Last week, Apple officially announced the newest iPhones: the 7 and the 7 Plus. Websites have been speculating for months about the new phones, and now that all the uncertainty is gone, MOVE has seven things you need to know about the iPhone 7.
####Camera
Camera quality has been at the top of the iPhone vs Galaxy debate. Samsung has always had a leg up on Apple in the photo department, but not anymore. The standard iPhone 7 now has a 12-megapixel camera that matches that of the latest Galaxy. The phone also has a f/1.8 aperture, which allows the user to take pictures faster than before, and a 7-megapixel front camera for high-quality selfies. But the camera on the iPhone 7 Plus is, somehow, even more impressive. With a second lens capable of physically zooming, users can capture impressive field-of-vision shots perfect for spicing up any Instagram feed. Regardless of the model you choose, the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus have the best camera on the market.
####Storage
Say goodbye to 16GB. The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus now begin at 32GB and skip straight to 128 and 256GBs (except for Jet Black models). This means more space for your music and your now-high-quality photos.
####Jet Black
This glossy black phone was attained through nine steps of anodization, a fancy process that increases a metal’s resistance to corrosion and allows paint to stick better. However, Apple has warned (in the fine print) that the high-gloss finish of Jet Black phones makes them more susceptible to micro-abrasions. So if you want to show off your new phone’s aesthetic without getting it scratched, get a clear case.
####Battery
Apple has said the battery of the 7 Plus can last an hour longer than the 6s Plus, while the 7 is capable of lasting up to two hours longer than the previous 6s. No one is quite sure how this was accomplished because Apple never reveals the exact size of their phone batteries, but many credit the new A10 Fusion Chip’s efficiency for the longer lifespan. The battery claim is definitely one that will have to be experienced first-hand.
####No headphone jack
If you haven’t already seen on social media, Apple has officially nixed the traditional headphone jack and has left only the Lightning port. But don’t worry about finding compatible headphones, because the new iPhones come with a pair of newly designed EarPods, the headphones that plug directly into the Lightning connector. These are not to be confused with the AirPods, which cost $159 and are Bluetooth headphones. But if you already have headphones you love, Apple has also thrown in a Lightning-to-3.5mm jack adapter.
####Water resistance
The removal of the headphone jack and the remodel of the home button, which isn’t really a button anymore, have helped make the new iPhones water-resistant, something Samsung has had for years. While Apple boasts water resistance, be wary of the images of people falling into pools with their new phones; IP ratings only consider water without chemicals. You should be fine if you drop your phone in the toilet a few times, but keep in mind that liquid damage still isn’t covered under warranty.
####Price
Finally, what college kids really care about: money. The newer iPhones cost less than the initial cost of older generations. In 2015, a 128GB iPhone 6s retailed for $849 while the same size iPhone 7, with more impressive specs, is only $749. Whether you buy outright or lease, the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus provide students with an efficient and affordable smartphone.
_Edited by Katie Rosso | krosso@themaneater.com_