Motorola G7 Plus Vs Samsung S8 Is The Newer Phone Actually Better Or Just Newer

The smartphone market moves fast. A device that was top-tier just a few years ago can quickly be overshadowed by newer, more affordable models. The Samsung Galaxy S8, released in 2017, was a flagship powerhouse—sleek design, premium build, and cutting-edge features for its time. Fast forward to 2019, Motorola launched the G7 Plus as part of its mid-range lineup, offering modern aesthetics and updated software at a fraction of the cost. But when comparing the Motorola G7 Plus and the Samsung S8, does \"newer\" mean \"better\"? Or does the older flagship still hold its ground?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about real-world usability, longevity, software support, camera quality, and value. Let’s break down both phones across key categories to see which one truly delivers a better experience today.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung S8 set a new standard for smartphone design upon release. With its edge-to-edge 5.8-inch Infinity Display, minimal bezels, and glass-and-metal construction, it felt futuristic. It also carried an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance—a feature still not common in mid-range devices. The curved screen and rounded edges made it comfortable to hold, despite the large display.

In contrast, the Motorola G7 Plus opts for a more conventional design. It features a 6.2-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD with noticeable top and bottom bezels and a plastic back. While it offers a larger screen, the materials feel less premium. It lacks any official water resistance, making it less durable in unpredictable conditions.

“Flagship designs often trickle down slowly, but the materials and engineering behind them remain hard to replicate at lower price points.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or in wet environments, consider build quality and water resistance as critical factors.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the S8 was powered by either the Exynos 8895 (international) or Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (U.S.), both high-end chips in 2017. Paired with 4GB of RAM, it delivered smooth multitasking and strong gaming performance—even by today’s standards for casual use.

The G7 Plus uses the Snapdragon 636, a mid-tier processor with 4GB of RAM. While efficient and capable for everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and streaming, it struggles with heavier apps and sustained performance. Benchmark scores show the S8’s chip outperforming the G7 Plus’s by nearly 40% in CPU-intensive tasks.

Software is where things shift. The S8 launched with Android 7 Nougat and received updates up to Android 9 Pie. As of 2024, it no longer receives security patches or OS upgrades. Meanwhile, the G7 Plus shipped with Android 9 Pie and was eligible for Android 10, giving it a slight edge in modern software support—though that has since ended as well.

Both phones now run outdated versions of Android, but the G7 Plus benefits from a cleaner, near-stock Android experience through Motorola’s lightweight UI. This results in fewer bloatware apps and slightly faster navigation compared to Samsung’s heavily skinned interface at the time.

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results

Cameras are often a deciding factor. The S8 features a 12MP rear sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus, f/1.7 aperture, and optical image stabilization (OIS). In its day, it was among the best mobile cameras, especially in low light. Photos are sharp, colors are natural, and dynamic range is impressive even by current mid-range standards.

The G7 Plus comes with a 16MP main sensor (f/1.8) and a secondary 5MP depth sensor. While the higher megapixel count sounds better, the smaller pixel size and lack of OIS hurt low-light performance. Images tend to be noisier, with less detail in shadows. The front-facing 12MP camera performs decently for selfies but over-processes skin tones.

In daylight, both phones produce acceptable photos, but the S8 consistently captures more balanced exposures and better textures. For video, the S8 supports 4K recording at 30fps, while the G7 Plus maxes out at 1080p. This makes the older phone still relevant for users who prioritize video quality.

“Megapixels don’t equal quality. Sensor size, lens quality, and image processing matter far more.” — Lena Park, Mobile Photography Specialist

Battery Life and Charging

The G7 Plus holds a clear advantage here with a 3000mAh battery versus the S8’s 3000mAh (standard S8) or 3500mAh (S8+). Wait—actually, the regular S8 only has a 3000mAh cell. However, due to differences in display technology (AMOLED vs. LCD), efficiency, and software optimization, real-world endurance varies.

The S8’s AMOLED display consumes less power when showing dark content, helping extend battery life. In typical mixed usage, it lasts about a full day. The G7 Plus, despite similar capacity, benefits from a more energy-efficient Snapdragon 636 and larger physical battery (3000mAh in base model, but some variants go up to 3200mAh). Still, its LCD screen is less efficient than AMOLED.

