Introduction: Why People Still Consider the iPhone 7 in 2025
In 2025, the iPhone 7 might catch your attention because of its rock-bottom price—or maybe you found an old listing or a hand-me-down offer. For budget-conscious shoppers or those looking for a basic backup phone, it seems like a tempting deal. But just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it’s worth it. Before you decide, let’s break down whether the iPhone 7 is still a smart purchase today.
How Old Is the iPhone 7 in 2025?
The iPhone 7 was first released in September 2016. That makes it 9 years old in 2025. In the fast-moving world of smartphones, nine years is an eternity. Most iPhones are supported by Apple for about 5 to 6 years after launch. By 2025, the iPhone 7 is well past that window.
Is the iPhone 7 Still Supported by Apple?
No. It lost access to major iOS upgrades in 2022, when Apple released iOS 16—which skipped the iPhone 7 entirely. This means the device was capped at iOS 15 and no longer gets:
- New iOS features
- Bug fixes
- Compatibility updates for newer apps
If you’re still using an iPhone 7, you’re stuck on an older iOS version that many developers no longer optimize for.
Main Issues with Using an iPhone 7 in 2025
Still thinking about using an iPhone 7? Here are the main downsides to be aware of:
- No Software Updates: Without the latest iOS, your phone is more vulnerable to malware and bugs.
- App Compatibility Problems: Many apps will stop working properly or won’t update at all.
- Performance Lag: With aging hardware and newer app requirements, the phone will feel slow.
- Poor Battery Life: Batteries degrade over time. Most iPhone 7 units now have weak battery capacity.
- Limited Storage: The base model starts at 32GB, which fills up fast in 2025.
- Lower Camera Quality: Compared to even budget phones today, the iPhone 7’s single-lens camera falls short.
In short, the iPhone 7 is no longer equipped to handle the demands of modern apps, networks, and usage habits.
Why We Don't Recommend Buying an iPhone 7 Anymore
While you might occasionally come across a Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone 7, it’s becoming harder to find—and for good reason. At UpTrade, our Price Tracker shows that most certified sellers no longer carry this model. Even when it's available, we don’t recommend buying it. The lack of iOS support means you’re using a phone that’s not only outdated, but also more vulnerable to security issues and less compatible with apps and services you likely use every day.
The bottom line? You're not saving money if the phone becomes frustrating or unusable within months. That’s why we encourage shoppers to consider newer, more reliable options that still get Apple’s support.
Better Alternatives
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) — $140+
Specs Comparison
| Feature |
iPhone 7 |
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
| Release Year |
2016 |
2022 |
| Display |
4.7-inch Retina HD |
4.7-inch Retina HD |
| Processor |
A10 Fusion |
A15 Bionic |
| iOS Support |
iOS 15 (ended) |
iOS 26 (Fully Supported) |
| Rear Camera |
12MP |
12MP Wide |
| Front Camera |
7MP |
7MP |
| Touch ID / Face ID |
Touch ID |
Touch ID |
| Battery Life |
Up to 13 hrs video playback |
Up to 15 hrs video playback |
| 5G Support |
No |
Yes |
| Price in 2025 (Certified Used / Refurbished) |
Not recommended |
$140+ |
Key Differences
Massive Performance Leap: The SE 3rd Gen uses the A15 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 13 series. Compared to the iPhone 7’s outdated A10, this makes the SE significantly faster, smoother, and more power efficient.
5G Connectivity: Unlike the iPhone 7, the SE 3rd Gen supports 5G, giving it modern connectivity and faster network speeds.
Long-Term Updates: The SE supports iOS 26, while the iPhone 7 is long past its last update. That means continued security patches and app compatibility for years ahead.
Same Compact Size: For those who prefer smaller phones, the SE keeps the same 4.7-inch form factor and Touch ID button, making it an easy transition for iPhone 7 owners.
iPhone 11 — $140+
Specs Comparison
| Feature |
iPhone 7 |
iPhone 11 |
| Release Year |
2016 |
2019 |
| Display |
4.7-inch Retina HD |
6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD |
| Processor |
A10 Fusion |
A13 Bionic |
| iOS Support |
iOS 15 (ended) |
iOS 26 (Fully Supported) |
| Rear Camera |
12MP |
Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide) |
| Front Camera |
7MP |
12MP TrueDepth |
| Touch ID / Face ID |
Touch ID |
Face ID |
| Battery Life |
Up to 13 hrs video playback |
Up to 17 hrs video playback |
| 5G Support |
No |
No |
| Price in 2025 (Certified Used / Refurbished) |
Not recommended |
$140+ |
Key Differences
Big Display Upgrade: The iPhone 11’s 6.1-inch screen is much larger and more immersive than the iPhone 7’s compact 4.7-inch display.
