In 2025, both the iPhone 7 and Samsung Galaxy Note 8 are over eight years old—ancient by smartphone standards. Yet, some users still rely on them or consider purchasing one secondhand due to their durability and once-premium features. The question remains: in a world dominated by AI-powered flagships and 5G connectivity, does the Galaxy Note 8 hold any real advantage over the iPhone 7? Or has time finally rendered both obsolete?
This article compares the two devices across key categories—performance, software support, camera quality, battery life, and user experience—to determine whether the Note 8 still offers meaningful value today.
Performance and Hardware Comparison
The iPhone 7 launched in 2016 with Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, while the Galaxy Note 8 arrived a year later powered by either the Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 9810, depending on region. At launch, both were high-end processors. However, in 2025, neither can handle modern multitasking or demanding apps efficiently.
The Note 8’s 6GB of RAM gives it a clear edge over the iPhone 7’s 2GB, especially when switching between apps or using split-screen functionality. Android 9 (Pie) was the last official OS update for the Note 8, and while some custom ROMs exist, they require technical know-how. In contrast, the iPhone 7 received iOS updates up to iOS 16, making it surprisingly resilient in terms of software longevity.
Software Support and Security Updates
As of 2025, both devices are completely unsupported by their manufacturers. No security patches, no OS upgrades, and no app support from major developers. Google Play Services may still function, but many newer versions of popular apps—including banking, social media, and messaging platforms—no longer support these older operating systems.
iOS 16, the final version compatible with the iPhone 7, stopped receiving security updates in late 2023. Similarly, Samsung ended security maintenance for the Note 8 in early 2021. This lack of ongoing protection makes both devices vulnerable to malware and phishing attacks, particularly if used for online shopping or financial transactions.
“Using an unsupported phone in 2025 is like driving a car without brakes—you might get by, but the risk increases every day.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at TechShield Labs
Camera Quality: Then vs Now
In their prime, both phones offered strong photography capabilities. The iPhone 7 featured a single 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization, known for its natural color reproduction and excellent video recording. The Note 8 introduced Samsung’s first dual-camera system: a 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom and Live Focus (portrait mode).
Today, the Note 8 holds a slight edge in still photography thanks to its dual-lens flexibility and better low-light processing. However, the iPhone 7’s video stabilization and color consistency remain impressive. Neither can compete with modern computational photography found in budget phones from 2023 onward.
| Feature | iPhone 7 | Note 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 12MP f/1.8 (single) | 12MP f/1.7 + 12MP f/2.4 (dual) |
| Front Camera | 7MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/1.7 |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps | 4K @ 30fps |
| Low-Light Performance | Fair | Moderate |
| Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Up to 10x (hybrid) |
While the Note 8 offers more versatility, both struggle with dynamic range, autofocus speed, and night mode performance compared to even entry-level 2025 smartphones.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 7 packs a 1,960mAh battery, which was modest even in 2016. With age, most units now deliver only 4–5 hours of screen-on time. The Note 8, with its 3,300mAh cell, fares slightly better, offering around 6–7 hours under light use. However, battery degradation is nearly universal in devices this old, and replacement options are limited.
Neither supports fast charging by modern standards. The Note 8 can accept USB Power Delivery via adapter hacks, but original charging speeds max out at 15W. Wireless charging works on both, though slowly. Battery health cannot be monitored accurately on the Note 8, while iOS still displays maximum capacity for the iPhone 7.
Real-World Example: Daily Use in 2025
Consider Maria, a freelance writer who inherited her brother’s well-maintained Note 8 in early 2024. She uses it primarily for email, note-taking with the S Pen, and reading e-books. She avoids social media apps and uses Firefox with ad-blockers to reduce strain. After installing LineageOS (a custom Android ROM), she regained access to basic app functionality and extended usability by another year.
In contrast, her friend James uses an iPhone 7 as a backup device. He finds that Instagram, TikTok, and even WhatsApp Web no longer function reliably. Safari crashes frequently on complex sites. While calls and messages work, the phone feels increasingly isolated from the digital ecosystem.
This illustrates a key point: the Note 8, with its larger screen, stylus, and expandable software options, can be repurposed more effectively than the iPhone 7—but only with technical effort.
Is the Note 8 Still Worth It in 2025?
For most users, the answer is no. Both phones fall short in speed, security, and compatibility. However, there are niche scenarios where the Note 8 retains utility:
- As a dedicated e-reader or note-taking device (thanks to the S Pen)
- For offline media playback (music, videos)
- In developing regions where budget smartphones are scarce
- For hobbyists interested in rooting, flashing ROMs, or retro development
Checklist: Preparing an Old Phone for 2025 Use
- ✅ Factory reset to remove personal data
- ✅ Install a lightweight, secure browser (e.g., Firefox + uBlock Origin)
- ✅ Disable unnecessary services (location, ads, background sync)
- ✅ Avoid logging into sensitive accounts (banking, email)
- ✅ Use offline-first apps (Signal Desktop companion, local notes)
- ✅ Consider a privacy-focused OS (GrapheneOS for supported devices, LineageOS for Note 8)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Galaxy Note 8 run WhatsApp in 2025?
No. As of February 2025, WhatsApp officially dropped support for Android 9 and earlier. The Note 8 cannot upgrade beyond Android 9, so WhatsApp will not install or function properly.
Is the iPhone 7 better than the Note 8 for iOS ecosystem users?
If you’re already invested in Apple services (iCloud, AirPods, Apple Watch), the iPhone 7 integrates more smoothly. However, its outdated hardware limits functionality. For example, it cannot use newer features like iCloud Shared Photo Libraries or Matter-enabled smart home controls.
Can I still buy accessories for these phones?
Official accessories are discontinued. Third-party cases and chargers may still be available, but quality varies. Replacement batteries are hard to find and often unreliable.
Final Verdict and Recommendation
The Galaxy Note 8, despite its age, offers more practical flexibility than the iPhone 7 in 2025. Its larger screen, S Pen, superior multitasking, and higher RAM make it a better candidate for repurposing—as a digital notebook, media player, or smart home controller. But this comes with significant caveats: no security updates, declining app compatibility, and inevitable hardware failure.
The iPhone 7, while remarkably well-supported through iOS 16, suffers from minimal RAM and a small screen, limiting its usefulness beyond basic calling and texting. It lacks the versatility of the Note 8 and is less adaptable to alternative operating systems.
If you're considering buying either device new or used in 2025, reconsider. Even budget smartphones from 2020 offer better performance, security, and longevity. However, if you already own a functioning Note 8 and understand its limitations, it can serve as a secondary tool—with careful usage and strict boundaries.
Technology evolves rapidly. Holding onto legacy devices out of nostalgia or frugality is understandable, but not always wise. Upgrade when possible. For everything else, use wisely and securely.
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