It’s easy to dismiss the iPhone 7 Plus as a seemingly underwhelming update because of its similar form factor to the iPhone 6 Plus. However, there are very noteworthy updates to this phone – and after 6 months of use, I can say most assuredly that this is still a fantastic upgrade in almost every way.
Over the past few months, the biggest physical changes that were once hot topics I find to be either non-issues or natural evolutionary changes in the iPhone.
The Camera is fantastic. The depth effect helps me produce images that are almost as good as my DSLR Camera. The dual cameras and powerful software that leverages the new optics make the iPhone 7 Plus now the point and shoot camera I use for even the most important shots.
12MP wide-angle and telephoto cameras provide optical zoom, improved low light performance, depth of field effects and simply take amazing photos overall.
The iPhone 7 is Water Resistant. This is one of the most welcome and long awaited feature updates to this device. Now I use it in the snow and rain without care or a special case.
Now water resistant without a special case – the Jet Black iPhone in my opinion is simply too good looking to cover up anyway.
In fact, the iPhone 7 (specifically the Jet Black) has an enclosure so striking in its beauty that hiding it behind a protective case just feels disappointing. The enclosure is so polished it has a glass-like feel that actually gives it enough grip to make a non-slip case feel unnecessary. But if scuffs and tiny scratches bother you, you will want to protect it. As stated by Apple,”its high shine may show fine micro-abrasions with use” – and it does. However, I personally like the weathered and distressed look. And, after watching Apple’s “Design Film” of the Jet Black iPhone and the steps taken to crafting its enclosure, covering it all up seems like a waste of all that effort.
The Jet Black finish is so deep, dark and shiny that it’s almost hard to photograph.
The Home Button is no longer a “Button”. It’s now a solid-state pressure sensitive sensor built into the glass that, with the help of the “Taptic Engine”, behaves like a button by giving you tactile feedback when pressed. Some people argued that it didn’t feel right when introduced. I think it feels better and even more precise than the old physical button (and it’s one less moving part to break and one less place for liquid to get in).
No more Home “Button” (it’s now solid state) and no more Headphone Jack. The Lightning Port is now the only physical port that remains.
Which leads to the one big “issue” (for some), No Headphone Jack. But, if you already use Bluetooth wireless headphones, the loss of this port will go completely unnoticed. While the iPhone does come with a pair of wired Lightning Headphones and a Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone adapter, Apple is clearly making the big leap toward all things wireless. And, as Apple has demonstrated with the AirPods how good of an experience using wireless headphones can be, I for one welcome the change.
The removal of the Headphone Jack on the iPhone is a non-issue if you already use wireless headphones like Apple’s AirPods which beautifully showcase how magical wireless headphones can be. Yes… I said magical.
Helpy Features:
+ Fantastic Camera.
+ Double the Processing power.
+ Exceptional Battery Life.
+ Stereo Speakers.
+ Solid-State Home Button.
+ Water Resistant.
+ Jet Black is Gorgeous.
Drawbacks:
– No Headphone Jack… but kind of a non-issue if you use wireless headphones.
– A bit pricey.
– Jet Black is Gorgeous. (because it tempts you to not use a case)
Year after year, the smartphone seems to be a product category with less and less room for innovation and excitement. However, the more I use the iPhone 7 Plus, the more evident it becomes that this is not just another iterative update. This is a solid upgrade to Apple’s flagship product with deliberate design choices that bring back excitement to the platform and clearly set the stage for Apple’s paradigm-shifting innovations to come.
The iPhone 7 Plus starts at $769