Apple iPhone 11 vs iPhone 7 Plus – Which iPhone Should You Buy in the UK in 2025?

If you’re looking for a new iPhone in the UK, deciding between the Apple iPhone 11 and the older iPhone 7 Plus can be tricky. The iPhone 7 Plus, launched in 2016, was a flagship at the time, while the iPhone 11, launched in 2019, still feels modern with updated hardware and design.

Both are available brand new and sealed from LowPricePhonesUK, giving UK buyers affordable Apple options. Let’s compare them in detail to see which one suits your needs best.

Apple iPhone 7 Plus – New & Sealed, Unlocked (Product Link)
Apple iPhone 11 – New & Sealed, Unlocked (Product Link)
Or explore more iPhones in the Apple Collection.

Design & Build

The iPhone 7 Plus features a classic design with aluminium body and large bezels on the top and bottom. It has a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with the iconic home button and Touch ID fingerprint sensor.

The iPhone 11 offers a more modern look with a glass front and back, aluminium frame, and Face ID notch design. Its 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display feels more immersive and futuristic compared to the bezels of the 7 Plus.

Verdict: If you like the classic iPhone look with a home button, the 7 Plus still feels familiar. But for modern design and bigger screen real estate, the iPhone 11 is the winner.

Display & User Experience

The iPhone 7 Plus comes with a 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD with 1080p resolution. While sharp enough, it’s smaller and less immersive by today’s standards.

The iPhone 11 has a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD LCD with excellent colour accuracy, True Tone, and Dolby Vision support. Despite being LCD, it feels brighter and more vibrant.

Verdict: The iPhone 11 offers a better visual experience with a larger and brighter screen.

Performance & Hardware

The iPhone 7 Plus runs on the A10 Fusion chip with 3GB RAM. It still handles basic apps, browsing, and calls fine, but heavy gaming and multitasking show its age.

The iPhone 11 is powered by the A13 Bionic chip with 4GB RAM, which is significantly faster. Even in 2025, it runs demanding apps and games smoothly, and handles multitasking with ease.

Verdict: The iPhone 11 is far ahead in speed, efficiency, and future-proofing.

Battery & Charging

The iPhone 7 Plus comes with a 2,900 mAh battery, which offers decent life but struggles with today’s heavy usage patterns. Charging is limited to standard Lightning cable speeds.

The iPhone 11 features a larger 3,110 mAh battery with better optimisation thanks to the A13 chip. It also supports wireless charging and 18W fast charging (with compatible adapter).

Verdict: The iPhone 11 lasts longer and charges faster, making it a more practical choice.

Cameras & Photography

The iPhone 7 Plus introduced dual cameras with a 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto lens. It was great for portraits and zoom, but lacks modern low-light performance.

The iPhone 11 has a dual 12MP setup too (wide + ultra-wide), but with Night Mode, better Smart HDR, and improved image processing. Selfies also improve thanks to a 12MP front camera compared to the 7 Plus’s 7MP.

Verdict: For low-light, selfies, and overall quality, the iPhone 11 easily beats the iPhone 7 Plus.

Software & Updates

The iPhone 7 Plus is nearing the end of Apple’s update cycle. It may not receive the latest iOS versions for long, which limits long-term usability.

The iPhone 11, being newer, continues to receive the latest iOS updates and will remain supported for several more years.

Verdict: For longevity and security, the iPhone 11 is clearly better.

Extra Features

iPhone 7 Plus: Classic home button with Touch ID, cheaper, still feels premium with aluminium build.
iPhone 11: Face ID, wireless charging, Night Mode, water resistance (IP68).

Verdict: The iPhone 11 offers more modern features and better durability.

Who Should Buy Which?

Apple iPhone 7 Plus is perfect for:

Buyers on a tight budget who want a large screen.
Users who prefer Touch ID and the physical home button.
People who only need a simple iPhone for calls, browsing, and social media.

Apple iPhone 11 is perfect for:

Buyers who want faster performance and long-term iOS updates.
Users who take photos regularly, especially in low light.
Those who prefer modern design with Face ID and wireless charging.
Anyone looking for the best balance of price and performance in 2025.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, the iPhone 11 is clearly the better choice for most UK buyers. It offers superior performance, better cameras, longer software support, and a modern design that still feels relevant today.

The iPhone 7 Plus can work for those who want the cheapest possible iPhone with a big screen and don’t mind missing out on newer features. But for long-term value, the iPhone 11 is the smarter investment.

Check both models at LowPricePhonesUK: