Google Pixel 2 Vs Iphone 7 Plus Is The Older Iphone Still Worth It

In the fast-moving world of smartphones, devices from just a few years ago often feel obsolete. Yet some models defy expectations—not because they’re powerful by today’s standards, but because they deliver reliable performance at a fraction of current prices. The Google Pixel 2 and iPhone 7 Plus are two such phones, both released in 2017 and once flagship contenders. Now, nearly seven years later, buyers on tight budgets or minimalists seeking simplicity may wonder: is the older iPhone still worth it when compared to its Android counterpart?

The answer isn’t straightforward. While both phones have aged, their software support, camera quality, ecosystem integration, and long-term usability differ significantly. This comparison dives deep into real-world usage, highlighting where each device still holds value—and where compromise becomes too steep.

Performance and Software Experience

At launch, the iPhone 7 Plus ran iOS 10 with Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, while the Pixel 2 used the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 with stock Android 8.0 Oreo. On paper, the A10 was slightly ahead in CPU tasks, but the real differentiator lies in software longevity.

iOS updates are famously long-lasting. The iPhone 7 Plus received updates all the way up to iOS 16—released in 2022—making it one of the longest-supported smartphones in history. That means security patches, app compatibility, and modern interface features remained accessible far longer than most Android devices.

In contrast, the Pixel 2 was guaranteed only three years of OS updates and security patches. It topped out at Android 11, released in 2020. Since then, no official updates have been issued. Many apps now either don’t install or run poorly due to outdated system requirements.

Tip: If you're considering a used Pixel 2, check app compatibility first—especially for banking, messaging, and social media platforms that require newer Android versions.

For users prioritizing security and daily driver reliability, the iPhone 7 Plus holds a clear edge. Even if it can't run the latest AR games or multitask like a modern phone, it handles email, web browsing, maps, and video calls without constant crashes.

Camera Quality: Then and Now

In 2017, both phones were praised for their photography. The iPhone 7 Plus introduced a dual-lens system—wide and telephoto—enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode. Apple’s image processing delivered natural colors, excellent dynamic range, and consistent low-light results.

The Pixel 2, despite having only a single rear lens, leveraged Google’s computational photography to outperform nearly every competitor. Its HDR+ processing captured stunning detail in shadows and highlights, and its Night Sight (added via update) gave it an unexpected edge in dim lighting—something rare for its time.

Today, the gap narrows. Without ongoing software improvements, neither phone benefits from modern AI enhancements like semantic segmentation or advanced noise reduction. However, in daylight conditions, both produce usable, even attractive photos. The Pixel 2 still excels in high-contrast scenes thanks to superior HDR processing, while the iPhone offers more natural skin tones and better zoom flexibility.

“Even five years later, the Pixel 2’s camera algorithm set a benchmark that influenced the entire industry.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechLens Report

For casual photographers who mainly shoot outdoors or well-lit interiors, either camera suffices. But if portrait shots or zoomed compositions matter, the iPhone’s dual-camera setup remains more versatile.

Battery Life and Longevity Concerns

Battery degradation is inevitable after years of use. Both the Pixel 2 and iPhone 7 Plus originally offered around 10–12 hours of mixed usage. Today, that number has likely dropped to 5–7 hours depending on battery health.

Apple provides transparency here: under Settings > Battery > Battery Health, users can see maximum capacity. If it’s below 80%, performance throttling kicks in. Replacing the battery restores much of the original experience—and Apple’s $99 service (now discontinued but still available through third parties) made this feasible.

Google never offered an official replacement program for the Pixel 2. Third-party repairs exist, but they vary in quality and may affect water resistance (IP67 rating). Additionally, replacing the battery doesn’t solve underlying software limitations.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	Pixel 2
Original Battery Life	~14 hours talk time	~13 hours talk time
Software Updates Until	iOS 16 (2022)	Android 11 (2020)
Current App Compatibility	High (most major apps work)	Moderate to Low
Camera Strengths	Natural color, zoom, portraits	HDR+, low-light processing
Repair Accessibility	Official & third-party options	Limited third-party only

Real-World Use Case: Can Either Be a Daily Driver in 2024?

Meet Sarah, a freelance writer in Portland who needed a secondary phone for travel. She wanted something affordable, durable, and capable of handling messages, notes, navigation, and occasional photo-taking. After researching, she bought a refurbished iPhone 7 Plus for $85.

She uses it with an iCloud-backed Notes app, Google Docs, WhatsApp, and Apple Maps. Her main concerns were app availability and responsiveness. To her surprise, the phone handled everything except TikTok (which no longer supports iOS 14 and below) and certain newer banking apps requiring biometric authentication beyond Touch ID.

She replaced the battery for $40 at a local shop and now gets about six hours of screen time—enough for a full day of light use. She keeps it charged via a portable power bank during trips.

Had she chosen the Pixel 2, she would’ve faced earlier software obsolescence. Most banking apps stopped supporting Android 11 in 2023. Messaging apps like Signal have dropped support entirely. Even basic functions like two-factor authentication via authenticator apps may fail due to outdated TLS protocols.

Tip: Always verify critical app compatibility before buying any older smartphone—especially for finance, communication, and productivity tools.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Evaluate an Older Phone Purchase

1. Determine your core needs: Will you use it as a primary or backup device? Focus on essential apps (email, maps, messaging).
2. Check current OS version: Ensure it runs a version supported by your must-have apps.
3. Test battery health: For iPhones, check Battery Health percentage. For Android, look for signs of rapid drain.
4. Verify connectivity: Confirm LTE bands match your carrier, especially outside the U.S.
5. Assess repair potential: Can the battery be replaced easily and affordably?
6. Review security status: No recent updates mean higher vulnerability to phishing and malware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 7 Plus still get security updates?

No. Apple ended security updates for the iPhone 7 series with iOS 16.6.1 in 2023. While the device remains functional, it no longer receives critical patches, making it less secure over time.

Is the Google Pixel 2 waterproof?

Yes, the Pixel 2 has an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. However, this protection diminishes over time, especially if seals are damaged during repairs.

Which phone has better resale value now?

Neither holds significant resale value today. Both typically sell for under $100 in used condition. The iPhone 7 Plus may fetch slightly more due to broader compatibility and brand perception.

Final Verdict: Is the Older iPhone Still Worth It?

The iPhone 7 Plus edges out the Pixel 2—not because it was inherently superior, but because Apple’s long-term software support extended its useful life. Even now, it functions as a competent secondary device for calls, texts, light browsing, and photography in good light. With a fresh battery, it can serve reliably for another year or two under moderate use.

The Pixel 2, while revolutionary in its time, suffers from premature obsolescence due to limited update cycles. Its strengths—especially in computational photography—are hampered by an operating system that no longer evolves.

That said, neither should be considered a primary phone in 2024 unless absolutely necessary. Smartphones today offer faster processors, better batteries, improved cameras, and stronger security. But for someone seeking a simple, offline-capable device—perhaps for a child, elderly relative, or digital detox—the iPhone 7 Plus remains the more viable option.

💬 Have experience using older phones in 2024? Share your story, tips, or warnings in the comments—your insights could help others make smarter, sustainable tech choices.