Is Apple iPhone 7 Still a Good Option in 2025? Full Review

The Apple iPhone 7, launched in 2016, was a groundbreaking addition to the iPhone lineup, bringing innovative features and bold design choices. It was the first iPhone to remove the headphone jack, signaling a shift toward wireless audio, and introduced the powerful A10 Fusion chip, enhancing performance and efficiency. With its sleek design, water resistance, and improved camera capabilities, the iPhone 7 set a new standard for smartphones. Even years later, it remains a popular choice for its durability, performance, and enduring legacy in mobile innovation.

iPhone 7 Key Specifications

Sleek, Simple, and Durable Design

When this smartphone was released, its design set the tone for future models. Apple opted for a minimalist yet premium design made from high-quality materials. The phone features a glass front with Corning-made glass for added durability and an aluminum back with sleek, curved edges. It measures 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm and weighs just 138g, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods.

Key Design Features:

• Water-Resistant: Rated IP67 for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 7 can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
• No Headphone Jack: One of the most controversial decisions was removing the headphone jack, encouraging users to adopt wireless audio solutions like the AirPods.
• Home Button: The iconic home button was redesigned with 3D Touch and offers haptic feedback, providing a more responsive and modern feel.
• Color Options: Available in a variety of colors, including

1. Jet Black
2. Black
3. Silver
4. Gold
5. Rose Gold
6. (PRODUCT)RED
   

The design of this iOS device has aged gracefully, and despite newer models offering more advanced features, the 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD screen with a 750 x 1334-pixel resolution still offers good sharpness and clarity for everyday tasks.

Seamless Performance, All Day Long

At the heart of the iPhone 7 is the Apple A10 Fusion chip, a 64-bit quad-core processor that was ahead of its time in 2016. With a combination of 2 high-performance cores (Hurricane) and 2 high-efficiency cores (Zephyr). The A10 Fusion provides a balanced mix of performance and power savings.

Key Performance Highlights:

• Smooth Multitasking: With 2GB of RAM and the A10 Fusion chip, the iPhone 7 can handle multitasking, gaming, and media consumption with ease.
• iOS Performance: The phone runs iOS 10 (upgradable to iOS 15.8.1). It still delivers a smooth experience, even with multiple apps running in the background.
• App Compatibility: By 2025, this mobile phone will still be capable of running most apps available on the App Store, though performance in newer, graphically intensive apps may show some strain.

The iPhone 7’s performance continues to satisfy the needs of users looking for a dependable device for social media, video streaming, and day-to-day tasks.

Battery Life: Adequate but Not Exceptional

Battery life is an essential aspect of any smartphone, and while the iPhone 7 may not lead the pack in longevity, its 1960mAh battery still holds up reasonably well.

Details:

• Talk Time: Up to 14 hours of talk time on 3G.
• Video Playback: Users can expect around 13 hours of video playback.
• Battery Endurance: With moderate use, the battery lasts around 6-8 hours of screen-on time.

While the battery performance is good for its age, it’s worth noting that newer phones, like the iPhone XR or iPhone 8, offer better battery life due to larger battery sizes and more efficient processors.

If you find yourself needing a battery replacement or want a power boost, third-party battery services can help keep the device running smoothly.

A 12MP Shooter Camera

The iPhone 7 was the first in the iPhone line to feature a 12 MP rear camera with a f/1.8 aperture, offering better low-light performance and faster autofocus. This camera still produces high-quality photos in 2025, even when compared to more modern devices.

Key Camera Features:

• Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Helps reduce blur in photos and videos, making the mobile phone more reliable in shaky conditions.
• 4K Video Recording: Capture stunning 4K video at 30fps, a feature that was revolutionary for its time.
• Camera Samples: Despite newer phones having better sensors and advanced features like Night Mode, the iPhone 7 still delivers impressive shots in most conditions.

For selfies, the 7 MP front-facing camera captures decent photos and records 1080p video at 30fps, perfect for video calls or casual selfies.

iPhone 7 iOS: Keeping Up with Modern Software

One of the main advantages of owning an iPhone is its long-term software support, and the iPhone 7 is no exception. While the phone originally shipped with iOS 10, it can be upgraded to iOS 15.8.1. Ensuring that it receives security patches and new features for several years.

iOS Evolution:

• iOS 10: Introduced the iMessage apps and redesigned notifications.
• iOS 11: Focused on control center improvements and new multitasking features.
• iOS 12: Enhanced performance, especially on older devices.

While the iPhone 7 eventually stopped receiving updates, the final update was iOS 15.8.3 it will not receive any further support for the upcoming years.

Comparison: iPhone XR vs iPhone 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S8

In 2025, when comparing iPhone XR, iPhone 8, and Samsung Galaxy S8, each device offers unique features that cater to different user preferences and needs. This comparison highlights key factors like performance, design, camera, battery life, and price, helping you decide which phone is the best fit for you.

Final Verdict:

If you’re looking for a phone with the best performance and futureproofing, the iPhone XR is the clear winner due to its A12 Bionic chip and extended software support. If you’re on a budget and prefer a compact device, the iPhone 8 might be the best value for money.

Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S8 stands out with its AMOLED display and superior camera features, though it may not be as competitive in terms of performance when compared to the newer iPhones. Your choice depends on your specific needs, whether it’s screen quality, processing power, or camera capability.

Is iPhone 7 Still a Good Option in 2025?

In 2025, the iPhone 7 remains an appealing option for those looking for an affordable iPhone within their budget. While it may not feature the latest technology, it still offers solid performance, a decent camera, and the benefit of Apple’s long-term software support.

The A10 Fusion chip ensures that the iPhone 7 handles everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming with ease, and it can still run most apps smoothly. The 12 MP rear camera produces sharp, vibrant photos, and with the ability to shoot 4K videos. It still holds up well for casual photography and video recording.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the battery life may not be as impressive as newer models, and the lack of a headphone jack could be a dealbreaker for some users. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind some of the limitations, the iPhone 7 remains a solid choice.

But if you’re looking for cutting-edge features, longer battery life, or a larger screen, you might want to consider newer options like the iPhone 8, iPhone XR, or even the iPhone SE (2022). Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and priorities.

iPhone 7 Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Affordable: The smartphone can be found for a fraction of the price of newer models, making it an excellent budget option.
• Solid Performance: The A10 Fusion chip and iOS 15 ensure the phone still performs well in everyday tasks.
• Reliable Camera: The 12 MP rear camera offers excellent photo quality, especially in good lighting.

Cons:

• Battery Life: The 1960mAh battery could be underwhelming for users who need all-day power.
• No Headphone Jack: The removal of the headphone jack might be a dealbreaker for those who prefer wired headphones.
• Small Screen: With a 4.7-inch display, the iPhone 7’s screen size is smaller compared to modern phones like the iPhone XR or iPhone 8.

Conclusion: The iPhone 7 Holds Up Well in 2025

While the iPhone 7 is no longer the latest model, it remains a great option for users seeking a reliable, affordable smartphone. Its sleek design, solid performance, capable camera, and lasting software updates ensure that it continues to hold relevance, even several years after its release.

Whether you are considering buying a used iPhone 7 or just want to know how it compares to newer models. The iPhone 7 offers a lot of value for those who don’t need the latest and greatest tech.

FAQs: Is iPhone 7 Still a Good Option in 2025? Full Review