Introduction
The iPhone 7 Plus was a major milestone for Apple when it launched in 2016, introducing features like dual rear cameras and water resistance to the iPhone lineup. But in 2025, nearly a decade later, its value as a daily-use phone is seriously diminished. While it may still be available in the refurbished market, it’s no longer supported by Apple, and for just a bit more, you can find significantly more capable models like the iPhone XS Max or iPhone 11 Pro Max.
In this blog, we’ll break down why the iPhone 7 Plus is no longer a good buy and offer better alternatives that still provide long-term value and support.
iPhone 7 Plus in 2025: Pricing and Availability
As of 2025, the iPhone 7 Plus can be found in certified used or refurbished condition for as low as $90–$110. That may seem like a steal—until you factor in that it no longer receives iOS updates or security patches.
Availability has also become less consistent. Since Apple officially discontinued the model years ago, inventory depends heavily on older trade-ins or unsold refurbished stock, making it less reliable to find good condition units with strong battery health.
✅ Verdict: The iPhone 7 Plus is cheap, but outdated and unsupported in 2025.
iOS Support: Why It’s a Dealbreaker
Apple officially ended software support for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus with the release of iOS 16. This means the device no longer receives:
- Major iOS updates
- Critical security patches
- Bug fixes or new features
Without ongoing updates, you’re left with a phone that becomes increasingly vulnerable to security issues and app compatibility problems. Many popular apps will gradually stop supporting older iOS versions, leading to crashes or limited functionality.
✅ Verdict: No iOS support = no long-term usability. That alone makes it a poor choice in 2025.
Performance in 2025: Is the A10 Fusion Still Usable?
The iPhone 7 Plus runs on Apple’s A10 Fusion chip—a powerhouse in 2016, but significantly underpowered by today’s standards. In 2025, the A10 chip:
- Struggles with modern apps and multitasking
- Suffers from longer app load times
- May freeze or lag during video streaming, gaming, or basic tasks
While it can still handle phone calls, texting, and light browsing, it’s no longer a reliable option for users who expect fluid performance.
✅ Verdict: The A10 chip is well past its prime. You’ll feel the lag, even during basic use.
Camera and Battery Life: Still Reliable in 2025?
The iPhone 7 Plus introduced Apple’s first dual-camera setup, combining a wide and telephoto lens. In 2025, it still captures decent daytime shots—but that’s about where its strengths end.
- No Night Mode
- Weak low-light performance
- No Deep Fusion or Smart HDR
Battery life is another concern. Even when refurbished, most iPhone 7 Plus units are working with aged batteries or replaced third-party cells.
- Original battery capacity was 2,900 mAh
- Heavily degraded in most used models
- No wireless charging or fast charging support
✅ Verdict: The camera system and battery are outdated and outclassed by newer models in the same price range.
Better Alternatives Under $220 in 2025
If you’re considering the iPhone 7 Plus because of its low price, the good news is—you don’t have to settle for outdated tech. In 2025, there are far better options under $220 that offer modern performance, updated software, and longer-term value.
- ✅ iPhone XS Max ($210+) – Features a 6.5-inch OLED display, Face ID, dual cameras with Smart HDR, and is still receiving iOS updates. It’s an excellent upgrade in every way from the iPhone 7 Plus.
- ✅ iPhone 11 Pro Max ($215+) – A rare deal but unbeatable if you find one. It offers triple cameras (including Night Mode and Ultra-Wide), an A13 Bionic chip, superior battery life, and OLED display. It’s one of the best large-screen iPhones under $250.
If you see an iPhone 11 Pro Max available near the $215 mark on UpTrade, don’t wait—it’s easily the best deal for large-screen iPhones in 2025.
✅ Verdict: Skip the iPhone 7 Plus and put your money into a more future-proof iPhone like the XS Max or 11 Pro Max.
