Iphone 7 Vs Galaxy S8 Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It

For many iPhone 7 owners still clinging to their trusty device, the question isn’t whether they *can* upgrade—but whether they *should*. The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus, released just a year after the iPhone 7, represented a bold leap in Android innovation. With its edge-to-edge display, iris scanner, and powerful internals, it looked like the future. But does that future still matter today? And more importantly, for someone moving from an iPhone 7, does the jump to the S8 Plus deliver tangible benefits that justify the change—especially years later?

This isn't just about specs on paper. It's about real-world usability, longevity, ecosystem loyalty, and whether the upgrade improves daily life or simply adds complexity.

Design and Display: A Shift in Philosophy

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 7 and Galaxy S8 Plus is design language. Apple’s approach with the iPhone 7 was refinement—solid build quality, IP67 water resistance, and a familiar form factor. In contrast, the S8 Plus took a risk. Its 6.2-inch Quad HD+ curved AMOLED display stretched edge-to-edge, minimizing bezels and maximizing screen real estate. At the time, this felt revolutionary.

While the iPhone 7’s 4.7-inch Retina HD display was sharp and color-accurate, it paled in physical presence next to the S8 Plus. For media consumption, multitasking, or immersive gaming, the larger, vibrant AMOLED panel offered a noticeable upgrade.

Tip: If you frequently watch videos or read on your phone, screen size and quality have a greater impact on satisfaction than raw processing power.

However, the S8 Plus was significantly larger and harder to use one-handed. The curved edges, while visually stunning, occasionally triggered accidental touches. The iPhone 7 remained more pocketable and comfortable for users with smaller hands.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, both phones launched with top-tier hardware for their time. The iPhone 7 used Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, which even years later continues to run iOS efficiently. Apps launch quickly, animations remain smooth, and background task management is excellent—thanks largely to iOS optimization.

The Galaxy S8 Plus packed either the Exynos 8895 or Snapdragon 835 (depending on region), both capable chips. On paper, the S8 Plus had more RAM (4GB vs 2GB), which helped with multitasking. However, Android’s memory management at the time wasn’t as tight as iOS, leading to occasional stutters or app reloads.

Software updates tell a different story. Apple supported the iPhone 7 with iOS updates until 2023—six major versions. That means security patches, feature upgrades, and compatibility with new apps lasted far longer than typical Android devices. Samsung, in 2017, offered only two major Android OS updates. The S8 Plus received Android 9 Pie as its final update, leaving it vulnerable to compatibility issues with newer apps by 2021.

“Long-term software support is often the deciding factor in whether an upgrade pays off. iPhones may cost more upfront, but their longevity reduces total cost of ownership.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechTrend Insights

Camera Comparison: Quality vs Versatility

The iPhone 7 featured a 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization—a standout in its generation. Photos were consistently well-balanced, with accurate colors, strong dynamic range, and reliable low-light performance. The front-facing 7MP shooter handled selfies and FaceTime calls capably.

The Galaxy S8 Plus also had a 12MP rear sensor, but tuned differently. Samsung favored slightly oversaturated colors and enhanced contrast, appealing to social media users who wanted punchier images straight out of the camera. Its low-light performance was comparable, though sometimes noisier. The front camera was 8MP and included autofocus, giving it an edge for close-up portraits.

Neither phone had a telephoto lens or dual-camera system, so zooming relied on digital cropping. Video recording was strong on both—4K at 30fps—but the iPhone generally produced more stable footage thanks to superior optical stabilization.

In real-world use, the differences were subtle. If you prioritize natural color reproduction and consistency across lighting conditions, the iPhone 7 holds up impressively. If you prefer vivid, social-ready photos with a sharper selfie cam, the S8 Plus had slight advantages.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone 7	Galaxy S8 Plus
Release Year	2016	2017
Display Size & Type	4.7\" Retina HD LCD	6.2\" Quad HD+ Curved AMOLED
Processor	A10 Fusion	Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895
Rear Camera	12MP, OIS	12MP, Dual Pixel AF
Front Camera	7MP	8MP with AF
Battery Capacity	1,960 mAh	3,500 mAh
Charging	Wired only (Lightning)	Wired + Wireless
Water Resistance	IP67	IP68
OS Updates	iOS 10 → iOS 16 (6 years)	Android 7 → Android 9 (2 years)
Fingerprint Sensor	Front (Home button)	Rear (awkward placement)
Biometric Options	Touch ID	Fingerprint, Iris Scan, Face Unlock

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had used her iPhone 7 since 2016. By 2019, she noticed her battery draining faster and apps taking longer to load. She considered switching to Android and bought a used Galaxy S8 Plus for $200. Initially, she loved the big screen and wireless charging. Streaming videos felt cinematic, and she appreciated the Always-On Display.

But within months, frustrations emerged. The fingerprint sensor was hard to reach, often misreading her touch. Apps like her banking platform began dropping support for older Android versions. By 2021, the phone couldn’t install key updates, and performance lagged badly. Meanwhile, her sister’s iPhone 7—which she’d kept as a backup—still ran WhatsApp and Safari without issue.

Sarah eventually returned to iOS, upgrading to an iPhone XR. “I thought the bigger screen and cool features would make me happy,” she said. “But reliability and long-term support mattered more.”

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Step-by-Step Evaluation

Deciding whether to upgrade requires more than comparing specs. Follow this timeline to assess true value:

1. Evaluate your current usage: Are you limited by screen size, battery life, or app performance?
2. Test the target device: Spend time with an S8 Plus. Notice how it feels in hand, how apps respond, and how intuitive the interface is.
3. Check software status: Confirm the device still receives security patches and can run modern apps.
4. Consider ecosystem costs: Switching from iOS to Android means losing iMessage, AirDrop, and seamless iCloud integration.
5. Calculate total cost: Include accessories, potential data loss, and time spent migrating accounts.
6. Project lifespan: Will this phone last 2+ more years? If not, the upgrade may not be cost-effective.

Tip: Before upgrading, try optimizing your current device—replace the battery, clear storage, and reinstall the OS. Often, this extends usability by 1–2 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S8 Plus still run modern apps in 2024?

Some apps still work, but many—including newer versions of Google services, banking apps, and games—no longer support Android 9 or older. Compatibility is increasingly limited.

Does the iPhone 7 support 5G or modern security features?

No. The iPhone 7 uses LTE-only connectivity and lacks Face ID or advanced biometrics. However, Touch ID remains secure for most everyday uses.

Is it worth switching ecosystems just for a better screen?

Rarely. While the S8 Plus had a superior display, the cost of leaving iMessage, iCloud, and Apple’s privacy framework often outweighs visual benefits—especially on aging hardware.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Only If You Value Short-Term Gains

The Galaxy S8 Plus was a technological marvel in 2017. Its design influenced an entire generation of smartphones. But when viewed from 2024, the upgrade from iPhone 7 to S8 Plus doesn’t hold up as a smart long-term decision.

You gain a larger, brighter screen, wireless charging, and slightly better cameras. But you lose software support, ecosystem cohesion, and overall longevity. The iPhone 7, despite its age, remains more functional today than the S8 Plus due to Apple’s extended update policy.

If you’re still using an iPhone 7 and considering a change, look beyond these two models. Modern mid-range Android phones or newer iPhones offer far better value, performance, and support. Upgrading to a 2017 flagship in 2024 isn’t progress—it’s nostalgia.

🚀 Ready to make a smarter upgrade? Assess your needs, prioritize software support, and choose a device built for the next three years—not the last one. Share your experience below.