. And the direct successor to the smartphone, the iPhone 8 Plus, has a similar indicator - there is no need to worry about this.
The maximum display brightness is 625 cd/m². It is more than enough to comfortably use the smartphone in bright lighting conditions, for example, on a sunny day outside. The light sensor in the iPhone, as usual, is phenomenal. The brightness is adjusted automatically very precisely, without strong differences, but at the same time quickly. This is especially noticeable with a sharp change in lighting.
The display contrast of the iPhone 7 Plus is 1300:1. The screen has a protective coating against scratches and an oleophobic coating that prevents marks and streaks. Apple has not officially announced this, but the quality of the oleophobic coating has increased compared to the iPhone 6s Plus display.
If in the latter case it began to wear off after about 8 months of active use or 12 months of regular use, then on the iPhone 7 Plus it is much more durable. Even after 14 months of constant use, the oleophobic coating on our iPhone 7 Plus retained its properties. This is a big plus of the smartphone, since without the oleophobic coating it becomes not very pleasant to use the device.
The overall level of the iPhone 7 Plus display is excellent. Wide viewing angles, rich colors thanks to the expanded P3 color gamut and uniform LED backlighting.
3D Touch
Of course, the display supports 3D Touch pressure tracking technology, which is linked to the Taptic Engine. Pressing hard on various interface elements opens auxiliary menus. The opening itself is accompanied by a pleasant tactile response to the finger. This cannot be called vibration; the definition of “connection” is more appropriate.
With 3D Touch on iPhone 7 Plus, you can do things much faster. The most convenient and effective way is to press hard on application icons. 3D Touch is supported by both standard iOS applications and third-party ones from the App Store. When you press hard on the “Clock” application icon, quick options “Create an alarm”, “Start a stopwatch” and “Start a timer” appear; when you perform a gesture on the “Weather” application icon, a detailed forecast and a list of added places to track the weather appear, etc. .
Almost every application supports 3D Touch in one way or another. And all the proposed actions help to significantly save time. For example, by pressing hard on the Notes application icon, you can instantly create a new entry, list, scan a document, or open the camera to take a photo or video and then save it directly to notes. It’s very convenient, and most importantly, it doesn’t take long to get used to.
Moreover, after using the capabilities of 3D Touch even for a week, you will automatically start trying to press hard on application icons on other smartphones and tablets without the support of Apple’s unique technology. You get used to 3D Touch very quickly and using the various gestures is really nice.
iPhone 7 Plus features the same first-generation 3D Touch technology found on all newer iPhone models. After the launch of 3D Touch in the iPhone 6s, Apple did not improve the technical side of the technology, only adding new gestures and use cases.
The iPhone 7 Plus was released in 2016, but so far no competitor of the company has managed to implement something similar in their smartphones and displays. This applies to both 3D Touch and Taptic Engine.
Touch Home button - is it difficult to get used to?
In the iPhone 7 Plus, Apple abandoned not only the 3.5 mm audio output, but also the physical Home button. Instead of the usual mechanical button used in the iPhone from the very first model, the smartphone received a touch button tied to the Taptic Engine, which simulates pressing with vibration.
Why did Apple even need this? The company thereby saved on production. The difference in the cost of a mechanical button and its touch counterpart is insignificant only when we are talking about one specific device. Apple produces millions of iPhones and a few cents saved turns into a huge amount of money.
Fortunately, cheaper does not mean worse. Moreover, the touch button has minimal chances of breaking over time, unlike a mechanical one. In our group "VKontakte" We conducted surveys in which many iPhone users admitted that they try to press the Home button less on the iPhone 6s and older models, simply so that “the button lives longer.” This desire is quite understandable, since one of the most common reasons why iPhone users contact service centers is the Home button that is broken or has started to “stick.”
Nothing like this will happen to the main button of the iPhone 7 Plus. There is no pressing mechanism, there is nothing to break.
When you turn it on for the first time, the smartphone offers to customize the Home touch button for you. The user is given the opportunity to select the button response level: weak, medium or strong and immediately test how the click will occur.
And finally, most importantly, is it difficult to get used to the new button? Not at all! You’ll be able to press a button without any problems in literally five minutes; within a day you’ll get used to it completely, and the next day you’ll feel a real thrill from pressing and receiving feedback from the Taptic Engine. The engine is not triggered by vibration throughout the entire body, like in conventional smartphones, but by a pinpoint tactile response to the finger. Thus, it simulates pressing and gives a truly new experience from using a smartphone. In addition, the iPhone 7 Plus button does not make any “clicking” sounds, which on older models become distorted over time and cease to be pleasant to the ear.
Productivity and Applications
The iPhone 7 Plus is powered by a quad-core 64-bit Apple A10 Fusion processor clocked at 2.3 GHz, an M10 coprocessor and a six-core PowerVR graphics chip. The amount of LPDDR4 RAM is 3 GB. In the iPhone 7 Plus, Apple equipped a smartphone with 3 GB of RAM for the first time; before that, iPhones could boast only two gigabytes of RAM.
The most powerful six-core processor and increased RAM directly affected the performance of the iPhone 7 Plus. The smartphone is simply a “beast” when working with any applications and games in any quantity. In 2019, the iPhone 7 Plus will give a head start to many of the latest Android smartphones, both in terms of synthetic testing and “live” performance.
In Geekbench 4 testing, the iPhone 7 Plus scored 3430 points in single-core mode. And this is an impressive figure, which is not far off from newer iPhone models. For comparison, the iPhone 8 Plus scores 4210 points in a similar test, and the flagship iPhone X scores 4203 points.
