Apple iPhone 7 Plus Review – In-Depth Analysis by LowPricePhones UK

The Apple iPhone 7 Plus remains one of the most recognisable and reliable smartphones from Apple, even in 2026. For UK buyers, it offers a perfect balance between affordability, performance, and premium features. While newer iPhones boast advanced hardware, the iPhone 7 Plus still holds its ground with a dual-camera system, Retina HD display, and smooth iOS performance.

In this review, LowPricePhones UK explores every aspect of this device: design, display, camera, performance, battery, software, and more. By the end, you’ll understand why the iPhone 7 Plus is still a solid choice for anyone seeking Apple quality at a lower price.

Apple iPhone 7 Plus: Overview and Key Features

Released in 2016, the iPhone 7 Plus was Apple’s first 5.5-inch “Plus” phone with dual cameras. It introduced features like water resistance, improved A10 Fusion chip, and a sleeker all-metal design. While it doesn’t have the latest cutting-edge features, it still delivers a premium smartphone experience.

Key Specifications

The iPhone 7 Plus stands out for its smooth performance, reliable hardware, and iOS ecosystem, making it one of the most accessible Apple smartphones for budget-conscious UK buyers.

Design and Build Quality

Apple has always been known for its premium build quality, and the iPhone 7 Plus is no exception. It features aerospace-grade aluminium and a smooth matte finish available in multiple colours, including Jet Black, Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold.

The removal of the headphone jack was controversial but paved the way for wireless audio adoption, such as AirPods or Bluetooth headphones.

Why It Feels Premium

• Rounded edges for comfort

• Slim yet sturdy design

• Water and dust resistance with IP67 rating

• Solid weight distribution for one-hand usability

Even years later, the iPhone 7 Plus feels modern and sleek, proving Apple’s emphasis on timeless design.

Display and Visual Experience

The 5.5-inch Retina HD display is one of the standout features of the iPhone 7 Plus. Despite being older, it offers excellent colour reproduction, sharp visuals, and wide viewing angles, making it suitable for streaming, gaming, and photo editing.

Display Table

The brightness levels make outdoor usage comfortable, while True Tone simulation adjusts colours naturally for better viewing. Compared to newer OLED iPhones, it may lack the deepest blacks, but it still provides vivid and lifelike visuals.

Camera Performance – Still Competitive

One of the biggest selling points of the iPhone 7 Plus is its dual 12MP rear cameras: wide-angle and telephoto lenses. Apple introduced portrait mode with this model, allowing users to take professional-looking photos with depth effects.

Photography Features

• Low-Light Photography: Larger sensors capture more light

• Optical Zoom: 2x telephoto lens provides optical zoom without losing quality

• Portrait Mode: Achieves bokeh effect similar to DSLR cameras

• Video Recording: 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps, slo-mo at 240fps

The 7MP front camera is excellent for selfies and video calls, providing clear images with natural colour reproduction. Overall, the iPhone 7 Plus is still a capable photography device for casual and social media users in the UK.

Performance and Software

Powered by the A10 Fusion chip, the iPhone 7 Plus handles everyday tasks smoothly. Multitasking, app launches, and gaming are fluid, and iOS ensures efficient battery management and security updates.

Performance Highlights

• CPU: Quad-core 2.34 GHz

• GPU: PowerVR Series7XT Plus for gaming

• RAM: 3GB ensures smooth multitasking

• iOS Support: Upgradable to iOS 15

Even with heavier apps or games, the iPhone 7 Plus does not lag. The Touch ID fingerprint sensor adds extra security, and iOS updates ensure the device remains safe from vulnerabilities.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life on the iPhone 7 Plus is respectable, though not exceptional by modern standards. The 2900 mAh battery provides up to 21 hours of talk time or a full day of moderate usage.

Real-World Usage

• Streaming video: ~10 hours

• Gaming: ~6–7 hours

• Social media browsing: ~8–9 hours

• Standby: 250+ hours

The device charges via the Lightning connector, and while it does not support fast or wireless charging, the optimised A10 Fusion chip helps manage power efficiently.

Connectivity and Other Features

Despite being an older model, the iPhone 7 Plus offers reliable connectivity options for UK users:

• Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with MIMO

• Bluetooth: 4.2

• GPS: Yes, with GLONASS support

• SIM: Nano-SIM with support for dual SIM via eSIM in later iOS updates

Additionally, the iPhone 7 Plus supports AirPlay, Apple Pay, and Handoff features, allowing seamless integration with other Apple devices.

Pros and Cons of iPhone 7 Plus

Pros

• Dual-camera system with portrait mode

• Large 5.5-inch Retina HD display

• Durable, premium aluminium design

• Water-resistant (IP67)

• Smooth performance with A10 Fusion chip

• Long-term iOS support

Cons

• No headphone jack (requires wireless headphones)

• No wireless charging

• Heavier than modern smartphones

• Battery life average compared to newer iPhones

• Display not OLED, so blacks are less deep

iPhone 7 Plus vs Newer iPhones 2026

For UK buyers deciding between older and newer models, this table offers a quick comparison:

While newer iPhones outperform the 7 Plus in camera and processing power, the iPhone 7 Plus remains an affordable Apple option with most daily features intact.

Why Buy from LowPricePhones UK?

LowPricePhones UK offers 100% original Apple iPhones at competitive prices. Advantages include:

• Genuine, brand-new devices

• Affordable UK pricing for iPhone 7 Plus

• Fast and secure UK delivery

• Expert customer support

• Warranties on select devices

Choosing LowPricePhones UK guarantees trustworthy service and peace of mind, especially for buyers looking for budget-friendly Apple smartphones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is iPhone 7 Plus worth buying in 2026?
Yes, for users seeking reliable performance, strong cameras, and iOS at an affordable price.

2. Can it run the latest apps?
Most apps run smoothly, though high-end games may need reduced settings.

3. What is the ideal storage option?
128GB is recommended for most users; 32GB may fill up quickly with photos and apps.

4. Does it support wireless charging?
No, only wired charging via Lightning cable.

5. How water-resistant is it?
IP67 rating – it can survive splashes and short immersions.

6. Can I use modern headphones?
Yes, via Bluetooth or Lightning-to-3.5mm adapters.

7. Does it support dual SIM?
Yes, later iOS updates allow eSIM support alongside nano-SIM.

8. What is the screen quality like?
Retina HD display with vibrant colours, good for media and gaming.

9. How long does the battery last?
About a full day under moderate usage; heavy users may need a midday charge.

10. Why choose LowPricePhones UK?
They provide original, brand-new iPhones at affordable prices with UK delivery and support.

Conclusion

The Apple iPhone 7 Plus remains a reliable, high-quality smartphone for UK buyers seeking Apple performance at a lower price. Its dual-camera system, large Retina display, and stable iOS performance make it an excellent choice even in 2026.

Buying from LowPricePhones UK ensures you get a genuine, brand-new device, backed by secure delivery and customer support. If you want a trusted, budget-friendly Apple smartphone without compromising on key features, the iPhone 7 Plus is a timeless choice.

Even with newer iPhones available, the iPhone 7 Plus continues to serve everyday users, casual gamers, photographers, and media lovers perfectly. For anyone in the UK, it is a smart investment for lasting performance and classic Apple reliability.