Is The Google Pixel 3 Xl Still Worth It Over An Iphone 7 Plus In Current Year

In 2024, both the Google Pixel 3 XL and the iPhone 7 Plus are long past their prime release cycles. The Pixel 3 XL launched in October 2018; the iPhone 7 Plus debuted in September 2016. Despite their age, some users still consider these devices as budget-friendly or secondary options. But is either phone a viable choice today — and more specifically, does the Pixel 3 XL hold enough advantages over the iPhone 7 Plus to justify choosing it in the current market?

The answer depends on what you value: raw performance, software support, camera quality, security updates, or ecosystem compatibility. While neither device meets modern flagship standards, they each represent different philosophies in mobile design and longevity.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

The Pixel 3 XL was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, a high-end chipset at its time, paired with 4GB of RAM. In contrast, the iPhone 7 Plus used Apple’s A10 Fusion chip with 3GB of RAM. On paper, the Snapdragon 845 has more CPU cores and higher clock speeds, but Apple’s tight hardware-software integration often allows older iPhones to perform better over time than Android counterparts with similar specs.

In daily use, the Pixel 3 XL generally feels snappier when multitasking or launching apps, thanks to its superior processor. However, both phones now struggle with heavier applications like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or modern mobile games. Apps may load slowly, stutter during transitions, or crash under memory pressure.

Tip: Close background apps regularly and disable animations to improve responsiveness on aging devices.

Real-World Speed Test Example

A user switching from a 2023 mid-range phone to a used Pixel 3 XL reported that while basic tasks like texting and web browsing were manageable, loading Gmail with multiple accounts took nearly 8 seconds, and YouTube would occasionally freeze during ad transitions. The iPhone 7 Plus performed similarly but showed slightly faster app launch times for native iOS apps like Messages and Safari.

Software Support and Security Updates

This is where the biggest gap lies. Google officially ended major Android version updates for the Pixel 3 series after Android 12, and security patches ceased in late 2022. As of 2024, the Pixel 3 XL runs outdated software vulnerable to known exploits. No further official updates will be released.

Apple, however, supported the iPhone 7 Plus with iOS updates until iOS 16, which was released in 2022. While it cannot upgrade to iOS 17, it remains on a relatively recent operating system with critical security fixes distributed through iOS 16.x updates well into 2023. This extended support gives the iPhone 7 Plus an edge in terms of digital safety and app compatibility.

“Even two years after losing update support, iPhones tend to maintain better app compatibility due to stricter developer guidelines.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at TechShield Labs

Many newer apps now require minimum OS versions that exclude both devices. For example, Snapchat dropped support for devices running below Android 10 or iOS 14 in early 2023. WhatsApp stopped supporting the iPhone 7 Plus in May 2024 for new features, though basic functionality remains.

Camera Quality: Then vs. Now

At launch, both phones were praised for their photography. The Pixel 3 XL’s single rear camera (12.2 MP) outperformed many dual-lens competitors thanks to Google’s computational photography — HDR+, Night Sight, and Super Res Zoom set new standards.

The iPhone 7 Plus featured a dual-camera system (12 MP wide + 12 MP telephoto), enabling true 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode. Its color science and dynamic range were excellent for the time.

In 2024, the Pixel 3 XL still produces surprisingly good photos in daylight, with accurate colors and strong detail. Low-light performance remains impressive due to Night Sight, though processing takes several seconds. The iPhone 7 Plus struggles more in dim lighting, producing grainy images with poor noise control.

Feature	Pixel 3 XL	iPhone 7 Plus
Daylight Photos	Excellent detail, natural tones	Vibrant, slightly oversharpened
Low-Light Performance	Strong (with Night Sight)	Poor, noisy, slow focusing
Zoom Capability	Digital only (Super Res helps)	2x optical zoom available
Front Camera	Dual front shooters (wide-angle option)	7MP, decent but limited
Video Recording	4K@30fps, stabilized	4K@30fps, excellent stabilization

While the Pixel wins in computational photography, the iPhone 7 Plus delivers smoother video recording and better audio capture. For social media content creators on a tight budget, the Pixel 3 XL offers more flexibility in photo editing and low-light scenarios.

Battery Life and Longevity Concerns

Both phones suffer from degraded battery health after 6–8 years of potential use. Original batteries in either model have likely lost 30–50% of their capacity unless replaced. The Pixel 3 XL had a 3,430 mAh battery; the iPhone 7 Plus came with 2,900 mAh. However, iOS optimization often results in longer perceived battery life despite smaller capacity.

Charging is another concern. The Pixel 3 XL supports fast charging (up to 18W with compatible charger) and wireless charging — features absent on the iPhone 7 Plus, which relies solely on 5W or 12W wired charging via Lightning.

Mini Case Study: Daily Use After Battery Replacement

Mark, a freelance writer in Portland, bought a refurbished Pixel 3 XL in 2023 for $75. He immediately replaced the battery ($45 repair). With moderate use (email, news, music streaming), he achieved about 6 hours of screen-on time. The iPhone 7 Plus he tested side-by-side lasted roughly 5.5 hours under the same conditions, but iOS froze twice during prolonged navigation usage. Mark preferred the Pixel for its display size and gesture navigation, despite occasional app crashes.

Checklist: Is Either Phone Right for You?

Before purchasing a used Pixel 3 XL or iPhone 7 Plus in 2024, ask yourself the following:

• Do I need reliable access to modern apps like banking, food delivery, or ride-sharing?
• Am I comfortable with potential security risks from outdated software?
• Will this be my primary phone or a backup/device for a child/elderly relative?
• Have I considered replacing the battery if buying used?
• Do I rely heavily on cloud services (Google vs. iCloud)?
• Is camera quality more important than speed or app compatibility?
• Can I accept slower performance and frequent app reloads?

If most answers lean toward caution, it may be wiser to invest $100–$150 in a newer budget Android like the Samsung Galaxy A14 or Google Pixel 4a, which offer modern processors, updated software, and better long-term viability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Pixel 3 XL run Android 14?

No. The last official update was Android 12. While some custom ROMs (like LineageOS) bring newer Android versions unofficially, they lack Google Play Services certification and pose security risks.

Does the iPhone 7 Plus support 5G or modern Wi-Fi standards?

No. It uses LTE Advanced and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). It lacks Bluetooth 5.0 and modern location-based features like ultra-wideband (UWB).

Which phone holds resale value better?

Historically, iPhones retain value longer, but given the age of the 7 Plus, neither phone has meaningful resale value today. Most sell between $30–$70 depending on condition.

Final Verdict: Is the Pixel 3 XL Worth It Over the iPhone 7 Plus?

In a head-to-head matchup today, the **Google Pixel 3 XL edges out the iPhone 7 Plus** — but only narrowly and under specific conditions. If your priority is camera performance, especially in low light, and you’re okay with sideloading apps or accepting limited security, the Pixel offers a more modern Android experience with useful features like facial recognition, a larger OLED display, and wireless charging.

However, the iPhone 7 Plus wins in ecosystem reliability, smoother long-term software optimization, and overall stability. If you're deeply embedded in Apple’s ecosystem (iCloud, AirDrop, iMessage, Find My), sticking with iOS makes sense even on older hardware.

Ultimately, both phones are obsolete by modern standards. They should only be considered if you’re on an extremely tight budget, need a temporary device, or are using them for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and offline media playback.

🚀 Upgrade wisely. Even a modest investment in a newer entry-level smartphone can dramatically improve speed, security, and usability. Don’t let nostalgia dictate your tech choices — prioritize function, safety, and peace of mind.