The iPhone 7 Plus fares even better when compared to the latest Android smartphones. It’s surprising, but even now, at the beginning of 2019, the iPhone 7 Plus is ahead of ALL Android smartphones in single-core mode of the Geekbench 4 benchmark. The best score among all smartphones running Android is the latest Samsung Galaxy S9+ - only 3388 points!
The iPhone 7 Plus has a quad-core processor, so when tested in multi-core mode, the smartphone's performance is no longer as impressive compared to other smartphones. The device scored 5778 points, which is significantly less than the newer iPhone models. The iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X, which are based on the smart A11 Bionic processor, scored 10182 and 10125 points, respectively.
Android smartphones are also ahead, but the lead is not twofold, as is the case with the latest iPhones. Only the same Galaxy S9+ and its “younger” brother Galaxy S9 stand out, they have 8685 and 8530 points, respectively. Next comes a serious drop, against which the iPhone 7 Plus from last year looks great.
iPhone 7 Plus runs all modern apps and games with remarkable ease. Loading in “heavy” 3D games, for example, the super-popular World of Tanks Blitz, takes place in a matter of seconds. Such high speed, coupled with a large, rich display makes the smartphone ideal for gaming. Mobile hits PUBG and Fortnite run great on the iPhone 7 Plus. There are no drops in FPS in the most intense battles, maps load instantly.
The iPhone 7 Plus can easily be called one of the best smartphones for gaming. High performance is complemented by a large and high-quality display, which you don’t need to look closely at to understand what’s happening in the game.
Memory size. Which iPhone 7 Plus is better to buy - 32 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB?
iPhone 7 Plus is released in three configurations: with 32, 128 and 256 GB of internal memory. In 2019, the smartphone is still relevant, moreover, Apple continues to produce it. In this regard, all models of the device are on sale. Which one is worth buying?
The iPhone 7 Plus with 32 GB of internal memory should be purchased if you want to purchase a model for the least amount of money. The smartphone is priced at 34,990 rubles- this is the lowest price among authorized Russian retailers. Will there be problems with running out of space due to only having 32GB of memory? It all depends on how actively you intend to use your smartphone. If your plans are to install modern mobile games (as we have already found out, playing them on the iPhone 7 Plus is very pleasant) and take a lot of photos and videos, then the storage will most likely fill up quite quickly.
In this case, cloud storage and timely uploading of media files to your computer will help solve the problem. Are you completely okay with these “troubles”? Then you should definitely take the iPhone 7 Plus with 32 GB of memory.
Simply because the 128GB iPhone 7 Plus is already priced at 42,690 rubles. The difference in price is serious, but the most important thing is that the model with 256 GB of memory is sold quite a bit more - for 44,890 rubles. Agree, adding 2000 rubles and doubling the storage capacity of your smartphone is a more than profitable offer. As in the first section about prices, in 2019 we recommend purchasing the 256 GB model. It will completely eliminate the need to think about the fact that your smartphone may run out of memory.
What happens, is it not worth buying an iPhone 7 Plus with 128 GB at all? It all depends on the offer you find and the opportunity to spend those “extra” 2000 rubles. If you can purchase a smartphone with 128 GB of memory significantly cheaper than the price tag presented above, for example, on the secondary market, then you can safely buy it. The large storage capacity will also make it rare to remember that your smartphone's memory is becoming full.
A huge plus of iOS is that it does not “eat up” the memory of the iPhone 7 Plus
However, for most users, 32 GB of memory will be enough, all thanks to the features of iOS. Firstly, the operating system takes up relatively little memory space - about 4-6 GB. This is small compared to Android, smartphones running which can be left without 15 GB of memory right out of the box. Many former users of Android smartphones are very surprised after switching to the iPhone precisely because the system does not “devour” memory.
And secondly, the iPhone 7 Plus is one of the few Apple smartphones that supports new photo and video formats - HEIF and HEVC, respectively. The main advantage of the formats is that images and videos take up 40-50% less space compared to JPEG and H.264, the previous standard formats on the iPhone. At the same time, the quality of shooting only improves!
iPhone 7 Plus has the most complete support for HEIF and HEVC formats. The smartphone, as a representative of the new generation, can not only encode and decode in new formats (in other words, view media files), but also shoot in them. The latter means that all the photos and videos that you take on the iPhone 7 Plus will take up 40-50% less space in the smartphone's memory.
Will you have problems saving photos and videos to your computer or transferring them to friends or relatives? No, Apple has thought of everything. When you send or upload media files, they are instantly converted to publicly accessible formats. The exception is Mac computers, which also support HEIF and HEVC. Photos and videos from the iPhone 7 Plus will be downloaded to them in original modern formats. As a result, your Mac's memory will fill up more slowly.
You can learn more about the HEIF and HEVC formats from this article.
Refurbished iPhone 7 Plus is a fake, is it worth buying?
When it comes to prices, we can’t help but remember the option to purchase a refurbished iPhone 7 Plus. Don't let this word scare you, we are talking about an officially restored smartphone, which was updated by Apple itself. A refurbished (“Like New”) iPhone is a smartphone that has been returned due to minor damage or under warranty and then restored to full new condition by Apple.
Apple approaches the process of restoring such smartphones very carefully. The company not only fixes the malfunction, but also checks the device for functionality with a full set of tests, replaces the case and battery with new ones, re-equips the smartphone with new accessories and seals it in new packaging with a barely noticeable note that the iPhone is, after all, refurbished ( how to determine). In addition, Apple gives the smartphone a full warranty, like new models.
