Released in September 2016 alongside the iPhone 7, the iPhone 7 Plus was Apple’s flagship device that introduced dual-camera technology, offering an enhanced photography experience. It came with notable improvements in design, water resistance, and processing power.
Specifications
- Display: 5.5-inch Retina HD Display, 1080 x 1920 pixels (401 ppi)
- Dimensions: 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm (6.23 x 3.07 x 0.29 inches)
- Weight: 188 grams (6.63 ounces)
- Storage Options: 32GB, 128GB, 256GB (no external storage)
- Processor: Quad-core Apple A10 Fusion, 2.34 GHz
- RAM: 3 GB
- Operating System: iOS 10 (upgradable to iOS 15.7)
- Camera: Dual 12 MP rear cameras with 2x optical zoom, OIS, 4K video recording, 7 MP front camera
- Battery: 2900 mAh, non-removable, up to 21 hours talk time on 3G, 384 hours standby
- Connectivity: 4G LTE, 3G (HSDPA), Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 4.2, GPS
- Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, fingerprint sensor (Touch ID)
Design and Display
The iPhone 7 Plus maintained a similar design language to its predecessor but featured key improvements like water and dust resistance (IP67 rating). The device had a 5.5-inch Retina HD Display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, offering a sharp and vibrant viewing experience. Apple also introduced a new Jet Black color alongside Black, Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold options. The redesigned antenna bands provided a cleaner look, and the aluminum unibody construction added to its premium feel.
Dual-Camera System
The iPhone 7 Plus was the first iPhone to feature a dual-camera setup. It included:
- A 12 MP wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture for improved low-light performance.
- A 12 MP telephoto lens with an f/2.8 aperture, enabling 2x optical zoom and up to 10x digital zoom.
The dual-camera system also introduced Portrait Mode, which used both lenses to create a depth-of-field effect, blurring the background while keeping the subject in focus. This marked a significant leap in mobile photography capabilities.
A10 Fusion Chip
The iPhone 7 Plus featured the A10 Fusion chip, a quad-core processor with two high-performance cores and two energy-efficient cores. This configuration allowed the device to intelligently allocate tasks between cores for improved speed and battery efficiency. Paired with 3 GB of RAM, the A10 Fusion chip delivered smooth multitasking and faster app loading times, making the iPhone 7 Plus one of the most powerful smartphones at its launch.
Battery Life
The iPhone 7 Plus came with a 2900 mAh battery, offering:
- Up to 21 hours of talk time on 3G
- Up to 13 hours of internet use on LTE
- 14 hours of video playback
- 60 hours of audio playback
- 384 hours of standby time
The combination of the larger battery and the energy-efficient A10 Fusion chip made the iPhone 7 Plus ideal for power users who required extended battery life.
Water Resistance and Audio Changes
One of the most significant updates in the iPhone 7 Plus was its IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, making it more durable in wet or dusty conditions. Another key change was the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack, which sparked considerable debate. Instead, Apple introduced AirPods and included a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter in the box. The iPhone 7 Plus also featured stereo speakers, offering better sound quality and a more immersive audio experience.
Operating System and Software Features
The iPhone 7 Plus launched with iOS 10, introducing:
- Rich Notifications: Expanded options to interact with messages and alerts.
- Home app: To control smart home devices.
- Siri SDK: Allowing third-party apps to integrate with Siri.
It supported software updates up to iOS 15.7, ensuring several years of access to new features and security updates.
Connectivity
The iPhone 7 Plus supported 4G LTE Advanced, providing faster mobile data speeds. It also included Wi-Fi 802.11ac with MIMO, Bluetooth 4.2, and NFC for Apple Pay transactions. Enhanced connectivity features helped users stay connected and enjoy faster wireless performance.
Reception and Legacy
The iPhone 7 Plus received widespread acclaim for its camera improvements, powerful performance, and water resistance. The introduction of dual-cameras and optical zoom set a new standard for mobile photography. However, the removal of the headphone jack received mixed reactions, with some users embracing wireless audio and others criticizing the lack of a physical port.
Despite this controversy, the iPhone 7 Plus sold well and set the stage for future iPhone models with dual-camera systems and more robust design elements.
Conclusion
The iPhone 7 Plus was a major step forward in Apple’s iPhone lineup, introducing innovative features like dual-cameras, water resistance, and the powerful A10 Fusion chip. By eliminating the headphone jack and adding new audio solutions, it paved the way for wireless audio. The iPhone 7 Plus remains a significant milestone in the evolution of the iPhone, offering a comprehensive package of performance, camera technology, and durability.