Iphone 7 Vs Galaxy S7 Was Upgrading Really Worth It 5

In 2016, smartphone buyers faced one of the most pivotal decisions in recent mobile history: choosing between Apple’s iPhone 7 and Samsung’s Galaxy S7. Both devices represented peak engineering for their respective brands—Apple refining its iOS ecosystem with improved hardware, and Samsung doubling down on versatility and innovation after the Note 7 setback. But for users debating an upgrade from older models like the iPhone 6 or Galaxy S6, the real question wasn’t just about specs—it was whether the leap justified the cost. Five years later, we can assess not only which phone performed better but also which offered more lasting value.

Design and Build Quality: Refinement vs Flexibility

The iPhone 7 introduced a sleeker aluminum unibody design with IP67 water resistance—a first for any iPhone. Its seamless construction and rounded edges made it comfortable to hold, though the removal of the headphone jack sparked widespread controversy. Apple replaced it with Lightning-based audio and promoted wireless earbuds, signaling a shift toward a cable-free future.

In contrast, the Galaxy S7 featured a glass-and-metal sandwich with a slightly curved back panel that enhanced grip. It too had IP68 water resistance—one step above the iPhone 7—and retained the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature many users still valued. Additionally, the S7 supported expandable storage via microSD cards, giving users flexibility absent on the iPhone.

Tip: If you relied on wired headphones or wanted extra storage, the Galaxy S7 gave more immediate utility without accessories.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, both phones were powered by top-tier chipsets. The iPhone 7 ran on Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, a quad-core processor that outperformed most Android rivals in single-threaded tasks. Paired with iOS 10, it delivered buttery-smooth animations, fast app launches, and efficient background management. Apple’s tight integration between hardware and software meant longer-term support—iOS updates continued for five years, well beyond typical Android cycles at the time.

The Galaxy S7 used either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 (in the U.S.) or Samsung’s Exynos 8890 (internationally), both powerful for their era. However, early versions of TouchWiz—the Samsung skin over Android—were criticized for bloatware and inconsistent performance over time. Later optimizations helped, but the overall experience wasn't as consistently fluid as iOS.

“Apple’s control over hardware and OS allows for sustained performance longevity. An iPhone 7 in 2021 still felt usable, while many S7s struggled.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera Comparison: Real-World Photography

Both phones raised the bar for mobile photography in 2016, but they approached it differently.

The iPhone 7 featured a 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), f/1.8 aperture, and a six-element lens. Apple focused on color accuracy, dynamic range, and consistent processing. Photos looked natural, especially in daylight, and video recording reached 4K resolution—a major selling point.

The Galaxy S7 also had a 12MP sensor but used larger pixels (1.4µm vs 1.22µm) and Dual Pixel autofocus technology, allowing faster focusing and superior low-light performance. In dim environments, the S7 often captured brighter images with less noise. However, Samsung’s processing sometimes oversaturated colors, leading to less realistic results compared to Apple’s neutral tone.

Feature	iPhone 7	Galaxy S7
Rear Camera	12MP, f/1.8, OIS	12MP, f/1.7, Dual Pixel AF
Front Camera	7MP	5MP, f/1.7
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 30fps
Low-Light Performance	Good	Excellent
Color Accuracy	High	Moderate (tends to oversaturate)

Battery Life and Charging Options

Battery performance was where the Galaxy S7 clearly pulled ahead. With a 3000mAh cell, it routinely lasted a full day under heavy use and even stretched into a second day with light usage. Fast charging was supported out of the box, and the removable back allowed access to the battery—though non-replaceable in practice due to sealing.

The iPhone 7, equipped with a smaller 1960mAh battery, managed around 10–12 hours of screen-on time. While sufficient for average users, power users often needed midday charging. Fast charging wasn’t officially supported until later iPhones; instead, Apple relied on efficiency gains from the A10 chip to extend usability.

Tip: For travelers or those away from outlets, the Galaxy S7’s larger battery provided greater peace of mind.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer using a Galaxy S5, considered upgrading in late 2016. She needed better low-light photo quality and longer battery life during shoots. Initially drawn to the iPhone 7 for its 4K video and ecosystem compatibility, she ultimately chose the Galaxy S7 after testing both in-store. The ability to swap SD cards let her carry hundreds of RAW photos without cloud dependency, and the brighter display helped when reviewing shots outdoors. Over three years, she praised the S7’s durability and camera consistency, though noted slowdowns appeared by 2019. Still, she said, “It did everything I needed before I moved to mirrorless gear.”

Long-Term Value: Which Phone Aged Better?

Five years post-launch, the answer depends on priorities.

iOS support for the iPhone 7 extended through iOS 16 (released in 2022), meaning it received seven major software updates. This allowed continued security patches, app compatibility, and feature improvements long after release. Even today, an iPhone 7 can function as a basic device for calls, messages, and simple apps.

The Galaxy S7 originally shipped with Android 6 (Marshmallow) and received updates up to Android 8 (Oreo). Samsung ended official support in 2019, leaving the device vulnerable to newer security threats and incompatible with modern app requirements. By 2021, many core apps stopped functioning reliably.

• iOS Advantage: Longer update cycle, smoother long-term experience
• Android Flexibility: More features initially, but shorter lifespan
• Ecosystem Lock-in: iPhone strengthens Apple ecosystem ties; Android offers openness

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the iPhone 7 waterproof enough for daily use?

Yes. Rated IP67, the iPhone 7 could survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Many users reported surviving accidental drops in sinks or toilets, though Apple didn’t cover liquid damage under warranty.

Could the Galaxy S7 run modern apps in 2021?

Not reliably. Due to outdated Android versions and limited RAM (4GB), apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and banking services began crashing or refusing installation by 2020. Some workarounds existed via third-party launchers, but usability was severely compromised.

Did either phone hold resale value better?

The iPhone 7 retained value significantly better. Two years after launch, used iPhone 7 units sold for 40–50% of original price, while Galaxy S7 models fetched closer to 25–30%, reflecting stronger demand for Apple devices in the secondary market.

Checklist: Is Upgrading Worth It? (2016 Perspective)

1. ✅ Assess your current phone’s condition – is repair cheaper than replacement?
2. ✅ Determine key needs: battery life, camera, storage expandability
3. ✅ Consider ecosystem loyalty – invested in iCloud, Google Drive, or Samsung DeX?
4. ✅ Evaluate long-term software support expectations
5. ✅ Test both devices in person – ergonomics matter
6. ✅ Check carrier deals or trade-in offers to reduce upfront cost

Conclusion: So, Was It Worth It?

For users upgrading from a two-year-old device in 2016, both the iPhone 7 and Galaxy S7 represented meaningful leaps forward. The iPhone 7 offered polished refinement, unmatched long-term software support, and seamless integration within Apple’s ecosystem. The Galaxy S7 countered with superior hardware flexibility, better battery life, and class-leading low-light photography.

If your priority was longevity, simplicity, and staying within a tightly controlled environment, the iPhone 7 justified its premium. But if you valued customization, expandable storage, and cutting-edge Android features—even at the cost of shorter support—the Galaxy S7 was arguably the more exciting device.

Ultimately, \"was upgrading really worth it?\" comes down to how you used your phone and what you expected from it over time. Five years later, the data shows that while both phones were excellent, the iPhone 7 delivered more sustained value. Yet, for those who lived in the moment, the Galaxy S7 offered richer experiences when it mattered most.

💬 Still using your iPhone 7 or Galaxy S7? Share your experience and lessons learned—we’d love to hear how these classics held up for you!