10 features of the iPhone 7 Plus

As a technology writer, I've had the opportunity to review dozens of devices, but few have left as clear a mark as the iPhone 7 Plus . Launched in 2016, this model not only cemented Apple's position in the post-Jobs era but also introduced innovations that remain benchmarks today. What made it so special? Let's break it down.

1. Dual Camera: The Ultimate Leap in Mobile Photography? 📸

The iPhone 7 Plus was the first iPhone to feature a dual-camera system (two 12 MP sensors). One lens was wide-angle (f/1.8) and the other was telephoto (f/2.8), allowing for 2x optical zoom and artificial bokeh via Portrait mode . The result? Photos with professional depth of field, revolutionary for the time. Personally, I remember trying it out and being amazed at the detail in the portraits, although the software could still be improved (the edges sometimes seemed cropped).

2. A10 Fusion chip: Raw power or energy efficiency? ⚡

Apple has always stood out for its processors, and the A10 Fusion was no exception. This 64-bit, quad-core chip (two high-performance and two efficiency) offered 40% more speed than the A9 in the iPhone 6s. The best part? Its intelligent resource management, which prioritized efficient cores for simple tasks, extending battery life. I played Asphalt 8 for hours without noticing excessive heat, something unthinkable on Android back then.

3. IP67 Water Resistance: Finally a Real-Life iPhone? 🌊

For the first time, an iPhone included an IP67 rating (submerged in water for 30 minutes ). Was it completely waterproof? No, but it was resistant to splashes, rain, or drops in the pool. I remember a friend accidentally submerging it in a wine glass… and it survived. However, Apple warned that liquid damage was not covered under warranty (a significant detail).

4. Tactile Home Button: Goodbye to the mechanical click? 🔘

The physical Home button is gone, replaced by a touch-enabled system with haptic feedback . When pressed, a Taptic Engine simulated the sensation of a click. Was it awkward at first? Absolutely. But after a few days, the precision and durability (due to the lack of moving parts) were convincing. Repairers hated this change, though: replacing the button meant disassembling almost the entire device.

5. Design: Evolution or Stagnation? 🎨

It maintained the iPhone 6/6s design, but with a few nuances: less intrusive antennas, a Jet Black finish (a glossy black that was a marketing success), and the elimination of the 3.5mm jack. A revolutionary design? No, but a refined one. The Jet Black, for example, was amazing... until you could scratch it just by looking at it. Apple even recommended using a case, somewhat ironic for a phone that looked so good.

6. Retina HD display: Brightness and color for everyone? 🌈

The 5.5-inch (1920x1080) display retained the Retina Display technology , but with 25% more brightness (625 nits) and DCI-P3 color gamut. Was it noticeable? When compared to the iPhone 6s, the colors were more vivid and sunlight readability was excellent. Of course, the competition was already using 2K resolution, but Apple argued (rightly) that software optimization made up for the difference.

7. Stereo Speakers: Surround sound on a phone? 🔊

The first iPhone with stereo speakers (one at the base and one next to the earpiece). The volume was 50% louder than the 6s, and the sound was more balanced. I tried watching Stranger Things without headphones and the experience was decent, although the music still lacked bass. However, the directional sound (which adjusted the output based on orientation) was a success.

8. Storage: Goodbye 16GB? 💾

Apple eliminated the 16GB model and offered 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB options . Why does it matter? Because the 16GB model was obsolete (iOS alone took up 5GB). The jump to the base 32GB was welcome, though the 256GB model seemed excessive… until you started shooting 4K video.

9. Battery: A day of real-life use? 🔋

The 2900mAh battery (5% larger than the 6s Plus) promised up to 14 hours of Wi-Fi browsing . In my usage, including email, networking, and some YouTube , I made it to the end of the day with 20% left. It wasn't revolutionary, but it was consistent. Low power mode (activated at 20%) was a lifesaver in emergencies.

10. Goodbye to the headphone jack: Bravery or inconvenience? 🎧

The controversy was monumental. Apple eliminated the 3.5mm jack and included Lightning headphones and an adapter. The reason? To free up internal space and promote AirPods (which were released later). Frustrating? At first, yes. But today, after the rise of wireless headphones, it's seen as a visionary move. Of course, in 2016, charging and using headphones at the same time required buying an adapter... or paying $159 for AirPods.

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