Pixel 3 Xl Vs Iphone 7 Plus Is The Google Phone Still Worth It

In 2024, comparing a Pixel 3 XL and an iPhone 7 Plus may seem like looking back at relics from another era. Yet, both devices remain in circulation—refurbished, resold, or passed down—and for budget-conscious buyers, they represent potential entry points into smartphone ownership. But is the Google Pixel 3 XL, released in 2018, still a better choice than Apple’s 2016 flagship, the iPhone 7 Plus? The answer isn’t just about specs; it’s about longevity, user experience, ecosystem support, and real-world performance today.

Design and Build Quality

The Pixel 3 XL and iPhone 7 Plus take different design philosophies. The Pixel features a bold notch, glossy glass back, and aluminum frame—a look that defined late-2010s Android flagships. Its 6.3-inch P-OLED display offers deep blacks and vibrant colors, though the bezel-heavy chin remains jarring by modern standards. At 196g, it feels solid but not overly heavy.

The iPhone 7 Plus, meanwhile, sticks to Apple’s pre-notch aesthetic: symmetrical top and bottom bezels, a physical home button with Touch ID, and a matte aluminum body. It’s slightly smaller at 5.5 inches and lighter at 188g. While less flashy, its build exudes classic Apple refinement. Both phones are IP67-rated, meaning they can survive brief submersion in water—still a meaningful feature for older models.

Tip: If you prioritize screen size and modern aesthetics, the Pixel 3 XL wins. For compact ergonomics and familiar iOS navigation, the 7 Plus holds up.

Performance and Software Experience

This is where the gap widens. The Pixel 3 XL runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 paired with 4GB of RAM. In 2018, this was top-tier. Today, it handles basic tasks smoothly—messaging, browsing, streaming—but stutters under heavier multitasking or modern games. Still, stock Android 9 (upgradable to Android 12) ensures clean, fast navigation and timely security patches—though official support ended in 2021.

The iPhone 7 Plus uses Apple’s A10 Fusion chip with 3GB of RAM. Remarkably, iOS optimization allows it to run iOS 15—the last supported version—surprisingly well. Simple apps open quickly, and system animations remain fluid. However, newer iOS versions beyond 15 are incompatible, locking users out of recent features and app updates. Many developers now require iOS 16 or later, rendering some apps unusable.

“Even outdated, iPhones often outlive their Android counterparts in terms of usable lifespan due to aggressive software optimization.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse

Google’s advantage lies in the purity of Android. No bloatware, seamless integration with Google services, and access to exclusive Pixel features like Call Screen and Hold for Me—even on older models. Apple’s ecosystem, while robust, halts abruptly once hardware support ends.

Camera Comparison: Then vs. Now

Cameras were the Pixel 3 XL’s crown jewel. Despite having only one rear lens, its computational photography—powered by HDR+, Night Sight, and Super Res Zoom—delivered stunning dynamic range, low-light clarity, and natural color science. Front-facing dual cameras enabled wide-angle selfies, a rarity at the time. Even today, daylight photos rival mid-range 2024 smartphones.

The iPhone 7 Plus introduced portrait mode via its dual-camera setup: 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto. While innovative in 2016, its processing now appears oversharpened and contrast-heavy compared to Google’s more balanced approach. Low-light performance lags significantly. Portrait mode lacks the depth accuracy and edge detection of modern systems.

Feature	Pixel 3 XL	iPhone 7 Plus
Rear Camera	12.2MP, f/1.8, OIS	12MP + 12MP dual (wide & telephoto)
Front Camera	Dual 8MP (wide-angle)	7MP, f/2.2
Night Mode	Yes (Night Sight)	No
Video Recording	4K@30fps	4K@30fps
Computational Photography	Advanced (HDR+, Top Shot)	Limited (Smart HDR not available)

If photography matters, the Pixel 3 XL still holds a clear edge—especially in varied lighting. Its AI-driven enhancements compensate for aging hardware.

