Iphone 7 Plus Vs Galaxy S7 Active Is The Rugged Samsung Still Worth It

Released within weeks of each other in 2016, the iPhone 7 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S7 Active represented two very different philosophies in smartphone design. Apple focused on premium materials, a refined ecosystem, and long-term software support. Samsung, through its partnership with AT&T, introduced a ruggedized version of its flagship — the S7 Active — built for durability, outdoor use, and extreme conditions. Fast forward to 2024, and neither device receives official updates. Yet, both occasionally surface in secondhand markets or remain in service among users who value reliability over novelty. So, is the Galaxy S7 Active still worth considering today — especially when compared to the once-iconic iPhone 7 Plus?

Durability and Build: The Rugged Edge

The most obvious difference between these two phones lies in their construction. The iPhone 7 Plus features an aluminum unibody with glass elements and water resistance rated at IP67 — meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. It’s durable by 2016 standards but not designed for abuse.

In contrast, the Galaxy S7 Active trades the glass back panel for a reinforced polycarbonate shell and integrated rubber bumpers. It retains the IP68 rating (dust-tight and submersible up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes) and adds military-grade drop protection (MIL-STD-810G). There’s no headphone jack on the iPhone 7 Plus — a controversial removal at the time — but the S7 Active keeps one, which remains functional even with gloves on.

Tip: If you work outdoors, hike frequently, or have a physically demanding job, the S7 Active’s rugged chassis offers real-world advantages that outweigh minor spec differences.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

Under the hood, both devices launched with high-end specs for their time. The iPhone 7 Plus used Apple’s A10 Fusion chip — a quad-core processor with exceptional efficiency and optimization. iOS has always been tightly coupled with hardware, allowing older iPhones to remain usable years after release. Even now, some users report smooth operation for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light browsing.

The Galaxy S7 Active uses either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890, depending on region. While powerful in 2016, Android’s fragmentation and less aggressive background app management mean the experience degrades faster over time. Coupled with only 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage (expandable via microSD), multitasking becomes sluggish as apps grow more demanding.

“Even five years later, the A10 Fusion outperforms many mid-range chips from 2018. That’s the power of vertical integration.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Key Specifications Compared

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	Galaxy S7 Active
Release Date	September 2016	June 2016
Processor	Apple A10 Fusion	Snapdragon 820 / Exynos 8890
RAM	3GB	4GB
Storage Options	32/128/256GB (non-expandable)	32GB (expandable up to 256GB)
Battery Capacity	2900 mAh	4000 mAh
Water Resistance	IP67	IP68 + MIL-STD-810G
Headphone Jack	No	Yes
Rear Cameras	12MP + 12MP (dual-lens zoom)	12MP (single lens)
Software Support End	iOS 16 (late 2023)	Android 8.0 Oreo (2018)

Battery Life and Longevity

One area where the S7 Active clearly wins is battery capacity. With a 4000 mAh cell — nearly 40% larger than the iPhone 7 Plus’s 2900 mAh — it was designed for all-day, heavy-duty use. In 2016, this meant 1.5 to 2 days of moderate usage. Today, due to battery degradation, expect 6–10 hours of screen-on time if the battery hasn’t been replaced.

The iPhone 7 Plus, while starting with a smaller battery, benefits from iOS optimizations and lower standby drain. However, lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, and after eight years, capacity typically drops below 70%. Replacing the battery is easier and more widely supported for the iPhone thanks to Apple’s global service network and third-party kits.

Tip: If buying used, check battery health first. On iPhone, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. For Android, use diagnostic codes or third-party apps like AccuBattery.

Camera Capabilities: Then vs Now

In their prime, both phones delivered excellent photos for their era. The iPhone 7 Plus introduced a dual-camera system — wide and telephoto lenses — enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode (added via software update). This gave it a distinct edge in versatility and low-light consistency.

The S7 Active uses a single 12MP rear sensor with Samsung’s Dual Pixel technology, which provided fast autofocus and strong dynamic range. However, lacking optical zoom and advanced computational photography, its images feel flat by modern standards. Video maxes out at 4K@30fps on both, though the iPhone handles stabilization better.

