Is It Finally Time To Ditch My Galaxy S5 For An S7 What Am I Really Missing Out On

If you're still using a Samsung Galaxy S5, congratulations—you’ve gotten serious mileage out of one of the most durable smartphones of its era. Released in 2014, the S5 was a flagship device with water resistance, a fingerprint sensor, and a solid camera for its time. But nearly a decade later, clinging to it might mean you’re not just holding onto nostalgia; you could be missing out on years of meaningful advancements. So is it finally time to upgrade to a Galaxy S7 (or even consider it as a stepping stone)? Let’s break down exactly what you’re sacrificing by staying behind.

The Performance Gap: From Lag to Lightning

The Galaxy S5 ran on either a Snapdragon 801 or Exynos 5422, depending on region—both were top-tier chips in 2014. Today, they struggle to handle even basic multitasking. Apps load slowly, background processes stall, and switching between apps often triggers reloads instead of smooth transitions.

In contrast, the Galaxy S7, released in 2016, came with either the Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890. These chips brought significant improvements in CPU and GPU performance—roughly 30–40% faster in real-world tasks—and far better power efficiency. More importantly, the S7 shipped with 4GB of RAM, double the S5’s 2GB. This means smoother app switching, better gaming performance, and longer usability before slowdowns set in.

Tip: If your phone takes more than three seconds to open commonly used apps like messaging or email, it’s a strong sign your hardware is holding you back.

Camera Quality: Night Shots, Detail, and Low-Light Magic

On paper, both phones have 16MP rear cameras, but that’s where similarities end. The Galaxy S7 introduced a larger f/1.7 aperture lens—among the widest available at the time—which lets in dramatically more light. This translates into vastly superior low-light photos. Where the S5 produces grainy, blurry night shots, the S7 captures usable, detailed images even in dim environments.

The S7 also features Dual Pixel autofocus technology, which makes focusing faster and more accurate, especially when shooting moving subjects or recording video. Video quality jumps from 1080p on the S5 to stabilized 4K on the S7—a massive leap for anyone who values crisp home videos.

“Smartphone photography isn’t just about megapixels—it’s about sensor size, aperture, and software processing. The S7 marked Samsung’s return to camera leadership.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

Design and Build: Water Resistance That Actually Works

Both phones are water-resistant, but there’s a crucial difference. The S5 requires a sealed back cover and closed port covers to maintain its IP67 rating—practically speaking, many users left the charging port open, voiding protection. The S7, however, uses seamless sealing around the USB port and no external flaps, making its IP68 rating more reliable and user-friendly.

Beyond durability, the design language evolved significantly. The S7 features a curved glass front, slimmer profile, and metal frame, giving it a premium feel compared to the S5’s plastic chassis and textured back. It’s not just aesthetics—better ergonomics make the S7 more comfortable to hold and use one-handed.

Software and Security: The Hidden Cost of Staying Behind

This is where the real danger lies. The Galaxy S5 stopped receiving major Android updates after Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and security patches ended years ago. That means every day you use it, you’re exposed to unpatched vulnerabilities—especially risky if you bank, shop, or log into accounts on your phone.

The S7 launched with Android 6.0 but received upgrades to Nougat and Oreo, along with regular monthly security updates until 2019. While it’s no longer supported either, used S7 models today are still likely running newer software versions than most active S5s. For peace of mind alone, upgrading reduces your exposure to malware, phishing, and data theft.

What You’re Really Missing: A Comparison Table

Feature	Galaxy S5	Galaxy S7
Release Year	2014	2016
Processor	Snapdragon 801 / Exynos 5422	Snapdragon 820 / Exynos 8890
RAM	2GB	4GB
Storage (Base)	16GB (expandable)	32GB (expandable)
Display	5.1” Full HD Super AMOLED	5.1” Quad HD Super AMOLED
Rear Camera	16MP, f/2.2, 1080p video	12MP Dual Pixel, f/1.7, 4K video
Water Resistance	IP67 (with sealed ports)	IP68 (no flaps needed)
Security Updates	Ended ~2016	Ended ~2019
Battery Life (Real-World Use)	~1 day (with light use)	~1.2 days (with moderate use)

A Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had been using her Galaxy S5 since 2015. She liked its durability and didn’t see a reason to upgrade. But last winter, while traveling in Prague, she tried to use Google Maps offline—the app kept crashing. She couldn’t send photos to family because uploads failed. Her banking app warned her the OS was unsupported. After a week of frustration, she bought a used Galaxy S7 for $120.

Immediately, things changed. Maps worked smoothly. Photos uploaded instantly. She could take clear night shots of the city lights. Most importantly, her phone felt secure again. “I didn’t realize how much stress I was under trying to work around a dying phone,” she said. “The upgrade cost less than a dinner out and gave me back two years of usability.”

Step-by-Step: How to Transition from S5 to S7

1. Backup Your Data: Use Samsung Smart Switch or Google Sync to save contacts, messages, photos, and app data.
2. Verify S7 Condition: If buying used, check screen for burn-in, test buttons, confirm water damage indicators are clear, and ensure the battery holds charge.
3. Transfer SIM and SD Card: Move your existing cards to the S7 (ensure compatibility).
4. Restore from Backup: Use Smart Switch on the S7 to restore apps and settings.
5. Update Software: Install all available system and security updates immediately.
6. Optimize Settings: Enable adaptive brightness, battery-saving mode, and auto-brightness for best performance.

Tip: Before selling or recycling your S5, perform a factory reset and remove your Google and Samsung accounts to protect your privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S5 still be used safely in 2024?

Technically, yes—but with major caveats. Without security updates, it’s vulnerable to malware, especially if you install apps from unknown sources or visit unsecured websites. Avoid using it for banking, shopping, or logging into sensitive accounts.

Is the Galaxy S7 worth buying now?

As a temporary or budget device, yes—if you can find one in good condition. However, consider that even the S7 is outdated by modern standards. For long-term use, investing in a newer model like a Galaxy A-series or mid-range iPhone SE may offer better value and support.

Will my accessories work with the S7?

Most micro-USB chargers and headphones will work, but the S7 doesn’t support USB OTG out of the box without firmware updates. Cases and screen protectors are not interchangeable due to design differences.

Final Thoughts: Time to Let Go

Holding onto a Galaxy S5 in 2024 is like driving a car with no airbags, ABS, or GPS—functional, perhaps, but unnecessarily limiting and potentially unsafe. The jump to the S7 isn’t just about speed or shiny features; it’s about reliability, security, and reclaiming your digital experience.

You’re missing faster performance, better photos, improved battery life, and critical security updates. Even if you opt for a slightly newer secondhand device, the improvement over the S5 will feel revolutionary. Technology evolves to serve us better—not just to sell new gadgets.

🚀 It’s time to upgrade. Whether you choose an S7 or look further ahead, taking that step today means regaining speed, safety, and peace of mind tomorrow. What’s one task you’ve avoided because your phone is too slow? Try it on a modern device—you’ll wonder why you waited so long.