Iphone 7 Plus Vs Galaxy S7 Edge Why Are People Still Debating This

It’s been nearly a decade since Apple released the iPhone 7 Plus and Samsung launched the Galaxy S7 Edge. Both devices were flagship powerhouses in their time—ushering in water resistance, dual-lens cameras, and refined design languages that influenced years of smartphone evolution. Yet today, in tech forums, Reddit threads, and YouTube comment sections, users continue to passionately compare these two models. At first glance, it seems outdated. But dig deeper, and you’ll find that the debate isn’t really about specs or camera megapixels—it’s about reliability, ecosystem loyalty, and the lasting impact of well-built hardware.

The persistence of this discussion reflects something more profound: how certain devices transcend their era and become benchmarks for quality. For many, the iPhone 7 Plus and Galaxy S7 Edge represent the last generation of phones that felt truly built to last—before rapid obsolescence, software bloat, and planned upgrades became the norm.

The Legacy of Two Flagship Giants

In 2016, both Apple and Samsung delivered exceptional devices. The iPhone 7 Plus introduced a dual-camera system with optical zoom—a feature previously unseen on smartphones—and removed the headphone jack, sparking widespread controversy. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S7 Edge stood out with its curved AMOLED display, expandable storage, and IP68 rating at a time when water resistance wasn't standard.

Despite different design philosophies—iOS versus Android, flat versus curved glass, aluminum unibody versus glass sandwich—the two phones shared core strengths: excellent build quality, strong battery life, and long-term software support (for their time). These qualities created loyal followings, and even now, some users report still using these devices as daily drivers.

“Devices like the S7 Edge and iPhone 7 Plus weren’t just fast—they were dependable. That kind of trust doesn’t get replaced easily.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Performance Comparison: How Do They Hold Up?

Under the hood, the two devices took different approaches. The iPhone 7 Plus ran on Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, which, thanks to tight hardware-software integration, delivered snappy performance even by 2019 standards. iOS updates continued until iOS 16, an impressive nine-year support window—an outlier in the industry.

The Galaxy S7 Edge used either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or Samsung’s Exynos 8890, depending on region. While powerful in 2016, Android fragmentation and slower update cycles meant most units stopped receiving major OS updates after three years. However, custom ROMs like LineageOS have extended the device’s lifespan significantly for technically inclined users.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	Galaxy S7 Edge
Release Year	2016	2016
Processor	A10 Fusion	Snapdragon 820 / Exynos 8890
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto)	Single 12MP (f/1.7)
Battery Capacity	2900 mAh	3600 mAh
Water Resistance	IP67	IP68
Last OS Update	iOS 16 (2022)	Android 8 (2019), Custom ROMs beyond
Headphone Jack	No (removed)	Yes

Tip: If you're still using either device, disable background app refresh and reduce screen brightness to extend battery health and daily usability.

User Loyalty and Ecosystem Lock-In

One reason the debate persists is the emotional connection users form with their devices. The iPhone 7 Plus was the last model with a physical Home button before Face ID debuted, making it a nostalgic favorite among long-time Apple fans. Similarly, the S7 Edge remains iconic for its dramatic curve and vibrant display—a design language Samsung eventually scaled back.

Ecosystem plays a crucial role too. An iPhone 7 Plus user who migrated from earlier models likely has years of iCloud data, iTunes purchases, and iMessage history tied to Apple’s platform. Switching becomes not just inconvenient but emotionally disruptive. On the Android side, Samsung’s Knox security, DeX support, and seamless integration with Galaxy Buds or tablets create similar inertia.

This loyalty manifests in online debates where users defend their choice less on objective metrics and more on personal experience: “My 7 Plus still runs WhatsApp and Maps fine,” or “I’ve had my S7 Edge since college and it never let me down.”

Real-World Example: The Minimalist Who Never Upgraded

Consider Mark T., a freelance photographer based in Portland. He bought an iPhone 7 Plus in 2017 primarily for its portrait mode and color accuracy. Over the years, he resisted upgrading, citing satisfaction with camera quality and iOS stability. “I tried an iPhone 12 once,” he said, “but it felt too big, too fast, too much. My 7 Plus does exactly what I need—takes great photos, lasts all day, and doesn’t distract me.”

Meanwhile, Priya K., a university student in Mumbai, relied on her Galaxy S7 Edge throughout medical school. Even though the battery degrades, she kept it running via a replacement and custom firmware. “It fits perfectly in my pocket, the screen is bright enough for outdoor notes, and I don’t want to spend ₹40,000 on a new phone when this one works,” she explained.

Their stories aren’t anomalies. Across subreddits like r/Android and r/iOS, dozens of users share similar experiences—proof that utility often outweighs novelty.

Checklist: Is It Still Practical to Use an iPhone 7 Plus or S7 Edge in 2024?

• ✅ Security Updates: Confirm if your device receives patches (iOS 15+ is secure; Android 8 is vulnerable).
• ✅ App Compatibility: Test essential apps (banking, messaging, maps) for functionality.
• ✅ Battery Health: Replace if capacity is below 70%.
• ✅ Storage Space: Clear cache regularly; consider cloud backups.
• ✅ Network Support: Verify 4G/LTE bands still supported by carriers (some 5G transitions may affect older devices).
• ✅ Repairability: Ensure parts and technicians are available locally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 7 Plus run modern apps smoothly?

Most lightweight apps (messaging, email, basic browsing) work well. However, newer versions of Instagram, TikTok, or games like Genshin Impact will lag or fail to install due to minimum OS requirements. Safari may struggle with complex websites.

Is the Galaxy S7 Edge safe to use in 2024?

Only if you accept security risks. With no official updates since 2019, vulnerabilities remain unpatched. Avoid storing sensitive data or logging into financial accounts unless using additional security layers like two-factor authentication and trusted networks.

Why do some people prefer older phones over new ones?

Many cite simpler interfaces, better ergonomics, longer repairability, and reduced digital distraction. Older devices often lack always-on displays, aggressive tracking, and bloated pre-installed apps common in current models.

Conclusion: Why the Debate Matters Beyond Specs

The ongoing conversation between iPhone 7 Plus and Galaxy S7 Edge users isn’t about declaring a winner. It’s a reflection of broader concerns in the tech world: sustainability, planned obsolescence, and whether innovation should prioritize longevity over novelty. These devices succeeded because they offered real value without unnecessary complexity.

As smartphone advancements slow and prices rise, revisiting the principles that made these models beloved—durability, usability, and ecosystem consistency—can guide smarter purchasing decisions today.

🚀 Still using an old favorite phone? Share your story in the comments—what keeps you loyal, and what would it take to make you switch?