Listen to the Hype: iPhone 7’s innovations worth unplugging hassles

By Ben Boezinger

A sleek-under-the-hood, feature-oriented, innovative device is what Apple has been striving for in their yearly updates and this time, it comes with a few more innovative features that make or break this year’s edition to the smartphone world.

Starting with the software, iOS 10 is a slight upgrade from it’s predecessor. It offers some slightly new and improved interface and fluidity. It makes it easier to check notifications, calendar events, weather and widgets all in one place. The fluidity of iOS 10 after its first few updates has greatly improved already, and so far has been more smooth and less buggy than the previous iOS.

My personal favorite part of the update has been the new features that you can use in messages. If you’ve ever used the Apple Watch for a period of time, you will recognize some of what it has to offer. From sending drawings, fingerprints, to kisses and hearts. Stickers are an impressive rendition that I have not quite completely figured out, and all I know is that it’s easier to send GIFs and images.

The overall sleekness and design in the iPhone 7 is greatly improved from the bulky 6 and 6s. The edges are much more blended with the rest of the phone, and the back (except on the jet black) is a nice smooth matte color that feels gentle to the touch. If I were you and you were thinking about purchasing a new iPhone, I would advise against a jet black. It will be fingerprints galore, incredibly gross and dirty.

The camera on the back looks new, and extends out a lot more gently. Instead of in the previous generations having the camera just stick out and be stuck there, now it’s smoothly blended seamlessly into the back. The only thing I do not like about the iPhone’s newest design is the amount of heat it gives off. If you use it for extended periods of time, then phone gives off an excessive amount of heat, and if you use it while charging, I would suggest maybe keeping an ice pack close nearby.

Alright, let’s talk about the headphone jack. Now when you first open the box, you are gifted a charger, wired headphones with a charging port connector (which is a little BS that they advertise bluetooth and give you wired) and the headphone jack adapter. It’s a small and slim cord with a charger port adaptor adapter one end and an auxiliary port on the other side.

Now I would suggest finding a nice place for it so you don’t misplace it, which I have unfortunately already done. At first I thought that the headphone jack was not a problem. Then after a few weeks it became more and more of a problem. Plugging my phone into my car aux or stereos or trying to use older headphones, I would forget every time. Then pushing the cord to my phone and realizing I couldn’t connect my phone was a huge disappointment. I would personally suggest in investing into a pair of wireless headphones or earbuds. I would, however, suggest against buying the apple wireless earbuds. Mainly because of the expenses and how awkward they look in ear.

The only other big problem with the new iPhone is the shock absorption. I have to admit I’ve only had the phone for a couple of weeks, and I’ve already cracked it, so it would be in your best interest to purchase a case as soon as your buy your phone.

But on the bright side, the new waterproof feature is very convenient. I wouldn’t suggest submerging your phone in anything, but don’t be worried if you do.

Finally, the best feature of the new phone is the speakers. They’re louder, crystal clear and I think they sound better than the standard earbuds. Phone calls sound like you’re in the room with the other person. I was blown away the first time I heard. The difference is night and day.

Overall, the new iPhone is a great enhancement over its predecessor, the iPhone 6 and 6s, but if you’re not a fan of the new additions (and subtractions) or just not a fan of change for that matter, then I suggest keeping your old phone or upgrading to a more advanced generation. But for the others, if you have access to a new upgrade or just have some spare cash, I would suggest going out and picking up the iPhone 7.

I would, however, advise against spending all that dough if you don’t need a new phone. But if the options there, take it.