A pleasant distinguishing feature of refurbished smartphones is their price. Apple reduces it, and in the case of most iPhone models, quite decently. In Russia, Apple sells only one refurbished iPhone 7 Plus model through its retailers. A version of the smartphone with 256 GB of internal memory in a black matte case can be purchased for 29,990 rubles. The price reduction compared to a similar new model is 11 (!) thousand rubles.
iPhone 7 Plus Security System
iPhone 7 Plus features a second-generation Touch ID fingerprint scanner. The fingerprint module is identical to those installed in the iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone 8 Plus. Apple hasn't improved Touch ID in any way for three years, simply because it's almost impossible to make the scanner faster and more stable. Touch ID in iPhone 7 Plus works in a split second, instantly unlocking the device or confirming a purchase in the App Store or via Apple Pay.
However, Touch ID in the iPhone 7 Plus is faster than the similar module in the iPhone 6s Plus. The reason lies in the overall performance of the smartphone. The powerful A10 Fusion processor processes data from the sensor faster and produces the unlocking animation itself faster. As a result, Touch ID on the iPhone 7 Plus feels snappy.
The experience of using Touch ID on the iPhone 7 Plus over a long period of time is positive. In our editorial office, we have been using the iPhone 7 Plus on an ongoing basis for more than a year. The percentage of correct responses of the fingerprint sensor tends to the maximum. Recognition failures only occur if the finger or the scanner itself is dirty or wet. Any fingerprint scanner reacts poorly to dirt and water, so the refusal of Touch ID to work in unacceptable conditions is not surprising.
Water protection
iPhone 7 Plus is the first 5.5-inch Apple smartphone to receive IP67 protection against water and dust. This means that the smartphone is waterproof - it can be immersed in water to a depth of one meter, and dust cannot get inside the device’s body at all.
The long-awaited protection against water has made the iPhone 7 Plus especially attractive for purchase by those who have previously had a sad experience with the iPhone and water. It's no secret that one of the most common reasons iPhone users contact service centers is when their smartphone comes into contact with water. Moreover, according to service center employees, most often the iPhone comes into contact with water not just anywhere, but in the toilet!
The iPhone 7 Plus is completely protected from just such “toilet bowl” or any other short-term contact with water. The smartphone should not be immersed in water for a long period of time, swim or take a shower with it. Apple has implemented water protection in the iPhone in order to reduce the number of smartphones that fail after minor contact with water.
Testing by enthusiasts, however, clearly shows that the iPhone 7 Plus can easily “survive” even when immersed in water for a long time, even to great depths.
iPhone 7 Plus - easy to break or not? Maintainability assessment
The iPhone 7 Plus case is made of 7000 series aluminum, a material used in the aviation industry. Due to this, the body of the smartphone is very durable - it is difficult to bend it, despite its decent dimensions. The reinforced case resists damage even when the smartphone is dropped. After the iPhone 7 Plus, Apple released the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X with glass cases that are not suitable for falls.
Ion-X protective glass also has a positive effect on the security of your smartphone. It covers the display, preventing direct damage to it.
The iPhone 7 Plus is fairly well protected, but will it be difficult to repair if damage does occur? Authoritative specialists from the iFixit resource rated the device’s repairability as 7 points out of 10. This means that fixing a smartphone even at home, of course, if you have the necessary tools, will not be difficult.
How does iPhone 7 Plus work on iOS 13?
We are currently testing the iPhone 7 Plus on iOS 13 and will report the results in this section a little later. The first impression is positive - iPhone 7 Plus runs even faster on iOS 13!
How does iPhone 7 Plus work on iOS 12?
iPhone 7 Plus, of course, received support iOS 12. In the new firmware, Apple developers focused on increasing performance, which helped the iPhone 7 Plus become incredibly fast.
The iPhone 7 Plus also ran well on iOS 11, but users did notice some minor stuttering. iOS 12 not only removes them, but also almost doubles overall performance. Running iOS 12, the smartphone seems to get a second life and begins to feel new. A worthy upgrade for a worthy smartphone!
How long will the iPhone 7 Plus be relevant? What firmware will it support?
There is no need to worry about the relevance of the iPhone 7 Plus. The smartphone will receive support not only iOS 13, but also iOS 14, iOS 15, iOS 16 and, most likely, iOS 17! In other words, the smartphone will receive the latest updates at least until 2021! Considering that Apple has recently been changing its iOS release strategy and is starting to support older smartphones longer, we can say with a high degree of confidence that the iPhone 7 Plus will be updated until 2022.
Ergonomics of iPhone 7 Plus - is it comfortable to use?
iPhone 7 Plus is a rather large smartphone. The diagonal of its display is 5.5 inches, and the body dimensions are 77.9 × 158.2 × 7.3 mm. Because of this, problems may arise in using a smartphone with one hand.
It can sometimes be difficult to reach the top of the display, but a special Reachability mode (convenient access) saves the day, in which all the content on the display fits on its lower half. One-handed control mode is activated by double-tapping (not pressing) the Home button.
Problems may also arise with transporting the iPhone 7 Plus, again due to the size of the smartphone. You will have to think separately about how to wear the device in the summer, when there are minimal pockets.
Sound
The iPhone 7 Plus was the first among Apple's 5.5-inch smartphones to have stereo speakers. One speaker is located at the bottom end, the other in the speaking hole. The speakers sound clear, spacious and really loud, especially when compared to previous iPhone models.
The iPhone 7 Plus processor monitors the speakers, making them “smart.” The orientation of the right and left speakers automatically changes depending on how the user holds the device. It turns out that you don’t have to monitor the “correct” location of the smartphone to correctly output sound to the stereo speakers.
Two DACs are responsible for the sound quality: the Cirrus Logic 338S00105 audio codec and the Cirrus Logic 338S00220 audio amplifier. It is interesting that the audio codec is borrowed from the iPhone 6s/6s Plus, while the amplifier is a “trick” exclusively of the “seven”. It is this that makes the sound of the smartphone speakers much louder.
