Iphone 7 Plus Vs Galaxy S8 Which Phone Aged Better In 2025

In 2017, the iPhone 7 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S8 represented the pinnacle of smartphone engineering—Apple’s flagship with its dual-camera system and water resistance, and Samsung’s sleek, edge-to-edge display with iris scanning and IP68 rating. Fast forward to 2025, and both devices are long past their prime. Yet, some users still rely on them daily. So, which one has aged more gracefully?

This isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about longevity, real-world usability, and how well each device holds up under modern demands. From software updates to hardware degradation, app compatibility to repairability, we’ll dissect every critical factor to determine which 2017 flagship truly stands the test of time.

Software Support and Security Updates

One of the most significant indicators of aging is software obsolescence. In 2025, neither device receives official updates, but the timeline leading to this point reveals a stark contrast.

The iPhone 7 Plus launched with iOS 10 and received updates all the way to iOS 16, released in 2022. Apple officially ended major OS support for the model in 2023, though it continued receiving minor security patches until early 2024. That means the 7 Plus enjoyed over six years of software support—a rare feat in the smartphone world.

In contrast, the Galaxy S8 shipped with Android 7 (Nougat) and was updated to Android 9 (Pie). Samsung’s update policy at the time offered only two major OS upgrades, leaving the S8 stranded on an outdated platform by 2020. While third-party ROMs like LineageOS extended its life, mainstream users were left vulnerable without timely security patches long before 2025.

“Apple’s commitment to long-term software support gives older iPhones a functional edge even when hardware begins to lag.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechLongevity Group

Tip: If you're holding onto an older phone, check if it still receives security updates—even unofficial ones via custom ROMs can improve safety.

Performance and Hardware Longevity

The iPhone 7 Plus featured Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, a 64-bit quad-core processor that outperformed most Android rivals in 2016. Even today, the efficiency of iOS optimization allows basic tasks—messaging, browsing, email—to remain smooth, provided storage isn’t full and background apps are managed.

The Galaxy S8 ran on either the Exynos 8895 or Snapdragon 835, depending on region. While powerful at launch, both chips show their age more noticeably. The S8 struggles with multitasking in 2025, especially when loading modern web pages or attempting to run newer versions of apps designed for far more capable hardware.

Battery health is another key differentiator. Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, and by 2025, most original S8 and 7 Plus units have significantly reduced capacity. However, Apple’s Battery Health feature (introduced in iOS 11.3) allowed users to monitor and manage performance throttling, giving them control over device behavior as batteries aged.

Samsung never offered a comparable built-in tool during the S8’s lifecycle, making it harder for users to diagnose slowdowns. Many resorted to third-party apps or service center visits just to assess battery condition—adding friction to ownership.

Real-World Example: Daily Use in 2025

Consider Maria, a freelance writer who kept her iPhone 7 Plus as a secondary device for note-taking and offline reading. In early 2025, she found that iMessage, Notes, Safari, and Kindle worked reliably. She replaced the battery in 2021 and again in 2023, extending usability. Despite sluggishness in YouTube and Instagram, core functions remained intact.

Her friend James used a Galaxy S8 as a backup phone. By late 2024, he couldn’t log into his banking app due to unsupported Android version requirements. Chrome crashes frequently, and GPS lock times increased dramatically. Without access to Google Play Services updates, the phone became functionally obsolete earlier than expected.

Display and Build Quality Over Time

The Galaxy S8 introduced Samsung’s Infinity Display—an 5.8-inch Quad HD+ curved AMOLED screen that felt futuristic in 2017. In 2025, those same displays often suffer from burn-in, especially around persistent status bar icons and navigation buttons. The curvature also made screen protectors difficult to apply, increasing vulnerability to cracks.

The iPhone 7 Plus used a traditional 5.5-inch LCD panel with Full HD resolution. While not as vibrant or immersive, LCDs are less prone to permanent image retention. After eight years, many 7 Plus units still maintain excellent color accuracy and brightness, assuming no physical damage.

