Galaxy S8 Vs Iphone 7 Plus Looking Back Was The Upgrade Worth It

In 2017, smartphone buyers faced a pivotal decision: stick with Apple’s proven formula or embrace Samsung’s bold new vision. The Galaxy S8 and iPhone 7 Plus represented two very different philosophies in mobile technology. Fast forward to today, with both devices firmly in the rearview mirror, the question remains—was upgrading to either phone truly worth it?

This isn’t just a specs comparison. It’s a retrospective analysis of real-world usage, longevity, ecosystem integration, and how each device aged over time. Whether you were upgrading from an older iPhone or switching from Android, understanding this moment helps clarify what mattered—and what didn’t—in one of the most competitive years for flagship smartphones.

Design and Display: A Clash of Ideologies

The Galaxy S8 introduced Samsung’s “Infinity Display”—a nearly bezel-less, curved-edge screen that stretched edge-to-edge. With its 5.8-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED panel, it offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a cinematic aspect ratio (18.5:9). At the time, it felt like stepping into the future.

In contrast, the iPhone 7 Plus stuck with Apple’s familiar design language: physical Home button, thick top and bottom bezels, and a 5.5-inch LCD display. While sharp and color-accurate, its Retina IPS panel couldn’t match the S8’s contrast or immersion. But Apple prioritized usability and durability—its aluminum build and water resistance (IP67) appealed to users who valued reliability over flash.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors, OLED screens like the S8’s offer better visibility in sunlight due to higher peak brightness and contrast.

From a design perspective, the S8 was more innovative, but the iPhone 7 Plus remained more practical for daily handling. The S8’s glass body and curved edges made it prone to slips and costly screen repairs—a trade-off for aesthetics.

Performance and Software Longevity

Under the hood, both phones were powered by top-tier hardware. The Galaxy S8 used either the Exynos 8895 (international) or Snapdragon 835 (U.S.), while the iPhone 7 Plus ran Apple’s A10 Fusion chip. On paper, the difference seemed narrow, but real-world performance told a different story.

Apple’s tight integration between hardware and software gave the iPhone 7 Plus remarkable efficiency. Even three years after release, it handled iOS updates smoothly. It received five major iOS updates (from iOS 10 to iOS 15), supporting apps and security patches longer than most Android flagships.

Samsung, at the time, offered only two guaranteed OS upgrades (from Android 7.0 to 9.0). While the S8 did receive timely security patches initially, support tapered off by 2020. Users who kept their S8 beyond 2021 noticed app slowdowns and compatibility issues—especially with newer versions of Google services.

“iOS devices from this era still outperform many mid-range phones today thanks to sustained optimization.” — David Lin, Mobile Systems Analyst

Camera Comparison: Practicality vs. Innovation

The iPhone 7 Plus featured a dual 12MP rear camera system—one wide, one telephoto—enabling true 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode, which used depth sensing to simulate DSLR-like bokeh. Its image processing was consistent, with natural color reproduction and excellent dynamic range.

The Galaxy S8 had a single 12MP rear sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus and optical image stabilization. While it lacked optical zoom, its software-based zoom and low-light performance were strong. Samsung’s processing leaned toward saturated colors, which some found appealing in social media photos.

Feature	Galaxy S8	iPhone 7 Plus
Rear Cameras	Single 12MP (f/1.7)	Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.8)
Optical Zoom	No	2x
Portrait Mode	Software-only (less accurate)	Hardware-assisted (more reliable)
Low-Light Performance	Very good	Good, slightly noisier
Front Camera	8MP (f/1.7)	7MP (f/2.2)

For photography enthusiasts, the iPhone 7 Plus offered more versatility. The optical zoom and superior depth mapping gave it an edge in real-world shooting. The S8’s front camera, however, was better for selfies, especially in dim lighting.

User Experience and Ecosystem Lock-In

One of the most overlooked factors in the upgrade decision was ecosystem integration. If you already owned a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch, the iPhone 7 Plus seamlessly synced messages, calls, notes, and iCloud data. Features like AirDrop, Handoff, and iMessage continuity created a frictionless experience that Android couldn’t replicate at the time.

Samsung offered its own suite—Samsung Cloud, Smart Switch, and DeX (introduced later)—but these weren’t as deeply integrated. However, the S8 brought features ahead of its time: facial recognition, iris scanning, Bixby (flawed but ambitious), and expandable storage via microSD. These gave power users more control.

Consider Sarah, a freelance photographer who upgraded from an iPhone 6S to the Galaxy S8 in 2017. She loved the larger screen for editing and appreciated the microSD slot for storing RAW files. But she missed iMessage and struggled with app syncing across her MacBook. By 2019, she switched back to iPhone, citing ecosystem fatigue.

Tip: Evaluate your existing tech ecosystem before switching platforms. Migrating contacts and data is easy—but losing seamless integration isn’t always obvious until it’s gone.

Was the Upgrade Worth It? A Step-by-Step Evaluation

To determine whether upgrading to the Galaxy S8 or iPhone 7 Plus paid off, consider these steps:

1. Assess your current device: Were you coming from an iPhone 6 or Galaxy S6? Both saw meaningful improvements in speed and screen quality.
2. Evaluate your priorities: Did you want cutting-edge design (S8) or proven reliability (7 Plus)?
3. Consider long-term use: How long do you keep phones? If longer than two years, iOS typically offers better update support.
4. Factor in resale value: iPhones generally retained value better. In 2019, a used iPhone 7 Plus fetched 20–30% more than an S8 in most markets.
5. Test real-world impact: Did the upgrade improve productivity, photo quality, or battery life meaningfully?

For early adopters excited by innovation, the S8 delivered a glimpse of the future. For pragmatists focused on stability and longevity, the iPhone 7 Plus was the safer bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Galaxy S8 get Android 10?

No, the Galaxy S8 topped out at Android 9 (Pie). Samsung began extending support only with later models like the S10 and Note 10.

Which phone lasted longer on battery?

The iPhone 7 Plus had a slight edge in real-world endurance despite a smaller battery (2900mAh vs. S8’s 3000mAh). iOS optimization helped it last up to 12 hours of mixed use, compared to the S8’s 10–11 hours.

Can either phone still be used in 2024?

Possibly, but not recommended. Both lack modern security updates, app support, and performance for current apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, or Google Maps. Basic calling and texting may work, but vulnerabilities are a growing concern.

Conclusion: Learning from the Past to Make Smarter Choices

Looking back, the Galaxy S8 vs iPhone 7 Plus debate wasn’t just about cameras or processors—it was about values. Samsung bet on innovation, pushing boundaries with design and features. Apple focused on refinement, consistency, and long-term usability.

For most users, the iPhone 7 Plus provided better long-term value. It stayed functional, secure, and supported longer. The Galaxy S8, while stunning at launch, showed the limitations of Android’s fragmented update model.

That said, if you craved a futuristic experience and planned to upgrade again within two years, the S8 was absolutely worth it. It set the template for every full-screen Android phone that followed.

🚀 Upgrade smarter next time: Balance innovation with longevity. Ask not just what a phone can do today—but how well it will serve you in three years.