Is The Samsung Galaxy S7 Still Worth It Over The Lg K20 Plus In Current Year

In an era where smartphones receive updates for five years or more, older models sometimes linger in secondhand markets with surprising appeal. The Samsung Galaxy S7, released in 2016, and the LG K20 Plus, which arrived a year later in 2017, are both long past their prime. Yet, they occasionally surface in budget-conscious conversations—especially among users seeking affordable entry into Android. But is the Galaxy S7 still worth considering over the LG K20 Plus in 2024? The answer depends on what you value: legacy prestige or modest modern functionality.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

The Galaxy S7 was a flagship device in its time, powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890, depending on region. It featured 4GB of RAM and came with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. At launch, it delivered smooth multitasking, excellent gaming performance, and efficient power management thanks to its 3000mAh battery.

In contrast, the LG K20 Plus was a mid-tier phone built around the MediaTek MT6750 processor—a chip designed for basic usage. It had 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage (also expandable), but its 3800mAh battery was larger than the S7’s. However, the K20 Plus used a less efficient chipset and lower-grade components, resulting in slower app launches, occasional stutters, and poorer thermal management.

Tip: When buying any used smartphone, always check benchmark scores using tools like Geekbench or AnTuTu to verify actual performance.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S7	LG K20 Plus
Release Year	2016	2017
Processor	Snapdragon 820 / Exynos 8890	MediaTek MT6750
RAM	4GB	3GB
Battery	3000mAh	3800mAh
Display	5.1” Quad HD Super AMOLED	5.5” HD IPS LCD
Rear Camera	12MP Dual Pixel	13MP
Software Support Ended	2019 (Android 8)	2020 (Android 8)

Software and Security: A Critical Difference

Both phones stopped receiving official software updates years ago. The Galaxy S7 received its final major update with Android 8.0 Oreo in 2019. Similarly, the LG K20 Plus never advanced beyond Android 8. While neither device supports modern apps flawlessly, the S7 benefits from having run a cleaner version of Android with fewer bloatware apps compared to LG’s skin, which added overhead.

Security is a major concern. Without monthly patches, both devices are vulnerable to known exploits. Google Play Protect may flag them as high-risk. Apps like banking platforms, WhatsApp, and even some versions of Chrome have begun dropping support for devices running outdated Android versions.

“Devices stuck on Android 8 or earlier face increasing compatibility and security risks. Even if they function today, their usefulness diminishes rapidly.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at CyberShield Labs

Camera Quality and Real-World Use

The Galaxy S7 introduced Samsung’s revolutionary Dual Pixel sensor, allowing faster autofocus and superior low-light performance. Its 12MP rear camera produced richly detailed photos with natural color reproduction, especially in daylight. The front-facing 5MP shooter handled selfies well for its time.

The LG K20 Plus, while equipped with a higher-resolution 13MP rear sensor, used smaller pixels and lacked advanced image processing. Photos often appeared soft, with poor dynamic range and noticeable noise in dim lighting. Video recording maxed out at 1080p, same as the S7, but stabilization was weaker.

In 2024, neither camera meets modern standards. However, in side-by-side tests, the S7 consistently produces more balanced exposures, better skin tones, and sharper details—proof that sensor quality matters more than megapixel count.

Mini Case Study: Daily Driver Test (March 2024)

A tech enthusiast in Portland acquired both phones secondhand for $30 each to test as emergency backups. Over two weeks, he found the S7 booted faster, launched apps more reliably, and handled messaging and light browsing without freezing. The K20 Plus struggled with YouTube playback after ad breaks and frequently required reboots. Both failed to install the latest version of Instagram, but the S7 could still access the web version smoothly. Battery degradation was significant in both, but the S7’s adaptive brightness and AMOLED panel helped extend usable screen time despite aging hardware.

Longevity and Practical Usability Today

While the S7 was built with premium materials—glass back, aluminum frame, IP68 water resistance—it suffers from battery decay due to age. Most replacement batteries now are third-party and vary in quality. The K20 Plus, though plastic-bodied and only splash-resistant, has a user-replaceable battery, offering a slight edge in repairability.

App compatibility is deteriorating. Many newer versions of popular apps require Android 9 or higher. For example:

• Google Maps functions but lacks turn-by-turn navigation updates.
• Spotify runs but cannot stream in high quality.
• Zoom limits meeting duration to 40 minutes on unsupported devices.
• Banking apps often refuse login or display warnings.

Tip: Install lightweight alternatives like Firefox Lite, NewPipe (for YouTube), and offline email clients to improve usability on older Android versions.

Checklist: Is an Older Phone Right for You?

Before purchasing any pre-2018 smartphone, consider this checklist:

1. Can I accept limited app functionality and missing features?
2. Do I need secure access to banking or healthcare apps?
3. Will I rely on GPS navigation regularly?
4. Am I prepared to replace the battery within six months?
5. Is this device intended as a primary phone or backup?
6. Have I verified the IMEI status (not blacklisted)?
7. Does the seller provide a short return window?

FAQ

Can the Samsung Galaxy S7 still run WhatsApp?

As of early 2024, WhatsApp continues to support Android 5.0 and above, so the S7 can technically run it. However, future updates may drop support for Android 8 and below, potentially disabling the app by late 2024 or 2025.

Which phone has better battery life today?

Originally, the LG K20 Plus had a larger battery, but due to software inefficiency and typical lithium-ion degradation over 7+ years, real-world endurance is similar. Most units now last half a day with minimal use. The S7’s AMOLED screen gives it a slight efficiency edge when displaying dark themes.

Is either phone suitable as a starter phone for a child?

Only under strict supervision. Without security updates, exposure to phishing, malware, and inappropriate content is high. Parental controls are limited on outdated OS versions. A refurbished modern budget phone (e.g., Samsung A14 or Moto G Power) under $100 is a far safer choice.

Final Verdict: Legacy Appeal vs. Marginal Utility

The Galaxy S7 was once a technological marvel. In 2024, it remains a nostalgic reminder of Samsung’s design peak—but not a practical tool. Compared to the LG K20 Plus, it performs better, looks better, and captures better photos. However, both share the same fatal flaw: obsolescence.

If forced to choose between the two, the S7 wins on technical merit. But “winning” doesn’t mean “recommended.” Spending even $50 on either device risks frustration, security exposure, and rapid replacement costs. For just $80–$120, one can buy a new Android phone with three years of guaranteed updates, modern cameras, and full app compatibility.

The emotional pull of a once-great flagship is understandable. But in 2024, clinging to the Galaxy S7 over the LG K20 Plus is like preferring a vintage sports car with no spare parts over a reliable used sedan. Nostalgia is valid; daily dependence is not.

🚀 Upgrade wisely. Even modest investment in a current-generation budget phone delivers vastly better performance, security, and peace of mind. Share your experience with older devices—have you found a hidden gem, or learned the hard way?