IPhone 7 In 2020: Still Worth It?

by Jhon Lennon 34 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into whether the iPhone 7 still holds up in 2020. It's been a few years since its release, but this phone was a game-changer back in its day. So, is it still a viable option, or should you look at something newer? Let’s break it down and see if the iPhone 7 can still keep up with modern demands.

Design and Build Quality

When the iPhone 7 hit the market, its design was a big deal. The sleek aluminum body felt premium, and the introduction of the Jet Black color was a total head-turner. The overall build quality was top-notch, as you'd expect from Apple. Even now, holding an iPhone 7, you can feel the quality craftsmanship. The rounded edges sit comfortably in your hand, and the solid construction means it can withstand a few bumps and scrapes. Of course, it lacks some of the modern design features like an edge-to-edge display and minimal bezels, but the classic look has a certain charm. It's compact and easy to manage with one hand, which is something many modern smartphones can't boast. The iconic home button, while not everyone’s cup of tea these days, is reliable and familiar. It's not a physical button but a capacitive one with haptic feedback, which still feels pretty good. Plus, the IP67 rating for water and dust resistance was a welcome addition, offering peace of mind against accidental spills and splashes. Considering its age, the design and build quality of the iPhone 7 are surprisingly good. It might not have the wow factor of newer models, but it’s a well-built, durable, and aesthetically pleasing device that can still hold its own. The iPhone 7 set a standard for smartphone design, and its influence can still be seen in many devices today. So, if you appreciate a classic, well-made phone, the iPhone 7 won’t disappoint. It’s a testament to Apple’s commitment to quality and design that it remains relevant even after several years. The attention to detail in the build and the overall feel of the device make it a standout, even in a market flooded with newer models. The design might be dated, but the quality is timeless.

Display

The display on the iPhone 7 is a 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD, which, while not the flashiest by today's standards, still provides a decent viewing experience. The resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels gives it a pixel density of around 326 ppi, making text and images look sharp and clear. The color accuracy is pretty good, offering vibrant but natural-looking colors. It's not an OLED panel, so you won't get those deep blacks and incredible contrast ratios, but for everyday use, it's perfectly adequate. Watching videos and browsing photos is still enjoyable, and the brightness levels are sufficient for most indoor environments. However, in direct sunlight, you might find yourself struggling to see the screen clearly. One of the standout features is the wide color gamut, which allows the display to reproduce a broader range of colors, making images appear more lifelike. While it lacks HDR support, the overall picture quality is still pleasing. The viewing angles are also decent, meaning you can view the screen from different angles without significant color distortion. Compared to modern smartphones with their large, high-resolution displays, the iPhone 7's screen might seem small and outdated. But it's important to remember that this phone was designed for a different era. The display is functional, clear, and offers good color accuracy. For basic tasks like reading emails, browsing the web, and watching videos, it performs admirably. It might not be the best choice for gamers or those who consume a lot of multimedia content, but for the average user, it's more than capable. The iPhone 7's display is a solid performer that still holds up well for everyday use. It might not be the most impressive screen on the market, but it’s reliable and provides a pleasant viewing experience.

Performance

Under the hood, the iPhone 7 is powered by Apple's A10 Fusion chip, a quad-core processor that was a powerhouse when it was released. Even in 2020, the A10 Fusion can handle most everyday tasks with ease. Navigating the operating system is smooth and responsive, and apps open quickly. You won't experience any significant lag or slowdowns when browsing the web, checking social media, or sending emails. While it might not be able to handle the most demanding games or apps as smoothly as newer iPhones, it's still capable of running a wide range of applications without any major issues. Multitasking is also decent, allowing you to switch between apps without significant delays. The A10 Fusion chip is surprisingly efficient, contributing to good battery life. It's not going to win any awards for performance, but it's more than adequate for most users. Compared to modern smartphones with their advanced processors and ample RAM, the iPhone 7 might seem a bit outdated. But it's important to remember that Apple's chips are designed to be highly optimized for their devices. The A10 Fusion chip is no exception, delivering a smooth and responsive user experience. The iPhone 7 is still a capable performer that can handle most everyday tasks with ease. Whether you're browsing the web, checking social media, or sending emails, you won't be disappointed. It might not be the best choice for gamers or power users, but for the average person, it's more than enough. The iPhone 7's performance is a testament to Apple's engineering prowess, proving that even older devices can still deliver a great user experience.

