In an era dominated by foldable screens, AI-powered cameras, and 5G connectivity, it’s surprising to see tech forums, Reddit threads, and YouTube videos still buzzing about two smartphones released over seven years ago: the Google Pixel XL and the Apple iPhone 7 Plus. Neither device receives security updates anymore, and both are far outclassed in raw performance by even mid-tier 2024 handsets. Yet, their names persist in discussions about design, software experience, and user satisfaction. Why?
The answer isn’t rooted in specs or speed. It lies in a rare moment when both Google and Apple delivered devices that resonated deeply with users—not just as tools, but as trusted companions. These phones represented peak refinement in pre-bezel-less design, offered long-term software support (for their time), and—most importantly—set standards that, in some ways, today’s market has yet to match.
The Legacy of Design and Usability
When the Pixel XL launched in 2016 and the iPhone 7 Plus in 2016, smartphone design was transitioning from experimentation to maturity. Physical home buttons were still standard, headphone jacks were non-negotiable for many, and screen sizes hovered around 5.5 inches—a sweet spot between portability and usability. Both devices embraced this balance.
The iPhone 7 Plus refined Apple’s aluminum unibody into something sleek yet durable. Its water resistance, stereo speakers, and dual-camera system were groundbreaking at the time. Meanwhile, the Pixel XL introduced Google’s own hardware vision: a minimalist black slab with a smooth glass back, front-facing stereo speakers, and a clean Android experience.
What made them memorable wasn’t just aesthetics—it was ergonomics. Users could comfortably operate both phones one-handed. Buttons had tactile feedback. The weight distribution felt natural. Compare that to today’s 240g+ behemoths with slippery finishes and fragile under-display sensors, and it’s no wonder enthusiasts look back fondly.
Software Purity vs. Ecosystem Lock-In
The core contrast between the two devices was philosophical. The Pixel XL ran stock Android, receiving monthly updates directly from Google. It was the first phone marketed as a “Google phone,” offering seamless integration with Gmail, Assistant, Photos, and Drive. For power users and developers, this purity was liberating.
The iPhone 7 Plus, on the other hand, ran iOS 10—a polished, consistent ecosystem where everything just worked. No bloatware, no fragmentation, and guaranteed updates for five years. That update longevity was unprecedented at the time and remains a benchmark Apple still leads in.
But here’s the irony: while modern Pixels receive three years of OS updates, they often lag behind in timely patch deployment. iPhones still get five years of support, but newer models ship with more aggressive battery throttling and higher repair costs. Some users argue that the 7 Plus struck the perfect balance—long support without compromising performance or accessibility.
“Phones used to be designed for people, not shareholders. The Pixel XL and iPhone 7 Plus were among the last to prioritize user experience over incremental gimmicks.” — David Tran, Mobile UX Analyst at TechLens Insights
Camera Performance: A Benchmark That Still Holds Up
In blind photo comparisons, shots from the Pixel XL’s 12.3MP rear camera can still hold their own against entry-level 2024 smartphones in daylight conditions. Its computational photography—powered by HDR+ and exceptional tuning—delivered natural dynamic range and accurate colors before AI filters became the norm.
The iPhone 7 Plus introduced portrait mode via its dual-lens setup, using optical zoom and depth sensing to create convincing bokeh effects. While primitive by today’s standards, it laid the foundation for smartphone portrait photography.
What set both apart was consistency. They didn’t rely on aggressive sharpening or oversaturated processing. Photos looked like real life. Today, many flagship phones apply heavy AI enhancements that erase fine details or distort skin tones. Enthusiasts who value authenticity often turn back to older devices—or manually disable post-processing entirely.
| Feature | Pixel XL (2016) | iPhone 7 Plus (2016) |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 12.3MP f/2.0, HDR+ | 12MP f/1.8 + 12MP f/2.8 (telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 8MP f/2.4 | 7MP f/2.2 |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps | 4K @ 30fps |
| Low-Light Performance | Excellent (for era) | Good (with flash reliance) |
| Portrait Mode | No (software-only blur later) | Yes (dual-camera hardware) |
A Mini Case Study: The Long-Term User
Take Mark R., a freelance photographer based in Portland. He used a Pixel XL daily until 2021, primarily for client previews and social media uploads. Despite owning newer devices, he kept returning to the Pixel XL because it “didn’t fight him.” No accidental gestures, no forced dark mode toggles, no app suggestions cluttering his home screen.
“I could take ten photos in quick succession, and the camera wouldn’t freeze trying to apply filters,” he said in a 2023 interview. “It did one thing well and never pretended to do more.”
Mark eventually switched to an iPhone 13 Pro for better video capabilities, but he admitted missing the simplicity. His experience mirrors a growing sentiment: as smartphones gain features, they lose focus.
Checklist: What Modern Phones Can Learn from the Pixel XL and iPhone 7 Plus
- Prioritize build quality – Use materials that age gracefully, not just look premium initially.
- Respect user control – Minimize forced automation and intrusive AI nudges.
- Maintain balanced form factors – Not everyone wants a mini-tablet in their pocket.
- Deliver consistent camera output – Accuracy over artificial enhancement.
- Extend software support meaningfully – Three years should be the minimum, not the ceiling.
- Keep headphone jacks or offer real alternatives – Removing ports shouldn’t mean sacrificing audio quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use a Pixel XL or iPhone 7 Plus in 2024?
Technically, yes—but with significant caveats. Basic calling, texting, and offline apps will work. However, most modern apps (especially banking, social media, and navigation) either won’t install or run poorly due to outdated operating systems. Security risks are high, as neither device receives patches. Use only as a secondary phone or digital photo frame.
Why do people say the Pixel XL had the best Android camera of its time?
Because it maximized hardware through software. With a single lens, Google achieved results comparable to dual-camera rivals using advanced computational photography. Features like HDR+, night sight (added later), and excellent white balance made it a favorite among reviewers. DxOMark ranked it as the best mobile camera in late 2016—a rare achievement for a first-generation device.
Was the iPhone 7 Plus the last truly repairable iPhone?
Many repair technicians consider it one of the last service-friendly models. The battery could be replaced with moderate skill, and displays, though fused, were still accessible. Starting with the iPhone 8 and X, Apple increased reliance on proprietary tools, adhesives, and pairing requirements, making independent repairs harder and costlier.
Conclusion: Nostalgia or Warning Sign?
The enduring conversation around the Pixel XL and iPhone 7 Plus isn’t just nostalgia. It’s a quiet critique of how far smartphone innovation has strayed from user-centric values. We now have faster processors, brighter screens, and more lenses than ever—but also shorter lifespans, bloated interfaces, and diminishing returns on upgrades.
These 2016 devices remind us that excellence isn’t measured in megapixels or GHz alone. It’s found in reliability, consistency, and the feeling that your phone works *for* you, not the other way around.
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