Here's What Photos Look Like With This 1 Feature Only Available on the iPhone 7 Plus

POPSUGAR Photography | Ann-Marie Alcántara
POPSUGAR Photography | Ann-Marie Alcántara

There are several features to love and hate about the new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. Some people like the new colors, while others are heartbroken over the removal of the headphone jack. However, if you're still mulling over whether or not to get a new phone, the new cameras on the iPhone 7 Plus might convince you.

The iPhone 7 Plus includes two cameras with a wide angle lens and a telephoto lens. A telephoto lens is typically used for photos where you need to blur out the background and truly focus on literally what is in front of you and the lens. The iPhone 7 Plus has a new camera mode called Portrait Mode that now puts that type of photo in your hands. Apple calls it the "depth-of-field effect" that "keep[s] faces sharp while creating a blurred effect in the background." The effect is also known more commonly as a bokeh.

We were able to test out this new feature and instantly fell in love with it. It can turn any photo into something that looks professional and high-quality — which definitely means you can expect to start seeing these photos take over Facebook and dating profile pictures, Instagram feeds, and more. As a reporter, I own a $500 DSLR camera and bought a $200 lens to take the same type of photos. Of course, my DSLR still manages to take higher-quality pictures, but it also can't text or let me check Facebook, email, and more. Essentially, getting an iPhone 7 Plus is a pretty good deal and one that you won't be upset about, since you're getting the camera as well.

If you already hold an iPhone 7 Plus in your hands, download iOS 10.1 and then follow these quick tips:

  • You can only take photos in bright lighting. Sorry, no low-lit bar photos.
  • Take photos with only up to three people to keep the depth-of-field effect in focus.
  • Position your subject further from the background to see more of an effect.
  • Be mindful of your phone storage! The camera will save both a photo without depth-of-field and one with it.

Ahead, see some quick photos we took playing around with Portrait Mode. Keep in mind that these photos were taken when the feature was in beta and that the final version in iOS 10.1 might look different.

This is what a photo normally looks like before Portrait Mode.

This is what a photo normally looks like before Portrait Mode.

Now, a look at Portrait Mode.

Now, a look at Portrait Mode.

As you're taking a photo in Portrait Mode, the camera will guide you and let you know to move closer or farther away to take the photo. Here, my co-worker is moving around, but as she pauses for a second, the camera manages to catch her and blur out the background.

The feature is a lot of fun to use.

The feature is a lot of fun to use.

Another look at what a photo looks like before Portrait Mode.

Another look at what a photo looks like before Portrait Mode.

And now, a look after using Portrait Mode.

And now, a look after using Portrait Mode.

It's a feature meant for portraits of people and it works wonderfully.

Even in low/bad lighting, the feature still takes great photos.

Even in low/bad lighting, the feature still takes great photos.

This photo: not Instagram-worthy, but at least the pumpkin is in focus.

You can use it on objects too!

You can use it on objects too!

Though Portrait Mode is meant for people, it works on objects as well. Here, Kirby stands out as the rest of the background is blurred.

You won't be able to take a photo in bad lighting.

You won't be able to take a photo in bad lighting.

No matter how hard you try, Portrait Mode won't let you take a photo with inadequate lighting. In this photo, we're only in a dimly lit room, but it wouldn't work. You can see why; the quality begins to get grainy. Sorry, everyone, no cool bar or club photos.