Iphone 7 Plus Vs Galaxy S10 Plus Is The Upgrade Worth It In Current Year

For users still relying on the iPhone 7 Plus—a device launched in 2016—the question of whether to upgrade has become more pressing than ever. Apple officially ended major iOS updates for the 7 series with iOS 16, meaning newer features, security patches, and app compatibility are increasingly limited. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, released in 2019, offers a modern Android experience with long-term support and significantly improved hardware. But is making the switch—especially after years in the iOS ecosystem—actually worthwhile in today’s market?

The answer depends on your priorities: performance, software longevity, camera quality, and ecosystem flexibility. This article breaks down the key differences between these two devices, evaluates their real-world usability in 2024, and helps you decide if the leap from iPhone 7 Plus to Galaxy S10 Plus justifies the cost and adjustment.

Performance and Hardware: A Generational Leap

The iPhone 7 Plus was powered by Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, which was groundbreaking at the time. However, by 2024 standards, it struggles with multitasking, modern app loading times, and even basic web browsing when multiple tabs are open. The device comes with 3GB of RAM and storage options up to 256GB, but lacks expandable memory.

In contrast, the Galaxy S10 Plus runs on either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 (depending on region), paired with 8GB of RAM and UFS 2.1 storage. Even though the S10 Plus is five years newer than the iPhone 7 Plus, its hardware remains surprisingly capable in 2024. Most apps run smoothly, multitasking is fluid, and background processes are handled efficiently.

Tip: If you're coming from an older iPhone, consider using Samsung Smart Switch to seamlessly transfer contacts, messages, photos, and apps.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	Galaxy S10 Plus
Processor	Apple A10 Fusion	Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820
RAM	3GB	8GB
Storage Options	32/128/256GB (non-expandable)	128/512GB + microSD support (up to 512GB)
Battery Capacity	2900 mAh	4100 mAh
Software Support (as of 2024)	Limited (iOS 16 max)	Mainline Android until 2022, Security until 2024

Camera Comparison: From Solid to Versatile

The iPhone 7 Plus featured a dual 12MP rear camera system—one wide and one telephoto—with 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode introduced that year. While photos were excellent in daylight, low-light performance was modest, and video topped out at 4K@30fps.

The Galaxy S10 Plus takes photography further with a triple rear setup: 12MP wide (f/1.5–f/2.4 variable aperture), 12MP telephoto (2x zoom), and a 16MP ultra-wide lens. This gives users far greater creative flexibility, especially for landscapes and group shots. The front-facing dual camera (10MP + 8MP depth) also supports advanced selfie modes and better bokeh effects.

In real-world use, the S10 Plus delivers sharper detail, faster autofocus, and much better dynamic range. Its Night Mode, while not as advanced as newer Samsung flagships, still outperforms the iPhone 7 Plus in dim lighting.

“Even in 2024, the Galaxy S10 Plus produces images that hold up well for social media and casual printing. For someone stepping up from a 2016 phone, the difference is dramatic.” — Lena Patel, Mobile Photography Analyst

Battery Life and Charging: Staying Powered in 2024

The iPhone 7 Plus’s 2900 mAh battery was adequate in 2016 but now requires daily charging, often twice if used heavily. It lacks fast charging out of the box (without buying a separate adapter) and does not support wireless charging.

The Galaxy S10 Plus, with its 4100 mAh battery, typically lasts a full day under moderate use—even in 2024. It supports 15W wireless charging and 15W fast charging via USB-C. Additionally, it features Wireless PowerShare, allowing you to charge other Qi-compatible devices (like earbuds or another phone) by placing them on the back.

This is a significant quality-of-life improvement, especially for users who rely on their phones throughout the day without easy access to outlets.

Ecosystem and Software Experience

Moving from iOS to Android involves more than just learning a new interface—it means adapting to different cloud services, messaging systems, and app ecosystems. iMessage, FaceTime, and seamless integration with MacBooks and iPads are lost when switching to Android.

