iPhone 11 Pro Vs iPhone 7

iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£151.00

Versus £639.00 new

See options
iPhone 7
iPhone 7
Starting at

Refurbished price:£60.00

Versus £179.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 11 Pro, released in 2019, and the iPhone 7, launched in 2016, represent two distinct eras of smartphone development. While both are compact devices by modern standards, they offer vastly different experiences in terms of display technology, photographic capabilities, and software compatibility. The iPhone 11 Pro runs on much more recent versions of the iOS operating system, whereas the iPhone 7 is limited to older software versions that no longer receive the latest feature updates. This comparison explores how these two generations differ for everyday users seeking a reliable mobile experience.

The primary differences lie in the transition from physical buttons to gesture-based navigation and the evolution from a single-camera setup to a sophisticated triple-lens system. As we look at these devices today, the gap in their performance and longevity becomes a central factor for anyone deciding between a classic design and a more modern, feature-rich alternative.

Scores

Durability

The age gap between these two devices significantly impacts their expected lifespan and software compatibility in the current year, with the newer model offering a much longer path forward.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 11 Pro continues to receive modern software updates, ensuring compatibility with the latest apps and security patches, whereas the iPhone 7 has reached its limit with older software versions and may no longer support certain new applications.
  • Build Resilience: The iPhone 7 features a sturdy aluminium unibody that resists cracks from drops, while the iPhone 11 Pro uses a glass and stainless steel construction that offers better water resistance but requires more care to avoid glass damage on both the front and back.
  • Repair Accessibility: Both models are well-supported by independent repair shops, though the older internal design of the iPhone 7 is often cited as being simpler to service for basic battery or screen replacements due to its less complex internal layout.

Year of Release

2019

2016

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

In daily use, the difference in internal processing power manifests in how quickly apps open and how well the device handles multiple tasks simultaneously without slowing down.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 11 Pro provides a fluid experience when switching between demanding applications or playing modern games, while the iPhone 7 may experience pauses or slower loading times when running current-generation software that requires more resources.
  • Multitasking Capability: With more internal memory, the iPhone 11 Pro keeps more apps open in the background without needing to refresh them, whereas the iPhone 7 may close background apps more frequently to maintain system stability during use.
  • Battery Endurance: Users will find that the iPhone 11 Pro lasts much longer through a day of mixed use, while the iPhone 7 typically requires more frequent charging, especially when using GPS navigation or streaming high-definition video.

Memory

4 GB

2 GB

Screen quality

The viewing experience is one of the most immediate differences between these two smartphones, affecting everything from reading text to watching videos in different environments.

  • Display Technology: The iPhone 11 Pro uses an OLED screen that provides deep blacks and high contrast, making it ideal for media consumption, while the iPhone 7 uses a traditional LCD that offers natural colours but lacks the same level of visual depth.
  • Outdoor Visibility: The screen on the iPhone 11 Pro can reach much higher brightness levels, making it easier to read under direct sunlight compared to the more reflective and dimmer display found on the iPhone 7.
  • Screen-to-Body Ratio: The iPhone 11 Pro features a nearly edge-to-edge display with a notch for sensors, providing a much larger viewing area within a similar physical footprint to the iPhone 7, which has large borders at the top and bottom.

Resolution

1125 x 2436

750 x 1334

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Photography and media consumption have evolved significantly between the release of these two models, particularly regarding low-light performance and the variety of shots possible.

  • Camera Versatility: The iPhone 11 Pro features a triple-lens system including wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto options, allowing for varied perspectives, while the iPhone 7 relies on a single lens that is best suited for standard daylight photos.
  • Low-Light Photography: Nighttime images are much clearer on the iPhone 11 Pro thanks to dedicated processing for dark environments, whereas the iPhone 7 often produces grainy or dark photos in similar lighting conditions.
  • Audio Experience: The iPhone 11 Pro offers a wider stereo soundstage and spatial audio support for a more immersive experience when watching films, while the iPhone 7 provides standard stereo speakers that are clear but lack the same resonance.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical daily interactions, such as how you unlock the phone or connect accessories, differ based on the hardware design and the era in which each device was conceived.

  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 11 Pro uses facial recognition for secure unlocking and payments, which works seamlessly in most lighting, while the iPhone 7 uses a physical fingerprint sensor located in the home button.
  • Physical Dimensions: Despite having a much larger screen, the iPhone 11 Pro is only slightly larger and heavier than the iPhone 7, though the latter remains one of the lightest and thinnest options for those who prefer a minimal pocket presence.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices use the same port for charging and data transfer, but the iPhone 11 Pro supports faster wireless standards and more efficient cellular connectivity for more reliable data speeds in crowded areas.

Weight

188 g

138 g

Screen size (in)

5.8

4.7

Network

4G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User feedback from various forums highlights that the iPhone 11 Pro is still highly regarded for its reliable battery life and its camera system, which remains competitive for everyday photography. Conversely, the iPhone 7 is often praised by users who prefer the tactile feel of a physical home button and the lightweight, slim design that is rare in modern smartphones. However, many users note that the iPhone 7 now struggles with the latest app updates and battery longevity, making it more suitable for basic tasks rather than heavy daily use.

Users who prioritise photography, modern app compatibility, and a display that excels in all lighting conditions will find the iPhone 11 Pro aligns well with their needs. Those who prefer a very small, lightweight device for basic communication and who value the familiarity of a fingerprint sensor might still lean toward the iPhone 7 for simple tasks. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model is a sustainable choice that helps reduce electronic waste while providing a reliable device. This eco-friendly alternative allows users to access these technologies while supporting a circular economy. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you require the advanced features of a modern smartphone or the straightforward simplicity of a classic design.

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