Last week Apple officially unveiled the iPhone 7, causing much buzz among consumers. I know people that were watching the announcement live while they were at work. I witnessed unbounded praise on Facebook from friends that are fans of Apple. I’ve already seen iPhone 6 models up for sale as they’ve per-ordered their iPhone 7. With all of this, I figured I should at least familiarize myself with the wonders of this new phone and why people are getting ready to once again camp out in line to shell out a minimum of $649.
I did some research and created a list of the “big ticket” items that have changed with the iPhone 7 over it’s predecessor. I’m a huge proponent of value and getting the most out of my hard earned cash so for each big ticket feature of the iPhone 7 I did some analysis as to what value it provides for me, and how it would make my life better or easier.
Brighter Screen
Apple says the screen of the iPhone 7 is 25% brighter than the previous model.
Analysis : I don’t have the brightness all the way up on my current phone.
Value : None
Static Home Button
The home button (that takes you instantly back to the main interface screen) is now solid state instead of a clickable button.
Analysis : I actually prefer clickable buttons, but every other button on the screen is already just a touch screen, so now they’re just all the same. This is a big don’t care for me.
Value: None
Water Resistant
The phone is now water resistant. If you get it wet, or momentarily drop it in water it may just survive.
Analysis : This is a good idea, as losing your data and shelling out another $650 for a new phone because you ran to your car in the rain would ruin a person’s day. However, notice it doesn’t say water proof. Again, this is a good idea, but I’ve never had a water incident with a phone.
Value : Good idea, but low value
Headphone Jack
This may be the most talked about change with the iPhone 7. Headphones now plug into the lightning jack, or you can use bluetooth headphones. The phone comes with an adapter if you want to continue using your old headphones.
Analysis : This change gives absolutely no performance or functional benefit. What it does do is preclude being able to charge your phone and use headphones at the same time. Unless you happen to have bluetooth headphones.
Value: Negative value, functional loss
Camera Improvements
The rear facing camera is still 12MP but is improved quality. The front facing camera is now 7MP upgraded from 5MP in the previous generation.
Analysis : Yay for better quality selfies! My current 12MP camera works great and I don’t take selfies.
Value: None
Stereo Speakers
The iPhone 7 now has integrated dual speakers for stereo sound.
Analysis: If I’m using my phone for listening to music, either I’ve got headphones plugged in, or I’ve got it connected via bluetooth to an external speaker that actually registers on the quality spectrum.
Value: None
Battery Life
Estimates are that the iPhone 7 will last through 12 hours of LTE browsing, about 2 hours more than previous generations.
Analysis : Never had a problem with battery life
Value: None
Faster Processor
The processor in the iPhone 7 is 40% faster than the previous model. I’ve seen this reviewed as a great thing for gaming on the iPhone.
Analysis : I have no complaints about how fast my phone opens aps. Gaming on a 4.7 inch screen? No thanks.
Value: None, at the moment
Storage
The 16GB entry level phone has been eliminated. Choices now are 32GB, 128GB and 256GB.
Analysis: I currently have 32GB of storage on my phone. I back it up and clean it out regularly. I’ve never got anywhere near filling it to capacity. Don’t even get me started on asking why Apple doesn’t allow users to plug a microSD card into the phone for added storage….well, other than they want to charge hundreds of dollars for something I could buy pretty much anywhere for $20.
Value: None
Final Analysis
The bottom line is, while the increased water resistant design is a good idea, the only reason I’d ever need an iPhone 7 is to get the faster processor speed if aps keep getting larger and more complex (which they tend to do). Other than that, getting an iPhone 7 falls under the category of either a status symbol, or a toy.
Spending a minimum of $650 for a new toy adds absolutely zero value to my life.
In the coming days we’ll see stories of people camping outside stores, and going to extreme lengths to get their iPhone 7. Each time I see one of those stories, I’ll wonder if they had done an analysis like I had done (and found some value add for them), or if they’re just throwing their money away.
How about you, EOD Nation? What do you think of the new iPhone 7? Will you be buying one?
Great analysis because you put it in terms of value. Most tech websites drool over the increased processor and things like that, but that happens with every model. I have an iPhone 4 and honestly I don’t see a huge difference between that and my current iPhone 6. And the lack of headphone jack is definitely a negative value, even though many people I know are already drinking the Kool Aid and think it’s “innovative”.
I’m still on the old school phone plan so I can get the new phone for $200, and if I can sell my current phone for more than that I might just get it to make some money. But paying $650 out of pocket? That’s insanity.
Thanks, Syed….technical review rarely key in on the phrase “But does it fill an actual need?” or “How does it actually make things better for the user?”
What a brilliant analysis.
And there was I only a few months ago wondering is the new iphone going to be worth the upgrade?
I have a Iphone 5. It does telephone calls, it can play games (Which i rarely do), I can play videos (which, i never do), it can text, do e-mails and surf the web when i don’t have my ipad or laptop. And I do all of this on what can only be described a such outdated technology?!
I mean, look what the 7 can do that is so different to my oh so rubbish iphone 5? yep, sod all!.
i’m all for new technology, but sorry, Apple has simply lost its way by regurgitating the same piece of hardware with the same looking software over and over again…..and as for paying out another £700 to take a better picture on a phone? I have a camera for taking pictures and no phone and i mean no phone, will ever get close to what a real camera can do! Oh and as for better resolution lens to take selfies? get a bloody life!
Iphone 7? Sorry, you are going to have to do much better Mr Apple to get my money.
However, i would appear the world over, that A fool and his money are easily parted.
I honestly can’t believe that they released the Iphone7 with as little as it has to offer consumers.