Iphone Xs Vs Galaxy S7 Is Upgrading From The S7 Really Worth It

The Samsung Galaxy S7 was a flagship powerhouse in 2016—its vibrant display, water resistance, and solid build quality made it a favorite for years. But if you're still using one in 2024, you're likely wondering: Is it time to move on? And if so, does the iPhone XS, released just a year later in 2018, offer enough improvement to justify the upgrade?

This isn’t just about new features—it’s about real-world usability, longevity, software support, and whether your daily experience will actually improve. Let’s break down the key differences and see if stepping up to the iPhone XS makes practical sense.

Performance and Software Experience

The Galaxy S7 ran on either the Exynos 8890 or Snapdragon 820, depending on region—both were top-tier chips at launch. In 2016, the phone handled multitasking, gaming, and streaming with ease. However, by 2024 standards, that hardware struggles. Apps load slowly, background processes are limited, and newer versions of Android are unsupported, leaving the device vulnerable to security risks.

In contrast, the iPhone XS launched with Apple’s A12 Bionic chip—the first 7nm processor in a smartphone. Even today, the A12 holds up remarkably well. It supports iOS 16 (the last version for the XS), meaning access to modern apps, security updates, and smoother performance across Safari, social media, and productivity tools.

iOS also offers tighter optimization between hardware and software. While Android has improved, iPhones generally deliver longer usable lifespans. The S7 stopped receiving major OS updates after Android 8, while the iPhone XS received five full iOS upgrades—from iOS 12 to iOS 16.

Tip: If your current phone can't run the latest apps smoothly or fails basic tasks like opening links quickly, it's already functionally obsolete.

Camera Comparison: Real-World Photography

The Galaxy S7 had a standout 12MP rear camera with large pixels and an f/1.7 aperture, excellent for its time. Low-light photos were among the best in 2016, and the autofocus was fast. However, without computational photography enhancements like Night Mode or Smart HDR, results today look flat compared to modern devices.

The iPhone XS improves significantly here. Its dual 12MP system (wide + telephoto) enables 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode with depth control. More importantly, Apple’s image signal processing adds noise reduction, better dynamic range, and consistent color science. The front-facing TrueDepth camera also supports Portrait Mode selfies and Animoji—features absent on the S7.

In low light, the XS uses longer exposure stacking and AI-assisted processing to brighten scenes naturally. While not matching current-gen Night Mode levels, it outperforms the S7 consistently, especially in mixed lighting.

“Smartphone photography isn’t just about megapixels anymore—it’s about how software enhances every shot. That’s where older phones fall behind.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst

Battery Life and Charging Evolution

The Galaxy S7 came with a 3,000mAh battery. With moderate use, it lasted a full day in 2016. But after six-plus years, even a replaced battery degrades significantly. Plus, charging tops out at 15W via Quick Charge 2.0, with no official wireless charging support outside Qi-certified accessories.

The iPhone XS has a smaller 2,658mAh battery, but Apple’s power efficiency helps it match or slightly exceed the S7’s endurance under iOS optimization. More importantly, it supports faster wired charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with an 18W adapter) and convenient MagSafe-style alignment with Qi pads. You can charge it wirelessly on any standard pad—a small but meaningful convenience.

However, neither phone includes fast chargers in-box anymore (though the S7 never did). Users must purchase them separately, which adds cost to the upgrade equation.

Durability, Design, and Daily Usability

Design-wise, both phones represent their eras. The S7 has a glass-and-metal body with IP68 water resistance and a beloved microSD slot for expandable storage. Its curved screen edges gave it a premium feel, though they occasionally triggered accidental touches.

The iPhone XS follows Apple’s post-iPhone X design language: stainless steel frame, glass back, Face ID instead of a fingerprint sensor, and a notch. It feels more compact despite similar dimensions due to the taller 5.8” OLED display (vs. S7’s 5.1”). The build quality is sturdier, with better drop resistance thanks to stronger glass and structural reinforcement.

But there’s a trade-off: no headphone jack and no expandable storage. The base model starts at 64GB—same as the S7—but cloud integration and app sizes make that fill up faster today.

Feature	Galaxy S7	iPhone XS
Release Year	2016	2018
Processor	Snapdragon 820 / Exynos 8890	A12 Bionic
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.7	Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.4)
Front Camera	5MP f/1.7	7MP f/2.2 (TrueDepth)
Battery Capacity	3,000mAh	2,658mAh
Charging	Fast (QC 2.0), No Wireless	Fast (with 18W+ adapter), Qi Wireless
Storage Options	32/64GB + microSD	64/256/512GB (no card slot)
Last OS Support	Android 8 (security updates ended)	iOS 16 (support ended 2023)

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Moving from the Galaxy S7 to the iPhone XS means changing ecosystems, adjusting to new gestures, and relearning workflows. Before making the switch, consider this checklist:

• Evaluate your usage: Are you struggling with slow app launches, crashes, or outdated software?
• Check app compatibility: Do essential services (banking, health, work tools) still support your current OS?
• Consider ecosystem lock-in: Do you rely on Google services heavily? Switching to iCloud and Apple apps may require adjustment.
• Assess repair costs: Has your S7 needed multiple fixes? Continued maintenance could exceed the value of upgrading.
• Think long-term: The iPhone XS is no longer supported, but it’ll likely remain functional for another 1–2 years with lighter use.

Real User Scenario: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah used her Galaxy S7 for seven years—longer than most. She relied on its durability and familiarity. But by late 2023, she noticed issues: WhatsApp became sluggish, her bank app stopped updating, and video calls on Zoom froze constantly. After replacing the battery twice, she considered upgrading.

She tested both the iPhone XS and a newer Android mid-ranger. While the Android option was cheaper, she chose the iPhone XS because her family uses iMessage and AirDrop regularly. The seamless integration, combined with smoother performance and better photo consistency, justified the higher upfront cost—even knowing iOS 17 wouldn’t be supported.

Her advice? “If your phone frustrates you daily, the upgrade pays for itself in peace of mind.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer data easily from my Galaxy S7 to an iPhone XS?

Yes. Apple provides the “Move to iOS” app on the Google Play Store, which securely transfers contacts, messages, photos, calendars, and free apps over Wi-Fi during initial setup.

Will the iPhone XS feel much faster than the S7?

Subjectively, yes. Despite being older hardware than today’s phones, the A12 Bionic handles modern interfaces far better than the aging Snapdragon 820. Scrolling, typing, and launching apps feel noticeably snappier.

Is the iPhone XS still secure without updates?

It depends. Since iOS 16 is no longer receiving feature updates, future vulnerabilities may go unpatched. For basic browsing and messaging, it’s still safe—for now. Avoid storing sensitive financial data or using it for high-risk transactions long-term.

Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?

If you’re still holding onto a Galaxy S7, you’ve gotten exceptional mileage. But functionality matters more than nostalgia. The iPhone XS offers tangible improvements: faster performance, better cameras, wireless charging, and two extra years of software relevance.

That said, recognize this: the iPhone XS is itself outdated. This isn’t a future-proof investment. But as a transitional upgrade—bridging the gap between legacy hardware and modern usability—it makes sense. You gain reliability, security, and a smoother digital experience without jumping into the $1,000 flagship tier.

💬 Have you upgraded from an older Android to an older iPhone? Share your experience below—your insight could help someone decide their next move.