Choosing a smartphone in 2026 is a challenge, especially when budgets are tight and the requirements for functionality are high. Many users are faced with a dilemma: whether to take the time-tested, but already age-old Apple iPhone 7 or the more recent and technically equipped Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro. At first glance, it may seem that comparing these devices is incorrect due to the difference in operating systems and positioning, but in the secondary market they are often in the same price category.
Both represent interesting but very different philosophies of mobile technology. iPhone 7 is a classic, compact and ecosystem of iOS, which is still happy with optimization. In contrast, it is the Redmi Note 8 Pro, which at one time became a real “flagship killer”, offering huge screens, multi-camera modules and fast charging for little money. Understanding their key differences will help you not to waste money.
In this article, we will conduct an in-depth analysis of the characteristics to see which device will become a more rational purchase right now, and we will look not only at the dry spec numbers, but also at real performance, shooting quality and, critically, the prospects for further use.
Design, ergonomics and build quality
To start with, what you notice is the appearance. The iPhone 7 is made in the classic Apple form factor of the time: a 4.7-inch screen, aluminum body and the famous antenna strips on the back. This device feels like a monolith in the hand, it is incredibly compact and light. However, the screen glass is not protected from scratches like modern counterparts, and the lack of IP67 moisture protection on used instances can already be broken.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro offers a completely different experience, and here we see a huge 6.53-inch screen and a glass back, which, alas, collects fingerprints like a magnet. Xiaomi has a much larger size, and it will be extremely difficult to control with one hand with it, if at all possible. On the other hand, having a full InfraRed port allows you to use your smartphone as a remote for your TV.
Apple's materials are traditionally better: the parts are perfect, the backlashes are not. Redmi is also a decent build for its class, but the plastic bezels and glass back make it more slippery and brittle when falling without a case. If you want pocket-friendly ergonomics, the seven wins unconditionally.
⚠️ Note: When buying a used iPhone 7, be sure to check for waterproofing. IP67, over time, the tightness of the adhesive layer is broken, and water can become fatal.
It's also worth noting the location of the controls. Apple has a physical Home button with a tactile response Taptic Engine, which is still considered the reference. Xiaomi has touch buttons or on-screen control interface, which is more common for Android users, but lacks tactile confidence.
Display: technology and perception of the picture
The screen is a window into the digital world, and the differences between the competitors are huge. iPhone 7 features an IPS matrix with a resolution of 1334×750 pixels. Pixel density is 326 ppi, which for 4.7 inches gives a very clear picture where individual dots are not visible. Color reproduction at Apple has always been characterized by a warm, natural hue, and calibrating factory settings rarely requires intervention.
Redmi Note 8 Pro got it. IPS-The Matrix by Corning (Gorilla Glass) 5) permittingly 2340×1080 The pixel density is higher here — 400 The picture looks more detailed, and the reserve of brightness allows you to comfortably read information in the sun. AMOLED-screens, though for IPS-panels are excellent.
The important aspect is refresh rate. Both smartphones run on a standard 60Hz. No 90 or 120Hz is worth waiting here. However, the optimization of animations in iOS makes scrolling tapes in the iPhone 7 visually smoother than in the heavyweight shell MIUI on Xiaomi, despite the same hertz.
- 📱 iPhone 7: 4.7 inch, IPS, 1334×750, 3D Touch (pressure support).
- 📱 Redmi Note 8 Pro: 6.53 inch, IPS, 2340×1080, Gorilla Glass 5.
- 📱 Brightness: Xiaomi has maximum brightness higher, which is better for the street.
The 3D Touch technology found in the iPhone 7 is still a unique feature that allows you to call contextual menus with a strong press, Xiaomi has replaced this functionality with software analogues or Long Press, which are less accurate.
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When buying a used smartphone, be sure to turn on the white picture at maximum brightness to check the screen for yellow spots or burnout, which is often found in older IPS matrices.
Performance: processor and speed
The heart of the iPhone 7 is the Apple A10 Fusion chip, which is made with a 14nm process. Despite its age, this processor is still capable of doing wonders in optimization. RAM is only 2 GB, but thanks to the efficient management of iOS resources, the interface runs smoothly. However, in heavy games and modern applications, 2 GB of RAM become a narrow neck, causing constant reboots of background applications.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is based on the MediaTek Helio G90T processor. It was the first mid-range gaming chipset to offer 8 cores and excellent graphics Mali-G76 MC4. In conjunction with 6 or 8 GB of RAM, this smartphone feels much more confident in multitasking. You can keep dozens of apps open, and the system will not "kill" them as aggressively as iOS.
