My wife needs a new phone to replace a worn out android. I switched to iphone (se) on my last device and have been happy with the move and she wants facetime. Usage is pretty light, calls, texts, emails, maps, browsing and lots of pictures but no gaming. I can buy a new 7 on swappa, presumably with a warranty for ~$300 or a new 8 from apple for $450, is the 8 worth the extra $150? It should be faster, take better pictures and has double the memory but not sure how noticeable that will be day to day.
Right now? iPhone 8. Do not get the 7 anymore. 8 is more worth it. Well it depends on the user. I use my phone all the time and want most of the features so i went with the 8 Plus 256 GB last year and not with the 128 GB 7 Plus, also i hated that Apple killed both the 256 GB option and the Jet Black color in 2018 but that's just me. But even for your wife i can recommend the 8, the A11 is definitely more future proof and it's supported longer for sure. Also the camera quality is better, and images are more sharper.
I don't know where you would buy one, but if you would go with the 8 it's 449$ at Apple directly and they also have a 128 GB option now for 499$ instead of 64 / 256 GB.
Differences: (because people usually do not know and i hear things like "It's a 7 with a glass back" or "It's the same phone" or "It's just wireless charging that's new" all the time, but to be fair, not on MacRumors.)
Wireless Charging + Fast Charging
Better Stereo Speakers (25% Louder with Deeper Bass)
True Tone Display
A11 Chip (much faster)
Better Camera / Picture Quality
4K 60fps Video
1080p 240fps Slo Mo Video
Slow Sync LED flash
Portrait Lightning (Plus model only)
Auto HDR
Bluetooth 5.0
Still the upgrade from 7 to 8 was pretty lame tbh and not really worth it considering the price.