Galaxy S7 Edge Vs Iphone 7 Plus Looking Back Was One Really Better

It’s been nearly a decade since Samsung and Apple released two of their most iconic smartphones: the Galaxy S7 Edge and the iPhone 7 Plus. At the time, both devices represented the peak of mobile innovation—curved glass, powerful processors, and camera systems that redefined what phones could do. Today, with years of hindsight, it’s worth asking: was one truly better than the other?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about real-world use, long-term software support, build quality, and how well each device aged. Whether you’re nostalgic for that era or evaluating how past flagships inform today’s choices, this deep dive offers clarity on which phone delivered more value over time.

Design and Build: Glass vs Aluminum

The Galaxy S7 Edge made a bold statement with its dual-edge curved display and glass sandwich design. Its symmetrical curves gave it a futuristic look, standing out in a market still dominated by flat screens. The device felt premium in hand, though the glass back made it prone to fingerprints and scratches without a case.

In contrast, the iPhone 7 Plus embraced a minimalist aluminum unibody. Apple removed the headphone jack—a controversial move at the time—but reinforced the device with water resistance (IP67), matching Samsung’s offering. While less flashy than the S7 Edge, the iPhone’s build felt solid and durable, with fewer creaks over time.

Tip: Curved screens looked stunning but were harder to protect—many S7 Edge users reported screen damage from side impacts.

Samsung’s design prioritized visual flair; Apple focused on consistency and resilience. For daily usability, the iPhone’s flatter profile made it easier to place on tables and reduced accidental touches on the edges—a common complaint with early Edge models.

Performance and Longevity: Hardware That Lasted

Under the hood, both phones were powerhouses in 2016. The S7 Edge used either the Exynos 8890 or Snapdragon 820 (depending on region), paired with 4GB of RAM. The iPhone 7 Plus ran Apple’s A10 Fusion chip with 3GB of RAM. On paper, the S7 Edge had an edge in multitasking, but real-world performance told a different story.

Apple’s tight hardware-software integration allowed the A10 Fusion to deliver smoother long-term performance. Even three years after release, the iPhone 7 Plus handled iOS updates efficiently, supporting up to iOS 15. In contrast, the S7 Edge stopped receiving major Android updates after Android 8.0 Oreo, limiting its lifespan despite strong initial performance.

“iOS devices often outlive their Android counterparts not because of raw power, but because of sustained optimization.” — Mark Reynolds, Mobile Systems Analyst

Benchmark scores aside, user experience over time favored the iPhone. Apps launched faster, animations stayed snappy, and background processes were better managed. Samsung’s TouchWiz (later rebranded as Samsung Experience) improved during the S7’s lifecycle, but it never matched iOS’s efficiency in resource management.

Camera Comparison: Portrait Mode and Low-Light Performance

The iPhone 7 Plus introduced Apple’s first dual-camera system: a 12MP wide-angle and a 12MP telephoto lens enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode (added via software update). This was a game-changer, allowing depth-controlled portraits that rivaled dedicated cameras.

The S7 Edge, while limited to a single 12MP rear sensor, excelled in low-light photography thanks to its larger pixel size (1.4µm) and f/1.7 aperture—the widest available at the time. In dim environments, the S7 Edge consistently produced brighter, more detailed images than the iPhone, which struggled with noise and slower shutter speeds.

Feature	Galaxy S7 Edge	iPhone 7 Plus
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.7 (single)	12MP f/1.8 + 12MP f/2.8 (dual)
Low-Light Performance	Excellent	Good, but noisier
Zoom Capability	Digital only	2x optical zoom
Portrait Mode	No native support	Yes (iOS 10.1+)
Front Camera	5MP f/1.7	7MP f/2.2

If your priority was night shots and natural color reproduction, the S7 Edge won. But for creative photography—especially portraits and zoomed compositions—the iPhone 7 Plus offered more versatility.

Software and Ecosystem: The Hidden Decider

One of the most overlooked factors in smartphone longevity is software support. Apple provided five years of iOS updates for the iPhone 7 Plus, meaning it received security patches and feature upgrades until late 2021. This extended usability far beyond typical Android cycles.

Samsung, at the time, committed to only two years of OS updates. The S7 Edge launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and received upgrades to Nougat and Oreo. After that, users were stuck with outdated software, increasing vulnerability and app compatibility issues.

Additionally, ecosystem integration played a role. iPhone users benefited from seamless iCloud syncing, AirDrop, and continuity features like Handoff. Samsung’s ecosystem was fragmented in 2016—SmartThings, Samsung Cloud, and Microsoft partnerships created confusion rather than cohesion.

Tip: When choosing a phone, prioritize long-term software support—it affects security, functionality, and resale value.

Real-World Example: Two Users, Two Paths

Consider Sarah and James, both tech-savvy users who bought these phones in 2016.

Sarah chose the S7 Edge for its stunning display and expandable storage. She loved taking photos at concerts and cafes, where the low-light performance shined. But by 2019, her phone slowed down significantly. Apps crashed, battery life dropped below four hours, and she couldn’t install newer versions of Instagram or WhatsApp. She upgraded in 2019.

James opted for the iPhone 7 Plus, skeptical about the missing headphone jack but drawn to the camera. He used his phone daily for emails, photos, and fitness tracking. Even in 2020, his device ran smoothly. He updated to iOS 14 and continued using it until 2021, when he finally upgraded for 5G. His phone lasted five full years with consistent performance.

Their experiences highlight a broader trend: initial excitement often favors cutting-edge design, but long-term satisfaction leans toward reliability and support.

Checklist: What Made the iPhone 7 Plus Age Better?

• ✅ Five years of iOS updates
• ✅ Efficient A10 Fusion chip with excellent thermal management
• ✅ Strong app optimization across the iOS ecosystem
• ✅ Durable aluminum body with minimal wear over time
• ✅ Continued access to new features (e.g., Portrait Mode, ARKit)

The S7 Edge had strengths—especially in display quality and battery capacity (3,600mAh vs 2,900mAh)—but couldn’t overcome the limitations of shorter software support and heavier UI overhead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which phone had better battery life?

The Galaxy S7 Edge generally offered longer battery life due to its larger battery and adaptive display. However, iOS power management on the iPhone 7 Plus was highly optimized, often delivering comparable real-world usage despite the smaller capacity.

Could the S7 Edge run modern apps in 2023?

No. By 2023, most modern apps require Android 8.0 or higher with active security patches. The S7 Edge, last updated to Android 8, lacks support for current APIs and encryption standards, making it unsafe and incompatible for daily use.

Was the iPhone 7 Plus waterproof?

Yes. The iPhone 7 Plus had an IP67 rating, meaning it could survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This was a major improvement over previous iPhones and matched the S7 Edge’s protection level.

Conclusion: One Was Indeed Better—For the Long Haul

Looking back, the Galaxy S7 Edge was a marvel of engineering—its display alone remains one of the most beautiful ever put on a smartphone. It pushed boundaries in design and photography, especially in low light. But innovation without sustainability has limits.

The iPhone 7 Plus, while less flashy, proved to be the smarter long-term investment. Superior software support, efficient performance, and ecosystem integration allowed it to remain functional and secure years longer. For most users, that durability outweighs momentary spectacle.

So yes—one was really better. Not because it had the latest feature or highest spec, but because it respected the user’s time, data, and need for a device that lasts.

🚀 Still using a phone from that era? Share your experience—what kept your device going, and when did you finally upgrade? Join the conversation and help others learn from real-world longevity.