Iphone 7 Camera Vs Galaxy S8 Camera Is The Upgrade Worth It

When Apple released the iPhone 7 in 2016 and Samsung followed with the Galaxy S8 in 2017, smartphone photography took a significant leap forward. For users still holding onto an iPhone 7, the question isn't just about nostalgia—it's practical: Is upgrading to the Galaxy S8 (or switching ecosystems) justified by the camera improvements? The answer depends on what you value in mobile photography: consistency, color science, dynamic range, or innovation in low-light conditions.

This comparison dives deep into sensor technology, image processing, real-world performance, and user experience—not just specs on paper. Whether you're considering a switch from iOS to Android or simply evaluating hardware longevity, understanding these differences helps determine if the upgrade truly delivers meaningful gains.

Sensor and Hardware Specifications

The foundation of any camera system lies in its hardware. While both phones were flagship devices in their respective years, their design philosophies differ significantly.

Feature	iPhone 7	Galaxy S8
Rear Camera Resolution	12 MP	12 MP
Aperture	f/1.8	f/1.7
Sensor Size	1/3\"	1/2.55\"
Pixel Size	1.22µm	1.4µm
Optical Image Stabilization	Yes (single lens)	Yes
Dual Camera Setup	No	No
Front Camera	7 MP, f/2.2	8 MP, f/1.7

On paper, the Galaxy S8 holds a clear advantage in sensor size and pixel dimensions. Larger pixels capture more light, which translates directly into better performance in dim environments. The slightly wider aperture (f/1.7 vs f/1.8) also allows marginally more light intake. However, hardware alone doesn’t dictate image quality—processing algorithms play a crucial role, especially in balancing exposure, color accuracy, and noise reduction.

Tip: In low-light scenarios, even small differences in aperture and pixel size can result in noticeably brighter and cleaner photos—especially when zooming or cropping.

Image Quality and Color Science

Apple has long prioritized natural color reproduction and balanced contrast. The iPhone 7 produces images that are reliable across lighting conditions, with minimal oversaturation and accurate skin tones. This makes it ideal for users who prefer minimal post-processing or rely on consistent results for social media content.

In contrast, the Galaxy S8 leans into Samsung’s signature vibrant palette. Greens appear lusher, skies bluer, and reds more pronounced. While some may find this appealing straight out of the camera, others see it as artificial—particularly in daylight where over-sharpening can create halos around edges.

“Samsung pushes saturation to make images pop on their AMOLED displays, but that doesn’t always translate well to print or cross-platform sharing.” — David Lin, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechVisuals

In dynamic range—the ability to retain detail in shadows and highlights—the iPhone 7 performs admirably despite its smaller sensor. It handles high-contrast scenes like backlit portraits or sunsets more gracefully than the S8, which sometimes crushes shadow details in favor of brighter midtones.

However, the S8 introduces dual-pixel autofocus, enabling faster focusing in motion shots and improved subject tracking. This gives it an edge in capturing active scenes—children playing, pets, or street photography—where split-second responsiveness matters.

Low-Light and Night Performance

This is where the Galaxy S8 begins to pull ahead. Thanks to its larger sensor and bigger pixels, it captures up to 24% more light than the iPhone 7 under identical conditions. In indoor settings or during twilight hours, this difference manifests as reduced noise, better texture retention, and fewer artifacts in darker areas of the frame.

The S8’s software processing also applies stronger noise suppression without overly smudging fine details—a common flaw in earlier Samsung models. Meanwhile, the iPhone 7 tends to darken shadows aggressively to mask noise, often resulting in flatter, less engaging night shots.

Neither phone features a dedicated night mode (a feature introduced in later generations), so results depend entirely on single-exposure optimization. That said, manual control via third-party apps like ProShot (iOS) or ProCam (Android) can help extract more from each device. On Android, the openness of the OS allows deeper access to ISO, shutter speed, and white balance settings—giving advanced users greater creative freedom.

Real-World Example: Concert Photography

Consider a scenario where a user attends a small live music show with dim, colored stage lighting. Using the iPhone 7, the photos may come out grainy with muted colors due to aggressive noise filtering. The auto white balance might struggle with mixed lighting, casting unnatural green or magenta tints.

With the Galaxy S8, the same scene yields brighter exposures with more visible facial details. Colors remain vivid thanks to the phone’s tendency to boost saturation, though whites may appear yellowish. Manual tweaks in post-processing are still recommended, but the starting point is objectively better.

Video Capabilities and Stabilization

Both phones support 4K video recording at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps, offering high-resolution options for creators. The iPhone 7 benefits from Apple’s cinematic stabilization algorithm, producing buttery-smooth footage even while walking. Audio recording is also superior, with clearer directional sound pickup and less background hiss.

The Galaxy S8 matches 4K capability but applies heavier digital stabilization, which crops the frame slightly and can introduce wobble during rapid movements. Audio quality is acceptable but lacks the depth and clarity of the iPhone’s output. Wind noise reduction is less effective, making outdoor vlogs prone to distortion.

If video is your priority—especially casual vlogging or family moments—the iPhone 7 remains surprisingly competitive. Its consistency in exposure transitions and smooth highlight roll-off give videos a more professional finish, even without editing.

Upgrade Considerations: Is It Worth It?

For most iPhone 7 owners, switching to the Galaxy S8 primarily for camera reasons involves trade-offs rather than outright upgrades. Here’s a checklist to help evaluate whether the move makes sense:

• Are you switching ecosystems? Moving from iOS to Android means adapting to new interfaces, app ecosystems, and cloud syncing methods.
• Do you shoot frequently in low light? If yes, the S8 offers tangible improvements in brightness and clarity.
• Do you value natural colors over vibrancy? Stick with the iPhone 7 if you prefer true-to-life tones.
• Is front-camera quality important? The S8’s f/1.7 selfie camera excels in dim lighting compared to the iPhone 7’s f/2.2 lens.
• How much do you edit photos? Android’s openness allows greater flexibility with pro-grade camera apps and RAW editing tools.

Tip: Before upgrading, test both cameras side-by-side using scenes you commonly photograph—your kitchen, evening walks, or group selfies—to see which aligns with your visual preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S8 take better portraits than the iPhone 7?

Not inherently. Neither phone has a dual-lens system for optical zoom or depth mapping. Portrait effects must be simulated through software, which both handle moderately well. Edge detection is slightly sharper on the S8 due to higher resolution processing, but hair strands and complex backgrounds still pose challenges.

Does the iPhone 7 camera degrade over time?

No, the camera hardware does not degrade with age. However, iOS updates may slow older devices, and newer apps might not optimize for legacy sensors. Cloud storage limitations could affect backup quality if set to \"Optimize iPhone Storage.\"

Which phone holds better resale value today?

As of 2024, both models are well beyond their prime lifecycle. The iPhone 7 typically retains slightly higher residual value due to longer software support history, but neither commands significant market price.

Final Verdict: Practical Advice for Users

The upgrade from iPhone 7 to Galaxy S8 isn’t transformative—it’s incremental. You gain slightly better low-light performance, a superior front camera, and faster autofocus, but you sacrifice color neutrality and refined video stabilization. For photographers who prioritize realism and consistency, staying with the iPhone 7—or upgrading further to a modern iPhone—is likely the better path.

But if you’re exploring Android for the first time and want a capable all-around shooter from that era, the Galaxy S8 represents a solid step up in versatility, particularly for still photography in varied lighting.

💬 Have you made the switch from iPhone to Galaxy? Share your real-world camera experience below—your insights could help others decide!