Honor 7x Vs S8 Plus Was Upgrading To Samsung Really Worth It

Switching from a mid-range smartphone to a flagship model often feels like stepping into the future. For many users in 2017 and 2018, that meant moving from devices like the Huawei Honor 7X to the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus. The allure of Samsung’s premium design, powerful specs, and advanced features made the upgrade tempting. But beyond the marketing hype and sleek glass body, did the jump actually deliver meaningful improvements in daily use? This article breaks down the real differences between the Honor 7X and the Galaxy S8 Plus, examining whether the significant price gap justified the switch.

Design and Build Quality: From Plastic to Premium

The most immediate difference between the Honor 7X and the S8 Plus is their physical presence. The Honor 7X features a full-metal unibody with a traditional 16:9 display, fingerprint sensor on the back, and a relatively thick bezel. It’s durable and functional but clearly positioned as a budget-conscious device.

In contrast, the Galaxy S8 Plus introduced Samsung’s Infinity Display — a curved, edge-to-edge 6.2-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED screen with an 18.5:9 aspect ratio. The glass front and back, combined with aluminum frame, gave it a luxurious feel. At the time, it set a new standard for smartphone aesthetics.

Tip: If you prioritize one-handed usability, the Honor 7X’s compact design may still be more comfortable than the larger S8 Plus.

However, premium materials came at a cost. The S8 Plus was more prone to scratches and required a case for protection. The Honor 7X, while less flashy, offered better grip and resilience in everyday drops.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the gap widens. The Honor 7X ran on Huawei’s Kirin 659 chipset — a capable mid-tier processor paired with 4GB of RAM. It handled basic tasks well: social media, messaging, light gaming, and streaming. But multitasking or extended gaming sessions could cause noticeable lag.

The Galaxy S8 Plus, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (or Exynos 9810 in some regions), delivered flagship-level performance. With 4GB of RAM and optimized software, it breezed through heavy apps, high-end games, and rapid app switching. Apps launched faster, animations were smoother, and background processes stayed responsive.

Samsung’s software also brought added functionality: Always-On Display, Bixby, DeX Mode (with optional dock), and superior biometric options including facial recognition, iris scanning, and fingerprint (though placement was awkward). The Honor 7X offered EMUI, which was functional but bloated compared to Samsung’s cleaner, more polished experience.

“Flagship phones aren’t just about raw power — they offer refined software ecosystems that elevate daily interactions.” — David Lin, Mobile Tech Analyst at GadgetInsight

Camera Comparison: Real-World Photo Quality

On paper, both phones had dual rear cameras. The Honor 7X featured a 16MP primary and 2MP depth sensor for portrait shots. The S8 Plus, however, used a single 12MP wide-angle sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus and an f/1.7 aperture — no secondary lens, but far superior low-light performance.

In daylight, both produced decent results, though the S8 Plus captured richer colors, better dynamic range, and sharper details. Where the difference became undeniable was in low-light conditions. The S8 Plus consistently outperformed with brighter, clearer night shots and accurate white balance.

Front cameras told a similar story. The Honor 7X’s 8MP selfie shooter was adequate, but struggled with backlighting. The S8 Plus’s 8MP front camera included autofocus and better HDR processing, making selfies and video calls noticeably clearer.

Feature	Honor 7X	Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus
Display	5.7” FHD IPS LCD	6.2” QHD+ Curved AMOLED
Processor	Kirin 659	Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 9810
RAM	4GB	4GB
Rear Camera	16MP + 2MP (dual)	12MP (single, Dual Pixel)
Battery	3240mAh	3500mAh
Water Resistance	No	IP68 rated
Biometrics	Fingerprint only	Fingerprint, Iris, Face Unlock
OS at Launch	Android 7.0 (EMUI 5.1)	Android 7.0 (Samsung Experience 8.1)

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity?

