Iphone 7 Plus Vs Galaxy Note 3 Is It Worth Switching In Current Year

As smartphones evolve rapidly, the question of whether to switch between older models—especially ones released nearly a decade apart—becomes less about raw specs and more about practicality. The iPhone 7 Plus (2016) and Galaxy Note 3 (2013) represent pivotal moments in mobile history. One introduced Apple’s dual-camera system; the other defined the phablet era for Samsung. But in 2024, does either device still hold relevance? And if you're currently using a Galaxy Note 3, is upgrading to an iPhone 7 Plus a meaningful step forward?

The answer isn’t just about hardware. It's about software support, app compatibility, security updates, and daily usability in today’s digital ecosystem. Let’s break down the realities of making this switch now.

Performance and Hardware: A Generational Gap

The Galaxy Note 3 launched with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800 (or Exynos 5420 in some regions), 3GB of RAM, and up to 32GB of storage. At the time, it was flagship-tier, powering smooth multitasking and early stylus-based productivity tools. By contrast, the iPhone 7 Plus arrived three years later with Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, 3GB of RAM, and storage options up to 256GB. While both devices had similar RAM figures, the A10 Fusion outperformed its predecessor by a wide margin—especially in sustained tasks and graphics rendering.

In real-world use today, the difference is stark. The iPhone 7 Plus can still handle light web browsing, messaging, and even some modern apps like WhatsApp or Google Maps, albeit with occasional lag. The Note 3 struggles significantly. Most current versions of Android apps require newer APIs and processor architectures that the Snapdragon 800 simply cannot support efficiently—if they run at all.

Tip: If your current phone fails to load basic banking or social media apps, it’s already functionally obsolete regardless of physical condition.

Software and Security: The Lifeline of Modern Devices

Software support is where the divide becomes critical. Samsung provided approximately three years of OS updates for the Note 3, with the final official version being Android 5.0 Lollipop. Security patches ceased years ago. Meanwhile, Apple supported the iPhone 7 Plus with iOS updates until 2023, ending with iOS 16. This means the 7 Plus received nearly seven years of software maintenance—nearly double the lifespan of the Note 3.

This extended support translates directly into security. Without regular patches, the Note 3 is vulnerable to known exploits. Public Wi-Fi networks, unsecured websites, and even malicious ads can compromise data on such outdated systems. The iPhone 7 Plus, while no longer receiving updates, ran the last secure version of iOS for much longer and benefits from Apple’s tightly controlled app ecosystem, which reduces exposure to malware.

“Devices without ongoing security updates become liabilities—not just for users but for anyone connected to their network.” — Dr. Marcus Lin, Mobile Security Researcher, IEEE

Camera Comparison: From Novelty to Utility

The Note 3 featured a 13MP rear camera with LED flash and 1080p video recording. For its time, it delivered solid results in daylight. However, low-light performance was weak, autofocus slow, and image processing basic. There was no optical image stabilization, nor any computational photography features.

The iPhone 7 Plus changed the game with its dual-lens setup: a 12MP wide and a 12MP telephoto lens enabling 2x optical zoom. Combined with Apple’s image signal processor and True Tone flash, it produced consistently better color accuracy, dynamic range, and portrait mode effects—even in challenging lighting. Video recording improved dramatically to 4K resolution.

In 2024, neither camera matches modern standards. But the 7 Plus still captures usable photos under decent light. The Note 3 often produces grainy, overexposed, or blurry images by today’s expectations.

Daily Usability in 2024: Can These Phones Still Function?

To assess real-world viability, consider what a smartphone must do today:

• Run updated versions of messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram)
• Support two-factor authentication via authenticator apps
• Load modern websites without crashing
• Connect securely to public and private Wi-Fi
• Support essential services like maps, ride-sharing, and online banking

The iPhone 7 Plus clears most of these hurdles. WhatsApp dropped support for iOS 10+ devices in 2023, but users on iOS 15–16 can still access core features through workarounds or legacy versions (though not recommended long-term). Banking apps may load slowly but generally function. Web browsing is possible, though complex sites like YouTube or Facebook may lag.

The Galaxy Note 3 fails almost every test. Most authenticator apps require Android 6.0+. Major banks have discontinued support for pre-Android 7.0 devices. Chrome stopped supporting KitKat (Android 4.4) in 2017. Even if rooted or running custom ROMs, the underlying hardware limitations remain insurmountable.

