Motorola G7 Vs Samsung A20e In 2025 Is The G7 Still Worth It

In 2025, smartphones from 2019 might seem like relics of a bygone era, but budget-conscious users still consider older models for daily use. The Motorola Moto G7 and Samsung Galaxy A20e were both entry-level contenders when released, offering modest specs at affordable prices. Today, five years later, the question arises: Is the Motorola G7 still worth it compared to the similarly aged Samsung A20e? This analysis dives into hardware longevity, software support, user experience, and practical value in the current mobile landscape.

Hardware Comparison: Specs Then and Now

When comparing aging devices, understanding their original specifications helps contextualize their performance today. Both phones launched with mid-tier chipsets and limited RAM, but subtle differences influenced long-term usability.

Feature	Motorola Moto G7	Samsung Galaxy A20e
Release Date	February 2019	March 2019
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 632	Exynos 7884
RAM	3GB or 4GB	3GB
Storage	32GB / 64GB (expandable)	32GB (expandable)
Battery	3000 mAh	3000 mAh
Display	6.2” Full HD+ LCD	5.8” HD+ PLS LCD
Rear Camera	12 MP main + 5 MP depth	13 MP main + 5 MP ultra-wide
Front Camera	8 MP	8 MP
Software (Launch)	Android 9 Pie	Android 9 Pie
Software (2025)	Stuck on Android 10	Stuck on Android 11

The G7 holds an edge in display quality with its larger Full HD+ screen, while the A20e offers a slightly more versatile dual rear camera setup. However, the real differentiator lies in the chipset: the Snapdragon 632 is generally considered more efficient and better optimized than Samsung’s Exynos 7884, particularly under multitasking loads.

Tip: When using older phones, disable animations and background app refresh to improve responsiveness.

Software Support and Security: The Achilles’ Heel

By 2025, neither device receives official security updates. Motorola ended support for the G7 after Android 10, while Samsung extended the A20e to Android 11 with limited monthly patches until late 2021. Without ongoing security patches, both phones are vulnerable to emerging threats, especially when handling sensitive data or banking apps.

Google Play Protect may flag these devices as high-risk due to outdated OS versions. App developers increasingly optimize for Android 12 and above, meaning newer versions of WhatsApp, Instagram, and even Chrome may run poorly—or not at all—on these platforms.

“Devices stuck on Android 10 or lower face increasing compatibility issues and security exposure. They’re usable, but not safe for primary accounts.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at CyberShield Labs

If you're considering either phone in 2025, assume no further updates. Use them only for secondary purposes: as a media player, GPS device, or offline music phone. Avoid storing passwords or enabling two-factor authentication on these devices.

User Experience in 2025: Can They Still Perform?

Real-world usability separates nostalgia from functionality. To assess this, we tested both phones in typical 2025 scenarios: light web browsing, messaging, YouTube playback, and basic photography.

The Moto G7, despite its age, boots faster and handles single apps with relative ease. Its near-stock Android interface remains cleaner than Samsung’s One UI Core, which feels sluggish on the Exynos processor. Scrolling through social media feeds results in noticeable stutters on the A20e, while the G7 manages smoother transitions—though both struggle with complex pages or autoplaying video ads.

Battery degradation is inevitable. After five years, most units of either model will have 60–70% of original capacity. Charging cycles wear out lithium-ion cells, and replacement batteries are scarce. If you acquire one secondhand, expect to charge it once or twice daily—even with light use.

Mini Case Study: Daily Driver Attempt

John, a freelance delivery rider in Lisbon, tried using a refurbished Moto G7 as his work phone in early 2025. It handled navigation via offline Google Maps and received order notifications adequately. However, after three weeks, the phone began overheating during GPS use, and the camera failed to scan QR codes reliably. He switched to a newer budget phone within a month, citing inconsistent performance and slow app launches.

This reflects a broader trend: while technically functional, aging phones often fail under sustained real-world demands.

Value Proposition: Cost vs. Practicality

In 2025, both phones sell for $30–$50 USD on secondhand markets. At that price, they compete with newer models like the Nokia C12 or Redmi A2+, which ship with Android 13 (Go Edition), improved battery health, and modern Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards.

• Moto G7 Pros: Clean software, better display, slightly stronger processor.
• Moto G7 Cons: No security updates, poor low-light camera, degraded battery.
• A20e Pros: Slightly longer initial update cycle, compact size.
• A20e Cons: Sluggish performance, dimmer screen, Exynos inefficiency.

If choosing between the two, the G7 edges ahead—but only marginally. Neither offers compelling reasons to choose over newer sub-$80 devices with longer lifespans and modern features.

Tip: Always factory reset a secondhand phone and check the battery health using diagnostic codes like *#*#4636#*#*.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Most of an Older Phone

If you already own or inherit one of these devices, follow this timeline to extend its usefulness safely:

1. Week 1: Factory Reset – Wipe all previous data and start fresh.
2. Day 2: Disable Bloatware – Uninstall or disable unused apps to free up RAM.
3. Day 3: Install Lightweight Apps – Use Firefox Lite, YouTube Vanced (offline), or Telegram X.
4. Day 4: Enable Battery Saver – Limit background processes and sync frequency.
5. Ongoing: Avoid Public Wi-Fi – Outdated encryption protocols make these devices easy targets.
6. Monthly: Manual Cache Clearing – Prevent slowdowns by cleaning app data regularly.

This routine won’t restore new-phone speed, but it can delay obsolescence by several months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Moto G7 run WhatsApp in 2025?

Yes, but with limitations. WhatsApp supports Android 5.0 and up, so installation is possible. However, performance may be slow, and future updates could drop support for such old systems. Backups may fail due to storage constraints.

Which phone has better build quality?

The Moto G7 features a glass back and aluminum frame, giving it a more premium feel. The A20e uses plastic throughout, making it lighter but less durable. Over time, the G7’s design has aged better aesthetically, though both are prone to scratches without a case.

Is it safe to buy either phone in 2025?

Only for non-critical uses. These phones lack encryption updates and modern malware protection. Never use them for online banking, email, or social media accounts with personal data. Treat them as disposable tools, not primary devices.

Final Verdict: Is the G7 Still Worth It?

In a word: conditionally. The Motorola G7 performs slightly better than the Samsung A20e in 2025 due to its superior display, cleaner software, and more reliable chipset. However, “better” doesn’t mean “recommended.” Both phones are functionally obsolete by modern standards.

If you're on a tight budget and need a temporary phone for calls, texts, and music, the G7 is the lesser of two outdated options. But if you can stretch your budget to $70–$100, newer Android Go devices offer dramatically better longevity, battery life, and peace of mind.

Technology moves fast. Five-year-old smartphones today face challenges their creators never anticipated: heavier apps, higher security demands, and evolving network standards. While nostalgia has its place, practicality should guide your decision.

🚀 Ready to upgrade wisely? Share your experience with aging phones or recommend a reliable budget option in the comments below—we’re all learning how to stay connected without overspending.