Iphone 7 Plus Vs Galaxy A10e In Current Year Is It Crazy To Still Pick The Iphone

In 2024, choosing a smartphone isn't just about specs—it's about longevity, ecosystem, and daily usability. The iPhone 7 Plus, released in 2016, and the Samsung Galaxy A10e, launched in 2019, represent two different worlds: one of Apple’s legacy excellence and another of budget Android pragmatism. At first glance, comparing a seven-year-old flagship with a three-year-old entry-level device seems unbalanced. But for users on tight budgets or those clinging to familiar tech, the question arises: is it actually crazy to still pick the iPhone 7 Plus over the Galaxy A10e today?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems. While both devices are outdated by modern standards, their real-world performance, software support, and user experience diverge in meaningful ways. Let’s break down the key factors that matter most when making this decision in the current year.

Performance and Real-World Usability

The iPhone 7 Plus was powered by Apple’s A10 Fusion chip—a powerhouse in its time. Even now, iOS optimization allows it to handle basic tasks like calling, texting, light web browsing, and even some social media apps with surprising fluidity. However, newer versions of iOS (iOS 16 being the last supported) have noticeably slowed the device. Apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Google Maps launch slowly, and multitasking often results in app reloads.

The Galaxy A10e, equipped with an Exynos 7884B and 2GB of RAM, runs Android 11 (One UI Core 3.1). It struggles more consistently than the iPhone 7 Plus. Basic navigation feels sluggish, background processes are aggressively killed, and app switching is frustrating. Despite newer hardware on paper, poor software optimization and limited memory make the A10e feel less responsive overall.

Tip: If you're using either device daily, disable animations and background refresh to improve perceived speed.

Software Support and Security

This is where the iPhone 7 Plus shines despite its age. Apple provided six years of iOS updates—ending with iOS 16 in 2023. That means security patches were delivered regularly until late 2023, and many core apps still function. In contrast, the Galaxy A10e received only two major Android updates and stopped receiving security patches in 2021. As of 2024, neither device is officially supported, but the iPhone remains marginally safer due to its final update being much more recent.

Running an unsupported OS exposes both phones to growing security risks, especially when downloading third-party apps or visiting untrusted websites. However, Apple’s App Store continues to allow downloads of compatible versions of popular apps, whereas many newer Android apps simply won’t install or run properly on the A10e’s outdated OS.

“Even outdated, iPhones benefit from Apple’s long-term update policy. An unsupported Android phone from 2019 is often less secure than a 2016 iPhone.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at TechShield Labs

Camera Comparison: Legacy vs. Modern Sensors

The iPhone 7 Plus features a dual 12MP rear camera system—one wide, one telephoto—capable of optical zoom and Portrait Mode. In good lighting, it still captures richly detailed photos with natural color tones. Video recording tops out at 1080p at 60fps, which remains usable for casual sharing.

The Galaxy A10e has a single 13MP rear sensor and a 5MP front camera. While the resolution is higher, the sensor is small and performs poorly in low light. Photos often appear oversharpened, with inaccurate white balance and excessive noise. There’s no depth sensor, so Portrait Mode is software-based and frequently fails to detect edges correctly.

For everyday photography, the iPhone 7 Plus produces more consistent, pleasing results. Its image processing algorithms, though old, are far superior to the A10e’s basic tuning. If photo quality matters—even casually—the iPhone holds a clear edge.

Battery Life and Charging

The iPhone 7 Plus came with a 2,900mAh battery. After years of charge cycles, most units today suffer from degraded capacity—often below 70%. This translates to barely a full day of light use. Fast charging wasn’t supported originally, and wireless charging isn’t available. You’re stuck with slow 5W charging via Lightning.

