Samsung A01 Vs Iphone 7 In 2024 Is It Even A Fair Fight Anymore

Five years ago, comparing the Samsung Galaxy A01 and the iPhone 7 might have sparked debate among budget-conscious buyers. Today, in 2024, both devices are long past their prime. Yet, they still circulate in secondhand markets and budget repair shops. For someone on a tight budget or buying a backup phone, the question remains: does choosing between these two make sense? Or has time rendered one—or both—obsolete?

The answer isn’t just about specs. It’s about usability, software longevity, app compatibility, and real-world reliability in 2024. While the iPhone 7 launched as a premium device and the A01 as an entry-level Android, their paths since release have diverged dramatically. Let’s dissect how each performs today and whether this comparison is even balanced anymore.

Hardware Showdown: Specs Then vs. Reality Now

When originally released, the iPhone 7 (2016) featured an A10 Fusion chip, 2GB of RAM, and a 1960mAh battery. The Samsung Galaxy A01 (2020), by contrast, came with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 215, 2GB of RAM, and a 3000mAh battery. On paper, the A01 had a larger battery and newer chipset—but that doesn’t tell the full story.

In 2024, hardware age impacts performance far more than initial specs suggest. The iPhone 7’s 64-bit A10 chip, despite its age, was built for efficiency and optimization within iOS. The A01’s 32-bit Snapdragon 215, while newer, struggles with modern Android versions and multitasking due to architectural limitations.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy A01	iPhone 7
Release Year	2020	2016
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 (32-bit)	Apple A10 Fusion (64-bit)
RAM	2GB	2GB
Storage	16GB (expandable)	32/128GB (non-expandable)
Battery	3000mAh	1960mAh
OS (Original)	Android 10 (Go Edition)	iOS 10
Latest Supported OS	Android 11 (no security updates)	iOS 16 (as of late 2023)
Camera (Rear)	13MP + 2MP depth	12MP (f/1.8)

The data reveals a paradox: the older iPhone outlives the newer Android in meaningful ways. Apple’s support cycle allows the iPhone 7 to run iOS 16, giving access to recent security patches, app updates, and features like iCloud Keychain and Messages upgrades. Samsung ended major OS updates for the A01 after Android 11, with no further security patches since 2022.

Tip: When buying used phones, prioritize models with active software support—even if hardware seems outdated.

Software & Ecosystem: Where Longevity Matters Most

Performance isn’t just about processing speed; it’s about whether apps can run at all. In 2024, many popular apps—including banking, social media, and messaging platforms—require modern APIs and TLS encryption standards. Devices stuck on outdated OS versions often fail to meet these requirements.

The iPhone 7, running iOS 16, supports most current apps available on the App Store. While some newer AR or machine-learning-heavy apps may not function, core services like WhatsApp, Google Maps, Gmail, and banking apps remain fully compatible.

The Galaxy A01, limited to Android 11 and lacking Google Play Services updates, faces increasing incompatibility. Users report issues installing updated versions of Instagram, TikTok, and even Chrome. Some apps either crash or refuse installation due to API level restrictions.

“Software support is the single biggest factor in a phone’s usable lifespan. Hardware degrades slowly; software obsolescence kills devices overnight.” — Marcus Lin, Mobile Systems Analyst at TechLongevity Labs

Real-World Usability: Can Either Phone Handle Daily Tasks?

To test real-world viability, consider a typical day: checking email, using maps, taking photos, browsing social media, and making calls. Both phones technically support these functions, but the experience differs drastically.

A user relying on the iPhone 7 in 2024 will notice slower app launches and occasional stutters when switching between apps. However, the interface remains smooth thanks to iOS optimization. Safari loads most websites, though complex pages may lag. The camera still captures decent daylight photos, and FaceTime works reliably.

The Galaxy A01 struggles more visibly. Multitasking causes frequent reloads. Scrolling through Instagram feeds results in dropped frames. GPS takes minutes to lock. Bluetooth pairing is inconsistent. Over time, firmware bugs accumulate—Wi-Fi disconnecting randomly, touch responsiveness fading.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Backup Phone Dilemma

Maria, a freelance delivery driver, bought a used Galaxy A01 in early 2023 as a backup navigation device. By mid-2024, she found Google Maps would freeze during turns, causing missed deliveries. She switched to an old iPhone 7 she had lying around. Despite its cracked screen, the iPhone ran Maps without crashing, maintained stable GPS, and lasted through her 10-hour shifts with moderate charging. “It’s older,” she said, “but it actually works when I need it.”

Value Proposition: What Are You Really Paying For?

On resale sites, both phones sell for $30–$60 depending on condition. But value isn’t just price—it’s utility per dollar. Here’s how they stack up:

• iPhone 7: Higher resale demand, better build quality (aluminum unibody, water resistance), headphone jack, and continued iCloud integration. Battery replacement is widely available and affordable (~$25).
• Galaxy A01: Lower initial cost new, microSD support, dual SIM, but plastic build feels fragile. Battery degradation is common, and replacements are harder to source reliably.

If you’re buying used, the iPhone 7 offers better long-term reliability. Its components were built to higher tolerances, and iOS minimizes background bloat. The A01, while newer, suffers from cheaper materials and poor thermal management, leading to throttling under light load.

Checklist: Is This Phone Still Viable in 2024?

Use this checklist before purchasing any legacy smartphone:

1. Can it run the latest version of its operating system?
2. Are security updates still being issued?
3. Does it support essential apps (banking, messaging, maps)?
4. Is the battery replaceable or holding charge over 70%?
5. Is storage sufficient for your needs without expansion?
6. Are accessories (chargers, cases) still available?
7. Is there active community or repair support?

FAQ

Can the Samsung A01 be upgraded to Android 12 or higher?

No. Samsung officially capped updates at Android 11. No custom ROMs offer stable Android 12+ support due to hardware limitations and lack of developer interest.

Does the iPhone 7 still receive security updates?

As of late 2023, Apple provided iOS 16.7 updates including critical security patches. While no longer receiving feature updates, it continues to get emergency fixes. Future support depends on Apple’s policy, but historical patterns suggest limited patching into 2024.

Which phone has better camera quality today?

The iPhone 7 wins decisively. Its 12MP sensor with optical stabilization and superior image processing produces sharper, more color-accurate photos in varied lighting. The A01’s 13MP main sensor lacks HDR tuning and low-light enhancement, resulting in noisy, overexposed images.

Conclusion: Is It Even a Fair Fight?

No. In 2024, this matchup isn’t balanced—it’s a demonstration of how ecosystem and software support outweigh raw hardware metrics. The iPhone 7, despite launching eight years ago, remains functional, secure, and compatible with modern digital life. The Galaxy A01, only four years old, already feels obsolete.

This disparity highlights a broader truth: in smartphones, longevity isn’t about launch specs. It’s about sustained development, efficient architecture, and manufacturer commitment. Apple’s five-year support window gives older devices extended relevance. Samsung’s rapid update cutoff for budget phones leaves them vulnerable soon after release.

If you're considering either device today, the choice is clear: the iPhone 7 is the only viable option for reliable daily use. But even then, treat it as a temporary solution. For true peace of mind, investing slightly more in a phone with ongoing support—like an iPhone SE (2nd gen) or Samsung Galaxy A14 with guaranteed Android 14 updates—is a smarter long-term move.

🚀 Ready to upgrade wisely? Share your thoughts on legacy phone performance or comment with your own experience using older devices in 2024—we’d love to hear what’s still working for you.