Better Cameras: With a dual-lens setup (Wide + Ultra-Wide), the iPhone 11 takes far superior photos and videos compared to the iPhone 7’s single-lens camera.
Stronger Performance: The A13 Bionic chip delivers a huge boost in speed, efficiency, and app compatibility over the iPhone 7’s outdated A10 processor.
Modern Design: Face ID and the edge-to-edge display make the iPhone 11 feel more modern and premium compared to the bezel-heavy iPhone 7.
iPhone 12 — $160+
Specs Comparison
| Feature |
iPhone 7 |
iPhone 12 |
| Release Year |
2016 |
2020 |
| Display |
4.7-inch Retina HD |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor |
A10 Fusion |
A14 Bionic |
| iOS Support |
iOS 15 (ended) |
iOS 26 (Fully Supported) |
| Rear Camera |
12MP |
Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide) |
| Front Camera |
7MP |
12MP TrueDepth |
| Touch ID / Face ID |
Touch ID |
Face ID |
| Battery Life |
Up to 13 hrs video playback |
Up to 17 hrs video playback |
| 5G Support |
No |
Yes |
| Price in 2025 (Certified Used / Refurbished) |
Not recommended |
$160+ |
Key Differences
OLED Display: The iPhone 12 brings a 6.1-inch OLED screen with higher contrast, HDR, and better brightness than the iPhone 7’s basic LCD.
5G and Future-Proofing: Unlike the iPhone 7, the iPhone 12 supports 5G, giving it a much longer lifespan for modern networks.
Performance Jump: The A14 Bionic chip outperforms the A10 by a wide margin, making the iPhone 12 capable of running demanding apps and games with ease.
Modern Premium Design: With slim bezels, Face ID, and flat edges, the iPhone 12 feels like a truly modern device — a huge upgrade over the iPhone 7’s dated look.
Conclusion — Should You Buy the iPhone 7 in 2025?
The iPhone 7 had a long and successful run, but by 2025, it’s simply too outdated to recommend. With support ending years ago at iOS 15, it no longer receives software or security updates, leaving buyers with compatibility issues and vulnerabilities.
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen), starting at $140+, offers cutting-edge performance with the A15 chip and 5G support while keeping the compact 4.7-inch design.
The iPhone 11 delivers a larger screen, dual cameras, and all-day battery life at around $140+, making it the best all-around choice.
For those willing to spend slightly more, the iPhone 12 adds a stunning OLED display, 5G, and a modern premium design for about $160+.
If you’re looking for a Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone in 2025, skip the iPhone 7. Investing in one of these newer alternatives will give you years of updates, better performance, and far greater value.
FAQ: Buying the iPhone 7 in 2025
1. How much does the iPhone 7 cost in 2025?
Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone 7 models can be found for under $100, but it is not recommended due to lack of iOS support.
2. Is the iPhone 7 still supported by Apple?
No. The iPhone 7 stopped receiving updates with iOS 15, which ended years ago. It does not support iOS 26.
3. Why is the iPhone 7 not recommended in 2025?
The iPhone 7 is outdated, lacks security updates, has weaker performance, and faces app compatibility issues. Its battery and hardware are also far past their prime.
4. What’s the best alternative to the iPhone 7?
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) and iPhone 11 are the best options under $150. They both support iOS 26 and deliver much better performance and features.
5. Is the iPhone SE 3rd Gen better than the iPhone 7?
Yes. The SE 3rd Gen has the A15 Bionic chip, supports 5G, runs iOS 26, and offers years of updates — far beyond what the iPhone 7 can handle.
6. Is the iPhone 11 better than the iPhone 7?
Absolutely. The iPhone 11 has a larger screen, dual cameras, the faster A13 chip, and iOS 26 support, making it a far superior device for the same price range.
7. Is the iPhone 12 worth the extra cost over the iPhone 11?
Yes. For about $20 more, the iPhone 12 offers an OLED display, modern design, and 5G connectivity, making it the most future-proof option under $200.
8. Where can I find the best deals on refurbished iPhones?
The easiest way is through UpTrade, where you can compare real-time prices on Certified Used and Refurbished iPhones from trusted sellers like Amazon, BestBuy, and Apple.
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