Pixel 3 Vs Galaxy S7 Was Upgrading Worth It Or Should I Stick With My S7

For many long-time Samsung users, the Galaxy S7 wasn’t just a phone—it was a benchmark. Released in 2016, it set a high bar for performance, camera quality, and battery life. Fast forward to 2018, when Google launched the Pixel 3, touting AI-powered photography, clean Android software, and seamless integration with Google services. If you’re still clinging to your Galaxy S7 wondering whether upgrading to the Pixel 3 was worthwhile—or if you should have stayed put—this deep dive will help clarify exactly what changed, what improved, and whether the leap was truly justified.

Performance and Hardware Evolution

The Galaxy S7 ran on either the Exynos 8890 (international) or Snapdragon 820 (U.S.), both of which were top-tier chips at launch. In daily use, the S7 handled multitasking, gaming, and streaming without issue—even years after release, thanks to its 4GB of RAM and well-optimized software. However, by 2018, those specs were aging. The Pixel 3 arrived with the Snapdragon 845, 4GB of RAM, and a cleaner Android One-style experience through stock Android 9 Pie.

While both phones had 4GB of RAM, the newer processor in the Pixel 3 delivered noticeable improvements in app launch speed, background task handling, and overall system responsiveness. Benchmark scores reflected this: the Pixel 3 consistently outperformed the S7 in CPU and GPU tests, particularly in sustained workloads where thermal throttling affected the older device.

Tip: If your S7 still runs smoothly in daily tasks, upgrading purely for performance may not be urgent—especially if you're not a power user.

Camera: Night Sight vs Low-Light King

The Galaxy S7 was renowned for its low-light photography. Its f/1.7 aperture and large sensor made it one of the best shooters of its time. But Google redefined mobile photography with computational imaging. The Pixel 3 introduced Night Sight, a feature that used advanced HDR+ and motion detection to capture stunning low-light photos without a flash—something the S7 couldn’t match, even with superior hardware.

In daylight, both devices produced excellent images, though the Pixel 3 leaned toward more natural color reproduction, while the S7 often oversaturated. Portrait mode on the Pixel 3, powered by machine learning, delivered sharper edge detection and better depth simulation than the S7’s dual-pixel approach (which lacked a secondary telephoto lens).

“Google didn’t win on megapixels—they won on processing. The Pixel 3 proved that software could outshine hardware.” — David Gewirtz, Digital Photography Expert

Software Experience and Longevity

This is where the gap widens significantly. The Galaxy S7 launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and received updates up to Android 8.0 Oreo—a total of two major OS upgrades. By 2019, Samsung had ended official support, leaving users vulnerable to security flaws and incompatible apps.

In contrast, the Pixel 3 shipped with Android 9 Pie and was guaranteed three years of OS and security updates, taking it through Android 12. This meant longer access to new features, better app compatibility, and enhanced privacy controls. Stock Android also eliminated bloatware, offered faster notifications, and enabled exclusive features like Now Playing and Call Screen.

Feature	Galaxy S7	Pixel 3
Launch OS	Android 6.0	Android 9.0
Final OS	Android 8.0	Android 12
Security Updates	Ended in 2019	Continued until 2021
Bloatware	Samsung TouchWiz + pre-installed apps	Minimal; near-stock Android
Exclusive Features	None post-launch	Night Sight, Call Screen, Now Playing

Real-World Upgrade Scenario: Sarah’s Decision

Sarah had used her Galaxy S7 since 2016. By 2019, she noticed apps crashing more often, slower boot times, and missed photo opportunities due to shutter lag. Her battery lasted only half a day. She hesitated to upgrade, valuing the S7’s microSD support and headphone jack—both missing on the Pixel 3.

After testing the Pixel 3 at a store, she was struck by how fast apps opened, how crisp voice calls sounded through the improved speaker system, and how effortlessly Night Sight captured clear indoor shots of her kids. Despite losing expandable storage, she found Google Photos’ unlimited backup (at original quality, then later compressed) compensated. Within weeks, she realized the trade-offs were worth the gains in reliability and modern functionality.

Sarah’s experience reflects a common pattern: emotional attachment to a dependable device versus the practical advantages of newer technology.

Battery Life and Charging Trade-offs

The Galaxy S7 came with a 3000mAh battery, supporting fast charging and wireless charging—features still appreciated today. With moderate use, it easily lasted a full day. The Pixel 3 packed a smaller 2915mAh cell, yet managed similar endurance thanks to optimized software and adaptive battery features in Android Pie.

However, the Pixel 3 lacked fast charging out of the box (required a separate purchase), and its glass back made it less durable than the S7’s hybrid metal-glass build. On the plus side, it supported IP68 water resistance and included wireless charging, matching the S7 in that department.

• Pixеl 3 charges from 0 to 80% in ~60 minutes with compatible charger
• S7 supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 natively
• Both offer Qi wireless charging
• Pixel 3 introduces Adaptive Battery, learning usage patterns to extend life

Step-by-Step: Should You Upgrade?

Deciding whether to leave a trusted device like the S7 requires careful evaluation. Follow this timeline to assess your needs:

1. Assess current performance: Is your S7 lagging, overheating, or failing to run essential apps?
2. Check app compatibility: Are key services (banking, messaging, social media) dropping support for older Android versions?
3. Evaluate camera needs: Do you frequently take photos in dim lighting or want better portrait results?
4. Review security status: When was the last security patch? Unsupported devices are vulnerable.
5. Test alternatives: Borrow or rent a Pixel 3 (or similar) to experience the interface and speed firsthand.
6. Consider cost: Weigh the price of a new phone against potential repair costs for your aging S7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S7 still be used safely in 2024?

Technically yes, but with serious caveats. Without security updates since 2019, the S7 is vulnerable to malware, phishing, and unpatched exploits. Using it for sensitive tasks like online banking or email is risky. Limited app support further reduces usability.

Did the Pixel 3 fix the S7’s biggest weaknesses?

In key areas—software longevity, camera intelligence, and AI features—the Pixel 3 did address the S7’s shortcomings. However, it removed beloved features like the headphone jack and microSD slot, which some users found hard to accept.

Is it worth upgrading from an S7 to a Pixel 3 today?

Not directly in 2024—neither phone is current—but the decision logic remains relevant. If you're holding onto an old flagship, ask whether ongoing security, app compatibility, and camera quality matter more than nostalgia and physical features.

Conclusion: Moving Forward with Confidence

The shift from the Galaxy S7 to the Pixel 3 wasn’t just about newer hardware—it represented a broader transition in smartphone philosophy. Samsung prioritized hardware versatility and customization; Google bet on software intelligence and ecosystem integration. For users stuck between loyalty and progress, the upgrade was less about raw specs and more about future-proofing.

If your S7 still works, consider it a testament to thoughtful engineering. But if you’re facing slowdowns, security risks, or missed features, moving to a modern device—even a used Pixel 3 at the time—offered tangible benefits in reliability, safety, and daily enjoyment.

🚀 Your phone should serve you—not slow you down. Whether you choose to upgrade now or hold on a little longer, make the decision based on real needs, not sentiment. Share your S7 or Pixel story below—what kept you loyal, and what finally pushed you to change?