As for the sound quality in the headphones, even the included EarPods with a Lightning connector will allow you to evaluate its level. Their sound cannot be called phenomenal, but the level is decent and they are more than suitable for everyday use. Of course, the iPhone 7 Plus supports AirPods wireless headphones, which Apple released simultaneously with the abandonment of the 3.5 mm audio output in smartphones. AirPods on iPhone 7 Plus sound significantly better than EarPods and provide incredible freedom when listening to music.
Battery and operating time
iPhone 7 Plus received a non-removable lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 2900 mAh. It allows the smartphone to work up to 21 hours in talk mode or 384 hours in standby mode, as stated in the specifications.
In practice, the battery life of the iPhone 7 Plus is no less surprising than the stated values. The smartphone is rightfully recognized as one of the longest-lived. In terms of operating time without recharging, it is ahead of even the latest iPhone X. The battery charge of the iPhone 7 Plus is sufficient for a full and intense work day. If you do not use your smartphone very actively in everyday use, then you will have to charge it once every two days.
When talking about the iPhone 7 Plus battery, one cannot help but ignore the scandalous topic associated with Apple's slowdown of its smartphones with depleted batteries. The iPhone 7 Plus also has a function that monitors the condition of the battery and, if its capacity is greatly reduced, limits the speed of the smartphone. But the large battery capacity of the device does not allow the capacity to drop quickly, this is a huge plus of large Apple smartphones.
After a year of active use of the iPhone 7 Plus, its remaining battery capacity in our case was 96%. This is an excellent indicator, indicating that if the device starts to slow down due to a “dead” battery, it will only be in about five years.
Although the iPhone 7 Plus is less susceptible to rapid battery depletion, it must be used correctly. This way you can keep your battery in better condition longer. We wrote more about how to properly use an iPhone so that its battery charge depletes more slowly in separate article .
How to charge iPhone 7 Plus faster?
iPhone 7 Plus does not support fast charging, however, the smartphone can be charged faster than usual. To do this, you need to use a more powerful charger, for example, from iPad 12 W. Charging a smartphone using such a power adapter will make it possible to charge the gadget almost twice as fast.
We will separately answer a very popular question. Is it harmful to charge your iPhone using an iPad charger? No. Apple officially states on its website that all current iPhone models can be safely charged using the more powerful power adapter from the iPad.
Is it profitable to buy the iPhone 7 Plus - will there be any problems with the subsequent sale?
As we already found out above, the iPhone 7 Plus will remain relevant for many years to come. There will definitely be no problems with its subsequent resale. In addition, you can sell a smartphone on the secondary market at a price that is not much different from that offered in stores. Of course, if the smartphone is in good condition.
The fact is that iPhones depreciate more slowly than Android smartphones. This is confirmed by numerous studies of ad platforms. However, this can be seen even without studying any research. In 2019, for example, an iPhone 7 Plus with a memory capacity of 32 GB in excellent condition is sold on the secondary market at a price of 38 thousand rubles. The difference with the price of a new device cannot be called large, given that the smartphone was released almost two years ago.
Switching from Android to iPhone - is it difficult to figure out?
Let's pay attention to another frequently asked question, this time from “defectors” from Android devices. Contrary to popular belief, basic actions on the iPhone, for example, transferring music or photos to a smartphone, are performed as simply as possible, easier than in the case of Android smartphones.
For iPhone, you don't need to install any special drivers (they are all included in iTunes). It is also not necessary to use iTunes itself. There are dozens of completely free file managers with nice and user-friendly interfaces that allow you to upload any type of data to your iPhone or download it from it to your computer.
In addition, there are many clear and detailed instructions on the Internet for solving any possible problems. Most of them are on our website in the “” section. If you have a specific question, you can ask it at our forum- they will always answer quickly.
Cameras, examples of photos and videos
The iPhone 7 Plus is the first among Apple smartphones to have a dual-camera system. The first 12-megapixel camera received a 28 mm wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture, the second had a similar 12-megapixel resolution and a 56 mm telescopic lens with an f/2.8 aperture. The cameras support optical image stabilization technology and dual optical zoom, allowing you to zoom in on objects without losing quality.
Daytime shooting
During the day, in excellent natural light, the iPhone 7 Plus takes wonderful photos with virtually no flaws. The detail of objects located relatively close to the camera is high.
In the example presented above, it is clearly noticeable that the detailing is excellent in the background as well.
However, long-range plans are not always perfect. The clear example above shows that the detail of distant plans can noticeably decrease.
iPhone 7 Plus has the same classic “honest” color reproduction of iPhone cameras. Colors are not distorted in any way by software, as they are on many other smartphones. If we see bright green, the iPhone 7 Plus camera will capture bright green. And if it's pale yellow, you get pale yellow. The camera does not do coloring.
A great example of the camera working in the shadows (left).
And another example of “honest” color rendition. Some Google Pixel would have an unnaturally bright red sign.
The camera also copes well with shooting in less-than-ideal daytime conditions. Colors are reproduced correctly throughout the entire frame, and no noise is noticeable.
And again the camera works in the shadows - the subject is visible in detail.
Macro photography is impressive.
The iPhone 7 Plus takes amazing photos with the depth of field effect.
Evening shooting
The iPhone 7 Plus camera reacts noticeably to deteriorating lighting conditions. The work of the noise reduction begins to be clearly visible, especially in the corners of the frame.
When shooting in the evening on the iPhone 7 Plus, it is advisable to take a series of pictures. For example, in the photo above from the same place the result is much better.
Night photography
iPhone 7 Plus will allow you to capture well-lit objects at night at a high level. Note that detail even in the backgrounds remains excellent. The work of the noise reduction is almost invisible. In terms of quality of shooting in the evening and at night, the iPhone 7 Plus is definitely not inferior to the iPhone X (), and looking at some photos it even seems superior.
