Apple iPhone 7 Review: A Classic iPhone with Timeless Performance and Features

1. Introduction

Released in September 2016, the Apple iPhone 7 marked a significant step forward in Apple’s smartphone lineup, introducing new capabilities and refinements that helped set the standard for smartphones of its era. Designed to combine sleek aesthetics with powerful performance, the iPhone 7 appealed to users seeking a premium, reliable device with enhanced camera technology, improved water resistance, and immersive audio experience. Featuring Apple’s then-new A10 Fusion processor and running iOS 10 at launch, it balanced speed and efficiency with a compact 4.7-inch Retina HD display. Even years later, it remains a popular choice for those valuing robust daily performance and Apple's hallmark ecosystem. Learn more about its specs and evolution on Apple’s official iPhone 7 page.

2. Design & Build Quality

The iPhone 7 carried forward the iconic iPhone silhouette, with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display encased in a precision-machined aluminum body. Measuring 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm and weighing just 138 grams, it remains compact and comfortable in hand. It introduced new color finishes including Jet Black and (PRODUCT)RED, alongside classics like Black, Gold, Rose Gold, and Silver, catering to varied style preferences. Apple also debuted water and dust resistance with an IP67 rating — a first for the iPhone — enhancing durability in everyday situations. Another notable design change was the removal of the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, replaced instead by Lightning port audio and wireless options, signaling a new era in iPhone audio design. The solid-state Home button offered haptic feedback instead of a physical click, improving reliability and responsiveness. For a detailed look at its build, see Apple’s official specifications.

Apple iPhone 7 Key Features Table

3. Display

The iPhone 7’s 4.7-inch Retina HD display delivers sharp visuals at a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels and a pixel density of 326 ppi. Equipped with IPS technology for wide viewing angles, it supports a wide color gamut (P3) that produces vibrant and true-to-life colors. The screen features a 1400:1 contrast ratio, boosting depth in dark scenes and overall clarity. It also supports 3D Touch, which allows context-sensitive interactions depending on the pressure applied to the screen. While small by today’s standards, this display size provides great one-handed usability, making it appealing for users who prefer more compact phones. Apple’s Retina technology ensures excellent sharpness for text and images. For more on Apple’s display technology, visit Apple’s Retina Display overview.

4. Performance

Powered by the Apple A10 Fusion chip with a 2.34GHz quad-core CPU combining high-performance and efficiency cores, the iPhone 7 delivers smooth, lag-free performance across applications and games. Despite having 2GB of RAM—below today's typical smartphone standards—the device’s tight integration of hardware and iOS software ensures robust multitasking and quick app launches. The A10 Fusion was a groundbreaker in 2016, outperforming many Android flagships and even the iPad Pro at that time. The iPhone 7 performs excellently in graphics-intensive tasks, with the six-core GPU providing a great gaming experience. Software updates up to iOS 15.7 keep the phone secure and reasonably functional even years after its original release. For detailed performance insights, check Apple A10 Fusion chip info.

5. Cameras

The iPhone 7 boasts a notable 12MP rear camera featuring a wider f/1.8 aperture, optical image stabilization (OIS), and a six-element lens, which together improve low-light performance and reduce blur. Dual-LED True Tone flash ensures natural lighting during selfies and captures. Camera enhancements include wide color capture and advanced image signal processing capable of processing over 100 billion operations per photo, delivering vivid and detailed shots. The front-facing 7MP camera supports Retina Flash and wide color capture, perfect for high-quality selfies and FaceTime calls. Video recording supports 4K at 30fps, slow-motion, and time-lapse modes, making it versatile for casual filming. The improvements made with the iPhone 7 camera made it highly rated among smartphones of its release period. For more, visit Apple iPhone Camera Technology.

6. Battery Life

With a non-removable 1960mAh battery, the iPhone 7 provides moderate battery life sufficient for a full day of typical usage, including calls, browsing, and media playback. Battery efficiency benefits from the energy-saving cores of the A10 Fusion chip, optimizing power consumption. While the battery capacity is smaller compared to modern smartphones, the device's software optimization and compact screen help extend overall runtime. Fast charging is not supported officially, but Lightning fast charging provides a reliable method to recharge. Wireless charging is not supported on this model. Apple’s battery support page offers more insight into battery care and optimization.

