Galaxy S8 Vs Iphone 7 Plus Camera 2024 Still Using Either Tell Me Why

In 2024, flagship smartphones boast triple-lens arrays, AI-powered night modes, and 8K video recording. Yet, a surprising number of users still rely on the Samsung Galaxy S8 and iPhone 7 Plus—devices launched in 2017. While neither matches modern standards on paper, their cameras continue to serve real-world needs for certain users. This isn’t nostalgia; it’s practicality. Understanding why people still use these older devices reveals more than just loyalty—it highlights what truly matters in mobile photography: consistency, usability, and reliability.

The Camera Specs: A 2017 Snapshot

When comparing the Galaxy S8 and iPhone 7 Plus, it's important to revisit their original hardware. Both were top-tier in their time, but with different philosophies.

Feature	Galaxy S8	iPhone 7 Plus
Rear Camera (Main)	12MP f/1.7, Dual Pixel AF	12MP f/1.8, OIS
Secondary Lens	None	12MP f/2.8 telephoto (2x optical zoom)
Front Camera	8MP f/1.7	7MP f/2.2
Video Recording	4K@30fps	4K@30fps
Software Features	Samsung Pro Mode, HDR	Portrait Mode, Live Photos

The iPhone 7 Plus introduced Portrait Mode via its dual-camera setup—a novelty at the time—while the Galaxy S8 focused on low-light performance with its wide aperture and advanced autofocus. These distinctions still influence user preference today.

Why People Still Use These Phones in 2024

Despite lacking modern features like Night mode or computational HDR, both devices remain functional. Their continued use stems from several practical realities:

• Reliability: No bloatware, minimal updates, stable performance.
• Battery Life Management: Users have adapted charging habits and replaced batteries.
• Cost Efficiency: No need to spend $1,000+ when core functions still work.
• Camera Simplicity: Predictable output without aggressive AI processing.

“Some photographers prefer older sensors because they capture scenes more naturally—without over-sharpening or fake bokeh.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst, TechLens Review

For casual shooters, the camera experience hasn’t aged as poorly as expected. Natural lighting brings out the best in both sensors, and many users report satisfaction with daylight photos.

Real-World Camera Performance Today

In controlled conditions, the iPhone 7 Plus holds an edge for portrait photography thanks to its optical zoom and consistent depth mapping. The Galaxy S8 excels in dynamic range and low-light clarity due to its superior pixel technology and larger aperture.

Tip: If using either device in 2024, shoot in well-lit environments and avoid digital zoom—stick to 1x on the S8 and switch between 1x/2x on the 7 Plus for best results.

Here’s how they perform across common scenarios:

Daylight Photography

Both deliver sharp, color-accurate images. The S8 tends to oversaturate slightly, which some find appealing. The iPhone produces more neutral tones, favored by purists. Autofocus is quick on both, though the S8’s Dual Pixel system feels snappier.

Low Light

The S8 pulls ahead here. Its f/1.7 aperture captures more light, reducing noise. However, without modern multi-frame stacking, images still show grain in dim settings. The iPhone 7 Plus struggles more, often producing muddy shadows and slower shutter response.

Portraits

The 7 Plus remains unmatched in this category among the two. Its dedicated telephoto lens allows true optical zoom, and Portrait Mode—even in 2024—creates convincing depth effects. The S8 relies on software-only simulation, which often misjudges edges and lacks background blur realism.

Selfies

The S8’s 8MP front camera outperforms the iPhone’s 7MP unit with better low-light handling and wider field of view. However, iOS skin smoothing gives selfies a cleaner look, while Samsung defaults to sharper textures.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Daily Driver Since 2017

Sarah, a freelance writer based in Portland, still uses her Galaxy S8 as her primary phone. She replaced the battery twice and uses a rugged case, but refuses to upgrade. “I take notes, snap book covers, and photograph coffee shop vibes,” she says. “The S8 does all that perfectly. I don’t need 100x zoom or animated emojis.”

Last winter, she traveled through Iceland and documented her trip entirely on the S8. “In daylight, the雪山 (snowy mountains) looked stunning. Indoors, I had to be careful with lighting, but I learned to use window light and avoid flash. It made me a better photographer—because I had to think before shooting.”

Her experience reflects a growing niche: intentional tech use. Older phones force mindfulness, leading to fewer but higher-quality photos.

Checklist: Is Your Galaxy S8 or iPhone 7 Plus Still Viable in 2024?

1. ✅ Battery holds charge for at least 6 hours of moderate use
2. ✅ Camera lens is clean and scratch-free
3. ✅ You primarily shoot in daylight or well-lit spaces
4. ✅ Storage is managed (photos backed up to cloud or PC)
5. ✅ Security updates are no longer critical for your usage (e.g., not storing sensitive data)
6. ✅ You value simplicity over cutting-edge features

If you check most of these, continuing to use your device is not only reasonable—it might even be smarter than upgrading unnecessarily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S8 or iPhone 7 Plus handle social media photos in 2024?

Absolutely. Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter compress images significantly. As long as your photos are well-composed and lit, followers won’t notice the difference. Both phones produce images far exceeding platform requirements.

Is it safe to keep using these phones?

Security is a concern. Neither device receives official OS updates. However, if you avoid suspicious links, don’t download unknown apps, and use strong passwords, risk remains low for basic use. Consider using them as secondary or offline devices if security is a priority.

Which one should I choose if I’m buying used in 2024?

Choose the iPhone 7 Plus if you love portraits and natural color science. Pick the Galaxy S8 if you prioritize low-light performance and faster autofocus. Condition matters most—inspect screen, battery health, and camera functionality before purchase.

Final Thoughts: Legacy Devices With Lasting Value

The persistence of the Galaxy S8 and iPhone 7 Plus in 2024 speaks volumes about smartphone longevity. While their cameras can’t compete with modern flagships in computational photography, they still deliver competent image quality under the right conditions. More importantly, they represent a shift in user mindset—away from constant upgrades and toward sustainable, purposeful tech use.

Cameras aren’t just about megapixels or AI enhancements. They’re tools for memory, expression, and documentation. And in that sense, both the S8 and 7 Plus still succeed. They remind us that great photos come from the person behind the lens, not just the sensor in front of it.

💬 Still using your Galaxy S8 or iPhone 7 Plus? Share your story. How has its camera held up? Your experience could help others decide whether to upgrade—or let go of upgrade pressure altogether.