Tired of ads? Enjoy an ad-free experience by signing up.
Terence Lee · · 3 min read

iPhone 7: what real users and critics say about it

apple-iphone-7

L to R: iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone SE. Image credit: Apple

In a nutshell: The iPhone 7 continues to be the cream of the crop of smartphones, although it has lost its edge. Top reviewers praised its improved camera, water resistance, faster processor, and improved battery life. Among users, water resistance has proved to be their favorite feature.

The lack of the headphone jack continues to bother both reviewers and users. Meanwhile, the tactile home button has received a lukewarm reception. Overall, the iPhone 7 feels like an animal that’s not fully evolved. It’s not quite a dinosaur, and not quite a bird.

Don’t be mistaken though: it’s still a great device. Buy it if you’re a diehard iPhone user who needs a replacement. But if you’re looking for pizazz, check out our review of the Google Pixel instead, which was released later and was scored just a tad higher by reviewers.

Average rating from reviewers: 87.6/100

CNET:

The iPhone 7’s notable camera, battery and water resistance improvements are worthwhile upgrades to a familiar phone design. But ask yourself if you really need an upgrade… and if the Plus might be a better choice.

TechRadar:

If you’re going to buy a new iPhone, this is the one to get – there’s a slightly longer battery life, a better camera, fast innards and protection against water. However, many of the changes are slight, and the iPhone 6S, for the lower price, suddenly becomes a very attractive option.

Engadget:

If you’re looking for newfangled features (or a headphone jack, for that matter), you’ll have to search elsewhere. While it’s not thrilling enough to warrant an immediate upgrade from last year’s 6s, the iPhone 7 is nonetheless an excellent smartphone.

What users say

Stay ahead in Asia’s tech landscape

You've reached your 2 free content limit for the month. Sign up for free to read the full story.

🏄 For casual readers / 👶 Free

Basic

US$0

Free forever

Get instant access to this article and more every month

0 premium content

Unlimited news briefs

5

5 articles

Ad-free reading experience

Just US$0 per day

⌛Sign up in 20s. No payment details needed.

📖 For learners / 👍 Starter

Lite

US$4.92/month

Billed annually at US$59/year

Get instant access to this article and more every month

4

4 premium content

Unlimited news briefs & articles

Ad-free reading experience

Just US$0.17 per day

Cancel anytime

Our subscriber community includes professionals from these companies:

Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.

Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.

TIA Writer

Terence Lee

I like analyzing and digging into the real goings-on in the tech industry. Holds these crypto: BTC, Eth, Matic