Galaxy S7 Edge Vs Iphone 7 Looking Back Was Upgrading Really Worth It

In 2016, smartphone buyers faced a pivotal decision: choose between Samsung’s bold Galaxy S7 Edge or Apple’s refined iPhone 7. Both devices represented peak engineering for their respective brands—Samsung embracing innovation with curved displays and expandable storage, Apple doubling down on ecosystem polish and camera quality. Now, nearly a decade later, we can assess these choices with clarity. Was upgrading to either device truly worth it in hindsight? The answer depends on what you valued most: longevity, software support, resale value, or day-to-day usability.

The Context of 2016: A Turning Point in Mobile Tech

The mid-2010s marked a shift in smartphone evolution. Flagships were no longer just about specs—they were statements of identity. The Galaxy S7 Edge introduced a stunning dual-edge display that felt futuristic, while the iPhone 7 removed the headphone jack, signaling Apple’s willingness to disrupt even its most loyal users for perceived progress.

At launch, both phones commanded premium prices—around $750 for the S7 Edge and $650 for the base iPhone 7. Consumers upgrading from older models like the iPhone 6S or Galaxy S6 expected years of reliable service. But as time passed, differences in software updates, hardware durability, and ecosystem integration began to shape real-world satisfaction.

Tip: When evaluating an upgrade, consider not just current features but projected software support—this often determines usable lifespan more than raw power.

Design and Build: Form Meets Function

The Galaxy S7 Edge stood out immediately with its symmetrical curved glass, giving it a sleek, almost jewel-like appearance. Its metal frame and glass sandwich design felt luxurious, though the curves made it prone to accidental touches and screen cracks if dropped. Still, the 5.5-inch Quad HD AMOLED display remained one of the best in the industry for color accuracy and contrast.

In contrast, the iPhone 7 adopted a more conservative approach. It featured an aluminum unibody with IP67 water resistance—a first for iPhones—and a refined Home button that used haptic feedback instead of physical movement. While smaller at 4.7 inches (or 5.5\" on the Plus model), its Retina display delivered excellent brightness and color calibration, particularly for media consumption and photo editing.

From a tactile standpoint, the iPhone 7 offered better grip and drop resilience due to its flatter edges. The S7 Edge, while beautiful, required cases to mitigate fragility. Over time, many users found the iPhone’s build more practical despite lacking visual flair.

Performance and Software Longevity

Under the hood, both devices were powered by top-tier chipsets: Samsung’s Exynos 8890 (or Snapdragon 820 depending on region) and Apple’s A10 Fusion. Benchmarks showed the S7 Edge leading in multitasking and graphics early on, thanks to 4GB of RAM. However, iOS optimization allowed the iPhone 7 to maintain snappy performance far longer than expected.

Software support became the defining difference. Apple provided five major iOS updates for the iPhone 7, supporting it through iOS 16 in 2022—six years after release. Samsung, meanwhile, delivered only two major Android upgrades (Nougat and Oreo) for the S7 series. By 2019, the S7 Edge was already struggling with newer apps and security patches.

“Apple’s long-term update policy turns older devices into silent winners. Many iPhone 7 users didn’t feel pressured to upgrade until 2020.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechTrend Insights

This extended support meant iPhone 7 owners could safely use banking apps, messaging platforms, and modern web browsers years longer than their Android counterparts. For users prioritizing value over time, this was a decisive advantage.

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results Over Time

The S7 Edge launched with a 12MP Dual Pixel sensor that excelled in low light, producing rich, detailed images before computational photography became mainstream. Its f/1.7 aperture captured significantly more light than competitors, making night shots remarkably clean.

The iPhone 7 also featured a 12MP rear camera but leaned heavily on image signal processing. Colors were more natural, dynamic range superior, and video stabilization unmatched at the time. With iOS 10’s improved HDR and noise reduction algorithms, photos looked consistent across lighting conditions.

