Samsung S7 Vs S8 Is It Worth Upgrading Or Am I Missing Out

For millions of Samsung Galaxy S7 owners, the arrival of the Galaxy S8 raised a practical question: should I upgrade? The S7 was a flagship powerhouse in its time—water-resistant, fast, with an excellent camera and solid battery life. When the S8 launched, it brought dramatic design changes and new features. But does that translate into real-world value for someone already satisfied with their S7? This comparison cuts through the marketing hype to deliver a clear, honest assessment of whether upgrading from the S7 to the S8 is truly worthwhile—or if you’re better off holding onto your current device.

Design & Build: A Leap Forward

The most immediate difference between the S7 and S8 is visual and tactile. The S7, while sleek, follows a more traditional smartphone design with thick bezels above and below the display and a physical home button. In contrast, the S8 introduced Samsung’s “Infinity Display”—a nearly edge-to-edge 5.8-inch curved AMOLED screen that dominates the front. The result is a taller, narrower phone that feels more modern and immersive, despite having only a slightly larger screen than the S7’s 5.1 inches.

Both phones are built with glass backs and aluminum frames and carry IP68 water and dust resistance, so durability remains consistent. However, the S8’s slimmer profile and refined curves make it more comfortable to hold, even with the larger display. That said, some users found the S8’s side-mounted fingerprint sensor less convenient than the S7’s front-placed one, especially after muscle memory had been established.

Tip: If you prioritize screen real estate and modern aesthetics, the S8’s Infinity Display is a genuine quality-of-life improvement.

Performance & Software: Incremental Gains

Under the hood, both phones were powered by high-end chipsets at launch—the S7 used either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890, while the S8 upgraded to the Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 9810. While this represents a generational leap in processing technology, real-world performance differences are subtle. Day-to-day tasks like browsing, messaging, and media playback feel equally smooth on both devices.

Where the S8 pulls ahead is in multitasking and future-proofing. It launched with 4GB of RAM (same as the S7) but paired with improved software optimization and support for newer Android versions longer. The S8 received updates up to Android 10, while the S7 stopped at Android 9. For users who rely on apps requiring newer APIs or enhanced security patches, this extended support matters.

“Hardware improvements from S7 to S8 are evolutionary, not revolutionary—but software longevity gives the S8 an edge for long-term use.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Comparison: Similar Quality, Smarter Features

The S7 set a high bar for mobile photography in 2016 with its 12MP Dual Pixel rear sensor, known for fast autofocus, excellent low-light performance, and accurate color reproduction. The S8 retained the same 12MP sensor but introduced minor software refinements—better HDR processing, scene detection, and stabilization during video recording.

In head-to-head tests, photos from both devices are nearly indistinguishable under good lighting. The S8 performs slightly better in high-contrast situations thanks to improved dynamic range, but the S7 still holds up impressively. Neither includes optical zoom or dual cameras, which became standard in later flagships.

The front camera sees a modest upgrade—from 5MP on the S7 to 8MP on the S8—with better facial recognition algorithms supporting the new iris scanner feature. While selfie enthusiasts may appreciate the extra resolution, it’s not a game-changer.

Battery Life & Charging: Trade-offs to Consider

The S7 packs a 3000mAh battery, while the S8 uses a slightly smaller 3000mAh unit despite its larger screen. Thanks to more efficient hardware and software, battery life is comparable—around 6–7 hours of screen-on time with mixed usage. Heavy users might find themselves reaching for a charger by late afternoon on either device.

Both support fast charging and wireless charging, maintaining parity in convenience. However, the S8 adds support for Samsung DeX (with adapter), allowing desktop-like functionality when connected to a monitor—a niche but powerful feature for productivity-focused users.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S7	Samsung Galaxy S8
Display Size	5.1 inches	5.8 inches
Resolution	1440 x 2560	1440 x 2960
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.7	12MP f/1.7
Front Camera	5MP f/1.7	8MP f/1.7
Battery Capacity	3000 mAh	3000 mAh
Water Resistance	IP68	IP68
Fingerprint Sensor	Front-mounted	Side-mounted
OS Launch Version	Android 6.0	Android 7.0
Final OS Update	Android 9	Android 10
Special Features	Dual Pixel AF	Infinity Display, Bixby, Face/Iris Unlock

Is Upgrading Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before making the switch, consider your actual needs—not just the specs. Use this checklist to determine if the upgrade makes sense for you:

• ✅ Do you want a larger, more immersive display?
• ✅ Are you frustrated by thick bezels on your current phone?
• ✅ Do you value longer software support and security updates?
• ✅ Are you interested in using Samsung DeX for productivity?
• ✅ Have you experienced hardware wear (battery degradation, cracked screen)?
• ❌ Are you happy with your S7’s performance and camera?
• ❌ Is cost a major factor (used S8 prices were significantly higher at launch)?

If most of your answers are “yes” to the first five and “no” to the last two, upgrading offers tangible benefits. Otherwise, the S7 remains a capable device well into the late 2010s and beyond for casual use.

Real User Scenario: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria bought her Galaxy S7 in early 2016 and loved its reliability. By 2018, she noticed slower app launches and occasional overheating. She considered the S8 after seeing friends use the edge-to-edge screen. After testing one in-store, she appreciated the smoother scrolling and brighter display but missed the intuitive fingerprint placement. Ultimately, she opted to replace her S7’s battery and install a protective case instead. Two years later, she still uses the refreshed S7 without issues—proving that upgrades aren’t mandatory just because a newer model exists.

What You Might Be Missing Out On

Sticking with the S7 means forgoing several modern conveniences:

1. Bixby Voice Assistant: Though polarizing, Bixby offers hands-free control over settings, apps, and smart home devices.
2. Face and Iris Unlock: Faster biometric options, though less secure than a fingerprint.
3. Taller Display Format: Better for multitasking, reading, and video consumption.
4. Newer App Compatibility: As developers optimize for taller screens and newer OS versions, older devices may struggle.

However, none of these are critical for basic smartphone functions. The core experience—calling, texting, social media, photography—remains fully functional on the S7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S7 still run modern apps smoothly?

Yes, most mainstream apps—including Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Google services—still run well on the S7. Performance dips may occur with graphics-heavy games or apps requiring Android 10+ features.

Is the S8 significantly faster than the S7?

Not noticeably in daily use. Benchmark scores show a 15–20% improvement, but real-world speed feels similar. Where the S8 excels is in sustained performance and thermal management during extended use.

Should I upgrade if my S7 is working fine?

Only if you value design, screen quality, or long-term software support. If your S7 meets your needs, upgrading is more about desire than necessity.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Only If Design and Longevity Matter

The jump from the Galaxy S7 to the S8 isn’t transformative in performance or camera quality. It’s primarily a shift in form factor and forward compatibility. If you love your S7 and it still powers on reliably, there’s no urgent need to replace it. But if you’ve been waiting for a more modern interface, a bigger screen, or assurance of continued updates, the S8 delivers a meaningful step forward.

Technology evolves, but utility doesn’t expire overnight. The S7 was—and in many ways still is—an excellent phone. The S8 improves upon it with elegance and vision, but not always with practical necessity.

🚀 Ready to make a decision? Assess your current phone’s condition, your usage habits, and what truly enhances your daily experience. Whether you upgrade or stay, choose based on value—not just novelty.