Charging is another differentiator. The S8 supports fast charging (wired and wireless) and even Qi wireless charging. The G7 Plus supports rapid charging via TurboCharge but lacks wireless charging. For users who value convenience, the S8’s ecosystem flexibility remains appealing.

Tip: If you rely on your phone all day, prioritize efficient displays and fast charging—even if battery capacity looks similar on paper.

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S8	Motorola G7 Plus
Release Year	2017	2019
Display	5.8\" Quad HD+ AMOLED	6.2\" Full HD+ IPS LCD
Processor	Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895	Snapdragon 636
RAM	4GB	4GB
Rear Camera	12MP, f/1.7, OIS, 4K video	16MP + 5MP, f/1.8, 1080p video
Front Camera	8MP, f/1.7	12MP, f/2.0
Battery	3000mAh (S8)	3000–3200mAh
Charging	Fast, Wireless	Fast (TurboCharge), No Wireless
Water Resistance	IP68	None
OS (Latest)	Android 9 Pie	Android 10
Current Value (Used Market)	$100–$130	$110–$140

Real-World Example: Two Users, Two Choices

Consider two users: Maria, a photographer who shoots travel content on weekends, and James, a student needing a reliable phone for notes, calls, and social media.

Maria chooses the S8. Even though it’s older, she values the superior low-light camera, OIS for stable shots, and 4K video capability. She doesn’t mind the smaller screen because she edits on a tablet later. The water resistance gives her peace of mind during outdoor shoots.

James picks the G7 Plus. He appreciates the larger screen for reading PDFs, the cleaner Android interface, and slightly better battery optimization for his daily commute. He rarely takes professional photos and doesn’t need wireless charging. For him, the newer software and affordability make it the smarter pick.

Their choices highlight a key truth: “Better” depends on how you use your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Motorola G7 Plus beat the Samsung S8 in daily performance?

For basic tasks like calling, messaging, and browsing, yes—the G7 Plus feels snappier due to newer software optimizations. But under heavy load (gaming, multitasking), the S8’s superior processor still wins.

Is the Samsung S8 still safe to use in 2024?

It functions well for everyday use, but without security updates since 2020, it’s vulnerable to emerging threats. Avoid storing sensitive data or using banking apps unless absolutely necessary.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The S8 retains slightly better value in the used market due to its flagship heritage, brand reputation, and premium features like IP68 and wireless charging.

Final Verdict: Newer Isn’t Always Better

The Motorola G7 Plus is technically newer, but that doesn’t automatically make it better than the Samsung S8. In fact, in several key areas—display quality, camera performance, build materials, and charging options—the S8 remains superior. However, the G7 Plus brings advantages in software freshness, user interface simplicity, and marginally better battery management for light users.

If you're choosing between these two secondhand today, ask yourself: Do you want a phone that performs like a former flagship with proven durability and excellent photo quality? Or do you prefer a more modern look, slightly better software, and a lower price tag—even if it sacrifices long-term resilience?

• Choose the Samsung S8 if: You care about camera quality, display tech, water resistance, and overall build.
• Choose the Motorola G7 Plus if: You want cleaner software, a larger screen, and don’t need advanced features like wireless charging.

Action Checklist Before Buying Either Phone

1. Check battery health—ask for a diagnostic test or avoid units with degraded batteries.
2. Verify software version and update history.
3. Inspect screen for burn-in (especially on S8’s AMOLED panel).
4. Test cameras, speakers, and fingerprint sensor.
5. Ensure the device is unlocked and compatible with your carrier.
6. Avoid units with cracked screens or water damage indicators.

Conclusion: Make the Choice That Fits Your Life

Technology evolves, but utility doesn’t expire overnight. The Samsung Galaxy S8 proves that a well-built flagship can remain competitive years after release. The Motorola G7 Plus shows that thoughtful mid-range design can offer compelling value. Neither phone is objectively “better”—each serves different needs.

Before upgrading or buying used, assess what matters most: performance, camera, battery, or software. Don’t assume newer means improved. Sometimes, the best tool isn’t the latest—it’s the one that works when you need it.

💬 Have you used both phones? Share your experience below. Help others decide whether newer really means better—or if classic engineering still wins.