The Honor 7X packed a 3240mAh battery, while the S8 Plus had a slightly larger 3500mAh unit. Despite the modest increase, real-world endurance favored the Samsung due to its more efficient AMOLED display and optimized power management.

The S8 Plus also supported fast charging and wireless charging — features absent on the Honor 7X. Users upgrading to the S8 Plus appreciated being able to drop the phone on a charging pad or recharge up to 50% in under 30 minutes with adaptive fast charging.

However, the larger, higher-resolution screen of the S8 Plus consumed more power during intensive use. Gamers or heavy streamers might find both phones lasting a full day, but the S8 Plus recovered faster thanks to superior charging tech.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Journey

Maria had used the Honor 7X for nearly two years. As a freelance photographer, she relied on her phone for client communication, editing previews, and capturing reference shots. While the 7X served her well initially, she began noticing slow app launches in Lightroom Mobile, poor performance when reviewing RAW thumbnails, and dim screen visibility outdoors.

She upgraded to the S8 Plus primarily for the camera and display quality. Immediately, she noticed the AMOLED screen made photo review far more accurate. Low-light shots taken during events showed significantly less noise. Fast charging allowed her to power up between gigs without carrying a bulky charger.

Was it worth it? “Yes — but not because of the brand,” she said. “It was worth it because the tools I needed for work finally worked *smoothly*.”

Value for Money: Assessing the True Cost of Upgrading

The Honor 7X launched at around $250, while the S8 Plus retailed for over $750 at release. That’s a $500 difference — a substantial investment. For users whose needs were limited to calls, texts, browsing, and casual photos, the upgrade offered diminishing returns.

But for professionals, creatives, or power users, the S8 Plus delivered tangible benefits: longer software support (Samsung provided three major Android updates), better security patches, access to Samsung Knox, and integration with other Samsung devices like tablets and watches.

Tip: Consider total ownership cost — flagships often retain resale value better and receive updates longer than budget phones.

Checklist: Is Upgrading to a Flagship Worth It?

• ✅ Do you rely on your phone for productivity or creative work?
• ✅ Are you frustrated by slow app performance or multitasking limits?
• ✅ Do you want better camera quality, especially in low light?
• ✅ Is fast charging or wireless charging important to your routine?
• ✅ Are you planning to keep the phone for 3+ years?

If you answered yes to three or more, a flagship like the S8 Plus likely offers a worthwhile upgrade path.

FAQ

Did the S8 Plus receive long-term software updates?

Yes. The Galaxy S8 Plus received four years of security updates and three major Android OS upgrades (from Nougat to Android 10), significantly outpacing the Honor 7X, which stopped at Android 9.

Was the Honor 7X's dual camera better than the S8 Plus's single lens?

No. While the Honor 7X had two rear sensors, the second was only for depth sensing and added little photographic value. The S8 Plus’s single 12MP Dual Pixel sensor was technologically superior in every measurable way — dynamic range, low-light performance, autofocus speed, and image processing.

Can the S8 Plus still perform well today?

As of 2024, the S8 Plus is no longer supported with official updates and struggles with modern apps and security demands. However, for light use or as a secondary device, it remains functional — a testament to its original build quality.

Conclusion: Weighing Practicality Against Prestige

Upgrading from the Honor 7X to the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus wasn't just about owning a more prestigious device — it was about accessing a different tier of performance, reliability, and user experience. For casual users, the jump may have felt excessive. But for those who depended on their phones for work, creativity, or seamless multitasking, the investment paid off in smoother operation, better photos, and longer usability.

The true value of an upgrade lies not in specs alone, but in how well a device integrates into your life. The S8 Plus offered refinement, durability, and ecosystem advantages that the Honor 7X couldn’t match. If you’re considering a similar leap today — from mid-range to flagship — ask yourself: Will this device remove friction from my day? Will it last longer and perform better when I need it most?

💬 Did you make the jump from a budget phone to a flagship? Share your experience — was it worth it? Your insights could help others decide their next move.