However, Samsung’s One UI (based on Android) is highly polished and user-friendly. Features like Dark Mode, customizable home screens, split-screen multitasking, and DeX mode (turning your phone into a desktop-like interface) offer functionality the iPhone 7 Plus could never match.

Moreover, Google’s ecosystem—Gmail, Drive, Photos, and Assistant—integrates tightly with Android. If you already use Google services on your iPhone, the transition will be smoother.

Tip: Use Google Photos to back up your iPhone photos before switching. Enable “High Quality” backup to save storage space.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Journey

Maria had been using her iPhone 7 Plus since 2017. By 2023, she noticed apps crashing, slow boot times, and frequent storage warnings. Her WhatsApp took over 30 seconds to open, and she couldn’t install TikTok due to compatibility issues.

She purchased a used Galaxy S10 Plus for $220. After transferring her data using Samsung Smart Switch, she found the larger screen, faster performance, and improved camera immediately beneficial. She started using Google Keep for notes instead of Apple Notes and switched to Google Messages. While she missed iMessage at first, she adapted within a few weeks.

Two years later, the S10 Plus still handles her daily tasks—email, social media, navigation, and video calls—without lag. She extended storage with a 256GB microSD card and uses wireless charging every night. For her, the upgrade was absolutely worth it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Switch

1. Back up your iPhone: Use iCloud or iTunes to ensure all photos, messages, and settings are saved.
2. Prepare your Google account: Sign in on your iPhone and sync contacts, calendar, and photos to Google services.
3. Download Samsung Smart Switch: Install it on both your iPhone and the Galaxy S10 Plus.
4. Transfer data: Connect the two devices via cable or Wi-Fi and migrate apps, messages, photos, and accounts.
5. Set up biometrics: Configure fingerprint unlock and facial recognition on the S10 Plus.
6. Install essential apps: Download replacements for iOS-exclusive apps (e.g., Google Messages for SMS, WhatsApp for cross-platform chat).
7. Customize your experience: Adjust display settings, enable Dark Mode, and organize your home screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S10 Plus still receive updates in 2024?

Samsung provided four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches for the S10 series. As of 2024, it no longer receives regular security updates, but the phone remains functional and secure for everyday use if you avoid risky downloads and use trusted apps.

Is the iPhone 7 Plus obsolete in 2024?

Yes, in practical terms. It cannot run iOS 17 or later, limiting access to new features and app updates. Many modern apps either don’t support it or perform poorly. While it can still handle calls, texts, and light browsing, it’s no longer suitable as a primary smartphone for most users.

Will I lose my iMessages when switching to Galaxy S10 Plus?

iMessages sent to other Apple devices will remain blue (iMessage). However, when you switch to Android, future iMessages from iPhone users may not deliver unless you deregister your number from Apple’s iMessage service. Visit Apple’s iMessage deregistration page to prevent message delivery issues.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Despite being a 2019 device, the Galaxy S10 Plus offers a transformative upgrade over the iPhone 7 Plus in nearly every category: processing power, camera versatility, battery life, and modern connectivity. While it’s no longer receiving official updates, it remains a capable device for everyday use in 2024—especially compared to a six-year-old iOS device with dwindling support.

The switch involves some ecosystem adjustments, particularly around messaging and file sharing, but the overall user experience is dramatically improved. For less than $250 on the used market, the Galaxy S10 Plus represents excellent value for anyone clinging to an aging iPhone.

If your iPhone 7 Plus is your only phone and you rely on it daily, delaying the upgrade risks increasing frustration, reduced productivity, and potential security vulnerabilities. The move to Galaxy S10 Plus isn’t just about new features—it’s about regaining reliability, speed, and peace of mind.

💬 Have you made the jump from iPhone to Android? Share your experience in the comments below—your insights could help others make the same decision with confidence.