Pixel 3 Vs Iphone 7 Battery Three Years Later Does It Even Matter

It’s been over half a decade since the iPhone 7 launched and nearly four years since the Google Pixel 3 hit shelves. Both were flagship devices in their time—Apple’s offering polished integration and long-term support, while Google promised AI-driven smarts and pure Android. But as years pass, one question lingers: after three years of daily use, does the battery performance of these phones still hold up—and more importantly, does it even matter anymore?

The answer isn’t just about mAh or charge cycles. It’s about usability, charging habits, software optimization, and what users actually expect from an aging smartphone. Let’s take a deep dive into real-world performance, user experiences, and whether battery health at this stage should influence your upgrade decisions.

Battery Degradation Over Time: What Science Says

Lithium-ion batteries, used in nearly all modern smartphones, degrade with each charge cycle. Apple and Google both estimate that after 500 full charge cycles, a battery retains about 80% of its original capacity. The iPhone 7 has a 1960mAh battery, while the Pixel 3 packs a slightly larger 2915mAh unit. On paper, the Pixel 3 had better endurance out of the box, but real-world longevity depends on more than specs.

Heat, charging patterns, and software updates significantly affect degradation. iPhones tend to benefit from tighter hardware-software integration, allowing iOS to manage power more efficiently over time. Google, while improving, has historically struggled with background app management on older Pixels, which can accelerate battery drain even if the physical cell is healthy.

“Battery lifespan isn’t just about chemistry—it’s about how the OS treats the battery. iOS throttles less aggressively and optimizes background activity better in older devices.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Mobile Power Systems Researcher, MIT

Real-World Performance After Three Years

To assess actual battery life, we analyzed user reports from forums like Reddit, XDA Developers, and Apple Support Communities. A consistent pattern emerged:

• iPhone 7 users reported needing a midday charge by year two, especially after upgrading to iOS 13 or later.
• Pixel 3 owners saw steeper declines by year three, with many citing “random reboots” and sudden shutdowns below 20%.
• Both devices showed signs of wear, but iPhone 7 users generally reported longer functional battery life despite smaller capacity.

This divergence highlights a key insight: raw battery size doesn’t always win. Software efficiency, thermal management, and battery calibration play equally important roles in long-term usability.

A Closer Look: Usage Patterns Matter Most

Consider Sarah, a freelance photographer who used her Pixel 3 daily for three years. She relied heavily on Google Photos backup, GPS tagging, and frequent camera use. By month 34, her battery lasted only five hours of screen-on time. She replaced the battery at a third-party shop, restoring about 85% of original performance—for $45.

Meanwhile, Mark, a teacher using an iPhone 7 primarily for email, messaging, and light browsing, found his battery still lasting a full day at year three—even without replacing it. His screen-on time averaged 3.5 hours per day, well within the degraded battery’s limits.

Tip: Light users may never need a battery replacement. Heavy multitaskers and media consumers will likely see significant decline by year three.

Differences in Battery Replacement and Repairability

One major factor in long-term viability is how easy (and affordable) it is to replace the battery.

Factor	iPhone 7	Pixel 3
Battery Replaceability	Moderate (requires adhesive removal)	Difficult (complex internal layout)
Official Replacement Cost	$49–$69 (Apple)	$79–$99 (Google)
Third-Party Availability	Widely available	Limited; risk of damage
Software Calibration Post-Replacement	Automatic via iOS	Inconsistent; often requires factory reset
Impact on Resale Value	High (battery health shown in Settings)	Low (no built-in health metric)

Apple’s transparency with battery health—introduced in iOS 11.3—gives iPhone 7 users clear data on when to act. The Pixel 3 lacks this feature, making it harder to diagnose whether poor performance is due to battery decay or software bloat.

Does It Even Matter Anymore?

By year three, most users have already decided whether to upgrade. But for those holding on, the battery becomes a make-or-break factor.

The truth is, both phones are now outdated in terms of performance and security. The iPhone 7 stopped receiving iOS updates with iOS 16, while the Pixel 3 lost official Android support after Android 12. No security patches mean growing vulnerability—a bigger risk than battery life.

Yet, some people still rely on these devices. For them, the battery question isn’t academic—it’s practical. If you're using either phone today, ask yourself:

• Do I need all-day battery, or is a charger accessible?
• Am I comfortable with potential slowdowns and app incompatibility?
• Would replacing the battery extend useful life more cost-effectively than buying a budget phone?

In many cases, yes. A $50 battery replacement can breathe new life into a phone that otherwise functions fine. But consider this: a used iPhone SE (2020) or Google Pixel 4a offers better performance, larger batteries, and ongoing updates—for under $150.

Step-by-Step: Evaluating Your Aging Phone’s Battery Health

1. Check current performance: How often do you charge? Do apps close unexpectedly?
2. For iPhone 7: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If Maximum Capacity is below 80%, consider replacement.
3. For Pixel 3: Use diagnostic apps like AccuBattery to estimate remaining capacity over several charge cycles.
4. Test real-world usage: Use the phone normally for a day without charging. Record screen-on time and shutdown behavior.
5. Decide: If battery life is under 4 hours screen-on time, replacement or upgrade is advisable.

Expert Tips to Extend Battery Life (Even Now)

Tip: Enable adaptive brightness and limit background app refresh. These small changes can add 30–60 minutes of usable time daily.

• Use optimized charging: Both devices support forms of adaptive charging—iOS uses “Optimized Battery Charging,” while Android has “Adaptive Battery.” Enable them.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Don’t leave your phone in a hot car or cold environment. Heat is the number one enemy of lithium-ion cells.
• Charge between 20% and 80%: Avoid full discharges and overnight charging when possible.
• Turn off unused features: Disable Bluetooth, NFC, and location services when not needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my iPhone 7 or Pixel 3 in 2024?

Yes, but with caveats. Basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing work. However, lack of security updates, app incompatibility (especially banking and social media), and slow performance make them risky for daily drivers.

Is it worth replacing the battery on a three-year-old phone?

It depends. If you’re attached to the device or on a tight budget, yes. A battery replacement can extend usability by 1–2 years. But weigh the cost against entry-level smartphones offering better cameras, speed, and security.

Why does my Pixel 3 die suddenly at 15%?

This is a common symptom of battery calibration failure. As the battery degrades, the phone misreads remaining charge. Replacing the battery and recalibrating (full discharge followed by full charge) may help—but results vary.

Final Verdict: It Depends on Your Needs

After three years, neither the Pixel 3 nor the iPhone 7 boasts stellar battery life—but the iPhone 7 edges ahead in consistency, repairability, and software support. Google’s device started stronger but faded faster due to aggressive background processes and weaker long-term optimization.

So, does it matter? Only if you’re still using one. For most people, upgrading makes more sense than clinging to outdated tech. But for those who value simplicity, durability, or sustainability, a battery swap can be a smart, eco-friendly choice.

Technology evolves fast, but usability lasts longer than specs suggest. The real question isn’t just about battery life—it’s about how much value you still get from your device.

🚀 Still using an old phone? Share your experience—how’s the battery holding up? Join the conversation and help others decide whether to repair, replace, or let go.