The dimensions of the iPhone 7 Plus tell a story about a device firmly positioned as a premium flagship. Released in September 2016, Apple prioritized a larger, more immersive display while maintaining a form factor that felt substantial yet manageable in the hand. Understanding the precise measurements and how they compare to predecessors and competitors reveals the careful engineering behind this iconic device.
Physical Measurements and Key Dimensions
The most immediate impression of the iPhone 7 Plus is its significant screen real estate. The device measures 158.2 millimeters in height, 77.9 millimeters in width, and 7.3 millimeters in thickness. This translates to a diagonal display size of 5.5 inches, which was a substantial increase over the 4.7-inch screen on the iPhone 7. The weight of the device is 188 grams, giving it a noticeably premium heft that signals its high-quality construction.
Display and Aspect Ratio
Retaining the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio introduced with the iPhone 6, the 5.5-inch LCD display on the iPhone 7 Plus offers 1920 x 1080 pixels of resolution. This "Full HD" resolution results in a pixel density of 401 pixels per inch (PPI), ensuring text and images appear sharp and detailed. The larger canvas is ideal for multimedia consumption, gaming, and productivity, providing a true iPad-like experience in a pocketable device.
Design Language and Button Placement
The dimensions dictate the device's symmetry and balance. The iPhone 7 Plus features straight, clean edges made of anodized aluminum that are bisected by two distinct camera lenses on the rear. The placement of the mute switch and the volume buttons on the left side, and the SIM card tray on the right, creates a familiar ergonomic layout. The home button, a signature element, was redesigned to be pressure-sensitive, eliminating the need for physical travel while maintaining its prominent position.
Camera Module and Protrusion
One of the most defining dimensional features of the iPhone 7 Plus is its dual-camera system. The camera module sits proud of the back panel, a design choice necessitated by the two lenses and the optical image stabilization mechanism. This results in a slight bulge that is more pronounced than on the iPhone 7. The cameras are positioned horizontally, with the flash integrated as a small strip above the lens assembly, contributing to the device's unique profile.
Comparing to Predecessors and Contemporaries
When placed beside the iPhone 6S Plus, the iPhone 7 Plus is nearly identical in its external dimensions. The changes were subtle, primarily involving the removal of the headphone jack internally to make room for the second camera and larger battery. Compared to competitors in 2016, such as Samsung's Galaxy Note 7, the iPhone 7 Plus occupied a similar mid-size premium category, offering a large screen without reaching "phablet" proportions that might compromise one-handed use.
Ergonomics and Practical Use
While the 5.5-inch size places it in the large category by today's standards, it was designed with usability in mind. The device can be comfortably used for video calls, navigation, and reading, fitting securely in an average adult's hand. The thickness of 7.3 millimeters allowed for a robust battery and stereo speakers, enhancing the multimedia experience without making the phone excessively bulky for a premium metal device.
Impact and Legacy of the Design
The dimensions of the iPhone 7 Plus established a blueprint that would influence Apple's flagship designs for several years. The balance between screen size and chassis size, the centered camera layout, and the functional placement of buttons all contributed to its success. Even years after its release, the device remains a testament to Apple's approach to combining powerful internals with a cohesive and sensible physical design.
