Samsung S7 Vs A50 Is Upgrading To The A50 Even Worth It In Current Year

For users still holding onto a Samsung Galaxy S7, the question isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s practicality. Released in 2016, the S7 was a flagship powerhouse in its time, offering water resistance, expandable storage, and a brilliant AMOLED display. But nearly a decade later, technology has surged forward. The Galaxy A50, launched in 2019, represents Samsung’s shift toward affordable mid-range devices with modern features. So, if you're on an aging S7, is upgrading to the A50 still a smart move in 2024? The answer depends on your needs, expectations, and how much daily functionality matters to you.

Performance: Flagship Past vs Mid-Range Present

The Galaxy S7 ran on either the Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890—both high-end chips at the time. Even today, these processors could handle basic tasks if the system were fresh. However, software bloat, degraded battery health, and lack of official updates since 2019 severely limit the S7’s real-world usability.

In contrast, the A50 uses Samsung’s Exynos 9610, a mid-tier octa-core processor built on a more efficient 10nm process. While not designed for gaming marathons, it handles social media, streaming, and multitasking with noticeably smoother performance than the S7 in 2024. Apps open faster, scrolling is more fluid, and background processes are better managed thanks to Android 9 (upgradable to Android 11) and improved memory management.

Tip: If your S7 feels sluggish, clearing cached data and disabling unused apps can provide minor relief—but don’t expect miracles from outdated hardware.

Display and Design Evolution

The S7 featured a 5.1-inch Quad HD (1440p) Super AMOLED display, which was exceptional for its era. The pixel density was sharp, colors were vibrant, and viewing angles were excellent. However, the A50 trades resolution for size and modern aesthetics: a 6.4-inch Full HD+ (1080p) Super AMOLED Infinity-U display.

While the S7 technically had a higher-resolution screen, the A50 offers a significantly larger display with slimmer bezels and a more immersive experience. For watching videos, reading, or browsing, the A50’s taller 19.5:9 aspect ratio feels more contemporary. Additionally, the S7’s flat glass and metal body may feel premium, but the A50’s glossy plastic back (though prone to fingerprints) gives it a sleeker, more up-to-date look.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S7	Samsung Galaxy A50
Release Year	2016	2019
Processor	Snapdragon 820 / Exynos 8890	Exynos 9610
RAM	4GB	4GB or 6GB
Storage	32GB/64GB (expandable)	64GB/128GB (expandable)
Display	5.1” QHD AMOLED	6.4” FHD+ AMOLED
Rear Camera	12MP (f/1.7)	25MP (f/1.7) + 5MP + 5MP
Battery	3000mAh	4000mAh
Software Support	Ended in 2019	Ended in 2022

Camera Capabilities: One Sensor vs Three

The S7’s 12MP rear camera was class-leading in low light due to large pixels and an f/1.7 aperture. It produced natural colors and excellent dynamic range. However, it lacks modern conveniences like ultra-wide shots, depth sensors, or AI scene optimization.

The A50 steps into the multi-camera era with a 25MP main sensor (also f/1.7), a 5MP depth sensor for portrait mode, and a 5MP ultra-wide lens. While the primary sensor doesn’t surpass the S7 in pure image quality under ideal conditions, the added versatility makes a tangible difference. Capturing group photos, landscapes, or creative compositions is easier with the ultra-wide option. Night mode, though basic, improves low-light results beyond what the S7 can achieve without third-party apps.

“Even if the base photo quality hasn’t skyrocketed, having multiple lenses changes how people use their phones daily.” — David Lin, Mobile Photography Analyst

Battery Life and Charging: From Barely Enough to All-Day Power

The S7’s 3000mAh battery was modest even in 2016. With age, most units now struggle to last half a day with moderate use. Fast charging helped, but no wireless charging alternative existed in most markets.

The A50’s 4000mAh battery is a major upgrade. In real-world testing, it consistently delivers 1.5 to 2 days of light use or a full day of heavy usage. This alone makes the upgrade compelling for anyone tired of constant charging. The A50 supports fast charging (15W), though the charger is often sold separately in budget bundles.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Journey

Maria, a teacher from Austin, used her Galaxy S7 for seven years. She avoided upgrading due to cost and satisfaction with the compact size. But by 2023, her phone would die by noon, apps crashed frequently, and WhatsApp took over 30 seconds to load.

She purchased a used A50 for $120. Immediately, she noticed the screen stayed bright outdoors, messages sent reliably, and her calendar sync worked without delays. “It’s not a fancy phone,” she said, “but now I don’t have to carry a power bank just to get through parent-teacher conferences.”

Software and Security: The Hidden Cost of Staying Behind

This is where the S7 falls hardest. It stopped receiving security patches in early 2019 and OS updates in late 2018. Using it in 2024 means running Android 8.0 with outdated app compatibility, missing critical security fixes, and vulnerability to known exploits.

The A50, while also past its update cycle (last patch in 2022), shipped with Android 9 and received two major OS upgrades and three years of security updates. Its newer software foundation means better support for current versions of Google services, banking apps, and messaging platforms that increasingly require updated APIs.

Tip: Always check APKMirror or official firmware tools before installing apps on unsupported devices—many modern apps simply won’t install on Android 7 or earlier.

Is Upgrading to the A50 Worth It in 2024?

If you’re using a Galaxy S7 today, the A50 remains a logical—and cost-effective—next step, especially if you find one secondhand for under $100. You gain a larger, brighter screen, significantly better battery life, triple-camera flexibility, and a more responsive overall experience.

However, consider this: the A50 itself is five years old. While functional, it runs on aging software and lacks modern features like 5G, high refresh rate displays, or advanced biometrics. For around $150–$200, newer models like the A14 5G or even the iPhone SE (2022) offer longer software support and better future-proofing.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade to the A50?

• ✅ Your S7 battery dies within 6–8 hours
• ✅ Apps frequently crash or fail to update
• ✅ You want a larger screen for videos or reading
• ✅ You need reliable camera performance for everyday moments
• ✅ Budget is under $150 and newer phones aren’t an option
• ❌ You plan to keep the phone for more than 2 years
• ❌ You rely on secure mobile banking or work apps

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A50 run modern apps smoothly?

Yes, for most everyday apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and Gmail. Heavy games or multitasking may cause lag, but general use is smooth with 4GB RAM and optimized software.

Does the A50 support SD cards and have a headphone jack?

Yes, both features are present—a rarity in many current phones. The hybrid SIM slot allows microSD expansion up to 512GB, and the 3.5mm jack remains, making it ideal for users with wired accessories.

Is the A50 secure enough for daily use in 2024?

With no recent security patches, it carries some risk. Avoid storing sensitive data, use strong passwords, and avoid public Wi-Fi for transactions. It’s usable, but not ideal for high-security needs.

Final Verdict

Upgrading from the Galaxy S7 to the A50 is absolutely worth it if your priority is immediate usability, better battery, and a more reliable daily driver. The jump in screen size, performance, and camera options makes the A50 feel like a true modern smartphone compared to the S7’s legacy status.

But be realistic: the A50 is not a long-term solution. It’s a bridge device. If you can stretch your budget slightly, investing in a newer model with active software support will save you another upgrade sooner. Still, for those clinging to a dying S7, the A50 offers a meaningful leap forward—at a price that respects your wallet.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your current pain points, set a realistic budget, and consider buying certified refurbished for better reliability. Your future self will thank you for finally retiring that aging S7.