Galaxy S8 Vs Iphone 7 Looking Back Was Upgrading Worth It 2

It’s been several years since the release of two landmark smartphones: the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the Apple iPhone 7. At the time, both devices represented major steps forward for their respective brands. The Galaxy S8 introduced a bold new design language with its edge-to-edge display, while the iPhone 7 doubled down on refinement, offering improved water resistance and a more reliable home button. But now, with the benefit of hindsight, the real question emerges: for users deciding between these phones—or considering an upgrade from older models—was switching to either device truly worth it?

This retrospective examines not just the specs and features as they were in 2017, but how each phone aged over time, how software updates shaped their longevity, and what their place in smartphone history ultimately became.

Design and Build: A Clash of Philosophies

The Galaxy S8 and iPhone 7 couldn’t have taken more different approaches to design. Samsung embraced minimalism and futurism with the S8, eliminating bezels and introducing the Infinity Display—a curved, 5.8-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED screen that dominated the front. The glass-and-metal sandwich was elegant, though slippery without a case. Its symmetrical top and bottom bezels gave it a balanced look, even if the fingerprint sensor’s awkward placement on the back drew criticism.

In contrast, the iPhone 7 stuck with a familiar form factor—flat edges, a physical home button, and a more compact 4.7-inch Retina HD display. While less flashy, its aluminum build felt solid, and the IP67 rating offered peace of mind against spills and splashes. Apple prioritized ergonomics and durability over radical change, a philosophy evident in its conservative design evolution.

Tip: When choosing between premium phones, consider grip and pocketability—sometimes smaller, sturdier builds last longer in daily use.

Performance and Longevity: Software Support Matters

Under the hood, both phones were powered by cutting-edge processors for their time—the Exynos 8895 (or Snapdragon 835 in some regions) in the S8, and Apple’s A10 Fusion chip in the iPhone 7. On paper, the S8 had higher RAM (4GB vs 2GB), but real-world performance favored Apple’s tightly integrated hardware and software.

The A10 Fusion remained snappy for years, handling iOS updates smoothly through iOS 16 in some cases. Meanwhile, the S8 received three major Android updates (up to Android 10), which was standard for Samsung at the time—but many users noticed gradual slowdowns after two years, especially with heavier apps and multitasking.

“Apple’s control over hardware and OS allows for longer optimization windows. Even mid-tier iPhones often outlive flagship Android phones in usable lifespan.” — David Lin, Mobile Systems Analyst at TechTrend Insights

Camera Comparison: Quality Over Quantity

The iPhone 7 featured a single 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization, f/1.8 aperture, and improved color accuracy over its predecessor. Its portrait mode relied on software simulation rather than dual lenses, but photos consistently delivered natural tones and excellent dynamic range in daylight.

The Galaxy S8 also had a 12MP sensor but used Samsung’s Dual Pixel technology for faster autofocus. Low-light performance was strong, though sometimes oversaturated. Without a telephoto lens, zooming was digital only, leading to quality loss. Video recording matched the iPhone at 4K, but early firmware bugs occasionally caused overheating during extended capture.

In practice, both cameras held up well for social media and casual photography, but the iPhone’s consistency across lighting conditions gave it an edge for most users.

Upgrade Value: Was the Leap Worth It?

For iPhone 6 or 6s owners, moving to the iPhone 7 meant tangible improvements: better battery life, water resistance, and a more powerful processor. The removal of the headphone jack sparked controversy, but Lightning earbuds and Bluetooth adoption made the transition manageable.

For Samsung users coming from the S6 or S7, the S8 was a visual leap forward. The immersive display and modern aesthetics made older flat-screen designs feel dated overnight. However, core functionality—camera, battery life, performance—only saw incremental gains.

Looking back, the upgrade calculus depends on user priorities:

• Design-forward users appreciated the S8’s innovation.
• Longevity-focused buyers benefited more from the iPhone 7’s extended software support.
• Budget-conscious consumers found the iPhone 7 offered better long-term value despite fewer flashy features.

Galaxy S8 vs iPhone 7: Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Galaxy S8	iPhone 7
Release Date	April 2017	September 2016
Display	5.8\" Quad HD+ AMOLED (Curved)	4.7\" Retina HD LCD
Processor	Exynos 8895 / Snapdragon 835	A10 Fusion
Ram	4GB	2GB
Rear Camera	12MP (f/1.7, OIS)	12MP (f/1.8, OIS)
Front Camera	8MP	7MP
Water Resistance	IP68	IP67
Battery Capacity	3000 mAh	1960 mAh
Software Updates	3 major Android versions	5+ years of iOS updates
Headphone Jack	No	No

Real-World Example: Two Users, Two Paths

Consider two hypothetical users from 2017: Maya, an Android loyalist using a Galaxy S5, and James, an iPhone 6 owner. Maya upgraded to the S8 for its stunning display and modern look. She loved the immersive experience and voice assistant integration with Bixby. However, by 2020, her phone struggled with newer apps, and Samsung ended major updates. She eventually switched to an iPhone out of frustration with lag and security concerns.

James opted for the iPhone 7, skeptical about losing the headphone jack but eager for better performance. He kept his phone until 2022, receiving updates all the way to iOS 15. Even in later years, the device handled messaging, email, and basic photography reliably. His upgrade cycle stretched nearly six years with a protective case and one battery replacement.

Their experiences highlight a broader trend: while the S8 dazzled at launch, the iPhone 7 delivered quieter, steadier value over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Galaxy S8 receive enough software updates?

Samsung provided three major Android upgrades (Nougat to Android 10), which was standard at the time. However, compared to Apple’s five-year update policy, this limited the S8’s usable lifespan, especially as app demands increased.

Which phone had better battery life?

The S8 had a larger 3000 mAh battery versus the iPhone 7’s 1960 mAh, but the smaller, lower-resolution screen on the iPhone helped optimize efficiency. In real-world usage, both lasted about a day with moderate use, though the S8 drained faster when using VR or high-brightness settings.

Is either phone still usable today?

As of 2024, neither is recommended as a primary device. App compatibility, security risks, and degraded batteries make them impractical. However, they can serve as backup phones, music players, or emergency devices with basic service plans.

Final Verdict: Looking Back, What Was Truly Worth It?

The Galaxy S8 was a statement device—a glimpse into the future of smartphone design. Its influence is visible in nearly every flagship phone since, from curved screens to facial recognition. But influence doesn’t always equal value.

The iPhone 7, meanwhile, wasn’t revolutionary, but it was ruthlessly dependable. It exemplified Apple’s philosophy: refine, optimize, and support for the long haul. For most users, especially those upgrading from older iPhones, the 7 offered a smoother, longer-lasting experience.

If you valued immediate visual impact and cutting-edge design, the S8 justified its price. But if you cared about reliability, consistent performance, and multi-year usability, the iPhone 7 was the smarter investment.

🚀 Still holding onto your old Galaxy or iPhone? Reflect on what matters most: flash or function. Share your upgrade story and help others learn from real experiences.