Iphone 7 Plus Vs Galaxy S8 Why Are People Still Debating This In Current Year 8

In 2024—over seven years after their release—the iPhone 7 Plus and Galaxy S8 continue to spark conversations online. Forums, Reddit threads, and YouTube comment sections still host heated debates about which device was better. At first glance, it seems odd. These phones predate modern facial recognition, lack support for many new apps, and can’t run the latest operating systems efficiently. Yet, a surprising number of users still rely on them daily or passionately defend their legacy. The persistence of this debate isn’t about specs alone—it’s about design philosophy, durability, emotional attachment, and how technology integrates into real life.

The iPhone 7 Plus launched in September 2016, introducing Apple’s first dual-camera system and water resistance in an iPhone. Samsung answered with the Galaxy S8 in April 2017—a sleek, edge-to-edge display marvel that redefined Android flagship design. Both devices were groundbreaking in their time. But today, they represent more than just outdated hardware; they symbolize a turning point in smartphone evolution. Understanding why people still compare them reveals deeper truths about user loyalty, product longevity, and what consumers truly value in a mobile experience.

The Legacy of Design and Build Quality

One reason the iPhone 7 Plus and Galaxy S8 remain relevant is their exceptional build quality. In an era increasingly defined by planned obsolescence, both devices were engineered to last. The iPhone 7 Plus features an aerospace-grade aluminum body with IP67 water and dust resistance—remarkable for its time. Its tactile home button with Taptic Engine feedback offered a responsive, consistent interaction that many users still miss in modern iPhones without physical buttons.

The Galaxy S8, meanwhile, introduced Samsung’s Infinity Display: a curved, edge-to-edge 5.8-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED screen that maximized screen real estate while keeping the overall footprint compact. Its glass-and-aluminum sandwich design felt premium, and despite early concerns about fragility, many S8 units from 2017 are still functional today with basic care.

Tip: Devices built with high-quality materials and efficient software tend to age better—consider long-term usability over short-term novelty.

Software Longevity and User Experience

Apple supported the iPhone 7 Plus with iOS updates until 2023, offering six major OS upgrades. This extended lifecycle allowed users to access new features, security patches, and app compatibility far longer than most Android counterparts of the era. Even now, some users report running iOS 16 on the 7 Plus with moderate success, though performance lags behind newer models.

Samsung’s update policy in 2017 was less generous. The Galaxy S8 received four major Android upgrades (up to Android 9 Pie), with security updates ending around 2020. However, the open nature of Android has enabled a vibrant custom ROM community. Many S8 owners have installed LineageOS and other lightweight alternatives, breathing new life into the device with modern interfaces and improved speed.

“Phones like the 7 Plus and S8 remind us that thoughtful engineering can outlive aggressive marketing cycles.” — David Lin, Mobile Technology Historian

Performance Comparison: A Look Back at Real-World Use

Beneath the surface, the two devices took different approaches to performance. The iPhone 7 Plus ran on Apple’s A10 Fusion chip—a 64-bit quad-core processor that, thanks to iOS optimization, delivered smooth multitasking and excellent energy efficiency. Even in 2024, simple tasks like texting, calling, and light web browsing remain feasible.

The Galaxy S8 used either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or Samsung’s Exynos 8895, depending on region. Both were flagship-tier chips in 2017, capable of handling gaming, video streaming, and productivity apps with ease—at the time. Today, heavy apps like Instagram or Chrome struggle due to RAM limitations (4GB) and outdated GPU drivers.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	Galaxy S8
Release Year	2016	2017
Processor	A10 Fusion	Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895
Ram	3GB	4GB
Storage Options	32/128/256GB (no expandable)	64GB (expandable via microSD)
Battery Capacity	2900 mAh	3000 mAh
Camera (Rear)	Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto)	Single 12MP (adaptive aperture)
Display	5.5\" LCD Retina HD	5.8\" Quad HD+ AMOLED

Nostalgia and Emotional Attachment

Technology isn’t just about numbers—it’s about experiences. For many, the iPhone 7 Plus was their first iPhone with Portrait Mode or water resistance. It survived drops, spills, and years of daily use. Similarly, the Galaxy S8 represented a leap forward in design, captivating users with its near-bezel-less screen and iris scanner. These memories create emotional bonds that transcend technical limitations.

A mini case study illustrates this: Sarah M., a teacher from Portland, still uses her iPhone 7 Plus as a secondary device for taking student photos. “It’s slow, yes,” she admits, “but the camera produces warm, natural colors I haven’t found on newer phones. And I know every inch of it. No learning curve, no surprises.”

This sentiment echoes across communities where older devices are cherished not for raw power but for reliability and familiarity. In a world of constant change, predictability becomes a luxury.

Why the Debate Still Matters in 2024

The ongoing discussion between iPhone 7 Plus and Galaxy S8 fans reflects broader shifts in consumer values. As sustainability gains traction, users are questioning the need to upgrade every two years. Repairability, battery replaceability, and software support have become key decision factors. Both phones scored well in these areas compared to today’s sealed, non-user-serviceable designs.

• The iPhone 7 Plus had widely available third-party battery replacements, extending its life by years.
• The Galaxy S8’s microSD slot and removable software restrictions empowered users to customize storage and performance.
• Both devices avoided excessive bloatware common in mid-tier phones today.

Tip: If you're holding onto an older phone, consider a battery replacement and clean OS install—it can restore up to 70% of original performance.

Checklist: How to Maximize an Older Smartphone’s Lifespan

1. Replace the battery if capacity is below 80%
2. Install a lightweight launcher or custom ROM (Android)
3. Limit background apps and disable animations
4. Use privacy-focused browsers like Firefox Klar or Safari with content blockers
5. Stick to essential apps; avoid resource-heavy social media platforms
6. Enable auto-brightness and reduce screen timeout
7. Perform regular cache cleans and app updates

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 7 Plus or Galaxy S8 still be used in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. Both can handle calls, messaging, email, music playback, and light web browsing. However, modern apps like TikTok, Google Maps with live transit, or banking apps may run slowly or lack full functionality due to outdated operating systems and hardware constraints.

Which phone had better cameras for long-term photo quality?

The iPhone 7 Plus holds up better in terms of consistent color science and software processing. Its dual-lens system enabled true optical zoom, while the S8 relied on digital cropping. However, the S8’s HDR+ mode and dynamic tone mapping produced vibrant, contrast-rich images under ideal lighting.

Is it safe to use these phones today?

Security is a concern. Apple ended major updates for the 7 Plus in 2023, and Samsung stopped S8 support earlier. Without regular security patches, these devices are vulnerable to exploits, especially when downloading files or visiting untrusted sites. Use them offline or with strong network protections like a trusted Wi-Fi and ad-blocking DNS (e.g., Pi-hole).

Conclusion: Honoring the Past While Moving Forward

The debate between the iPhone 7 Plus and Galaxy S8 endures not because either is objectively superior today, but because they represent a golden era of smartphones—devices built to last, innovate meaningfully, and respect user control. Their continued relevance challenges the notion that newer is always better. Instead, they remind us that durability, thoughtful design, and emotional connection matter just as much as megapixels and gigahertz.

Whether you’re clinging to your old device or curious about tech history, there’s value in understanding why certain products stand the test of time. Maybe it’s time to rethink our upgrade cycles, prioritize repairability, and appreciate the quiet resilience of phones that refuse to disappear.

💬 Still using a 7 Plus or S8? Or do you remember upgrading from one to the other? Share your story and help keep the conversation alive.