Build-wise, both phones feature aluminum frames and glass backs (with matte finish on iPhone), but the S8’s thinner design makes it more fragile. Drop survival rates favor the 7 Plus, partly due to its slightly bulkier chassis and reinforced antenna lines acting as impact buffers.

Camera Performance in Modern Context

In their prime, both cameras were class-leading. The iPhone 7 Plus stood out with its optical zoom and portrait mode, while the S8 offered higher dynamic range and faster autofocus.

By 2025, computational photography has evolved dramatically. Neither phone supports Night mode, Deep Fusion, or AI-enhanced processing. However, the iPhone’s consistent color science and superior video stabilization (up to 4K at 60fps) give it an edge for legacy media creation.

The S8’s camera app often lags when switching modes, and low-light performance degrades further due to sensor dust accumulation and lens coating wear. Meanwhile, the 7 Plus’s larger pixel size and Apple’s noise-reduction algorithms still produce usable daylight photos.

“The iPhone 7 Plus may not win any photo contests today, but its consistency and reliability make it surprisingly competent for casual shooting.” — Lena Park, Vintage Smartphone Photographer

Detailed Comparison Table: iPhone 7 Plus vs Galaxy S8 in 2025

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	Galaxy S8
Last OS Version	iOS 16.7 (Security Update)	Android 9 (Pie) / Security Patch: 2020
App Compatibility (2025)	Moderate (Many apps still support iOS 14+)	Poor (Most apps require Android 10+)
Battery Replaceability	Easier (Standard connector, widely available parts)	Difficult (Glued battery, risk of damaging OLED)
Display Durability	Good (LCD, no burn-in)	Fair (AMOLED burn-in common)
Repair Cost (Average, 2025)	$45–$70 (Battery), $90 (Screen)	$60–$85 (Battery), $120+ (Screen)
Current Usability Score (Out of 10)	6.5	4.0

Step-by-Step Guide: Extending Life of Legacy Phones

If you’re still using either device, follow these steps to maximize functionality and safety:

1. Replace the battery – Use OEM or high-quality third-party replacements to restore performance.
2. Factory reset and reinstall OS – Clears bloat and improves responsiveness.
3. Limit background apps – Disable auto-refresh and push notifications where possible.
4. Use lightweight alternatives – Switch to Firefox Lite, DuckDuckGo, or offline-first apps.
5. Enable manual security checks – Avoid unknown links and disable JavaScript in browsers if needed.
6. Back up data regularly – Older storage chips are more prone to failure.

FAQ

Can the iPhone 7 Plus still get iOS 17?

No. Apple discontinued support for the iPhone 7 series with iOS 16. Devices cannot install iOS 17 or later, even manually.

Is the Galaxy S8 safe to use in 2025?

Not recommended for sensitive tasks. Without security updates since 2020, it's vulnerable to exploits. Use only for offline activities or as a media player.

Which phone charges faster today?

Neither supports fast charging beyond 15W. However, the iPhone 7 Plus benefits from Apple’s efficient power management, often feeling more responsive during charging cycles.

Final Verdict: Which Phone Aged Better?

The iPhone 7 Plus clearly ages better than the Galaxy S8 in 2025. Its combination of longer software support, robust app ecosystem compatibility, easier maintenance, and superior long-term performance gives it a decisive advantage.

While both phones are functionally limited by today’s standards, the 7 Plus remains usable for essential communication, light browsing, and media playback—especially with a fresh battery. The S8, despite its innovative design, succumbs earlier to software rot, hardware fragility, and lack of ongoing support.

Ultimately, Apple’s philosophy of extended software lifecycles proves more sustainable in the long run. For consumers prioritizing longevity, the 7 Plus serves as a benchmark for how smartphones should be supported—not just sold.

🚀 Still using an old phone? Share your experience below—how long did yours last, and what tips helped you keep it running?