IPhone 7 Plus Vs Galaxy S7 Edge Looking Back Was The Upgrade Worth It

In 2016, two flagship smartphones dominated headlines: the Apple iPhone 7 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. At the time, both devices represented the pinnacle of mobile technology, each pushing boundaries in design, performance, and user experience. Now, nearly a decade later, we can assess these phones not just by their initial hype, but by how well they aged and whether upgrading to either truly delivered lasting value.

This retrospective examines the key differences between the iPhone 7 Plus and Galaxy S7 Edge—not only from a technical standpoint but also through the lens of real-world usage, software longevity, and ecosystem integration. Whether you were choosing between them at launch or are simply curious about smartphone evolution, this analysis offers insights that remain relevant today.

Design and Build: Form Meets Function

The iPhone 7 Plus marked Apple’s shift toward a more refined aluminum unibody design. It introduced water resistance (IP67 rating), eliminated the headphone jack—a controversial move—and featured a sleeker profile with improved button feedback thanks to the solid-state home button. Available in space gray, silver, gold, rose gold, and the now-iconic Jet Black, its minimalist aesthetic appealed to users who valued durability and understated elegance.

In contrast, the Galaxy S7 Edge stood out with its dual-curved AMOLED display and symmetrical glass-and-metal sandwich construction. The edge screen wasn’t just for show; it offered quick access to contacts, apps, and notifications via customizable panels. Its IP68 rating gave it slightly better water resistance than the iPhone, and Samsung retained the headphone jack—winning favor among audiophiles and convenience-focused users.

Tip: Devices with removable storage or headphone jacks often see higher secondhand retention due to broader compatibility.

While both phones felt premium, the S7 Edge’s curved display made it more prone to accidental touches and screen damage. Meanwhile, the iPhone’s flat display proved more practical over time, especially when paired with third-party cases.

Performance and Longevity: Software Support Matters

Under the hood, the iPhone 7 Plus used Apple’s A10 Fusion chip—an architecture leap ahead of its predecessor. Paired with iOS optimization, it delivered smooth multitasking, efficient power management, and sustained app compatibility. Apple supported the iPhone 7 Plus with iOS updates until 2023, providing six major OS upgrades, which extended its functional lifespan significantly.

The Galaxy S7 Edge launched with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890, depending on region. Both were powerful for their time, offering excellent gaming and app performance. However, Samsung’s update policy then limited most devices to two major Android version upgrades. As a result, the S7 Edge stopped receiving official security patches around 2019—four years earlier than the iPhone counterpart.

“Software support is as critical as hardware specs when evaluating long-term value.” — David Liu, Mobile Technology Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

This disparity meant that while both phones performed similarly in 2016–2017, the iPhone 7 Plus remained usable in modern contexts far longer. Users could still browse securely, use banking apps, and run newer versions of social media platforms well into the early 2020s.

Camera Comparison: Portrait Mode Pioneer vs Low-Light Leader

The iPhone 7 Plus introduced dual rear cameras—a first for any mainstream smartphone—enabling 2x optical zoom and Apple’s early implementation of Portrait Mode. While initially inconsistent, subsequent software updates greatly improved depth detection and bokeh rendering. Its color accuracy, dynamic range, and video stabilization set a new standard for mobile videography.

The Galaxy S7 Edge relied on a single 12MP sensor with larger pixels (1.4µm) and an f/1.7 aperture, giving it superior low-light performance. Its Dual Pixel autofocus allowed faster focusing in dim environments, making it a favorite among night photographers. However, without a secondary telephoto lens, digital zoom quality suffered compared to the iPhone.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	Galaxy S7 Edge
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto)	Single 12MP (wide)
Aperture	f/1.8 (wide), f/2.8 (tele)	f/1.7
Portrait Mode	Yes (software-enhanced)	No native support
Low-Light Performance	Good	Excellent
Front Camera	7MP	5MP

For casual shooters, the iPhone’s versatility won out. For enthusiasts capturing evening scenes, the S7 Edge had the edge—pun intended.

Real-World Experience: A Mini Case Study

Consider Mark, a travel blogger who upgraded from an iPhone 6S to the Galaxy S7 Edge in 2016. He loved the immersive display and took stunning low-light photos during his trips across Southeast Asia. But by 2019, he noticed increasing lag in apps, lack of support for newer Instagram filters, and growing concerns about security after Samsung ended patch updates.

He switched to an iPhone 7 Plus (refurbished) in 2020 and was surprised by how much smoother the experience felt despite the same age. iOS 14 ran efficiently, and he could still edit videos directly on the device. By 2022, he finally retired it—but only because battery replacement costs outweighed utility.

Mark’s story reflects a broader trend: hardware excellence matters, but ongoing software support determines how long a phone remains truly useful.

Upgrade Value Assessment: Was It Worth It?

For users coming from older iPhones like the 6 or 6S, the iPhone 7 Plus offered meaningful improvements: better water resistance, noticeably faster performance, dual cameras, and a more durable build. The removal of the headphone jack was inconvenient, but Lightning earphones and Bluetooth adoption softened the blow over time.

Samsung users upgrading from the S6 Edge saw refinements rather than revolutions. The S7 Edge improved battery life, camera quality, and waterproofing, but the core experience was evolutionary. Those switching from iPhone to Android—or vice versa—gained access to different ecosystems, but faced relearning curves in app availability, cloud syncing, and accessory compatibility.

Checklist: Evaluating Upgrade Worthiness (Retrospective)

• ✅ Did the device receive at least four years of OS/security updates?
• ✅ Was there a noticeable improvement in daily performance?
• ✅ Did camera capabilities match your lifestyle needs?
• ✅ Could the phone handle modern apps three years post-launch?
• ✅ Was repair and battery replacement accessible and affordable?

By these criteria, the iPhone 7 Plus scores higher overall. It maintained relevance longer, integrated better with evolving services (like iCloud, Apple Pay, and AirPods), and held residual value in the resale market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could the Galaxy S7 Edge run modern apps in 2022?

Only selectively. Many newer apps required Android 8 or higher with up-to-date security libraries. By 2022, the S7 Edge ran Android 8.0 max and lacked current patches, leading to login failures or outright incompatibility with apps like banking tools and messaging platforms.

Is the iPhone 7 Plus still usable today?

As of 2024, yes—but with limitations. Basic tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and music playback work fine if the battery has been replaced. However, app developers are increasingly dropping support for devices unable to run iOS 16+, meaning functionality will continue to decline.

Which phone had better battery life?

The Galaxy S7 Edge had a slight edge (3,600 mAh vs. 2,900 mAh), and combined with adaptive brightness and Doze mode, it typically lasted a full day under moderate use. The iPhone 7 Plus also achieved all-day battery life but leaned more heavily on aggressive background app refresh limits to do so.

Final Verdict: Looking Back, the iPhone 7 Plus Delivered More Long-Term Value

While the Galaxy S7 Edge dazzled at launch with its bold design and exceptional display, the iPhone 7 Plus emerged as the more sustainable choice. Its combination of robust software support, consistent performance, and ecosystem integration ensured it stayed functional and secure years longer. For most users, especially those prioritizing longevity over novelty, the upgrade to the iPhone 7 Plus was ultimately more worthwhile.

That said, the S7 Edge played a crucial role in advancing mobile display technology and popularizing curved screens—a legacy visible in today’s foldables and high-end flagships. Both phones pushed the industry forward, but only one offered enduring daily usability beyond its prime.

💬 Do you still use either of these phones? Share your experience—how did your choice hold up over time?