Iphone 7 Vs Galaxy S7 Was Upgrading Really Worth It

In 2016, the smartphone market saw two flagship devices go head-to-head: the Apple iPhone 7 and the Samsung Galaxy S7. Both represented the peak of mobile innovation at the time, offering significant upgrades over their predecessors. For users deciding between them—or wondering whether to upgrade from an older model—the choice wasn’t just about brand loyalty. It came down to real differences in design, performance, camera quality, software experience, and long-term value. Years later, with the benefit of hindsight, we can assess whether switching to either device was truly worth it.

Design and Build: Premium Materials, Different Philosophies

The iPhone 7 introduced a sleek, seamless aluminum unibody with water resistance (IP67), marking a shift toward more refined industrial design. Apple removed the headphone jack—a controversial move that sparked debate but signaled a push toward wireless audio. The phone felt solid, compact, and well-balanced, especially in the smaller 4.7-inch form factor.

The Galaxy S7, meanwhile, combined glass and metal in a symmetrical, curved design that many considered more luxurious to hold. Its Gorilla Glass 4 front and back gave it a premium feel, and like the iPhone 7, it also carried an IP68 rating—slightly better than Apple’s—for dust and water resistance. Unlike the iPhone, the S7 retained the headphone jack and offered expandable storage via microSD, giving users more flexibility.

Tip: If you relied on wired headphones or wanted extra storage, the Galaxy S7 had clear advantages in practicality.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, both phones were powerhouses for their time. The iPhone 7 ran on Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, a 64-bit quad-core processor that outperformed most Android competitors in single-core tasks. Paired with iOS 10, the device delivered buttery-smooth animations, fast app launches, and excellent optimization across the ecosystem.

The Galaxy S7 used either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890, depending on region. While multi-core performance was strong, real-world responsiveness often lagged slightly behind the iPhone due to Android’s less aggressive memory management and heavier UI layer (TouchWiz). However, Samsung’s software improvements in the S7 series made it one of the most polished Android experiences up to that point.

iOS offered longer software support—Apple typically provides 5–6 years of OS updates—while Samsung at the time committed to only two major Android upgrades. This meant that an iPhone 7 could still run modern apps efficiently years after release, whereas the Galaxy S7 stopped receiving updates by 2019.

“Even three years post-launch, the iPhone 7 handled daily tasks as smoothly as many mid-range 2019 Android phones.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Comparison: Strengths on Both Sides

Photography was a key battleground. The iPhone 7 featured a 12MP rear sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), f/1.8 aperture, and improved color accuracy. Apple focused on consistency: photos looked natural, video stabilization was class-leading, and the True Tone flash enhanced portrait lighting.

The Galaxy S7 also had a 12MP sensor, but used Samsung’s Dual Pixel technology, which dramatically improved autofocus speed in low light. With an f/1.7 aperture—the widest on any smartphone then—it captured more light, making night shots noticeably brighter than the iPhone’s. However, Samsung’s processing sometimes oversaturated colors, which appealed to some users but lacked the realism favored by professionals.

Front cameras were both 5MP, but the S7’s wider lens made it better for group selfies. Neither phone had dual-lens setups yet—the iPhone 7 Plus did, but not the base model—so zoom and portrait mode were limited.

Feature	iPhone 7	Galaxy S7
Rear Camera	12MP, f/1.8, OIS	12MP, f/1.7, Dual Pixel AF
Front Camera	7MP	5MP, wider angle
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 60fps	4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 60fps
Low-Light Performance	Good, natural tone	Excellent, brighter output
Software Updates	Supported until iOS 16 (2023)	Stopped at Android 8.0 (2019)

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

Battery capacity favored the Galaxy S7 with its 3,000mAh cell compared to the iPhone 7’s 1,960mAh. Yet efficiency mattered more. The A10 chip and iOS optimization allowed the iPhone to last a full day for moderate users, though heavy use required a midday charge.

The S7 generally lasted longer under similar conditions, thanks to its larger battery and adaptive screen brightness. It also supported fast charging and wireless charging—features absent on the iPhone 7 unless using third-party accessories. Apple didn’t adopt fast charging natively until the iPhone 8.

One overlooked factor: heat management. The Exynos version of the S7 occasionally throttled under sustained load, reducing performance during gaming or video recording. The iPhone 7 managed thermal loads more consistently, maintaining peak performance longer.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had been using an iPhone 6 since 2014. By 2016, her battery drained within half a day, apps crashed frequently, and iOS updates slowed everything down. She considered switching to Android for the first time and tested both phones in-store.

She loved the Galaxy S7’s vibrant display and microSD slot, which let her transfer old photos easily. But after two weeks, she found herself frustrated with inconsistent app behavior and slower long-term reliability. She traded it back and bought an iPhone 7. “It didn’t have all the features I thought I wanted,” she said, “but it just worked. No glitches, no slowdowns. After a year, it still felt new.”

Was Upgrading Worth It?

For users coming from older iPhones (like the 5S or 6), the iPhone 7 was a substantial leap: better performance, water resistance, improved camera, and longer support. The removal of the headphone jack was inconvenient, but Lightning earbuds and Bluetooth options softened the blow.

For Android users upgrading from earlier Galaxy models, the S7 was transformative—especially in camera quality and design. However, those already on recent flagships might not have noticed dramatic gains. And for iPhone users considering a switch, the allure of customization and hardware specs often faded when confronted with shorter update cycles and less app optimization.

Longevity proved decisive. By 2020, the iPhone 7 could still run Instagram, WhatsApp, Safari, and even some games reasonably well. The Galaxy S7, while functional, struggled with newer versions of apps and security patches. This difference in software lifespan made the iPhone 7 a better long-term investment for many.

Checklist: Is an Older Flagship Still Viable Today?

• ✅ Can it run current versions of essential apps (messaging, email, banking)?
• ✅ Does it receive security updates?
• ✅ Is battery health replaceable or already degraded?
• ✅ Are replacement parts or repair services still available?
• ✅ Do you prioritize simplicity over cutting-edge features?

Frequently Asked Questions

Could the Galaxy S7 compete with the iPhone 7 in daily performance?

Yes, in 2016, both phones handled everyday tasks well. The iPhone 7 had smoother animations and better app optimization, while the S7 offered more raw flexibility. Over time, however, iOS updates kept the iPhone feeling faster longer.

Did removing the headphone jack hurt iPhone 7 sales?

Surprisingly, no. Despite backlash, iPhone 7 became one of Apple’s best-selling models. Many users adapted quickly to Bluetooth headphones or used adapters. The move also accelerated adoption of wireless audio.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The iPhone 7 retained value significantly longer. Even in 2021, used units fetched higher prices than Galaxy S7 models, reflecting stronger consumer trust in Apple’s ecosystem and longevity.

Final Verdict: Value Beyond Specs

On paper, the Galaxy S7 had more features: expandable storage, wireless charging, a slightly better low-light camera, and a bigger battery. But real-world satisfaction often comes from reliability, consistency, and long-term usability—areas where the iPhone 7 excelled.

Upgrading to either device in 2016 was reasonable, but the iPhone 7 offered better future-proofing. Its extended software support meant fewer frustrations down the line. For users who value stability over novelty, the answer is clear: yes, upgrading to the iPhone 7 was worth it.

For others drawn to Android’s openness and hardware versatility, the Galaxy S7 delivered a premium experience—just not one that lasted as long. In the end, \"worth it\" depends not just on specs, but on how you use your phone and how long you plan to keep it.

🚀 Still using a phone from this era? Share your experience—what kept your device going, and when did you finally upgrade? Join the conversation below.