Apple iPhone 7 Plus
The new dual camera means the Plus really does give you more
THe dual-camera setup is what sets the Plus apart from the iphone 7
This is the big one – and we don’t just mean because of its 5.5-inch, 1920x1080 screen. In the iPhone 6 and 6s models, the only significant difference between the regular iPhone and the Plus was size and battery life, so choosing which to buy was a matter of taste. This is the first time one of the models has a feature that differentiates it enough that we think it’s worth recommending over its iPhone sibling. And we do recommend it: if you get an iPhone 7, we think the Plus is the better option, on balance.
As with the smaller iPhone 7, the design is very similar to the iPhone 6s version, with the biggest changes being the removal of the headphone jack, and the larger dual-camera bump. There’s also the new Jet Black and regular black finishes, of course – Jet Black looks especially cool on the bigger surface of the Plus (and shows even more fingerprints and scratches if you’re not careful).
It’s also now waterproof to an IP67 rating, meaning you can drop it in a bath or get seriously rained on without any worries about water damage. So with everything that’s the same (including the A10 Fusion processor), why are we rating the Plus higher than the iPhone 7? A closer look The bigger screen and battery life are factors, as we’ll come to, but the dual-camera setup is what sets the Plus apart. The system uses two 12-megapixel sensors, one with a wide-angle 28mm f/1.8 lens, the other a telephoto 56mm f/2.8 lens. The wide-angle lens features optical image stabilization, though the telephoto lens doesn’t. The latter is all-new for an iPhone, while the wide-angle lens is an improvement over the previous model, with a wider aperture and more elements for a sharper image. The sensors have also been upgraded to be able to capture a wider color range, just as in the iPhone 7.
There are a few reasons for the dual-camera system. The most important is that it allows for true 2x optical zoom (rather than digital zoom, which always results in image degradation). A 2x zoom might not sound like a huge amount, but we found ourselves instantly using it a lot – it adds plenty of flexibility to your ability to compose shots. The results are excellent, and in some cases, it means capturing photos which you couldn’t otherwise. Switching between the lenses is instant with a button tap, so you don’t miss your chance for a great shot. You can even switch between the lenses while taking video, which can be really useful.
It does appear to us that images taken with the wide-angle lens are sharper than those taken with the telephoto (which isn’t a huge surprise, since the telephoto lens lacks optical image
stabilization), but both take absolutely gorgeous photos, with realistic colors and fantastic tonal depth. Low-light shooting has been noticeably improved, too. Apple uses the image data from both cameras whenever you take a shot, adding in details from the secondary sensor to make sure you get the best possible shot. It does all this instantly thanks to the powerful new image processor in the A10. It’s so fast, so convenient, and so flexible, we’re totally in love with it.
The dual-camera system can also be used to create a shallow depth of field effect, blurring the background of images to make the subject “pop” in the way a DSLR can. This feature will be available as a free software update later in the year, so we haven’t been able to test it yet, but the promise is tantalizing. Oh, and the frontfacing camera has been upgraded as well, as with the iPhone 7 – the selfie camera now features a seven-megapixel sensor that produces brighter, sharper images.
The 7 Plus’s screen is still 1080p, and is Apple’s highest-density display, but now offers wider color reproduction and improved brightness. The colors are instantly noticeable when you’re viewing photos, and look beautifully sharp on the screen. For photo lovers, the combination is just fantastic. For everyone else, it’s still really pleasing, and the increased brightness makes it easier to use in outdoors in full sunlight.
The other feature of the Plus is its longer battery life over the regular 7, and that’s been gently improved in this model – Apple says by an hour. The end result is much the same as the difference between the 6s and the 6s Plus: during a day of intense use, the Plus should get you all the way through to bedtime, but the 7 might drop out slightly earlier. We’ve found the difference between the two to be significant; you can feel more confident about the Plus staying with you even if you spend a day talking and browsing the web. But the change from 6s Plus is very minor – there’s no battery life revolution in the newer model. Tough choices The dilemma of choosing between the 4.7-inch or 5.5-inch model has always involved the more convenient and portable size of the smaller iPhone, compared to the larger (and sharper) display and battery life of the Plus. In the past, we’ve called it a draw, and suggested that you choose based on your priorities.
That’s still true. If you just don’t like the larger size, no amount of extra tech will convince you; if you must have the best battery life, a lighter phone won’t be much of a temptation. But now the new camera is in the equation, we think the Plus is overall the better iPhone for those on the fence.
As we said in the iPhone 7 review, the removal of the headphone jack is absolutely an inconvenience if you want to use a particular pair of older headphones. The adapter works fine, and there are other workarounds, but the fact remains. We like using wireless
headphones, but switching to them may mean an additional cost. You still get EarPods in the box though, so if you use EarPods at the moment, it won’t mean much of a change in practice. Speaking of audio, the new speakers are loud, clear, and a big improvement over previous iPhones.
The new Home button is the same as on the 7, which means it isn’t a button at all. You press it, and the Taptic Engine makes it feel like it’s moving. You get used to it quickly, and it actually feels better in use for double-pressing – to bring up the app switcher, for example.
Just as with the iPhone 7, the A10 Fusion chip is blisteringly fast. Moving between apps and scrolling even demanding web pages in Safari is totally fluid. There’s no lag, no waiting for anything… ever, really. That’s especially great with the new emphasis on opening apps directly from the Lock screen or other widget screens – it makes everything feel a lot easier and more fluid.
The bottom line. The iPhone 7 Plus may not be a drastic reinvention of the phone but it’s Apple’s most advanced ever, and its best ever – with a caveat for headphone-lovers. We absolutely adore the dual camera and sharp, big screen to view your photos on, and the longer battery life to support it. In short, this is our iPhone pick for 2016. Duncan Bell & Matt Bolton