7. Connectivity & Other Features

The iPhone 7 supports 4G LTE with VoLTE for high-quality calls, Bluetooth 4.2, and dual-band Wi-Fi with 802.11ac for fast internet connections. NFC enables Apple Pay support for convenient contactless payments. Unlike predecessors, the iPhone 7 lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack but includes an improved stereo speaker system offering immersive sound through both the bottom speaker and earpiece. The device retains Touch ID fingerprint verification integrated into the solid-state Home button for secure, fast unlocking, and Apple Pay authentication. Its IP67 water and dust resistance adds peace of mind against spills and light submersion. GPS with GLONASS and other sensors like barometer, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and gyroscope round out its connectivity and sensor suite.

8. User Experience

Running iOS 10 at launch, with upgradeability up to iOS 15.7, the iPhone 7 offers a smooth and refined user experience characterized by the seamless Apple ecosystem integration and polished interface. The device supports all essential Apple apps and services, with regular security updates ensuring longevity beyond its launch era. The compact form factor combined with 3D Touch and Taptic Engine feedback creates a responsive and engaging interaction. While newer iOS versions introduced extra features not supported by the iPhone 7 due to hardware limits, it remains a solid, reliable choice for users prioritizing stability, app compatibility, and ecosystem connectivity, especially with iMessage, FaceTime, and Siri.

9. Pros and Cons

10. Comparison

Compared to the iPhone 6S, the iPhone 7 introduced water resistance, superior camera capabilities, and significantly enhanced performance thanks to the A10 Fusion chip. Against the larger iPhone 7 Plus, it lacks the dual camera system and larger display size but remains a compact, more affordable option. Compared to modern entry phones, the iPhone 7’s older hardware and software support limit its competitiveness, but as a certified Apple device it still outperforms many budget Android phones in fluidity and build quality. For a feature comparison, explore Apple’s iPhone lineup compare tool.

11. Pricing, Variants & Availability

At launch in 2016, the iPhone 7 started at $649 (approximately ₹60,000 INR) for the 32GB model, with 128GB and 256GB variants available at higher price points. It was available in multiple colors including Jet Black, which was exclusive to higher capacity models. Though discontinued officially, the iPhone 7 remains widely available in refurbished and second-hand markets. Prices today reflect its age but can offer exceptional value for users seeking an affordable iOS device. Check trusted resellers or refurbished outlets for current pricing.

12. Verdict / Conclusion

The Apple iPhone 7 holds a timeless position as one of the most refined and well-rounded compact smartphones of its generation, combining premium design, solid performance, and one of the best cameras available at launch. Its introduction of water resistance and stereo speakers marked important usability improvements. While aging hardware limits its ability to run the latest apps and iOS features, it remains a dependable option for users looking for a compact iPhone with quality build and a responsive user experience. The iPhone 7 is a great choice for those entering the Apple ecosystem or valuing an affordable, well-optimized iOS device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does the iPhone 7 support the latest iOS updates?
The iPhone 7 supports iOS updates up to iOS 15.7 but does not support later versions such as iOS 16 or beyond. It will continue to work securely but will miss newer iOS features.

Q2: Can I still buy the iPhone 7 new today?
Apple has discontinued new production, but the iPhone 7 is available via refurbished or second-hand markets and some resellers offering used or restored units.

Q3: How good is the iPhone 7 camera compared to modern phones?
For basic photography, the iPhone 7’s 12MP camera with OIS is still capable of producing good quality photos, but it lacks advanced features like multiple lenses, night mode improvements, and computational photography found in newer models.

Q4: Is the iPhone 7 water resistant?
Yes, it has an IP67 rating, which means it is water and dust resistant and can survive immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Q5: Does the iPhone 7 have a headphone jack?
No. Apple removed the 3.5mm headphone jack in the iPhone 7, encouraging users to use wireless headphones or Lightning port adapters.