For users still clinging to an iPhone 7 Plus in 2024, the question isn’t whether it’s time to upgrade — it’s what to upgrade to. The iPhone 7 Plus was a landmark device in Apple’s history, known for its solid build, excellent camera for its era, and long software support. But nearly eight years later, its hardware is severely outdated. Enter the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition), released in late 2020 as a premium mid-tier flagship alternative. While not the newest phone on the market, it offers a dramatic leap in capability over the iPhone 7 Plus. So, is the S20 FE actually a better upgrade today? The answer is a resounding yes — and here’s why.
Performance: A Quantum Leap Forward
The most immediate difference between the two devices lies in performance. The iPhone 7 Plus runs on Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, a 64-bit processor that was powerful in 2016 but now struggles with modern apps, multitasking, and even basic web browsing under heavy loads. iOS updates have become increasingly demanding, and while the 7 Plus received updates up to iOS 16, many newer apps either run slowly or are no longer supported.
In contrast, the Samsung S20 FE is powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 (depending on region), both of which were top-tier chips at launch. Even today, they handle modern Android applications, gaming, and multitasking with ease. With 6GB or 8GB of RAM (vs. the iPhone 7 Plus’s 3GB), the S20 FE supports smoother app switching, background processing, and future-proofing for upcoming software updates.
Display and Design: From Retina to Dynamic AMOLED
The iPhone 7 Plus features a 5.5-inch LCD Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920x1080. At the time, it was sharp and vibrant. Today, it feels small, dim, and outdated compared to modern standards. It lacks HDR support, high refresh rate, and deep blacks due to its LCD nature.
The S20 FE, however, boasts a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This means everything from scrolling through social media to playing games feels significantly smoother. Colors are richer, blacks are true, and brightness levels are much higher — crucial for outdoor visibility. The larger screen also makes media consumption, reading, and productivity far more enjoyable.
Design-wise, the S20 FE embraces modern aesthetics: slim bezels, a hole-punch front camera, and IP68 water resistance. While the iPhone 7 Plus has a sturdy aluminum body, it lacks dust and water resistance certification (though it does have some incidental splash protection). The S20 FE’s build quality, while plastic-backed, feels contemporary and durable.
Camera Capabilities: Night Mode, Zoom, and Versatility
The iPhone 7 Plus introduced Apple’s first dual-camera system — a 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto lens — enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait mode. For its time, it delivered excellent photo quality with natural color reproduction and strong low-light performance.
Fast forward to the S20 FE, which features a triple rear camera setup: a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This allows for greater creative flexibility. You can capture sweeping landscapes with the ultra-wide, zoom further than the iPhone 7 Plus, and shoot in higher-resolution detail.
More importantly, the S20 FE includes advanced computational photography features like Night Mode, Single Take, and AI scene optimization. These allow for dramatically better low-light photos, automatic format suggestions, and enhanced dynamic range — areas where the iPhone 7 Plus simply cannot compete without third-party apps or external lighting.
“Smartphone photography today is less about megapixels and more about software intelligence. The gap between 2016 and 2020-era cameras is wider than most realize.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse Insights
Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power vs. Midday Anxiety
The iPhone 7 Plus came with a 2,900mAh battery, which in 2016 offered solid all-day use for moderate consumers. By today’s standards, it often requires midday charging, especially if running iOS 16 or later, which are optimized for newer hardware.
The S20 FE packs a 4,500mAh battery — nearly 55% larger capacity — paired with a more efficient 120Hz adaptive display and power-saving software features. In real-world usage, this translates to consistent 1.5 to 2 days of light use or full-day endurance under heavy load. It also supports 25W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging — none of which the iPhone 7 Plus offers.
Software and Longevity: Android 14 vs. iOS 16
Apple deserves credit for its long software support. The iPhone 7 Plus received updates up to iOS 16, released in 2022 — seven years after its debut. However, it will not receive iOS 17 or beyond, meaning no new features, security patches, or app compatibility improvements moving forward.
The S20 FE launched with Android 10 and has since been updated to Android 13, with Android 14 available in many regions. Samsung promises four major OS upgrades and five years of security patches, meaning the S20 FE could remain supported into 2025 or early 2026. This extended lifecycle ensures continued access to new features, security fixes, and app compatibility.
Comparison Table: Key Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 7 Plus | Samsung S20 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2016 | 2020 |
| Processor | A10 Fusion | Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 |
| RAM | 3GB | 6GB / 8GB |
| Display | 5.5\" LCD, 60Hz | 6.5\" AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Rear Cameras | Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto) | Triple 12MP+12MP+8MP (Main + Ultra-Wide + Telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 32MP |
| Battery | 2,900mAh | 4,500mAh |
| Charging | 5W wired (no fast charging) | 25W fast, wireless, reverse wireless |
| Water Resistance | Splash-resistant only | IP68 certified |
| Software Support | Ended at iOS 16 | Up to Android 14/15, security until 2025+ |
Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey
Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used her iPhone 7 Plus for six years. She loved the color accuracy and simplicity of iOS but began noticing limitations: slow app launches, poor performance in editing apps like Lightroom, and rapidly draining battery during shoots. After researching options, she chose a refurbished S20 FE for $220.
Within days, she noticed the difference. The faster processor allowed her to edit RAW files directly on the phone. The ultra-wide lens helped her capture environmental portraits without stepping back. Most importantly, the 120Hz screen made navigating her gallery smoother, and the larger battery lasted through full-day shoots without needing a pack. “It felt like going from a flip phone to a smartphone all over again,” she said.
Actionable Upgrade Checklist
- ✅ Back up your iPhone 7 Plus using iCloud or iTunes before switching
- ✅ Use Samsung Smart Switch to transfer contacts, messages, photos, and apps
- ✅ Set up Google Account for seamless Android integration
- ✅ Install essential apps (WhatsApp, banking, cloud storage) early
- ✅ Customize display settings (reduce 120Hz if battery is a concern)
- ✅ Explore Samsung DeX for desktop-like productivity
- ✅ Enable biometric security (fingerprint & facial recognition)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my iPhone accessories with the S20 FE?
No, the S20 FE uses USB-C, so Lightning cables and headphones won’t work. You’ll need adapters or new accessories. However, wireless earbuds like AirPods will pair via Bluetooth.
Will my apps transfer smoothly?
Most major apps are available on both platforms, but some iOS-exclusive apps may not have Android equivalents. Samsung Smart Switch helps migrate data, but you’ll need to manually reinstall apps from the Google Play Store.
Is the S20 FE still worth buying in 2024?
Yes, especially if purchased refurbished or secondhand. With prices often below $250, it offers flagship-level performance, a great display, and solid camera quality — far surpassing any iPhone 7 Plus experience today.
Final Verdict: Yes, It’s a Better Upgrade
The Samsung S20 FE isn’t just a better upgrade than the iPhone 7 Plus — it’s a transformation. It delivers a modern smartphone experience with a high-refresh display, robust performance, superior cameras, and meaningful software support. While the iPhone 7 Plus was a reliable device in its prime, it no longer meets the demands of today’s mobile ecosystem.
Switching from iOS to Android may require a brief adjustment period, but the benefits in speed, functionality, and longevity far outweigh the learning curve. Whether you’re coming from loyalty to the iPhone 7 Plus or simply holding out due to cost concerns, the S20 FE represents exceptional value and a legitimate step into the current generation of smartphones.
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