Comparison Table: iPhone 7 Plus vs Galaxy Note 3

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus (2016)	Galaxy Note 3 (2013)
Processor	A10 Fusion (64-bit)	Snapdragon 800 / Exynos 5420
Ram	3GB	3GB
OS Support Ended	iOS 16 (2023)	Android 5.0 (2016)
Security Updates	Ended 2023	Ended 2016
Camera	Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto), 4K video	13MP single, 1080p video
Battery Life (Original)	~21 hours talk time	~17 hours talk time
Current App Compatibility	Limited but functional	Very poor
Water Resistance	IP67 rating	None

Is Switching Worth It in 2024?

If you’re still relying on a Galaxy Note 3, upgrading to an iPhone 7 Plus will feel like stepping into a new decade—because it essentially is. You’ll gain:

• Faster app launches and smoother interface navigation
• Access to a wider range of compatible apps
• Better camera quality and low-light performance
• Improved build quality and water resistance
• More recent security protections

However, “worth it” depends on context. Financially, both devices are well beyond their resale value. The 7 Plus might cost $30–$60 on secondhand markets, while the Note 3 is largely unsellable. If you already own a working 7 Plus, the switch makes sense purely for reliability and functionality.

But if you’re purchasing one used to replace the other, consider whether even the 7 Plus meets your needs. Many carriers no longer activate iPhone 7 models due to lack of VoLTE support on certain networks. AT&T, for example, sunsetted 3G in 2022, affecting older iPhones unless updated to LTE-compatible firmware before discontinuation.

Tip: Before buying any used iPhone, verify carrier compatibility and check IMEI status at apple.com/activation-lock to avoid stolen or locked devices.

Mini Case Study: A Real User Transition

Rajiv, a small business owner in Chennai, used his Galaxy Note 3 for inventory tracking and customer communication until late 2023. When WhatsApp Business stopped functioning and his bank app began rejecting logins, he switched to a friend-donated iPhone 7 Plus. After initial confusion with iOS navigation, he found the camera useful for scanning product labels, Safari loaded pages faster, and Messages worked reliably. However, he struggled with iCloud integration and eventually moved to a budget Android phone when the 7 Plus failed to support a local delivery app requiring Face ID-like biometric verification.

His experience highlights a key truth: upgrading within obsolete categories offers temporary relief, not long-term solutions.

Checklist: Should You Make the Switch?

1. ✅ Is your Galaxy Note 3 unable to install or run essential apps?
2. ✅ Do you need better photo quality for documents or communications?
3. ✅ Are you experiencing frequent crashes or freezing?
4. ✅ Can you obtain the iPhone 7 Plus at little or no cost?
5. ✅ Does the device power on and hold a charge?
6. ✅ Is it unlocked and compatible with your carrier?

If you answered yes to all, the switch may be justified as a stopgap. Otherwise, investing in a current-entry model (e.g., iPhone SE 2022 or Samsung A14) delivers far greater return.

FAQ

Can the iPhone 7 Plus still get software updates?

No. Apple ended major iOS updates with iOS 16 in 2023. No further security patches are expected, though the device remains relatively secure due to app sandboxing and encryption.

Is the Galaxy Note 3 completely unusable today?

For basic calls, texts, and offline tasks, yes—but with severe limitations. It cannot safely browse the web, use modern apps, or protect personal data against emerging threats.

Will apps continue to work on the iPhone 7 Plus?

Gradually, no. Developers are dropping 32-bit support and requiring newer iOS versions. Expect diminishing compatibility over the next 12–18 months.

Conclusion: Upgrade Wisely

Moving from a Galaxy Note 3 to an iPhone 7 Plus in 2024 is less a technological upgrade and more a survival move. It extends usability by perhaps another year, but it doesn’t future-proof your mobile experience. The 7 Plus offers tangible improvements in speed, camera, and software maturity—but it too is obsolete by modern standards.

Instead of choosing between aging platforms, consider this transition as motivation to enter the current ecosystem. Even entry-level smartphones today outperform these classics in AI processing, connectivity, battery efficiency, and security. Your digital safety, productivity, and peace of mind depend on it.

💬 Have experience using older phones in 2024? Share your story below—your insights could help others navigate the end-of-life phase of beloved devices.