With good artificial lighting at night, you get great pictures.
Specific subjects look good, but focusing on them from behind causes noise to appear.
Video examples on iPhone 7 Plus
Apple smartphones have always been among the best in terms of video quality. It's no surprise that the iPhone 7 Plus continues the company's proud traditions. Excellent stabilization work, the picture is displayed smoothly, without jerking. The maximum shooting quality is 4K.
Example of daytime shooting on iPhone 7 Plus
Shooting objects in motion on iPhone 7 Plus
Example of night shooting on iPhone 7 Plus with good artificial lighting
Example of night shooting on iPhone 7 Plus
Front-camera
The front camera of the iPhone 7 Plus has a resolution of 7 megapixels and an f/2.2 aperture. The maximum resolution of photos on the camera is 3088x2320 pixels, video - 1920x1080 pixels at a frequency of 30 frames per second. The front camera of the smartphone takes high-quality selfies, even in low-light conditions. The camera supports Retina Flash software, which illuminates the entire screen area in white at maximum brightness when the shutter is released.
Technical specifications of Apple iPhone 7 Plus
- Display- 5.5-inch Retina HD with 3D Touch technology support. Resolution 1920x1080 pixels (401 ppi).
- Camera- 12+12 megapixels, photo resolution 4032x3024 pixels, optical image stabilization, True Tone flash, video shooting with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels.
- Front-camera- 7 MP.
- CPU- Apple A10 Fusion 64-bit 2.3GHz quad-core M10 motion coprocessor.
- Memory- 3 GB RAM (LPDDR4), 32/128/256 GB internal memory.
- Sensors- barometer, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, second generation Touch ID fingerprint scanner.
- Connection- LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41), Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi (802.11), NFC, Apple Pay.
- Battery- lithium polymer with a capacity of 2900 mAh, non-removable.
- Dimensions- 158.2×77.9×7.3 mm.
- Weight- 188 g.
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Ever since Apple started selling two types of iPhones - iPhone 6 with a 4.7-inch diagonal and iPhone 6S with a 5.5-inch screen, we have been faced with a dilemma. Last fall and this fall the dilemma repeated itself.
Which iPhone should I choose for this or that user? It's not just about the sizes, although this would be easy to determine just by comparing the two form factors in the store.
However, there are other aspects that may outweigh the choice of a larger iPhone. I'll explain below - if you're still on the fence, I hope to convince you to splurge and have no regrets.
I should also mention, somewhat in passing, that there is also a choice of body color and performance, but the latter is very subjective (and you probably already have your eye on your favorite modification). The 32GB version will at least be enough for normal iPhone use. However, with such a phone, you will quickly clog up the cache buffer within a few months with music, spam, games, etc. So feel free to immediately choose 128 GB modifications for iPhone 7.
What is hidden behind the “Plus” prefix and why these models are better than the iPhone with a 4.7“ display.
#1. Screen and resolution (750p on a smaller smartphone, compared to the iPhone 7 Plus at 5.5″ and 1080p)
This fact is somewhat obvious, but you can do everything you like on a larger screen very quickly and conveniently. And if your vision is not perfect, the difference between the displays of the two modifications will still be obvious to you. Whether it's browsing the web or showing a photo, everything seems bigger, better and more realistic.
# 2. RAM is simply more (2 GB on the younger version compared to 3 GB on the iPhone 7 Plus)
It's true that almost all modern devices from the iPhone line are very fast and productive. Incredibly fast in most cases. But when it comes to really complex operations like using the Portrait depth effect, playing full 3D games at 1080p settings or editing 4K videos, etc., the more RAM the better. Even if we are talking about iPhone.
# 3. Using the device in landscape mode
This is something that most people forget, but you can use the “Plus” models entirely in landscape mode. Why is this so much better and more convenient? Well, even leaving aside professional use (like that Bluetooth keyboard you type on while you're saving up for that brand new iPad Pro), think about how you use your iPhone when you're on vacation.
Most likely, you rotate the device in your hand all the time, switching between watching media, music, applications, messaging, games, and so on.
On the lower iPhone, the native user interface of many built-in apps only works in portrait mode. On the 5.5” version, the app interface works just fine in landscape mode too, so you can do almost everything you want to do on the iPhone as a PC or tablet without having to rotate it 90 degrees every time you need to.
There are some exceptions (applications) to this rule, but just as a word of caution, there are some unexpected bonuses included. For example, in landscape mode, mail, calendar, and all settings are switched and arranged in two panels, just like on the iPad, which makes working with the device much faster and more productive.
# 4. Zooming and viewing photos in detail
In our previous review of the iPhone 7 Plus, we were simply impressed by the presence of a second camera lens on the 2016 “Plus” version, with 2x zoom. Zooming in just twice the size of a photo doesn't seem like much, but the difference is clearly visible in photos that were clearly taken with a phone, but which look semi-professional and zoom in on subjects without losing quality.
Not every photo will need this narrower view, and you can't use a 2x zoom lens in very low light (as it won't stabilize). The rest of the time, it's an invaluable additional tool for creating rich images. As you'd expect, Apple's developers have made it incredibly easy to use.
As a bonus, the 2x lens also works in video mode - and in all lighting conditions (albeit without zooming in, as we noted), which means that concert footage will likely be of different resolutions.
Photos taken at the concert using a standard iPhone camera just a few meters from the stage and with the 2x lens on the iPhone 7 Plus! 
And note that this zooming is purely optical, so no digital zoom occurs during processing. In fact, as long as you have a steady hand position you'll be happy using a 1080p camera, you can also use another 2x zoom digitally without losing quality due to the iPhone's sensor resolution . So, you will have 4x zoom without loss of video quality, and this is all on the iPhone. We are, of course, talking about the iPhone 7 Plus!
