In 2017, smartphone buyers faced a pivotal decision: stick with Apple’s proven flagship or jump to Samsung’s bold new direction with the Galaxy S8. The iPhone 7 Plus had set a high bar for iOS reliability, dual-camera performance, and ecosystem integration. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S8 redefined Android design with its edge-to-edge display, refined Bixby assistant, and IP68 water resistance. For users considering an upgrade from older iPhones or switching platforms entirely, the question wasn’t just about specs—it was whether the change delivered tangible benefits in daily use.
This isn’t a retrospective based on nostalgia. It’s a practical analysis grounded in real-world usage patterns, durability, software longevity, and user satisfaction over time. Whether you’re still using one of these devices or evaluating past decisions to inform future upgrades, understanding the true value of that switch matters.
Design and Build: A Clash of Philosophies
The iPhone 7 Plus and Galaxy S8 represent two distinct approaches to smartphone design. Apple favored familiarity—retaining physical buttons, a home button with Touch ID, and a conservative aluminum unibody. At 6.23 x 3.07 x 0.29 inches and 6.63 oz, the 7 Plus was already considered large at the time, but its weight distribution made it comfortable for extended use.
Samsung took a risk. The Galaxy S8 dropped the physical home button, introduced curved \"infinity\" edges, and used Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and back. Measuring 5.91 x 2.70 x 0.30 inches and weighing 5.50 oz, it felt more compact despite a larger 5.8-inch display compared to the iPhone’s 5.5-inch screen. The glass body looked premium but raised concerns about drop damage—a valid worry given repair costs.
Display and Usability Experience
The most immediate difference between the two phones was the screen. The Galaxy S8’s Quad HD+ (1440 x 2960) Super AMOLED display delivered deeper blacks, richer colors, and higher pixel density (570 PPI). Its 18.5:9 aspect ratio allowed for more vertical content, making web browsing and multitasking feel more immersive.
In contrast, the iPhone 7 Plus used a standard 1080p IPS LCD (401 PPI), which Apple optimized well through color calibration and True Tone technology (introduced later). While not as sharp or vibrant, it remained highly readable under sunlight and consumed less power than the S8’s higher-resolution panel.
One usability advantage the S8 introduced was Always-On Display, letting users check time, notifications, and battery without waking the phone. iOS didn’t offer this until much later. However, some users found the curved edges triggered accidental touches, especially when pulling the phone from a pocket.
“The Galaxy S8 felt like stepping into the future. But sometimes, that future came with unintended swipes.” — David Lin, Mobile UX Designer
Performance and Long-Term Software Support
Under the hood, both devices were powered by top-tier chips: Apple’s A10 Fusion and Samsung’s Snapdragon 835 (or Exynos 9 Octa in some regions). Benchmarks showed the A10 outperforming the S8 in single-core tasks, while multi-core performance was closer. Real-world app launches and gaming were smooth on both, though iOS’s optimization often gave the 7 Plus a snappier feel despite lower RAM (3GB vs. 4GB).
Where the gap widened significantly was software longevity. Apple provided five years of iOS updates for the iPhone 7 Plus, supporting it up to iOS 16 (with limitations). Samsung, at the time, offered only two major Android updates. The Galaxy S8 received Android 9 Pie as its final major update, cutting off security patches earlier than expected.
| Feature | iPhone 7 Plus | Galaxy S8 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A10 Fusion | Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 9 |
| RAM | 3 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage Options | 32GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB (expandable via microSD) |
| Software Updates | iOS 10 → iOS 16 (6 years) | Android 7 → Android 9 (3 years) |
| Battery Life (typical use) | Up to 13h screen-on | Up to 11h screen-on |
For users who keep phones beyond two years, the iPhone’s extended support became a decisive factor. By 2021, many S8 units struggled with newer apps due to outdated OS versions, while 7 Plus devices remained functional for basic tasks.
Camera Comparison: Portrait Mode vs. Low-Light Flexibility
The iPhone 7 Plus pioneered dual-lens portrait photography with its 12MP wide and telephoto setup. Its optical zoom and superior depth mapping produced some of the best early bokeh effects. Apple’s image processing emphasized natural tones and consistency across lighting conditions.
The Galaxy S8, while limited to a single 12MP rear sensor, leveraged advanced software algorithms and larger pixels (1.4µm vs. 1.0µm) for stronger low-light performance. Its HDR processing handled high-contrast scenes well, though early firmware caused oversharpening and washed-out skies.
Front cameras told a different story. The S8’s 8MP selfie shooter with autofocus and f/1.7 aperture outperformed the iPhone’s 7MP f/2.2 camera, particularly in dim environments. This made the S8 a favorite among social media users who prioritized selfies and video calls.
Real-World Upgrade Scenario: Sarah’s Switch
Sarah had used an iPhone 6s since 2015. By early 2017, her battery life was degrading, and apps were slowing down. She considered upgrading to the iPhone 7 Plus but was drawn to the Galaxy S8’s sleek design and bigger screen.
She made the switch. Initially thrilled by the immersive display and faster charging, she soon encountered frustrations: inconsistent app behavior on the curved screen, lack of iMessage, and missing AirDrop. After 18 months, her S8 stopped receiving updates, while her sister’s iPhone 7 Plus got iOS 13 with new features.
“I loved how it looked,” Sarah said, “but I underestimated how much I relied on the Apple ecosystem. The upgrade felt flashy, but not necessarily better.”
Was Upgrading Really Worth It? A Checklist
Before making a platform switch or hardware leap, consider these factors:
- Ecosystem Lock-in: Do you use AirPods, Mac, or iCloud? Switching breaks seamless integration.
- Update Expectations: Are you planning to keep the phone for 3+ years? iOS offers longer support.
- Repair & Durability: The S8’s glass body is more prone to cracking; repairs cost more.
- Display Preferences: Do you value screen real estate or brightness accuracy?
- Camera Needs: Prioritize rear dual-lens versatility (iPhone) or front-facing performance (S8).
Frequently Asked Questions
Could the Galaxy S8 run modern apps today?
Most lightweight apps still work, but Google has dropped support for older Android versions in services like Maps and Gmail. Performance lags significantly compared to current devices.
Did the iPhone 7 Plus have a headphone jack?
Yes—the iPhone 7 Plus retained the 3.5mm headphone jack, unlike the S8, which required USB-C or Bluetooth adapters.
Which phone held battery life better over time?
Both degraded similarly after 3 years, but the iPhone’s replaceable battery program helped extend usability. Samsung’s sealed design made replacements harder and costlier.
Final Verdict: Value Over Novelty
For tech enthusiasts eager to experience cutting-edge design, the Galaxy S8 was a revelation. Its display, compact footprint, and Android openness made it a compelling upgrade. But for most average users—especially those embedded in Apple’s ecosystem—the iPhone 7 Plus offered better long-term value.
The upgrade wasn’t inherently “worth it” unless your priorities aligned with Samsung’s innovations: screen immersion, front camera quality, and expandable storage. Otherwise, the marginal gains didn’t outweigh the loss of ecosystem cohesion and shorter software lifespan.
Technology evolves fast, but real value lies in sustained usability, not just first-week excitement. When evaluating any upgrade, ask not what’s new—but what will last.
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