iPhone 7 Plus review

Design and build feel more premium and durable — Apple iPhone 7 Plus

The iPhone 7 Plus carries forward the familiar aluminum unibody design, but Apple introduced several meaningful upgrades. The chassis now meets the IP67 standard, meaning it can survive submersion in up to one meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. Fine mesh inlays behind the speakers and microphone, along with special adhesives, help keep water out. The home button is no longer a mechanical switch; it is a solid-state surface that uses haptic feedback to simulate a click. This change makes the button feel more modern and reliable over time.

Two new colors debuted: a matte Black and a glossy Jet Black. The Jet Black finish is striking but prone to showing micro-scratches from normal use. The overall build quality remains sophisticated, though you should avoid sitting on the phone, as the display can separate from the frame under extreme pressure. The camera lenses and aluminum back are quite scratch-resistant, even against keys. For a second-hand unit, it is wise to check the telephoto focus, lens haze, microphone behavior, haptics, and whether the screen has been replaced.

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The dual camera setup brings optical zoom and Portrait mode — Apple iPhone 7 Plus

This was Apple's first phone to feature two rear cameras: a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. The telephoto lens allows you to zoom in without the digital losses typical of single-camera phones. Through a software update, Apple introduced Portrait mode, which uses both cameras to create a depth-of-field effect that blurs the background behind a subject. In camera tests, the iPhone 7 Plus produces sharp photos with strong color accuracy.

The dual-camera system is the main reason to consider this phone today, as it still delivers versatile photography that competes with newer budget models. The camera setup is also the easiest way to distinguish the 7 Plus from earlier iPhones at a glance. If you are looking for a used phone with strong camera capabilities, check the phone directory for other options.

The display looks bright and colorful with wider gamut — Apple iPhone 7 Plus

The 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD display offers a wider color gamut and higher luminance than previous iPhone screens. Colors appear more vibrant and accurate, making photos, videos, and games look richer. The display runs at a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which was typical for 2016. Brightness is sufficient for outdoor use, and the wider color support helps content look more lifelike. While not as sharp as modern OLED panels, the screen remains pleasant for everyday tasks and media consumption.

The stereo speakers, one at the bottom and one in the earpiece, deliver louder and fuller sound than the mono speaker on earlier iPhones. This combination of a bright, colorful display and improved audio makes the iPhone 7 Plus a solid choice for watching videos or playing games, even years after its release.

Loss of the headphone jack changes how you listen to music — Apple iPhone 7 Plus

Performance from A10 Fusion handles apps and games smoothly

Inside the iPhone 7 Plus, the Apple A10 Fusion chip powers daily tasks, games, and creative apps without struggle. Even years after launch, this processor keeps the phone feeling quick for most uses. The 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD display offers wide color and strong brightness, though it runs at a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Apple does not officially list the RAM, but the device manages multitasking well for its time. The solid-state Home button, which uses haptic feedback instead of a moving part, feels responsive and reliable.

Stereo speakers, another first for an iPhone, provide louder and richer sound than the previous model. However, the display may separate from the frame under extreme pressure, so you should avoid sitting on the phone. For those considering a second-hand purchase, check the lens for haze, test the microphone, and confirm the screen has been replaced properly. If you are looking at other phones, use our phone finder to compare options.

Apple iPhone 7 Plus review: A powerful and controversial classic

The iPhone 7 Plus removed the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, a decision that sparked strong reactions. Apple includes Lightning-connected EarPods in the box and a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter for your own wired headphones. The major downside: you cannot charge the phone and listen through wired headphones at the same time without an extra accessory. If you already own Bluetooth headphones, you likely won't notice the missing jack. But if you rely on corded earphones, the adapter can be easy to misplace and annoying to use. This trade-off remains controversial even today.

On the upside, the phone gains IP67 water and dust resistance, so it survives splashes and brief submersion. The aluminum unibody feels premium, but the glossy Jet Black finish picks up fine micro-scratches over time. For a direct look at how this model compares to the smaller iPhone 7, check our side-by-side comparison.

Is the iPhone 7 Plus right for you? — Apple iPhone 7 Plus

The iPhone 7 Plus remains a compelling choice for buyers who value camera flexibility and water resistance in a used phone. Its dual 12MP cameras offer 2x optical zoom and, through a software update, introduced Portrait mode for blurred-background shots. The telephoto lens can occasionally struggle with focus in low light, so inspect that on a second-hand unit. Apple rates the battery for up to 14 hours of video playback, but the included 5W charger is slow by modern standards.

The phone supports iOS updates for several years after launch, though you should check current compatibility. Available colors include Black, Jet Black, Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, and Red. Overall, this 2016 flagship still delivers strong everyday performance, especially for photography, but you must accept the missing headphone jack and slower wired charging. For many, the trade-offs are worth it for the camera and build quality.