Is The Samsung Note 8 Still Better Than A Used Iphone 7 Plus

In today’s fast-moving smartphone market, choosing between older flagship models can be surprisingly practical. The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and the Apple iPhone 7 Plus were both top-tier devices in their time—released just a year apart in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Now that they’re out of official support, many buyers are turning to the secondhand market for affordable yet capable phones. But if you're deciding between a used iPhone 7 Plus and a Samsung Note 8, which one actually holds up better in 2024?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as specs alone suggest. While both devices once represented peak mobile engineering, their long-term usability, software support, hardware durability, and ecosystem integration have evolved differently. This article breaks down every critical factor—from performance to camera quality, battery life to repairability—to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Hardware: Where Power Meets Longevity

The Samsung Note 8 launched with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (or Exynos 9885 outside North America), 6GB of RAM, and storage options up to 256GB with microSD expansion. In contrast, the iPhone 7 Plus featured Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, 3GB of RAM, and maxed out at 256GB without expandable storage.

On paper, the Note 8 appears stronger on multitasking due to double the RAM. However, iOS is highly optimized, allowing the A10 Fusion to remain snappy even years later. Real-world usage shows that light tasks like messaging, web browsing, and social media work smoothly on both devices. But when it comes to heavier apps—such as photo editing tools or modern games—the Note 8 handles them more reliably thanks to superior thermal management and memory headroom.

Tip: When buying any used phone, always check benchmark scores via apps like Geekbench or AnTuTu to verify processor health and detect potential throttling.

Camera Comparison: Dual Lenses vs Computational Photography

Both phones introduced dual-camera systems to their respective lineups. The Note 8 was Samsung’s first with dual rear cameras: a 12MP wide-angle and a 12MP telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom and Live Focus (portrait mode). The iPhone 7 Plus also debuted Apple’s dual 12MP setup with similar optical zoom and portrait capabilities.

In side-by-side tests from trusted reviewers like DxOMark and GSMArena, the Note 8 consistently scored higher for dynamic range, low-light detail, and zoom clarity. Its larger sensor and advanced image processing gave it an edge in versatility. However, Apple’s computational photography—especially tone balance and skin rendering—remains preferred by many for natural-looking portraits.

For video, the iPhone 7 Plus records stabilized 4K at 30fps, while the Note 8 supports 4K at both 30fps and 60fps, offering smoother playback. If you prioritize video quality or hybrid zoom functionality, the Note 8 wins. But if you value color accuracy and ease of use, the iPhone retains appeal.

“Even five years later, the A10 Fusion delivers impressive efficiency, but the Note 8’s hardware gives it broader creative flexibility.” — James Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Battery Life and Charging: Endurance in Daily Use

The Note 8 packs a 3,300mAh battery compared to the iPhone 7 Plus’s 2,900mAh unit. Combined with Android’s aggressive background app management (on stock or near-stock firmware), this translates into noticeably longer screen-on time. Most users report getting 1.5 days of moderate use from the Note 8 when well-maintained, versus about one full day from the iPhone.

Another major advantage: the Note 8 supports fast charging and wireless charging—features absent on the iPhone 7 Plus. Even though neither device supports modern ultra-fast charging standards, being able to plug into a Qi pad or recharge 50% in under 30 minutes adds meaningful convenience.

Feature	Samsung Note 8	iPhone 7 Plus
Battery Capacity	3,300 mAh	2,900 mAh
Fast Charging	Yes (Adaptive Fast Charging)	No (5W standard only)
Wireless Charging	Yes (Qi/PMA)	No
Charging Port	USB-C	Lightning

Software Support and Security: The Hidden Lifespan Factor

This is where the gap widens significantly. The iPhone 7 Plus received iOS updates until late 2021, ending with iOS 15. It no longer receives security patches from Apple. Meanwhile, the Note 8 stopped receiving major Android updates after Android 9 Pie and security patches ended in 2020.

Neither phone is officially supported today, but iOS tends to age more gracefully. Many apps continue supporting older iPhones longer than older Android devices. For example, TikTok, Instagram, and banking apps dropped support for the Note 8 earlier due to API and encryption requirements. The iPhone 7 Plus, despite its age, still runs most core services as of 2024—though some newer features may be missing.

If your primary use involves email, calls, and basic apps, either phone suffices. But if you rely on secure financial apps or want access to the latest app features, the iPhone has a slight edge here due to Apple’s extended compatibility policy.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer assistant based in Portland, needed a reliable backup phone for client coordination and quick photo sharing. She considered both a refurbished Note 8 ($95) and a used iPhone 7 Plus ($110). After testing both:

• She found the Note 8’s S Pen useful for jotting down shoot notes directly on screenshots.
• The larger display helped her preview edits before uploading.
• But she struggled with app crashes on Instagram and PayPal, which had deprecated support for her Android version.
• The iPhone ran those apps flawlessly, despite slower multitasking.

In the end, she chose the iPhone 7 Plus—not for raw power, but for continued app reliability and seamless integration with her main iPhone 13. Her case highlights a crucial truth: sometimes ecosystem continuity outweighs hardware superiority.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Evaluate a Used Note 8 or iPhone 7 Plus

Before purchasing either device, follow this checklist to avoid common pitfalls:

1. Inspect physical condition: Check for cracks, water damage indicators (iPhone: red dot; Note 8: liquid contact label under SIM tray).
2. Test all core functions: Front/rear cameras, speakers, microphone, fingerprint scanner, buttons, and charging port.
3. Verify IMEI/serial number: Ensure the device isn’t blacklisted or reported stolen using free tools like IMEI.info.
4. Boot and reset: Perform a factory reset to see how the OS behaves fresh. Look for lag or boot loops.
5. Check battery health: On iPhone, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Replace if below 80%. On Note 8, use diagnostic codes (*#*#4636#*#*) to view battery info.
6. Evaluate software: Confirm what OS version is installed and whether essential apps still run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use WhatsApp on a Note 8 or iPhone 7 Plus?

Yes, but with caveats. WhatsApp requires Android 8.0+ or iOS 12+, which both devices meet. However, future updates could drop support at any time. As of early 2024, both still function, but long-term reliability isn't guaranteed.

Which phone has better repairability?

The iPhone 7 Plus is moderately repairable with widely available parts and guides from iFixit. The Note 8 is more complex due to its curved screen and sealed design, making screen replacements costly. Neither is easy to fix yourself, but third-party repair networks favor the iPhone for affordability.

Is the S Pen worth it on the Note 8?

For productivity-focused users, absolutely. The ability to take notes, translate text, create GIFs from selected areas, and annotate PDFs gives the Note 8 unique utility. Casual users may never touch it, but professionals or students often find it indispensable.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is objectively superior in hardware: faster processor, more RAM, better camera versatility, larger battery, and added features like the S Pen, fast charging, and wireless charging. For someone who values customization, productivity tools, and multimedia performance, the Note 8 remains the more capable device—even today.

However, the iPhone 7 Plus shines in software longevity and ecosystem integration. If you already own other Apple devices, rely heavily on app compatibility, or prefer simplicity over specs, the iPhone offers a smoother, more consistent experience despite aging hardware.

💬 Your turn: Have you used either of these phones recently? Share your experience in the comments below—your insights could help others decide what works best in the real world.