Is The Galaxy S8 Camera Really That Much Better Than The Iphone 7 Still Worth The Upgrade

When the Samsung Galaxy S8 launched in 2017, it was hailed as a design revolution with its edge-to-edge display and refined hardware. But for many iPhone 7 users still relying on their 2016 flagship, the real question wasn’t about screen size or bezels—it was whether the S8’s camera offered enough of an improvement to justify switching ecosystems. Years later, some users are still weighing this decision, especially those holding onto older iPhones or considering secondhand Android devices. The answer isn’t just about megapixels or marketing claims; it’s about real-world photo quality, consistency, and long-term usability.

Camera Specs: A Side-by-Side Comparison

On paper, the differences between the Galaxy S8 and iPhone 7 cameras may seem modest, but small technical variations can have a significant impact on output. Let’s break down the core specifications:

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S8	Apple iPhone 7
Rear Camera Resolution	12 MP (f/1.7 aperture)	12 MP (f/1.8 aperture)
Pixel Size	1.4 µm	1.22 µm
Image Stabilization	OIS + EIS	OIS
Front Camera	8 MP (f/1.7)	7 MP (f/2.2)
Video Recording	4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps	4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps
Dual Pixel Autofocus	Yes	No

The Galaxy S8 edges ahead with a slightly wider f/1.7 aperture and larger pixel size, both of which contribute to improved light capture—especially in dim environments. More importantly, Samsung introduced Dual Pixel autofocus, a technology that dramatically speeds up focusing in varied lighting. While the iPhone 7 uses contrast-detection autofocus, which can hesitate in low contrast or motion scenarios, the S8 locks focus almost instantly.

Tip: In low-light conditions, even a 0.1 aperture difference can mean clearer photos with less noise. The S8’s f/1.7 lens gives it a tangible advantage after dark.

Low-Light Performance: Where the S8 Shines

If you frequently take photos indoors, at night, or in poorly lit restaurants, the Galaxy S8 offers a noticeably better experience. Its combination of a wider aperture, larger pixels, and advanced noise reduction algorithms results in brighter, more balanced shots with accurate color reproduction.

Compare this to the iPhone 7, which tends to underexpose images in dim settings to avoid noise. Apple’s processing prioritizes detail preservation over brightness, often leaving subjects looking too dark unless manually adjusted. The S8, by contrast, brightens shadows intelligently while retaining detail in highlights—a balance that most casual photographers find more appealing.

“Smartphone photography isn't just about hardware—it's about how software interprets light. The S8’s processing pipeline was tuned for realism and vibrancy without oversaturation.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechVisuals

Real-World Photo Quality: A Mini Case Study

Consider Sarah, a travel blogger who used her iPhone 7 from 2016 through 2018. She upgraded to a used Galaxy S8 in 2019 while traveling through Southeast Asia. Her goal: capture vibrant street food scenes in bustling night markets with minimal lighting.

With the iPhone 7, she found herself relying heavily on external lights or editing apps to brighten photos. Shadows swallowed details, and white balance often skewed yellow under market lamps. After switching to the S8, she noticed immediate improvements. Food stalls appeared vividly lit, colors stayed true, and motion blur dropped significantly—even when shooting handheld. She reduced post-processing time by nearly 60%, allowing her to publish content faster.

This isn’t to say the iPhone 7 produces poor images. In daylight, both phones deliver sharp, well-exposed photos with natural skin tones. But once ambient light drops below a certain threshold, the S8 pulls ahead with more consistent results.

Software & User Experience Differences

Beyond raw image quality, the camera interface and features play a crucial role in user satisfaction. The Galaxy S8 introduced Pro Mode, allowing manual control over ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and focus. This level of customization appeals to enthusiasts who want creative freedom without carrying a separate camera.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 7 relies on Apple’s signature “set and forget” philosophy. Its software optimization ensures reliable point-and-shoot performance, but offers no manual mode. For casual users, this simplicity is a strength. For those wanting to experiment, it’s a limitation.

Samsung also included Live Focus (on front-facing shots via software segmentation), HDR support by default, and superior zoom handling due to better digital processing. While neither phone has a telephoto lens, the S8’s AI-powered enhancement during digital zoom delivers slightly cleaner results.

Is It Still Worth Upgrading in 2024?

As of 2024, both the Galaxy S8 and iPhone 7 are well beyond their official software support lifecycle. Samsung ended major Android updates for the S8 in 2020, and Apple discontinued iOS updates for the iPhone 7 with iOS 16. Security patches are limited or nonexistent for both.

However, if you’re currently using an iPhone 7 and are considering a switch to Android—not necessarily for the latest tech, but for a functional secondhand device—the S8 remains a compelling option *only* if you prioritize camera performance over security and app compatibility.

Newer budget Android phones like the Google Pixel 6a or Samsung Galaxy A54 outperform both devices significantly in computational photography, night mode, and video stabilization. Yet, in niche cases—such as needing a temporary backup phone or operating in areas with weak connectivity where lightweight OS performance matters—the S8’s camera might still offer value.

Tip: If you're upgrading solely for camera quality, consider models with Night Sight, multi-frame processing, or dedicated low-light sensors—they outperform both the S8 and iPhone 7 by a wide margin.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade from iPhone 7 to Galaxy S8?

• ✅ Are you primarily interested in better low-light photos?
• ✅ Do you prefer having manual camera controls?
• ✅ Is your current iPhone 7 experiencing battery degradation or slow performance?
• ⚠️ Have you considered modern mid-range alternatives with better long-term support?
• ❌ Are you concerned about ongoing security updates or app compatibility?
• ❌ Do you rely heavily on iMessage or Apple’s ecosystem?

If most of your answers are “yes” to the first three and “no” to the last three, the S8 could be a reasonable short-term upgrade. Otherwise, investing in a newer device makes more sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S8 shoot better portraits than the iPhone 7?

The iPhone 7 lacks Portrait Mode entirely, while the S8 uses software-based depth mapping on its front and rear cameras to simulate bokeh effects. Results are decent in good lighting but less accurate than dual-lens systems. For basic portrait shots, the S8 wins by offering the feature at all.

Does the S8 camera degrade over time?

Like all smartphone cameras, dust accumulation, lens scratches, and moisture exposure can affect image quality. However, there’s no evidence of sensor degradation under normal use. Software slowdowns may impact autofocus speed over time due to system bloat.

Is the video quality significantly different?

Both phones record 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps. The S8 has slightly better dynamic range and stabilization in practice, but the iPhone 7 produces warmer tones preferred by some vloggers. Audio recording is crisper on the iPhone thanks to superior noise filtering.

Final Verdict: A Measured Upgrade

The Galaxy S8 does offer a genuinely better camera experience than the iPhone 7, particularly in low-light photography, autofocus speed, and manual control options. For users frustrated by dark, blurry nighttime shots or limited editing flexibility, the upgrade brings meaningful improvements.

But “better” doesn’t always mean “worth it.” In 2024, choosing between two unsupported devices is less about peak performance and more about trade-offs: ecosystem loyalty, app longevity, security, and future-proofing. If your priority is pure photo quality and you’re not dependent on regular updates, the S8 remains a capable shooter. However, stepping into a modern mid-tier smartphone will deliver far greater gains across every metric—including camera.

💬 Still using an iPhone 7 or Galaxy S8? Share your experience! Tell us what you love—or regret—about your device’s camera. Your insights could help others make smarter upgrade decisions.