#5. Increased battery life on a single charge (1960 mAh for iPhone 7 versus 2910 mAh for iPhone 7 Plus)
It's true that the plus version requires more power to power the resource-intensive screen, but the extra 50% power is more than enough. If you asked friends and family who already have such a “plus” smartphone (be it 6 Plus, 6s Plus or even 7 Plus), it would be unlikely that there would be anyone among them who would have problems with the device’s battery towards the end working day.
Compare this with a device that has a 4.7 “screen, and which must be constantly “refueled” (many in these cases survive only with the help of a power bank). Obviously, you shouldn’t even think about it and immediately choose a model with the “Plus” prefix.
# 6. Always take a device for the future with a reserve
You must have noticed a trend of increasing phone sizes and storage capacity? Now, while the iPhone 7 Plus may have reached its limit (the human hand doesn't get any bigger!), the trend is toward more content on the screen itself. There are more ambitious games that require higher resolution, as well as streaming video and much more.
While the 4.7" iPhone may seem acceptable for 2014 requirements, its functionality seems limited in 2016. And this feeling will only grow in 2017 and beyond. While the iPhone 7 Plus will be the “norm” and is quite capable of working productively for many years.
#7. Best Stereo External Speakers
Perhaps I’m just making up another reason to round out the list of “7 reasons”, But for the next statement, I’m still inclined to fight to the end. I'm a big fan of decent speakers on my phone. And whether you're showing off a new video to a friend or simply enjoying media content via YouTube, you'll fully appreciate the stereo sound of soundtracks provided by the iPhone 7 line. Stereo separation is understandably less noticeable on the smaller iPhone (and you may even hear it). The iPhone 7 Plus produces a more impressive stereo sound effect, and the extra 20mm of length makes an amazing difference!
This time the differences between the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are more global than between the 6s and 6s Plus or 6 and 6 Plus. Previously, we only talked about optical stabilization in the camera, but now the iPhone 7 Plus has received a second rear camera and should soon receive a special portrait mode. So, is it worth taking the 7 Plus just for the camera, or is there really no big difference?
Apple iPhone 7 Plus review: is it really better than the regular “7”?
Unfortunately, we have not yet had the opportunity to test the younger version, iPhone 7. Therefore, in our reasoning, we will proceed from what the company itself stated - in particular, that the main wide-angle camera is completely the same for both models.
Appearance
iPhone 7 differs from iPhone 6/6s not as significantly as the same iPhone 6/6s differs from 5/5s. Even the dimensions are similar, but the old cases still won’t fit - at least for the camera. Let us note right away that the iPhone 7 Plus, which is discussed in this article, has two cameras at once. And the “ordinary seven” - only one. We’ll talk more about this feature below, in the “Camera” section.
Smartphone Apple iPhone 7 Plus
However, there are still design changes compared to its predecessors - and you’ve probably been aware of them for a long time, especially if you’ve read.
First, there is no 3.5 mm jack for connecting headphones or a headset.
Secondly, the Home button has become touch sensitive.
Third, the case has become waterproof according to the IP67 standard.
Bottom end of iPhone 7 Plus
Perhaps we like everything about the appearance of the iPhone 7 Plus. Besides the dimensions. Take a look at these two phones:
Left - Apple iPhone 7 Plus, right - LG G4
Can you guess what they have in common? Screen diagonal 5.5 inches. At the same time, forgive the banal phrase, but the LG G4 is much more comfortable in the hand, including due to the shape of the body and materials (leather on the back side), and less weight.
Smartphone Apple iPhone 7 Plus in hand
Indeed, today the iPhone 7 Plus is the largest smartphone with a 5.5-inch screen. Its dimensions are approximately the same, which has a larger screen - 5.7 "". At the same time, the Nexus 6P is still 10 grams lighter.
Left-upper corner
But let's return to the changes that interest us most: the Home button, the absence of a 3.5 mm jack and water resistance.
Home button
Yes, the only button on the front surface of the smartphone has become fully touch sensitive. However, do not rush to be sad - thanks to the Taptic Engine technology, interacting with it (at least without gloves) gives the same sensations as in the case of a mechanical button. It’s really hard to explain and even harder to believe, so it’s better to just try it yourself (in a store, for example). Our interaction with the button left a very pleasant impression, it really works like magic. A touch button that presses like a mechanical one! Miracles.
Lack of 3.5mm jack
We decided to weigh the pros and cons of such a decision, and in the process of preparing this article we realized that the discussion on the topic “did Apple remove the 3.5 mm jack correctly” is worthy of a separate article. Therefore, in order not to burden the reader with such thoughts in this material, we suggest that you take a look at our website again in a few days - we will just have time to publish an article about the 3.5 mm jack.
Waterproof
For once, the iPhone is officially waterproof. But we warn you again - unlike the Apple Watch Series 2, the manufacturer does not recommend swimming or showering with your smartphone. But he will survive falling into a glass of water.
Screen
So far, user dissatisfaction with the dimensions of the Plus series iPhones is faintly heard, but there is no evidence that Apple is working on the problem. Today, almost every major smartphone manufacturer announces “increasingly thin display bezels,” some representatives of the mobile world boast of practically no bezels, and the Plus version of the iPhone has not changed for the third generation.
However, all of the above also applies to the “ordinary” seven. You can ignore the screen resolution - after all, if you don’t use VR headsets for smartphones, this doesn’t play a big role. But in terms of smartphone dimensions in relation to screen diagonal, Apple today lags behind everyone, excluding budget brands. And even the compact and convenient iPhone SE could have a larger screen. After all, people don't need big smartphones, they need big screens.
