iPhone 17 vs iPhone 7
Shop iPhone
iPhone 17
Starting at
£713.34£799.00 new
iPhone 7
Starting at
£66.24£179.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 7?
iPhone 17 vs 7 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 7 starts at £66.24, £647.10 less than the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A19 on the iPhone 17, Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7.
- The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 1960 mAh.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 7 specs
The iPhone 17 and iPhone 7 differ significantly in many areas, suiting different types of users. The iPhone 17 offers a larger and higher resolution screen with a smoother 120 Hz refresh rate, more memory, and a newer chipset for more demanding apps and multitasking. The iPhone 7 is simpler with a smaller screen, suitable for everyday use or as a basic phone. Battery capacity is larger on the iPhone 17, supporting longer use between charges. Camera resolutions are higher on the iPhone 17, which suits users who value detailed photos and selfies. The iPhone 7 uses a Lightning connector and a physical SIM, while the iPhone 17 uses USB-C and supports both a physical SIM and eSIM.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 7 price
Colour
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 7 battery life and software updates
Durability includes battery capacity, software updates, and basic physical features that affect daily use. The iPhone 17 and iPhone 7 differ in battery size and software support, which influence how long they last and which iOS versions they run.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 17 has a battery capacity of 3692 mAh, which supports longer usage between charges. The iPhone 7 has a 1960 mAh battery, which suits lighter use and everyday tasks. If you use your phone heavily throughout the day, the iPhone 17's larger battery will be noticeable.
Software Updates
This affects compatibility with some newer apps and features.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 7 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, memory, and storage options. These affect how smoothly the phone runs apps, multitasks, and stores data. The iPhone 17 and iPhone 7 offer different levels suited to different user needs.
Chipset and Speed
The iPhone 17 uses the Apple A19 chipset, providing faster processing and improved efficiency. The iPhone 7 runs on the Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm), which handles everyday tasks and simpler apps well. The iPhone 17 suits users who run demanding apps or multitask frequently.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 17 keeps more apps open and running smoothly in the background. The iPhone 7 has 2 GB of RAM, which works well for basic app use and simpler multitasking. If you use many apps at once, the iPhone 17 offers a noticeable advantage.
Storage Options
The iPhone 17 is stocked in 256GB and 512GB storage options, offering ample space for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone 7 comes in 32GB and 128GB options, suitable for users with lighter storage needs or who prefer simpler use.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 7 screen
Screen quality affects visual experience, including size, resolution, and refresh rate. The iPhone 17 and iPhone 7 vary in screen technology and size, which influences how you view videos, photos, and apps.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 17 features a 6.3 inch screen with a resolution of 2622x1206, offering a more spacious and detailed display. The iPhone 7 has a 4.7 inch screen with a resolution of 750x1334, which suits users who prefer a smaller phone or simpler visuals.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 17 supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, making animations and scrolling appear smoother. The iPhone 7 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which works well for everyday use but offers less fluid motion. Users who value smoother display performance will prefer the iPhone 17.
Screen Type
The iPhone 17 uses a Super Retina XDR display, providing high contrast and vibrant colours. The iPhone 7 has a Retina IPS LCD screen, which delivers accurate colours and clear images. The iPhone 17's screen type suits media consumption and detailed visuals.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 7 camera
Audiovisual features include cameras that affect photo and video quality. The iPhone 17 and iPhone 7 have different megapixel counts, influencing image detail and selfie quality.
Main Camera
The iPhone 17 has a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail and suits users who want higher resolution photos. The iPhone 7's main camera is 12 megapixels, suitable for everyday photography and casual use.
Front Camera
With an 18 megapixel front camera, the iPhone 17 is designed for detailed selfies and video calls. The iPhone 7's front camera is 7 megapixels, sufficient for basic selfies and video chat.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 7 size and design
Miscellaneous features include network compatibility, connectors, size, and SIM options. These details affect how you connect, carry, and use the phone daily.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 17 supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile data speeds where 5G is available. The iPhone 7 supports 4G, which provides reliable connectivity suitable for everyday browsing and streaming.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 17 supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, allowing more flexibility in managing mobile plans. The iPhone 7 uses only a physical SIM card, which is straightforward for users with a single mobile plan.
Connector Type
The iPhone 17 uses a USB-C connector, which is common for modern devices and supports faster charging and data transfer. The iPhone 7 uses a Lightning connector, which is widely used in earlier iPhones and accessories.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 17 measures 149.6 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and 8 mm in depth, weighing 177 g. The iPhone 7 is 138 mm tall, 67.1 mm wide, and 7.1 mm deep, weighing 138 g. The iPhone 7's smaller and lighter design suits users preferring a compact phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 17 or iPhone 7: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 17 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 1960 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 4.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 7 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £66.24, £647.10 less than the iPhone 17
- you want a lighter build (138 g vs 177 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 17 often highlight its condition, battery health, and appearance as nearly new. They appreciate its speed and smooth performance, noting the ease of setup and the benefit of buying a newer model refurbished. Many mention that the phone meets expectations for a premium device with no visible signs of use and full battery capacity. Users upgrading from earlier models find the iPhone 17 a significant step up, while others enjoy the value of a refurbished phone with the latest features.
Reviews for the iPhone 7 focus on its reliability as a straightforward phone for everyday use. Customers mention the good battery life and solid performance for calls, texts, and basic apps. The iPhone 7's condition is often described as excellent, with some users noting minor scratches but overall satisfaction. This device suits users who want a simple phone with familiar features like the physical SIM and Lightning connector. It is also popular as a temporary or secondary phone.
Both devices suit different needs: the iPhone 17 fits those who want a larger screen, faster performance, and more storage, while the iPhone 7 appeals to users seeking a smaller, simpler phone for basic tasks.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 7 FAQs
iPhone 17 vs 7 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A19 on the iPhone 17, Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7. The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 7 is cheaper refurbished, from £66.24 compared with £713.34 for the iPhone 17.
The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 1960 mAh.
The iPhone 17 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 17 is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone 7 ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
The iPhone 17 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 1960 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £647.10 more (from £713.34 vs £66.24).
Refurbished, the iPhone 17 comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 7 in 32GB and 128GB.