Today, neither camera competes with budget 2024 smartphones. But for occasional snapshots or scanning documents, they’re functional — assuming lenses are clean and software isn’t crashing.

Real-World Use Case: The Construction Manager’s Backup Phone

Carlos, a project supervisor in Arizona, still carries his Galaxy S7 Active as a backup phone on job sites. “My main phone is a modern flagship, but I don’t want to risk it getting dropped in dirt or rained on,” he explains. “The S7 Active has lasted six years because it’s tough. I’ve dropped it from scaffolding, left it in pickup trucks under desert sun, and even washed it off with a hose. It just keeps working.”

He uses it primarily for calls, walkie-talkie apps, and checking blueprints offline. “It doesn’t run the latest apps smoothly, but it does what I need. And the battery lasts two full shifts without charging.”

This scenario illustrates the niche the S7 Active still occupies: not as a daily driver, but as a purpose-built tool for harsh environments where fragility isn’t an option.

Software, Security, and App Compatibility

This is where both phones fall short today — but the S7 Active suffers more. It stopped receiving security updates in 2018 and major OS upgrades in 2017. Many modern apps — including banking, social media, and productivity tools — now require newer Android versions or minimum API levels. Google Play Services may function intermittently, and Chrome is no longer supported.

The iPhone 7 Plus fared significantly better. It received iOS updates until late 2023 (iOS 16), meaning it stayed compatible with current apps much longer. Even now, most core services like WhatsApp, Gmail, and Maps still work — though performance lags during complex operations.

If your use case involves sensitive data or online transactions, running outdated software poses serious risks. Public Wi-Fi networks, phishing attempts, and unpatched vulnerabilities make these devices poor choices for primary use in 2024.

Checklist: Is an Old Flagship Right for You?

• ✅ Need a durable, waterproof device for outdoor or industrial use?
• ✅ Willing to accept slow performance and app limitations?
• ✅ Using it as a secondary or emergency phone?
• ✅ Able to replace the battery or repair common issues yourself?
• ❌ Do you rely on modern apps, mobile banking, or cloud sync?
• ❌ Are you concerned about digital security and privacy?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S7 Active run WhatsApp in 2024?

Officially, WhatsApp ended support for devices running Android 4.1 and older in 2023. While the S7 Active shipped with Android 6.0 and can technically install newer APKs, functionality is unreliable. Messages may fail to send, notifications won’t arrive, and the app could crash frequently. Not recommended for consistent use.

Is the iPhone 7 Plus still secure to use?

While it ran updates longer than most Android phones, the iPhone 7 Plus no longer receives security patches after iOS 16. Known exploits exist, particularly around iMessage vulnerabilities. It should not be used for financial activities or logged into sensitive accounts unless absolutely necessary and isolated from risky networks.

Which phone holds better resale value?

Historically, iPhones retain value better than Android devices. However, since both models are well beyond their lifecycle, resale value is minimal — typically $20–$50 for either, depending on condition. Collectors may pay slightly more for unopened or rare variants, but neither is a smart investment.

Final Verdict: Purpose Over Performance

In a direct feature-for-feature comparison, the iPhone 7 Plus emerges as the more capable device in 2024 — thanks to longer software support, superior camera systems, and smoother day-to-day usability. But capability isn’t everything.

The Galaxy S7 Active wasn’t built to win benchmarks. It was engineered for survival. If you need a phone that can endure mud, drops, moisture, and neglect, and you’re okay with using it for calls, texts, and offline navigation, then yes — the S7 Active still has value. Just don’t expect it to function like a modern smartphone.

For everyone else — especially those seeking reliable connectivity, app compatibility, and security — even modest 2024 budget phones like the Samsung Galaxy A14 or iPhone SE (3rd gen) offer vastly better experiences at similar price points.

🚀 Still using an old flagship? Share your experience — what keeps you loyal to your device, and when will you finally upgrade? Your insights could help others decide whether nostalgia is worth the trade-offs.