Over time, Apple’s computational enhancements gave the iPhone 7 an edge. Even without multiple lenses or night modes, its consistent output aged better. Third-party app support on iOS also ensured editing tools remained compatible longer.

Feature	Galaxy S7 Edge	iPhone 7
Display	5.5\" Quad HD AMOLED Curved	4.7\" Retina HD LCD
Processor	Exynos 8890 / Snapdragon 820	A10 Fusion
RAM	4GB	2GB
Storage Options	32GB + microSD expandable	32GB, 128GB, 256GB (no SD)
Software Updates	2 major Android versions	5 major iOS versions
Battery Life (typical use)	~1 day (moderate-heavy)	~1 day (light-moderate)
Resale Value After 3 Years	$70–$90	$110–$140
Water Resistance	IP68	IP67

User Experience Case Study: Two Owners, Five Years Later

Consider two hypothetical users: Maria upgraded to the Galaxy S7 Edge in March 2016, drawn by the curved screen and expandable storage. She used it daily, loved the vibrant display, and added a 128GB card for music and photos. But by late 2018, she noticed sluggishness in apps like Instagram and Chrome. Security updates slowed, and Android 9 compatibility was spotty. She replaced it in early 2019.

James bought an iPhone 7 the same month. He disliked losing the headphone jack but adapted quickly with AirPods. He kept the phone until 2021, using it seamlessly through iOS 14. Even in its final year, he ran productivity suites, streaming services, and modern games without major issues. When he finally upgraded, he sold it for $120—still functional and desirable in the secondhand market.

This divergence highlights how software support and ecosystem cohesion impact long-term satisfaction. James got nearly six years of useful life; Maria got closer to three.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Galaxy S7 Edge have better hardware than the iPhone 7?

On paper, yes—higher-resolution display, more RAM, faster charging, and expandable storage. But real-world performance and sustained usability favored the iPhone 7 due to superior software optimization and longer update cycles.

Why did Samsung stop updating the S7 Edge so soon?

In 2016, Android OEMs typically committed to only 18–24 months of OS updates. Samsung has since improved, now offering seven years of updates on flagship models, but back then, two major upgrades were standard.

Is either phone usable today?

The iPhone 7 can still handle basic tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and light app usage—if updated to the latest supported iOS version. The S7 Edge struggles significantly; most modern apps either won’t install or run poorly due to outdated Android versions and lack of security patches.

Action Checklist: Evaluating Upgrade Worthiness

• ✅ Assess how many years of OS updates the device received
• ✅ Consider real-world battery degradation over time
• ✅ Evaluate resale value retention after 3–5 years
• ✅ Weigh ecosystem lock-in (iCloud vs. Google/Samsung services)
• ✅ Determine whether design innovation outweighed long-term reliability

Final Verdict: Was Upgrading Worth It?

For early adopters who valued cutting-edge design and immediate functionality, the Galaxy S7 Edge delivered a thrilling experience. Its display and hardware features influenced the entire Android industry. However, in terms of long-term value, the iPhone 7 emerges as the smarter investment.

It offered fewer headline-grabbing innovations but delivered consistency, longevity, and stronger depreciation resistance. Users spent similar money upfront but gained up to three additional years of secure, functional use. That extra lifespan translates directly into cost-per-year savings and reduced electronic waste.

Tip: When choosing a new phone today, look beyond launch hype. Prioritize brands with proven track records of long-term software support—it’s the best predictor of upgrade value.

Conclusion

Looking back, the choice between the Galaxy S7 Edge and iPhone 7 wasn’t just about which phone was better in 2016—it was about which one remained useful longer. Technology moves fast, but true value lies in sustainability. The iPhone 7 proved that refinement and commitment to updates can outshine flashier alternatives. As we make decisions today about devices that will age over the next five years, let this comparison serve as a reminder: sometimes, the safest bet is the one that lasts.

🚀 Still using a phone from years ago? Share your experience below—how long did your flagship last, and what made it worth (or not worth) the upgrade?