Camera

The iPhone 7 features a 12-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, which was a significant upgrade at the time. The camera is capable of capturing detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions. The colors are accurate, and the dynamic range is decent. It's not going to compete with the latest iPhone cameras, but it's still capable of taking some great shots. The camera app is simple and easy to use, with a variety of shooting modes to choose from. You can record videos in 4K resolution at 30fps, which is still impressive. The video quality is excellent, with good stabilization and clear audio. The front-facing 7-megapixel camera is decent for selfies and video calls. It's not the best in low light, but it's perfectly adequate for most situations. One of the standout features of the iPhone 7's camera is its ease of use. It's simple to point and shoot, and the results are generally good. It might not have all the bells and whistles of modern smartphone cameras, but it's reliable and consistent. Compared to modern smartphones with their multiple lenses and advanced features, the iPhone 7's camera might seem a bit basic. But it's important to remember that this phone was designed for a different era. The iPhone 7's camera is still a capable performer that can capture great photos and videos. Whether you're taking snapshots of your family, friends, or travels, you won't be disappointed. It might not be the best choice for professional photographers, but for the average user, it's more than enough. The iPhone 7's camera is a testament to Apple's engineering prowess, proving that even older devices can still deliver great image quality.

Battery Life

Battery life on the iPhone 7 is decent, but it's not going to blow you away. With moderate usage, you can expect to get through a full day on a single charge. However, if you're a heavy user, you might need to top up the battery in the afternoon. The battery is a 1,960 mAh unit, which is relatively small by today's standards. But Apple's software optimization helps to maximize battery life. You can extend the battery life by turning off features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you're not using them. You can also adjust the screen brightness and disable background app refresh. One of the drawbacks of the iPhone 7 is that the battery is not user-replaceable. If the battery starts to degrade, you'll need to take it to a professional for replacement. Compared to modern smartphones with their larger batteries and fast charging capabilities, the iPhone 7 might seem a bit lacking. But it's important to remember that this phone was designed for a different era. The iPhone 7's battery life is adequate for most users, but it's not going to last for days on end. If you're a heavy user, you might want to consider carrying a portable charger with you. The iPhone 7's battery life is a compromise, but it's a tradeoff that many users are willing to make for the phone's compact size and lightweight design.

Software and Updates

The iPhone 7 originally launched with iOS 10 and has received several software updates since then. As of 2020, it is capable of running the latest version of iOS, which means you'll have access to the latest features and security updates. Apple is known for providing long-term software support for its devices, so you can expect the iPhone 7 to continue receiving updates for at least a few more years. The latest version of iOS runs smoothly on the iPhone 7, and you won't experience any significant performance issues. You'll have access to all the latest apps and services, including Apple Pay and iCloud. One of the benefits of using an iPhone is the seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem. You can easily sync your data across all your Apple devices, including your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Compared to Android devices, iPhones tend to receive software updates more quickly and consistently. This is because Apple controls both the hardware and software, allowing them to optimize the operating system for their devices. The iPhone 7's software and updates are a major selling point, providing access to the latest features and security updates. You can expect the iPhone 7 to continue receiving updates for at least a few more years, making it a great long-term investment. The iPhone 7's software and updates are a testament to Apple's commitment to its users, ensuring that their devices remain up-to-date and secure.

Pros and Cons

To sum it up, let's look at the pros and cons of the iPhone 7 in 2020:

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Decent performance
  • Capable camera
  • Long-term software support

Cons:

  • Outdated design
  • Small display
  • Average battery life
  • No headphone jack

Is It Still Worth It?

So, is the iPhone 7 still worth it in 2020? Well, it depends on your needs and priorities. If you're looking for an affordable iPhone that's compact and easy to use, the iPhone 7 is a great option. It's still a capable performer that can handle most everyday tasks with ease. However, if you're looking for the latest features and technology, you might want to consider a newer iPhone. The iPhone 7's design is outdated, and the battery life is average. But if you're willing to compromise on those factors, the iPhone 7 is a great value for the money. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Consider your needs, priorities, and budget, and then decide whether the iPhone 7 is the right choice for you.

Alternatives to Consider

If you're not convinced that the iPhone 7 is the right choice for you, here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • iPhone SE (2020): A newer iPhone with a similar design but a more powerful processor and better camera.
  • iPhone 8: A slightly newer iPhone with a larger display and wireless charging.
  • Android smartphones: There are many great Android smartphones available at a similar price point to the iPhone 7.

Final Thoughts

The iPhone 7 is a classic iPhone that still holds up well in 2020. It's not the most advanced smartphone on the market, but it's a reliable and capable device that's perfect for everyday use. If you're looking for an affordable iPhone that's compact and easy to use, the iPhone 7 is a great option. Just weigh the pros and cons and see if it fits your needs. Happy shopping!