Iphone 7 Plus Vs Galaxy S7 Looking Back Was Upgrading Really Worth It

In 2016, smartphone buyers faced a pivotal decision: stick with Apple’s ecosystem or embrace Android’s flagship from Samsung. The iPhone 7 Plus and Galaxy S7 stood as titans of their respective platforms, each promising top-tier performance, advanced cameras, and future-ready features. Fast forward to today, with both devices now retired from active support, we can assess them with clarity. Was upgrading to either model truly worth it in hindsight? For many users, the answer depends on priorities—ecosystem loyalty, camera quality, software longevity, or hardware innovation.

The Context: Flagships in a Transition Year

2016 marked a turning point in smartphone design and functionality. Apple removed the headphone jack from the iPhone 7 series—a controversial move that sparked debate but signaled a shift toward wireless audio. Meanwhile, Samsung doubled down on user-friendly features: the Galaxy S7 retained a headphone jack, offered expandable storage, and introduced an improved water-resistant design.

Both phones launched with powerful processors—Apple’s A10 Fusion and Samsung’s Snapdragon 820 (or Exynos 8890, depending on region)—and 3GB or more of RAM. At the time, these specs ensured smooth multitasking and excellent gaming performance. But beyond raw power, the real differentiators emerged in daily use, longevity, and ecosystem integration.

Tip: When evaluating older flagships, consider not just launch specs but long-term software support and app compatibility.

Performance and Software Longevity

One of the most telling differences between the iPhone 7 Plus and Galaxy S7 lies in software support duration. Apple provided iOS updates for the iPhone 7 Plus up to iOS 16, released in 2022—six years of major OS upgrades. In contrast, Samsung offered three years of major Android updates, meaning the Galaxy S7 stopped receiving OS upgrades after Android 8.0 Oreo and security patches ended by 2019.

This disparity had tangible effects. An iPhone 7 Plus in 2021 could still run modern apps like TikTok, Instagram, and banking services without major compatibility issues. The Galaxy S7, however, struggled with newer versions of Google apps and eventually lost access to secure logins and updated web standards.

“Long-term software support is often the hidden factor that determines a phone’s real value over time.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

Camera Comparison: Portrait Mode vs Low-Light Mastery

The iPhone 7 Plus made headlines for introducing dual rear cameras and Portrait Mode, allowing optical zoom and depth-controlled background blur. While early versions were inconsistent, Apple refined the feature through software updates. By iOS 11, Portrait Mode became reliable and widely adopted, setting a precedent for future iPhones.

The Galaxy S7, while lacking a second lens, excelled in low-light photography thanks to its f/1.7 aperture and larger pixel size. In dim environments—restaurants, night streets, indoor events—the S7 consistently captured brighter, more natural-looking photos than the iPhone 7 Plus, which relied on digital noise reduction that sometimes washed out details.

Video recording favored the iPhone. The 7 Plus supported 4K at 30fps and delivered superior stabilization, making it a favorite among casual videographers. The S7 was limited to 4K without advanced stabilization, resulting in shakier footage.

Camera Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	Galaxy S7
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto)	Single 12MP (f/1.7)
Portrait Mode	Yes (software-enhanced)	No
Low-Light Performance	Good, but noisy	Excellent, brighter captures
Front Camera	7MP	5MP
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps, HD stabilization	4K @ 30fps, basic stabilization

Battery Life and Hardware Flexibility

Battery endurance was another area where preferences diverged. The Galaxy S7 Edge variant (often compared alongside the S7) had a slight edge in capacity, but even the standard S7 generally outperformed the iPhone 7 Plus in screen-on time. Real-world usage showed the S7 lasting a full day under heavy load, while the 7 Plus often required midday charging.

However, Samsung’s advantage extended beyond battery size. The S7 supported microSD cards up to 256GB, a boon for users storing music, photos, or offline videos. Apple maintained its stance against expandable storage, offering fixed capacities of 32GB, 128GB, or 256GB. For media-heavy users, this limitation could be frustrating.

On durability, both phones featured glass backs and aluminum frames, but only the S7 had IP68 water resistance as standard. The iPhone 7 Plus also gained water resistance, though Apple was initially hesitant to advertise it formally.

A Real-World Example: Two Users, Two Paths

Consider two hypothetical users from 2016: Maria chose the iPhone 7 Plus, prioritizing iMessage, FaceTime, and seamless iCloud integration. She kept her phone until 2021, using it as a backup device even after upgrading to an iPhone 11. Despite aging hardware, she could still check email, browse the web, and use essential apps reliably.

James opted for the Galaxy S7, drawn by its vibrant AMOLED display and SD card slot. He enjoyed excellent photo quality and longer battery life initially. However, by 2019, his phone began lagging on WhatsApp, couldn’t update Chrome, and failed to authenticate with his bank app. He upgraded earlier than expected—not due to hardware failure, but software obsolescence.

Maria’s experience highlights Apple’s strength in long-term usability; James’s reflects Android’s historical weakness in sustained support—though this has improved significantly in recent years.

Was Upgrading Worth It? A Balanced Verdict

For users upgrading from older devices like the iPhone 6 or Galaxy S5, both phones represented meaningful leaps in speed, camera quality, and design. But in retrospect, the iPhone 7 Plus offered better long-term value due to extended software support and stronger app optimization within iOS.

That said, the Galaxy S7 wasn’t a poor choice. Its superior display, expandable storage, and headphone jack made it more flexible for certain users. Those who valued customization, file management, or used their phone primarily for media consumption found real benefits.

The key insight: “Worth it” depends on how long you plan to keep a device. If you upgrade every two years, both phones served well. But if you aim to stretch a phone’s life to four years or more, the iPhone 7 Plus clearly had the edge.

Checklist: Evaluating Long-Term Smartphone Value

• ✅ Does the manufacturer offer at least 4 years of OS updates?
• ✅ Is app compatibility likely to remain stable post-support?
• ✅ Does the device have repairable or replaceable components?
• ✅ Is storage expandable or sufficient for your needs?
• ✅ How strong is the ecosystem integration (cloud, accessories, services)?

Frequently Asked Questions

Could the Galaxy S7 receive iOS updates?

No, the Galaxy S7 runs Android and cannot install iOS. This question underscores a common confusion—operating systems are exclusive to their respective manufacturers.

Why did Apple remove the headphone jack?

Apple cited design efficiency and water resistance as reasons. Removing the jack allowed for more internal space and better sealing. The company also pushed wireless audio with the introduction of AirPods shortly after the iPhone 7’s release.

Which phone held resale value better?

The iPhone 7 Plus retained value significantly longer. Even in 2020, unlocked models fetched $100–$150 on secondhand markets, while Galaxy S7 units dropped below $50 due to outdated software and reduced functionality.

Final Thoughts: Lessons for Today’s Buyers

Reflecting on the iPhone 7 Plus vs Galaxy S7 isn’t just nostalgia—it offers lessons for current smartphone decisions. Software support windows now play a crucial role in purchasing choices. Google and Samsung have since committed to longer update cycles, mirroring Apple’s approach. Yet, iOS still leads in backward compatibility and app longevity.

If you’re weighing options today, consider not just what a phone can do now, but how long it will remain functional. A device that receives updates for five years may cost more upfront but saves money and reduces e-waste over time.

💬 Still using an old flagship? Share your experience with the iPhone 7 Plus or Galaxy S7—did it last longer than expected? Join the conversation below.