Specs Comparison: iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS Max vs iPhone 11 Pro Max
| Feature |
iPhone 7 Plus |
iPhone XS Max |
iPhone 11 Pro Max |
| Release Year |
2016 |
2018 |
2019 |
| Display |
5.5" Retina HD LCD |
6.5" Super Retina OLED |
6.5" Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Chipset |
A10 Fusion |
A12 Bionic |
A13 Bionic |
| RAM |
3 GB |
4 GB |
4 GB |
| Rear Cameras |
Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto) |
Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto) |
Triple 12MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide + Telephoto) |
| Night Mode |
No |
No |
Yes |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) |
Up to 13 hours |
Up to 15 hours |
Up to 20 hours |
| Face ID |
No (Touch ID) |
Yes |
Yes |
| Water Resistance |
IP67 |
IP68 (2m) |
IP68 (4m) |
| iOS Support (2025) |
No longer supported |
Supported |
Supported |
| Starting Price (2025) |
$100+ |
$210+ |
$215+ |
✅ Verdict: The iPhone 7 Plus falls far behind in every category—display, performance, camera, and iOS support. The iPhone XS Max and iPhone 11 Pro Max are significantly better options for just $100 more.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the iPhone 7 Plus in 2025?
No. The iPhone 7 Plus is no longer worth buying in 2025.
While the sub-$110 price might look appealing, the lack of iOS support, aging hardware, and poor camera/battery performance make it a bad investment. Apps will stop working, security vulnerabilities will increase, and your user experience will be limited from day one.
✅ Better Choice: Get the iPhone XS Max at $210+ or the iPhone 11 Pro Max at $215+ if available. Both are far more powerful, secure, and future-proof for just a bit more money.
👉 Final Verdict: Skip the iPhone 7 Plus. Spend a little more and get a real upgrade.
FAQs: Buying a Used iPhone 7 Plus in 2025
1. How old is the iPhone 7 Plus in 2025?
The iPhone 7 Plus was released in September 2016, making it 9 years old in 2025.
2. Is the iPhone 7 Plus still supported in 2025?
No. Apple ended major iOS support for the iPhone 7 Plus in 2022. By 2025, it no longer receives iOS updates or security patches.
3. What happens when iPhone 7 Plus is no longer supported?
When an iPhone is no longer supported, it stops receiving iOS updates, security patches, and some app updates. This can lead to decreased app compatibility, potential security vulnerabilities, and an overall decline in usability over time.
4. Can I still use an iPhone 7 Plus in 2025?
Yes, it will still function for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing. However, app compatibility will decline, and it poses higher security risks without updates.
5. How much is an iPhone 7 Plus worth in 2025?
Certified used or refurbished iPhone 7 Plus models can be found for around $100 or less, but the lack of software support makes it a poor investment.
6. Is the iPhone 7 Plus good for gaming or performance in 2025?
No. The A10 Fusion chip is outdated and struggles with newer apps and multitasking demands.
7. Does the iPhone 7 Plus still take good photos?
It has a dual 12MP camera setup that was impressive at launch, but it lacks modern features like Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR, so its photography performance is outdated by 2025 standards.
8. What’s a better iPhone alternative under $220?
The iPhone XS Max ($210) and iPhone 11 Pro Max ($215) are far better options. They offer OLED displays, Face ID, better cameras, longer iOS support, and significantly stronger performance.
9. Will my apps still work on the iPhone 7 Plus in 2025?
Some apps will work, but increasingly, developers are phasing out support for older iOS versions. Expect more compatibility issues over time.
10. Is it safe to buy an iPhone 7 Plus in 2025?
It's not recommended. Without security updates, it becomes more vulnerable to privacy risks and malware.
11. What’s the biggest downside of the iPhone 7 Plus in 2025?
The lack of software support and outdated hardware are major issues. It’s better to spend slightly more for a newer model that still gets iOS updates.
12. Does the iPhone 7 Plus support wireless charging?
No. Wireless charging was introduced starting with the iPhone 8 series. The iPhone 7 Plus only supports wired Lightning charging.
