Everything You Need to Know About the iPhone 7
In this article, we're going to take a break from the usual marketing tips and talk about the new iPhone 7. Apple has been making big headlines of late with it's newest flagship device. Here is a summary of the iPhone 7 (to date).
iPhone 7 - A Summary of What's Different
Many would argue that the iPhone 7 is an evolutionary update rather than a revolutionary one. It's a bit faster than the 6S, iSO 10, the minimum storage capacity is doubled, has a slightly better display, the camera is better (more on this later) and yeah… no 3.5mm headphone jack. Let's take a closer look.
Performance
According to Apple, the iPhone 7 uses the quad-core A10 processor running at 2.33GHz. That translates to 40 percent better CPU performance and 50 percent better graphics performance when compared to last year's A9, which is in the iPhone 6s and iPhone SE.
iOS 10
The new iPhone 7 will come preinstalled with iOS 10. This new operating system will also be compatible with all iPhones generation 5 and higher. Overall, iOS10 has been met with favourable reviews. A full list of new features, as well as compatibility, can be found on the Apple Website.
Storage
It seems that Apple has finally listened to its customers when it comes to storage minimums. Apple has doubled the storage to 32GB for the entry level model. 128GB and 256GB options are also available. Gone is the 2nd tier 64GB model.
Retina Display
I was hoping for a little more from Apple this year when it comes to the display. In my opinion, no displays are comparable to an OLED display. Owners of the Samsung Galaxy 6/7, Tab S models or LG TV OLED displays will know what I'm talking about.
The iPhone 7 features a wide gamut display which is an upgrade from the last generation standard gamut display. That means the display can produce more colours and is brighter. Don't get me wrong; the iPhone 7 display is nice, but it's no match for OLED.
The Camera(s)
The iPhone 7 features a 12MP rear facing camera, an upgrade from the 6S which used an 8MP variant. The iPhone 7 Plus features a second telephoto lens which allows the device to utilise a 2X optical zoom. That might not sound like much, but the result is quite noticeable.
No 3.5mm Headphone Jack ... Jack
It took a lot of 'courage' from the iPhone 7 developers to omit the 3.5mm headphone jack. Yes, you heard that right… courage. Apple actually used that term during it's September keynote. While I find that to be overly dramatic, there is reason behind the madness. The removal of this port allows the device to regain much need internal real estate.
To accommodate its users, Apple included a 3.5mm to lightning port adapter. The downside is you can no longer charge your iPhone 7 and use headphones at the same time. This omission has mixed feeling in the community. Time will tell if this was a smart move or otherwise.
Waterproof? Or Water Resistant?
Apple makes the claim that the iPhone 7 is IP67 rated. That means the device will survive 30 minutes underwater at a depth of one meter. Tests from users show this claim to be VERY conservative. The good folks over at EverythingApplePro have demonstrated the iPhone 7 survived 30 FEET for over 5 minutes. Minor damage was noticeable at 35 feet.
Stereo Speakers
A much-anticipated feature has finally been released. The new iPhone 7 now has stereo speakers. Users have been waiting for this addition for as long as the iPhone has existed. It's not as loud as some of the competitors, but I found it to be quite decent.
Update: September 18th, 2016
After the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus began arriving to the first round of pre-order customers on Friday, a few users noticed what's become known as a "hissing" sound emanating from the back of the device, where the Apple logo is located. The first reports began on Friday, but the occurrence gained ground when 512 Pixels' Stephen Hackett tweeted about it, posting a video with the "terrible noises" produced by his iPhone clearly audible, which he determined to be caused by heavy performance at the time.
A complete list of features can be found at the Apple Website for iphone 7. Do you have an iPhone 7? Planning to get one? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.