The Galaxy A10e packs a larger 3,000mAh battery and supports faster 15W charging. However, its inefficient processor and display mean battery life is only average—about a day under moderate use. Still, replaceable batteries (via third parties) and standard USB-C charging give it practical advantages for long-term ownership.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	Galaxy A10e
Release Year	2016	2019
Processor	A10 Fusion	Exynos 7884B
Ram	3GB	2GB
OS Last Supported	iOS 16 (2023)	Android 11 (2021)
Rear Camera	Dual 12MP (w/ optical zoom)	Single 13MP
Front Camera	7MP	5MP
Battery	2,900mAh (no fast charging)	3,000mAh (15W fast charging)
Charging Port	Lightning	USB-C
Security Updates	Ended late 2023	Ended 2021
Water Resistance	IP67	None

Real-World Example: Maria’s Dilemma

Maria, a retiree on a fixed income, needed a phone for calls, texts, and occasional Facebook use. She inherited an iPhone 7 Plus from her son and considered trading it for a new Galaxy A10e she saw advertised for $100. After testing both for a week, she kept the iPhone. Why? The A10e constantly froze when opening Messenger, couldn’t remember her Wi-Fi password after reboots, and the screen dimmed unpredictably. The iPhone, while slower to start apps, remained stable, remembered her preferences, and integrated seamlessly with her daughter’s iMessage family group.

Maria’s experience highlights a crucial point: raw specs don’t always translate to better usability. For non-tech-savvy users, stability and simplicity often outweigh newer features.

When It Makes Sense to Choose the iPhone 7 Plus

Picking the iPhone 7 Plus in 2024 isn’t inherently crazy—if your needs are minimal and expectations realistic. Here are scenarios where it still holds value:

• You primarily use the phone for calls, messages, and light browsing.
• You’re already embedded in the Apple ecosystem (iCloud, MacBook, AirPods).
• You prioritize photo quality over social media performance.
• You can accept limited battery life and occasional lag.
• You have access to a well-maintained unit with decent battery health.

Conversely, the Galaxy A10e makes sense only if you need USB-C, slightly better charging, and don’t mind constant software hiccups. It offers no long-term advantage and lacks repairability or resale value.

Tip: Before relying on any used phone, check battery health. On iPhone, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Avoid devices below 80%.

Step-by-Step: Preparing an Old iPhone for Daily Use in 2024

1. Check iOS version: Ensure it’s running iOS 15 or 16 for best app compatibility.
2. Reset and clean: Erase all content and settings to remove clutter and improve responsiveness.
3. Disable animations: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Reduce Motion and enable it.
4. Limit background activity: Turn off Background App Refresh for non-essential apps.
5. Use lightweight alternatives: Install Firefox Lite, DuckDuckGo, or Signal instead of heavy apps.
6. Enable Low Data Mode: Helps reduce strain on older hardware during browsing.
7. Replace the battery: A fresh battery can extend usability by 1–2 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 7 Plus still get apps in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. Many newer apps require iOS 14 or higher, which the 7 Plus supports. However, some developers drop support for older devices—Instagram and TikTok may work but run slowly. Banking apps and utilities generally remain functional.

Is the Galaxy A10e safer than the iPhone 7 Plus?

No. Despite being newer, the A10e hasn’t received security updates since 2021, while the iPhone 7 Plus was patched into 2023. Both are vulnerable, but the iPhone benefits from stronger sandboxing and app review processes.

Should I buy either phone new today?

No. Even refurbished, both are poor investments. Consider newer budget options like iPhone SE (2020/2022) or Samsung Galaxy A14/A05, which offer 4G LTE, longer support, and better performance for similar prices.

Conclusion: Reason Over Hype

Choosing the iPhone 7 Plus over the Galaxy A10e in 2024 isn’t crazy—it’s pragmatic, provided you understand the trade-offs. The iPhone offers better software longevity, superior camera quality, and a more stable experience, despite its age. The A10e, while newer, suffers from weak performance, poor update support, and subpar build quality.

Technology shouldn’t be judged solely by release date. For users who value reliability over novelty, the iPhone 7 Plus remains a surprisingly capable relic. But it’s not a recommendation to seek one out—it’s a recognition that, sometimes, older Apple devices age with dignity.

🚀 Still using an older phone? Share your experience below—what keeps yours running, and what would make you upgrade?