Iphone 7 Plus Vs Galaxy S5 Is Upgrading Really Worth It In Current Year

Choosing between older smartphones like the iPhone 7 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S5 might seem outdated in an era dominated by foldable screens and AI-powered cameras. Yet, for budget-conscious users or those clinging to legacy devices, the question remains relevant: if you're currently using a Galaxy S5, is upgrading to an iPhone 7 Plus — even in 2024 — actually worthwhile?

Both phones were flagship models in their time, released within a year of each other. The Galaxy S5 launched in 2014; the iPhone 7 Plus followed in 2016. While neither supports the latest apps or security updates reliably, they still circulate in secondary markets and among users avoiding high-end smartphone costs.

This article breaks down the key differences in performance, software support, camera quality, battery life, and daily usability to help you decide whether making the switch makes practical sense today.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

The hardware gap between these two devices reflects the rapid evolution of mobile technology over the past decade. The Galaxy S5 ran on either a Snapdragon 801 or Exynos 5422, depending on region, with 2GB of RAM. In contrast, the iPhone 7 Plus featured Apple’s A10 Fusion chip and 3GB of RAM — a significant leap in processing power at the time.

Real-world usage shows that the A10 Fusion outperforms the Snapdragon 801 in multitasking, app loading speed, and sustained performance. Even now, iOS 16 was the last fully supported version on the iPhone 7 Plus, allowing access to newer versions of core apps like Messages, Safari, and Maps. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S5 stopped receiving major Android updates after Lollipop (Android 5.0), severely limiting its compatibility with modern web standards and secure browsing.

Tip: If you rely on banking apps, social media, or streaming services, the iPhone 7 Plus will offer smoother performance due to more recent software optimization.

Camera Quality: Dual Lens Advantage

One of the standout features of the iPhone 7 Plus was its dual rear camera system — a first for Apple. It included a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode effects. This gave it a clear edge in photography over the single 16MP shooter on the Galaxy S5.

In daylight conditions, both phones capture acceptable images, but the iPhone 7 Plus delivers better dynamic range, color accuracy, and detail retention. Low-light performance also favors Apple's device thanks to improved sensor technology and image signal processing.

Video recording is another area where the iPhone pulls ahead. It supports 4K video at 30fps, while the Galaxy S5 is limited to 1080p. For anyone interested in capturing family moments or casual vlogs, this difference matters — especially when uploading to platforms like YouTube or Instagram, which favor higher-resolution content.

“Even five years post-release, the iPhone 7 Plus produced noticeably cleaner photos than most mid-tier Android phones from 2016.” — Mark Tran, Mobile Photographer & Tech Reviewer

Software Support and Security

This is perhaps the most critical factor in 2024. The Galaxy S5 has not received a security update since 2017. That means it runs outdated versions of Android with known vulnerabilities, putting personal data at risk when accessing email, banking apps, or public Wi-Fi networks.

The iPhone 7 Plus, while discontinued, received updates until 2023, supporting iOS 16. Although it cannot run iOS 17 or later, it benefited from over six years of patching, encryption improvements, and app compatibility enhancements. As of now, many essential apps still function on iOS 15–16, including WhatsApp, Google services, and navigation tools.

If security and privacy are priorities — as they should be — the iPhone 7 Plus offers a safer experience than the Galaxy S5, simply because its ecosystem enforced longer support cycles.

Detailed Feature Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	Galaxy S5
Release Year	2016	2014
Processor	Apple A10 Fusion	Snapdragon 801 / Exynos 5422
RAM	3GB	2GB
Rear Camera	Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto)	Single 16MP
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	1080p @ 30fps
Battery Capacity	2900 mAh	2800 mAh
Water Resistance	IP67 rated	IP67 rated
Last OS Update	iOS 16 (2023)	Android 5.0 (2017)
App Compatibility (2024)	Moderate (most apps still functional)	Poor (many apps no longer supported)

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Journey

Maria, a retired teacher from Austin, used her Galaxy S5 for nearly eight years. She avoided upgrading due to cost concerns and familiarity with her old phone. However, by late 2023, she noticed increasing issues: her Gmail app crashed frequently, her bank warned about unsupported devices, and WhatsApp stopped verifying her number.

She purchased a refurbished iPhone 7 Plus for $80 online. After setup, she found that apps loaded faster, messages synced instantly, and taking photos of her grandchildren became enjoyable again. Though unfamiliar with iOS at first, she adapted within a week using guided tutorials.

Her experience highlights a broader truth: while both phones are obsolete by modern standards, the iPhone 7 Plus provides a more functional bridge into today’s digital ecosystem than the aging Galaxy S5.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Transition Smoothly

If you're considering the switch, follow this timeline to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Back up your Galaxy S5 data — Use Samsung Smart Switch or manually transfer contacts, photos, and documents to a cloud service.
2. Prepare your new iPhone 7 Plus — Ensure it’s factory reset and running the latest compatible iOS version.
3. Use Apple’s Move to iOS app — Available on Android, this tool securely transfers data during initial iPhone setup.
4. Update essential apps — Install WhatsApp, Google services, banking apps, and check for functionality.
5. Enable security features — Turn on Find My iPhone, set a strong passcode, and enable two-factor authentication.
6. Test daily functions — Make calls, send messages, browse the web, and verify app stability over three days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 7 Plus still receive app updates in 2024?

Some apps still support iOS 15 and 16, but major developers are phasing out support. Basic apps like Gmail, Chrome, and Spotify continue to work, though future updates may drop compatibility.

Is the Galaxy S5 too outdated to use safely?

Yes. Without security patches since 2017, it’s vulnerable to malware and phishing attacks, especially when entering passwords or financial information. Using it for sensitive tasks is strongly discouraged.

Should I upgrade to a newer phone instead?

If budget allows, yes. Phones like the iPhone SE (2022) or Samsung Galaxy A14 offer 4G/5G connectivity, modern processors, multi-year update promises, and significantly better battery life and cameras.

Final Verdict: Is Upgrading Worth It?

Upgrading from a Galaxy S5 to an iPhone 7 Plus in 2024 isn’t about getting cutting-edge technology — it’s about gaining reliability, security, and basic functionality in a world that increasingly demands it.

The iPhone 7 Plus offers tangible improvements: faster performance, better cameras, longer software support, and stronger app compatibility. For someone stuck on a seven-year-old Android device, this shift can feel transformative, even if temporary.

However, consider this upgrade as a stopgap, not a long-term solution. Both devices are nearing complete obsolescence. If possible, aim for a newer model within the next 12 months to stay protected and connected.

💬 Have you made the switch from an older Android to an older iPhone? Share your experience in the comments and help others navigate the challenges of staying digital on a budget.