But otherwise there are no complaints about the iPhone 7 Plus display. In terms of picture quality, this is one of the best displays on the market. The manufacturer itself claims a 25% increase in brightness compared to the iPhone 6s Plus. We have nothing to verify such figures, but subjectively the brightness is indeed higher.
Hardware and Performance
According to the manufacturer, the seventh version of iPhones turned out to be 40% faster in terms of CPU than. And twice as fast as . Well, in general terms, this is confirmed by benchmarks.
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iPhone 7 Plus | iPhone 6s Plus | iPhone 6 Plus |
| Geekbench 3 (Single Core) | 3522 | 2537 | 1567 |
| Geekbench 3 (Multi Core) | 6096 | 4419 | 2747 |
| 3D Mark (Ice Storm Unlimited) | 37176 | 28010 | 17489 |
Source: ZOOM.CNews
Note that the processor in the iPhone 7/7 Plus is now quad-core. More precisely, a 2+2 layout is used, as in many eight-core processors in Android gadgets. That is, there are two productive cores (in fact, benchmark measurements demonstrate their performance) and two energy-efficient cores. When the load on the smartphone is minimal (in standby mode, for example), it is the second group of cores that is activated, which leads to significant savings in battery power.
However, there is nothing to “test” the new performance with other than benchmarks. At the presentation itself, Apple demonstrated the game Oz: Broken Kingdom, we installed it on the 7 Plus and, out of curiosity, on the iPhone SE. We didn’t notice any difference in graphics quality (not counting the screen resolution, of course).
Camera
The iPhone 7/7 Plus has a 12-megapixel camera with a maximum aperture of f/1.8. In previous iPhones, the sensor resolution was the same, 12 megapixels, but the aperture was smaller - f/2.2. In practice, this means that more light will reach the camera, which means there should be less digital noise in the pictures. It’s hardly worth talking about greater background blur (bokeh) - given the wide-angle lens and small sensor, this effect due to optics can only be achieved when shooting objects very close to the camera. And then the size and pattern of the bokeh will be completely different from that of a large DSLR.
Dual camera Apple iPhone 7 Plus
However, the iPhone 7 Plus should be able to do bokeh in software - two cameras can help it with this. We say “should” because officially he still can’t do this - the portrait shooting function, praised at the presentation, is currently only available in the beta version of the next iOS 10 update. And we wouldn’t want to draw conclusions based on the beta.
But before we move on to discussing what the second lens can do, let’s talk about the main lens. According to the manufacturer, the main camera is the same in the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, and it even has a stabilizer - in both versions.
So, in addition to the announced difference in aperture, there are also less obvious differences that Apple kept silent about. Namely: the focal length of the lens has decreased, that is, the shooting angle has become wider. This, by the way, is quite logical for the iPhone 7 Plus, which also has a telephoto lens. And in general, the trend in mobile photography has long been towards widening the angle - the LG G5, for example, also has a second camera - with an ultra-wide-angle lens.
The equivalent focal length (EFL) of the iPhone 6s Plus is 29 mm, and the iPhone 7 is already 28 mm. At the same time, the size of the sensor has increased - previously it was 1/3"", now 1/2.6". That is, the sensor has become at least a little larger - this should also be a plus.
In practice, however, the improvement in camera quality is not that noticeable. More precisely, in different pictures you can see different results - somewhere, for example, the camera of our iPhone SE (the camera of which is similar to the camera of the iPhone 6s) simply made a mistake in measuring the white balance, and somewhere the pictures from the iPhone 7 Plus are simply lighter, and not in In all cases, this benefits the photo.
| iPhone 7 Plus | iPhone SE |
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As for the second lens on the iPhone 7 Plus, not everything is so simple. But first, a few details: the second lens has twice the focal length - EGF 56 mm. Its aperture is f/2.8 (that is, smaller than the main lens and even than the iPhone 6s/6s Plus/SE). Also, the second camera is not equipped with optical stabilization.
Apparently, for all these reasons, Apple decided to make the use of this lens optional. Let us explain what we mean. When the user presses the 2x button in the camera interface, the focal length of the frame doubles. This is where, in theory, the second lens should be used - so that the magnification is optical and not digital, because digital zoom leads to loss of information (the desired angle is simply cut out of the frame and stretched to the camera resolution) and the quality decreases.
In practice, the second lens is not always used. If there is little light, then the main, wide-angle lens is still used, and the zoom is digital. Moreover, “little” in this case even applies to indoor lighting. And in cloudy weather, the second lens does not work every time.
In short, lenses switch automatically, the camera itself chooses which one to use when. There is no way to force a second lens yet, and it is unlikely that Apple itself will offer it - rather, you will have to wait for third-party applications. Unless, of course, the company decides that this is some kind of bad function that should be banned. However, at the moment, the difference between the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in terms of camera is not so convincing. There is an optical stabilizer for the wide-angle lens in both places, and the optical zoom, which should have been a feature of the 7 Plus, is activated and deactivated without the user's knowledge.
The last one is important, because It's one thing to automatically switch to a wide-angle lens when you need a zoom, but another thing is that no one tells you about it. On a smartphone screen, the photo still looks sharp, but when you open it on a computer, all the artifacts of the digital zoom catch your eye.
We have selected pictures for this gallery with 2x magnification - both with the second lens active and with it disabled. When viewing pictures in full screen, you will probably be able to easily distinguish one from the other.
Clicking on a thumbnail will open a full-size image.
The last thing I want to say about the photographic capabilities of the iPhone 7 Plus is that the resolution of the selfie camera has also increased: from 5 megapixels to 7 megapixels. Moreover, let us recall that the iPhone SE had a front camera resolution of only 1.2 megapixels - like the iPhone 5s. However, even comparing the selfie shots of the 7 Plus with the SE, we see not such a serious difference.