Real-World Usability in 2024

Consider Maria, a college student who inherited her cousin’s unlocked Pixel 3 XL. She uses it primarily for notes, emails, YouTube lectures, and Instagram. After installing GrapheneOS for improved security and lighter performance, she reports smooth daily use. Battery life lasts about a day with moderate usage, and she charges nightly. Google Assistant remains responsive, and she appreciates automatic photo backups.

In contrast, James uses his iPhone 7 Plus as a secondary device for music and calls. He upgraded to iOS 15 but found TikTok, newer banking apps, and even WhatsApp Web no longer function reliably. Safari crashes on complex sites. He keeps it mainly for offline use and emergency calls.

This reflects a broader trend: the Pixel 3 XL, while technically older in release, benefits from better long-term software adaptability and cleaner architecture. The iPhone 7 Plus, despite Apple’s legendary optimization, hits a harder wall in 2024 due to discontinued OS and app compatibility.

Battery Life and Charging

The Pixel 3 XL packs a 3,430mAh battery—modest even in 2018. With Android 12 and dark mode enabled, it manages 5–6 hours of screen-on time. Fast charging gets it to 50% in 30 minutes, but wireless charging is slow (Qi only). Battery degradation is common in units over five years old.

The iPhone 7 Plus has a 2,900mAh battery. iOS power management helps, but screen-on time rarely exceeds 4.5 hours. It lacks fast charging out of the box (requires 18W adapter separately) and doesn’t support wireless charging at all—a major limitation today.

Tip: Replace the battery if purchasing either used. A fresh cell can restore up to 90% of original performance.

Checklist: Is an Older Phone Right for You?

• ✅ Need a temporary or backup device
• ✅ On a tight budget (under $100)
• ✅ Use only essential apps (calls, texts, email, maps)
• ✅ Comfortable with limited app availability
• ✅ Willing to replace the battery soon
• ❌ Need mobile gaming, AR apps, or social media fluency
• ❌ Require latest security updates or biometric reliability

Expert Verdict: Which One Holds Up Better?

The Pixel 3 XL edges ahead—not because it’s newer, but because Google’s software philosophy favors longevity through simplicity and cloud integration. Even without official updates, custom ROMs extend its life. Its camera remains relevant, and stock Android avoids the laggy skins found on other budget devices.

The iPhone 7 Plus symbolizes Apple’s strength in initial performance and build quality, but its abrupt software cutoff in 2023 marks a hard expiration date. Without access to current iOS features or compatible apps, it functions more as a digital keepsake than a practical tool.

“The Pixel 3 series set a precedent: great cameras don’t need multiple lenses. They need smart software—and that software legacy still delivers value.” — Lena Park, Senior Editor at Mobile Review Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Pixel 3 XL run WhatsApp and Instagram in 2024?

Yes, both apps still support Android 10 and above. The Pixel 3 XL can run Android 12 via unofficial updates, ensuring compatibility—at least for now.

Is the iPhone 7 Plus too old for iOS 17?

Yes. The iPhone 7 Plus supports up to iOS 15.4. It cannot install iOS 16 or 17, cutting off access to newer features and security patches released after 2022.

Which phone has better resale value today?

Neither holds strong resale value, but the Pixel 3 XL typically sells for $60–$90 refurbished, while the iPhone 7 Plus fetches $40–$70. Condition and storage capacity affect pricing.

Conclusion: Should You Choose the Pixel 3 XL?

The Pixel 3 XL isn’t just “still worth it”—in specific scenarios, it’s the smarter pick over the iPhone 7 Plus in 2024. It offers a larger, higher-quality display, superior camera processing, more modern software support, and access to Google’s AI-powered tools. While both phones are past their prime, the Pixel ages with more grace.

That said, neither should be a first-choice primary device for most users. If you're considering one, do so with eyes open: expect compromises in speed, battery, and app support. But if you need a simple, functional phone for light use, and you can replace the battery, the Pixel 3 XL delivers a surprisingly capable experience.

🚀 Ready to extend your phone’s life? Share your tips for keeping older devices running smoothly—or tell us which vintage phone you still rely on!