In synthetic tests such as AnTuTu, Redmi Note 8 The pro scores are much higher (around) 280-300 thousand 160-170 iPhones 7). It translates into faster discovery of heavy apps, video rendering and navigation, but in the long run, Apple's processors age more slowly.
| Characteristics | iPhone 7 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A10 Fusion | MediaTek Helio G90T |
| RAM | 2 GB | 6 / 8 GB |
| Internal memory. | 32 / 128 / 256 GB | 64 / 128 GB |
| Card slot | No. | Got it (hybrid) |
It’s worth noting the heat. The Helio G90T is known for its heat. When playing or shooting video in 4K, Xiaomi’s body warms up significantly, which can lead to trotting (decreased performance). The Apple A10 also warms up, but the aluminum body of the iPhone 7 works like a great radiator, quickly dissipating heat.
Why is 2 GB of memory in the iPhone enough?
Cameras: photo and video
In 2016, the iPhone 7 was considered a reference camera, and even today it can surprise. The 12MP core module with f/1.8 aperture and optical stabilization (OIS) takes pictures with excellent dynamics and natural colors. Apple's main feature is video shooting. Even now the iPhone 7 shoots video better than many public sector people: stable picture, good sound and no jerks.
The Redmi Note 8 Pro has a 64MP (Samsung GW1) module. In the daytime, in good light, it delivers more detailed images thanks to resolution and HDR algorithms. However, in low light conditions, the magic of software processing begins, which often “washes” faces and overshadows shadows. The lack of optical stabilization (only electronic) makes video shooting jiggles, especially when walking.
And the macro is a special thing. Xiaomi has a separate 2MP macro lens, which is actually more of a marketing ploy. It's got low quality. Redmi's front camera (20MP) takes more muddy photos with a strong beauty effect, while the iPhone is really skin-feeding, with everyone.
- 📸 iPhone 7: 12 MP, OIS, 4K video, natural colors.
- 📸 Redmi Note 8 Pro: 64 MP, 4 lenses, 64 MP mode, artificial intelligence.
- 📸 Portrait: iPhone background blur (boke) works programmatically, but qualitatively.
⚠️ Note: On the iPhone 7, the camera may give an error "Unoriginal component" or simply a black screen if the phone was opened unqualified.
If you care about Instagram Stories or TikTok, the iPhone 7 will be preferred because of the better optimization of social media apps for iOS. In Android applications, the quality of uploaded photos and videos often suffers due to compression.
Autonomy and charging speed
The battery is the Achilles heel of both contenders, but for different reasons. iPhone 7 originally got a battery capacity of only 1960 mAh. For the modern rhythm of life, this is critically small. Even the new phone barely survived until the evening, but what about a used instance where the battery life could be saved by 70-80%? You are guaranteed to need Power Bank or charging during the day.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is equipped with a battery of 4500 mAh. That is more than twice as much as the competitor. Even with a voracious processor and a large screen, Xiaomi is quietly living a full day of active use. This is a huge advantage for those who spend a lot of time outside the home.
Charging speed is also on the Xiaomi side. A complete charger for 18 watts allows you to charge the phone in about 2 hours. iPhone 7 has a pancake for 5 watts (if it is at all preserved at the seller), which will charge the phone for more than 3 hours. Support for fast charging iPhone 7 received only in newer models (starting with the 8th series).
☑️ Checking battery status
Software and relevance
This is perhaps the most critical section of the comparison. iPhone 7 settled on iOS 15.8.This means that it no longer gets the new features that come out in iOS 16 and iOS 17.Moreover, many new apps are gradually beginning to require more recent versions of the system.However, iOS 15 is still very stable and secure.
Redmi Note 8 Pro originally came out on Android 9, but was updated to Android 11 with a shell MIUI 12.5.It's a dead end development thread. Xiaomi stopped supporting this model and it didn't get Android 12. MIUI This hardware can work a little heavy, contain advertising in system applications and require constant cleaning.
In terms of security, iOS still wins. Even older iPhones get security patches regularly. Mid-range Android smartphones whose support cycle has expired become vulnerable to new viruses and threats if they don't install apps from questionable sources.
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The iPhone 7 has stopped receiving major iOS updates, but remains stable.The Redmi Note 8 Pro has settled on Android 11, a more serious limitation in the long run.
Conclusion and Comparison
To sum up, the choice between the iPhone 7 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a choice between status/compact and functionality/screen. iPhone 7 will suit children, the elderly (due to the simplicity of iOS) or as a second phone for calls and music. its main enemy is time and a small battery.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is the choice of a pragmatic, who needs a working tool here and now: a big screen for YouTube, a normal battery, a lot of memory and a good camera for your money. It is still a full-fledged smartphone for daily use, while the iPhone 7 is more of a gadget on the minimum.
If you're looking for a device for gaming, social media, and content consumption, go with Xiaomi. If you want a phone with a high-quality speaker, vibration, and you're an Apple fan, then the iPhone 7, but be prepared for frequent recharges.