To summarize the camera, we can say: yes, it has become better, but not as much as we would like.
Battery
Apple promised that the iPhone would work longer - and it did. Discharging an iPhone 7 Plus in one day is, believe me, not an easy task. Perhaps the iPhone 7 Plus is the longest-lasting iPhone, at least since the release of the iPhone 4.
Total
An excellent screen and old-fashioned dimensions (more precisely, the ratio of screen and body sizes, as well as the weight of the smartphone). For once, water resistance has appeared, but at the same time there is no standard 3.5 mm headphone jack. A dual camera that works as and when it wants. Excellent performance and a convenient touch Home button, stereo speakers, but.... sorry, the counter-arguments and cons are over.
Objectively, the iPhone 7 Plus is one of the best smartphones on the market. Not least because it runs on the most user-friendly mobile operating system - iOS. This doesn't mean there aren't problems with iOS - there are some, just as there are shortcomings with the iPhone 7 Plus. However, this year both the iPhone itself and iOS have become a little better. And we will survive the absence of a 3.5 mm jack - especially since it seems to be a new trend. We will definitely write a text on why abandoning the 3.5 mm jack may even benefit consumers - with arguments, of course.
Unless you're choosing between the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, you shouldn't choose the 7 Plus just because of the camera.
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Apple iPhone 7 Plus | Apple iPhone 6 Plus |
| Screen |
TFT IPS 5.5’’ 1080x1920 pixels |
TFT IPS 5.5’’ 1080x1920 pixels |
| CPU | Apple A10 (4x 2.37 GHz) | Apple A9 (2x 1.82 GHz) |
| RAM | 3 GB | 2 GB |
| Built-in memory | 32/128/256 GB | 16/64/128 GB |
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Rear camera | 2x 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Front-camera | 7 MP | 5 MP |
| Dimensions | 77.9x158.2x7.3 mm | 77.9x158.2x7.3 mm |
| Weight | 188 g | 192 g |
| Price | from i 68 000 | from i 57 000 |
The 4.7- and 5.5-inch iPhone 7 and 7 Plus have many advantages over the 4-inch iPhone SE in terms of functionality. Performance, better display, camera. However, some users prefer smartphones with a small screen size that are easy to use with one hand and can easily fit into a pocket.
After three months of using the iPhone 7 Plus, iMore reviewer Laurie Gil weighs in on whether iPhone SE owners should upgrade to Apple's 5.5-inch flagship.
Benefits of iPhone 7 Plus
Users of 4-inch smartphones will find it difficult to get used to the large screen. What motivates you to switch to the main smartphone of 2016? First of all, the camera.
iPhone 7 Plus received a module with two lenses. The regular wide-angle camera has a resolution of 12 megapixels and an f/1.8 aperture, and the second, telescopic camera is also 12 megapixels, but with an f/2.8 aperture. Thanks to this design, iPhone 7 Plus allows you to take photos with 2x zoom without losing quality. The smartphone also has a portrait shooting mode, which allows you to take photos with a bokeh effect, like on professional SLR cameras.
Other advantages of the iPhone 7 Plus include a wide color gamut display (DCI P3), stereo speakers, and the Apple A10 Fusion processor. But, to tell the truth, users are primarily interested in the camera, and it is this that makes them think about buying a “large-sized” model.
Daily use of iPhone 7 Plus
In short, it's pain. If you use the device in landscape mode with both hands, then there are no problems. But let's be honest - who uses a smartphone this way all the time? While texting or checking email, your hand constantly gets tired, and it is simply impossible to use the gadget without the help of your second hand.
In games, you also have to hold the iPhone with one hand and support it with the other. In most cases, after 10 minutes of playing, the device becomes uncomfortable to hold due to the sharp edges of the Lightning port. The same problem affects the little finger of the right hand during normal use of the device.
The problem may seem far-fetched to some, but it really causes serious inconvenience.
Is it worth sacrificing convenience?
If you love the 4-inch iPhone but want to upgrade to the iPhone 7 Plus just for the camera and new hardware, then first think about why you're still using a compact smartphone. If the answer is because 5.5-inch phones are too big for you, you should still stick with a 4-inch device or at least upgrade to a 4.7-inch iPhone. It is very difficult to get used to the dimensions of the iPhone 7 Plus and at first it is almost impossible to use the smartphone, as well as to carry it with you. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro has a big screen, vibrant colors and great performance, which is about the same level of portability as the iPhone 7 Plus.
If the issue is convenience, and you are not particularly worried about the diagonal, then you can think about such an upgrade. Sure, the fact that the iPhone 7 Plus barely fits in your pocket is frustrating, but that can't be the only reason you use a 4-inch smartphone. If you're willing to put up with the size of your phone, you can buy a larger bag or even carry the device in your hands.
If the problem is price, then you should take a closer look at the iPhone 6s Plus. It has many advantages over the same iPhone SE - a display with 3D Touch, more memory, a 5-megapixel front camera. Last year's flagship costs 11,000 rubles less than the Seven, and it is still one of the most powerful smartphones on the market.
Despite the better camera, excellent screen, new Home button and record-breaking performance of the iPhone 7 Plus, Laurie preferred the iPhone SE simply because the 5.5-inch gadget is inconvenient to use. Portability and the ability to easily carry the phone in a pocket or bag turned out to be more important than the camera and top-end processor.
However, your experience with Laurie Jill may be different. Before purchasing a new iPhone, think about why you are using a compact smartphone. It may turn out that a 5.5-inch screen is just what you need, and it's worth the inconvenience it will bring.
