iPhone 12 vs iPhone 7 Plus
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone 7 Plus
Starting at
£106.15£139.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 7 Plus?
iPhone 12 vs 7 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 7 Plus starts at £106.15, £63.85 less than the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7 Plus.
- The iPhone 12 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 7 Plus has a bigger battery: 2900 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 7 Plus specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 7 Plus offer different strengths suited to different users. It supports 5G networks and dual SIM options. The iPhone 7 Plus has a slightly larger battery capacity and a smaller LCD screen, making it a solid choice for everyday use and those who prefer a more compact device. Both phones have the same main camera resolution and double rear cameras, but the iPhone 12 offers a higher resolution front camera for sharper selfies. Choose the iPhone 12 for more recent features and performance, and the iPhone 7 Plus for a straightforward experience with a familiar size and good battery life.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 7 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 7 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and physical dimensions. These factors impact how long the phones can last in daily use and their ongoing software support.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 7 Plus has a slightly larger battery at 2900 mAh compared to the iPhone 12's 2815 mAh. This means it may offer a bit more battery life between charges, which is useful if you often use your phone for extended periods without access to charging.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 is lighter at 164 g and slightly thicker at 7.4 mm, while the iPhone 7 Plus weighs 188 g and measures 7.3 mm in depth. The 7 Plus is taller and wider, so the iPhone 12 offers a more compact and lighter feel in hand.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 7 Plus performance
Performance differences come from the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how quickly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking.
Chipset Technology
The iPhone 12 uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process, which provides more efficient and faster performance compared to the iPhone 7 Plus's Apple A10 Fusion built on 16 nm technology. This means the iPhone 12 handles demanding apps and multitasking more smoothly.
Memory Capacity
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 can keep more apps open and running in the background than the iPhone 7 Plus, which has 3 GB. This helps with smoother switching between apps and better performance in multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 offers storage in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB sizes, providing more choice for storing apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone 7 Plus stocks 32GB and 128GB options, which may suit users with simpler storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 7 Plus screen
Screen quality affects how clear and vibrant your content looks. Differences in size, resolution, and screen type influence viewing experience for videos, photos, and daily use.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch screen, which offers more space for watching videos and browsing compared to the iPhone 7 Plus's 5.5 inch display. The larger screen suits users who prefer a more immersive viewing experience.
Resolution and Display Type
The iPhone 12 features a higher resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels on a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, delivering sharper images and deeper colours. The iPhone 7 Plus has a 1080 x 1920 resolution on a Retina IPS LCD screen, which provides good clarity but less contrast and vibrancy than OLED.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 7 Plus camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front camera resolution, which influence photo quality and video calls.
Main Cameras
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 7 Plus have double main cameras with 12 megapixels each. This means they can capture similar levels of detail in photos from the rear cameras.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 has a 12 megapixels front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video calls than the iPhone 7 Plus's 7 megapixels front camera. This suits users who prioritise sharper front-facing photos.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 7 Plus size and design
Other differences include network support, SIM options, and physical dimensions that affect connectivity and handling.
Mobile Network Support
The iPhone 12 supports 5G networks, offering faster data speeds where 5G is available. The iPhone 7 Plus supports 4G, making it suitable for everyday use where 5G is not needed or available.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 supports a physical SIM plus eSIM, allowing use of two numbers or plans simultaneously. The iPhone 7 Plus supports a physical SIM only, which fits users with a single SIM requirement.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 is smaller in width at 71.5 mm and lighter at 164 g, while the iPhone 7 Plus measures 77.9 mm wide and weighs 188 g. The 7 Plus is taller at 158.2 mm compared to 146.7 mm for the iPhone 12, which may affect pocket fit and one-handed use.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone 7 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.5 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone 7 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £106.15, £63.85 less than the iPhone 12
- you want a bigger battery (2900 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 12 looks like new and performs very well. Many mention that the phone's condition is spotless with no marks or scratches, even when refurbished. The A14 Bionic chip provides smooth performance for apps and multitasking, from social media to photo editing. Some chose a new battery, which contributes to the phone feeling like a premium device at a fair price. The iPhone 12 is praised for its up-to-date software and overall quality, making it a reliable everyday phone. Customers also appreciate the larger screen and the inclusion of extras like a screen protector and case.
Reviews for the iPhone 7 Plus highlight its good condition and reliable performance for daily tasks. Customers mention the phone looks like new and works perfectly for their needs. The battery life is noted as lasting longer than expected. Some users highlight the phone as a great value choice with straightforward setup. A few mention it does not support the latest software updates, but for those comfortable with the existing iOS version, it remains a solid device. The 7 Plus is appreciated by those who prefer its size and simplicity.
Overall, the iPhone 12 suits users wanting the latest software, faster performance, and a sharper screen, while the iPhone 7 Plus fits those seeking a simpler, well-functioning phone with a familiar size and good battery life.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 7 Plus FAQs
iPhone 12 vs 7 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7 Plus. The iPhone 12 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone 7 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £106.15 compared with £170 for the iPhone 12.
The iPhone 7 Plus has a bigger battery: 2900 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone 7 Plus ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
The iPhone 12 adds more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.5 inch) and an OLED screen. Refurbished, it costs £63.85 more (from £170 vs £106.15).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 7 Plus in 32GB and 128GB.
