Iphone Se Vs Galaxy S7 Was Upgrading From The S7 To The Se A Mistake

When Apple released the third-generation iPhone SE in 2022, many Android users—especially those still loyal to older but capable flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S7—considered making the switch. The promise of iOS simplicity, long-term software support, and surprisingly strong performance in a compact body made the iPhone SE an appealing option. But for someone coming from a device as well-rounded as the Galaxy S7, was that upgrade actually a step forward—or a misstep?

The answer isn’t simple. While the iPhone SE offers modern processing power and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, it sacrifices features that defined the Galaxy S7: expandable storage, headphone jack, curved AMOLED display, and water resistance (in later models). This article dives deep into the real-world implications of switching from the Galaxy S7 to the iPhone SE, comparing hardware, software, longevity, and user experience.

Performance and Longevity: A Clear Win for the iPhone SE

Under the hood, there’s no contest. The iPhone SE (2022) is powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 13 series. Even in demanding tasks like multitasking, gaming, or photo editing, it outperforms the Galaxy S7’s Exynos 8890 or Snapdragon 820 by a wide margin.

Apple’s tight control over hardware and software ensures smoother performance over time. iOS updates are optimized for each device, and iPhones typically receive five to six years of OS support. In contrast, the Galaxy S7, launched in 2016, stopped receiving major Android updates by 2019 and security patches tapered off shortly after.

Tip: If long-term usability matters more than cutting-edge features, the iPhone SE's software support can extend its useful life far beyond most Android devices.

For users frustrated by the Galaxy S7 slowing down over time or struggling with newer apps, the iPhone SE delivers a refreshingly snappy experience—even years after purchase.

Camera Comparison: Trade-offs in Flexibility and Quality

The Galaxy S7 had one of the best smartphone cameras of its era. Its 12MP Dual Pixel rear sensor captured vibrant colors, excellent dynamic range, and performed admirably in low light. It also featured optical image stabilization (OIS), a feature absent on the base iPhone SE (2022).

The iPhone SE, while using a newer 12MP sensor, lacks OIS and has a single-lens setup. That means no ultra-wide shots, no portrait mode without software tricks, and less stability in motion or dim lighting. However, thanks to Apple’s computational photography—Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, and Portrait Mode via software—the SE often produces more consistent results in daylight and better noise reduction.

In practical terms: if you value point-and-shoot reliability and social media-ready photos, the iPhone SE wins. But if you appreciated manual control, low-light performance, and lens versatility on the S7, you may find the SE limiting.

“Switching from the S7 to the SE felt like trading artistry for automation. I miss tweaking settings, but my Instagram feed looks better than ever.” — Mark T., former S7 user and current SE owner

Design and Usability: Nostalgia vs. Modern Minimalism

The Galaxy S7 offered a premium design with a glass back, metal frame, and curved display that felt luxurious in hand. It was also IP68 water and dust resistant—a feature the iPhone SE lacks despite its higher price.

The iPhone SE, meanwhile, uses a retro design reminiscent of the iPhone 8: flat edges, thick bezels, and a home button with Touch ID. Some users appreciate this classic form factor for its durability and one-handed usability. Others miss the immersive screen-to-body ratio and gesture navigation of modern smartphones.

One significant downgrade: the removal of the headphone jack. While the S7 supported wired audio natively, the SE forces reliance on Bluetooth or Lightning adapters—an inconvenience for audiophiles or frequent travelers.

Key Hardware Differences at a Glance

Feature	Galaxy S7	iPhone SE (2022)
Release Year	2016	2022
Processor	Exynos 8890 / Snapdragon 820	Apple A15 Bionic
Rear Camera	12MP, OIS, Dual Pixel	12MP, no OIS, Smart HDR
Front Camera	5MP	7MP, Portrait Mode
Display	5.1” Quad HD Super AMOLED	4.7” Retina LCD
Battery Capacity	3000 mAh	2018 mAh
Water Resistance	IP68	Not officially rated
Headphone Jack	Yes	No
Expandable Storage	Yes (microSD)	No
Software Support	Ended (2019)	Ongoing (iOS 19 expected)

Real User Experience: A Mini Case Study

Take the case of Sarah Lin, a freelance photographer who used her Galaxy S7 for nearly five years. She upgraded to the iPhone SE in 2022, drawn by promises of better app compatibility and iCloud integration with her MacBook.

At first, she loved the speed and responsiveness. Apps opened instantly, and iOS 15 felt fluid. But within weeks, frustrations emerged. She missed the S7’s larger, brighter screen for reviewing photos. The lack of a headphone jack made fieldwork harder when using professional headphones. And while the SE’s camera handled daylight well, she noticed increased noise in indoor shots compared to her old S7.

“I didn’t realize how much I relied on expandable storage until I ran out of space,” she said. “And trying to transfer RAW files via adapter was a nightmare. I kept my S7 as a backup—and honestly, I use it more than I expected.”

Sarah’s story reflects a broader trend: for users deeply embedded in Android workflows or who value hardware flexibility, the iPhone SE can feel restrictive despite its performance gains.

Is the Upgrade a Mistake? A Balanced Checklist

Whether switching from the Galaxy S7 to the iPhone SE was a mistake depends on your priorities. Use this checklist to evaluate your own experience:

• ✅ Did you need longer software support and faster performance?
• ✅ Do you prefer iOS ecosystem integration (iCloud, AirPods, Mac)?
• ✅ Are you okay with smaller screen size and no headphone jack?
• ✅ Can you live without expandable storage and microSD backups?
• ❌ Do you rely on water resistance or advanced camera controls?
• ❌ Do you frequently use wired headphones or external DACs?
• ❌ Are you frustrated by limited multitasking or file management?

If most of your answers are “yes” to the top three and “no” to the bottom four, the upgrade likely made sense. But if you’re missing core features the S7 offered, it might be worth reconsidering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone SE replace a Galaxy S7 for daily use?

Yes, in terms of basic functionality—calls, messaging, browsing, and social media—but with trade-offs. You gain performance and software longevity but lose hardware versatility and multimedia convenience.

Why does the iPhone SE feel slower than expected despite the powerful chip?

While the A15 is fast, the 4.7-inch screen and older UI design can make navigation feel dated. Also, iOS prioritizes smoothness over customization, which some users interpret as sluggishness compared to Android’s direct access.

Should I go back to Android if I regret the switch?

Absolutely. Many mid-range Android phones today offer better screens, cameras, and features than either the S7 or SE. Devices like the Google Pixel 7a or Samsung Galaxy A54 provide modern experiences with backward compatibility in ways the SE doesn't.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

Upgrading from the Galaxy S7 to the iPhone SE wasn’t inherently a mistake—but it wasn’t automatically the right move, either. Technology transitions should align with lifestyle needs, not just brand appeal or marketing hype.

The iPhone SE excels in performance, efficiency, and long-term support. But it deliberately omits features that once defined flagship quality. For users who valued the Galaxy S7’s balance of innovation and practicality, the SE might feel like a step back in design and flexibility, even as it moves forward in processing power.

💬 Did you make the switch from Galaxy S7 to iPhone SE? Share your experience below. Was it worth it? What do you miss—or love—about your new phone?