iPhone 7 Plus Display Size Inches: Exact Specs

The iPhone 7 Plus display size is 5.5 inches, measured diagonally. This is the exact screen size in inches for the iPhone 7 Plus, and it matches the display size of the iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone 8 Plus that came before and after it.

Formula

The screen size is the diagonal measurement of the display, in inches. For a widescreen display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, the width and height can be found using the Pythagorean theorem:

• Width = d × (16 / √(16² + 9²))
• Height = d × (9 / √(16² + 9²))
• Area = Width × Height

Where d is the diagonal in inches. For the iPhone 7 Plus, d = 5.5 inches. The √(16² + 9²) equals √337, which is about 18.36.

Worked Example

Using the default value of 5.5 inches for the diagonal:

1. Width = 5.5 × (16 / √337) ≈ 5.5 × 0.8716 ≈ 4.79 inches
2. Height = 5.5 × (9 / √337) ≈ 5.5 × 0.4903 ≈ 2.70 inches
3. Area = 4.79 × 2.70 ≈ 12.93 square inches

So a 5.5-inch 16:9 screen has a width of about 4.79 inches, a height of about 2.70 inches, and an area of roughly 12.93 square inches.

Background: The 5.5-Inch Display Generation

The iPhone 7 Plus, released in September 2016, was the second iPhone to feature a 5.5-inch display. The first was the iPhone 6 Plus from 2014. The 5.5-inch size became the standard for Apple’s “Plusâ€� models and remained unchanged through the iPhone 8 Plus in 2017. The display is an IPS LCD with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels, giving it a pixel density of about 401 pixels per inch (ppi). This is often described as “Retina HDâ€� because at a typical viewing distance the individual pixels are not distinguishable to the human eye.

The 5.5-inch measurement refers only to the screen itself, not the physical size of the phone. The iPhone 7 Plus body is about 6.23 inches tall and 3.07 inches wide. The bezels around the screen add extra bulk, making the phone noticeably larger than the standard 4.7-inch iPhone 7.

How the Display Size Is Measured

Manufacturers measure display size diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner. This is a standard industry practice for all screens, from smartphones to TVs. The measurement does not include the bezel or the frame; it is purely the glass area that can display content. Because the diagonal measurement alone does not tell you the aspect ratio, two screens with the same diagonal can have different areas. For example, a 5.5-inch 16:9 screen has a smaller area than a 5.5-inch 18:9 screen, which is taller and narrower. The iPhone 7 Plus uses the older 16:9 aspect ratio, common at the time.

When comparing devices, it is useful to know the width and height of the screen, not just the diagonal. The calculator above provides those values for any diagonal length, assuming a 16:9 aspect ratio.

How to Choose a Phone Based on Screen Size

Screen size affects usability, portability, and how content appears. Consider the following when deciding if a 5.5-inch display is right for you:

• One-handed use: A 5.5-inch screen is generally too wide for comfortable one-handed operation for most people. You may need to use two hands or enable a one-handed mode.
• Portability: Phones with 5.5-inch screens are larger and may not fit comfortably in small pockets or small hands.
• Media consumption: A larger screen is better for watching videos, playing games, and reading. The 1080p resolution on the iPhone 7 Plus is sharp enough for most content.
• Battery life: The iPhone 7 Plus had a larger battery than the standard iPhone 7, partly because the larger screen and body allowed for a bigger battery. This often results in longer battery life, but the larger screen also consumes more power.
• Accessibility: Larger text and icons are easier to see on a bigger screen, which can be helpful for people with visual impairments.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that a 5.5-inch screen means the phone itself is 5.5 inches tall or wide. This is not true; the diagonal is always longer than the height or width. Another misconception is that the iPhone 7 Plus has a “Retina� display that is significantly sharper than the standard iPhone 7. Both have the same pixel density (401 ppi vs 326 ppi), but the Plus model has more pixels overall because it is larger.

Some users confuse the display size with the physical size of the phone. The iPhone 7 Plus is 6.23 inches tall, which is quite large. If you are upgrading from a smaller phone, the size difference can be significant. Also, the iPhone 7 Plus uses an LCD, not an OLED display. This means blacks are not as deep as on OLED screens, and the viewing angles are slightly worse, though still good.

Comparison with Other iPhone Models

• iPhone 7 (4.7-inch): Smaller, lighter, and easier to use one-handed, but with a lower resolution (1334 × 750) and smaller battery.
• iPhone 8 Plus (5.5-inch): Same display size and resolution, but with a faster processor and wireless charging. The physical dimensions are nearly identical.
• iPhone X (5.8-inch): Although the diagonal is slightly larger, the iPhone X has a taller aspect ratio (19.5:9) and a smaller body. The actual screen area is slightly less than the 5.5-inch 16:9 screen.
• iPhone 11 Pro Max (6.5-inch): Much larger display, but the phone body is only slightly bigger than the 7 Plus because of smaller bezels.

When comparing, remember that a larger diagonal does not always mean a larger screen area if the aspect ratio differs.

Costs and Practical Considerations

The iPhone 7 Plus is no longer sold by Apple, but it can be purchased used or refurbished. Prices vary widely depending on condition, storage capacity, and whether it is carrier-unlocked. As of 2024, a used iPhone 7 Plus typically costs between $100 and $200, depending on the seller and condition. The 5.5-inch screen is still a good size for many users, but keep in mind that the phone is several years old and may not receive the latest iOS updates. If you are considering buying one, check the battery health and whether the screen has any burn-in or damage.

Safety and Maintenance Tips

To keep the display in good condition:

• Use a screen protector to prevent scratches.
• Avoid exposing the phone to extreme heat, which can damage the LCD.
• Do not use sharp objects to clean the screen; use a soft microfiber cloth.
• If the screen cracks, avoid touching the glass shards and have it repaired by a professional.

There are no unusual safety concerns specific to the iPhone 7 Plus display, but as with any electronic device, avoid water damage and physical impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone 7 Plus screen size 5.5 inches exactly?

Yes, the diagonal measurement of the iPhone 7 Plus display is exactly 5.5 inches. This is the standard specification listed by Apple and is consistent across all units.

What is the resolution of the iPhone 7 Plus display?

The iPhone 7 Plus has a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels, which is Full HD. This gives a pixel density of about 401 pixels per inch, making text and images appear crisp.

How does the 5.5-inch screen compare to newer iPhones?

Newer iPhones like the iPhone 12 and later have larger screens (6.1 inches or more) but with taller aspect ratios. The actual screen area of a 5.5-inch 16:9 display is about 12.93 square inches, while a 6.1-inch 19.5:9 display has an area of about 15.4 square inches. So newer phones show more content vertically.

Can I use the iPhone 7 Plus with one hand?

Most people will find it difficult to use the iPhone 7 Plus with one hand, especially for reaching the top of the screen. Apple included a “Reachability� feature that double-taps the Home button to shift the screen down, making it easier to use one-handed.

Is the iPhone 7 Plus display good for watching videos?

Yes, the 5.5-inch 1080p display is excellent for video. The 16:9 aspect ratio matches most YouTube videos and movies, so you get a full-screen experience without black bars on the sides.

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in d | Diagonal length | inches | 5.5 | 0
out area | Screen area (16:9) | sq inches | (d^2 * 144) / 337 | 2
out width | Screen width | inches | d * 16 / sqrt(337) | 2
out height | Screen height | inches | d * 9 / sqrt(337) | 2