IPhone 7

iPhone 7

Apple announced the iPhone 7 on 7 September 2016, alongside the larger iPhone 7 Plus. The new iPhone handsets feature better cameras, new, super-speedy processors, two new colour options and improved water resistance. The iPhone 7 is available to buy in the UK and across the globe now, via the Apple Store and carriers.

If you're debating whether or not to buy an iPhone 7, our review is sure to help. We test and rate the iPhone 7's design and build quality, features, tech specs, speed, camera capabilities and value for money. And we'd like to give a special mention to Mobile Funfor lending us the iPhone 7 we used to write this review!

If you're interested in the full current iPhone range, meanwhile, take a look at ouriPhone buying guide and best iPhone deals. Or if you're more interested in future iPhones, read about iPhone 8 rumours and iPhone 9 rumours.

iPhone 7: Design & build quality

Let's address the elephant in the room before we go any further. While previous Apple releases, and the usual 'tick-tock' pattern of iPhone updates, led us to expect the iPhone 7 would be a completely redesigned iPhone, in fact it features essentially the same design of the iPhone 6 and 6s. That's the third year now with the same design. Many will say that's a bad thing - but it isn't quite so simple.

The iPhone 7 looks gorgeous, there's no doubt about that, boasting an aluminium unibody with curved edges and 2.5D glass that helps make the phone sit in your hand much more comfortably, while also providing a nicer experience when swiping from the side of the display.

It isn't just standard aluminium like the material used by its competitors, either - the iPhone 7 features 7000 Series aluminium, making the iPhone more durable without adding much weight and giving the device more of a premium feel.

The iPhone 7 is, physically, the same size and shape as its predecessors, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6, measuring in at 128.3mm x 67.1mm x 7.1mm, but with a few notable differences.

The rear-facing camera and TrueTone flash are bigger, and the eagle-eyed among you will spot that the antenna lines are gone from the back of the iPhone. Well, not gone, but repositioned to the top and bottom of the smartphone to make them less noticeable and provide a cleaner look.