Switching From The S7 To Iphone 8 Was It Actually A Worthwhile Upgrade

After nearly four years with the Samsung Galaxy S7, I made the leap to the iPhone 8. It wasn’t a decision taken lightly. The S7 had been one of Samsung’s best phones—water-resistant, expandable storage, headphone jack, and a reliable performer even in its later years. But as software updates slowed and app compatibility began to wane, I started questioning whether staying loyal to an aging Android flagship was still practical. The iPhone 8, while not Apple’s newest model at the time, represented a solid entry point into iOS with modern hardware and long-term support. So, was the switch truly worthwhile?

Performance: From Aging Flagship to Future-Proof Power

The Galaxy S7 launched in 2016 with the Snapdragon 820 (or Exynos 8890), which was top-tier at the time. By 2020, however, that chip struggled with multitasking, background app reloads, and newer versions of Android. Apps like Instagram and Chrome would frequently reset when switching between them.

In contrast, the iPhone 8 runs Apple’s A11 Bionic chip—a 64-bit hexa-core processor built on a 10nm process. Even years after release, iOS is optimized tightly around Apple’s silicon, meaning the iPhone 8 handles app launches, animations, and background processes with noticeable fluidity. Safari loads pages faster than Chrome ever did on the S7, and FaceTime calls start instantly without buffering.

Tip: If you're coming from an older Android device, expect iOS to feel more responsive even if the specs appear lower on paper—optimization matters.

One unexpected benefit: app update longevity. While the S7 stopped receiving major Android updates after two years, the iPhone 8 continues to run iOS 16 (as of 2023) and will likely support iOS 17. That kind of long-term software commitment is rare in the Android world outside of Google’s Pixel line.

Camera Comparison: Different Philosophies, Similar Results

The S7 had a 12MP rear sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus and f/1.7 aperture—excellent for its era. In good light, it captured rich colors and dynamic range. Low-light performance was among the best of any phone in 2016. However, by 2020, its processing looked soft compared to modern standards, especially in HDR and detail retention.

The iPhone 8 also features a 12MP rear camera but with optical image stabilization and Apple’s advanced image signal processor. Photos have a flatter, more neutral tone out of the box—less saturated than Samsung’s default profile—but offer superior dynamic range and consistent exposure across shots. Portrait mode, introduced with the iPhone 7 Plus and refined on the 8, delivers convincing depth effects even on non-Pro models.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S7	iPhone 8
Rear Camera	12MP, f/1.7, Dual Pixel AF	12MP, f/1.8, OIS
Front Camera	5MP, f/1.7	7MP, f/2.2
Video Recording	4K@30fps	4K@60fps
Low-Light Performance	Very good (for 2016)	Better processing, less noise
Portrait Mode	No	Yes (software-based)

The front-facing camera on the iPhone 8 is a clear winner. At 7MP with Retina Flash (screen boost), selfies are brighter and more detailed. On the S7, the 5MP front cam often overexposed faces or lost texture in low light.

“Apple’s computational photography may not have the highest megapixel count, but consistency and color accuracy make it ideal for everyday use.” — David Lin, Mobile Photographer & Tech Reviewer

Battery Life and Charging: Trade-offs in Longevity

The S7 came with a 3000mAh battery and supported fast charging and wireless charging—features still appreciated today. With moderate use, it lasted a full day. After three years, my unit held about 78% of its original capacity, which is decent but required midday charging under heavy load.

The iPhone 8 has a smaller 1821mAh battery, yet manages similar real-world endurance thanks to iOS power management and the efficiency of the A11 chip. Under normal use—email, messaging, browsing, music—the iPhone 8 lasts just over a day. Heavy GPS or video streaming drains it faster, but never worse than the degraded S7.

Charging is where trade-offs become apparent. The iPhone 8 supports Qi wireless charging and fast charging (with a 18W adapter, sold separately), but Apple ships only a 5W charger. Upgrading means extra cost. Meanwhile, Samsung included fast charging out of the box.

Mini Case Study: Daily Commute Test

For two weeks, I used each phone during my daily commute: 45 minutes of podcast streaming, 30 minutes of navigation, and intermittent messaging. The S7 needed a top-up by 6 PM on Day 3. The iPhone 8 reached 15% by 8 PM on Day 4. Both were charged nightly, but the iPhone clearly squeezed more life from less capacity due to system-level optimization.

iOS vs. Android: Adjusting to a New Ecosystem

Moving from Android to iOS isn’t just about hardware—it’s a shift in workflow. The S7 offered deep customization, file system access, split-screen apps, and seamless Google integration. The iPhone 8 locks down certain freedoms but gains reliability and security.

• App Continuity: Handoff between iPhone, iPad, and Mac is smooth. Safari tabs, Messages, and Notes sync instantly.
• Privacy Controls: iOS provides granular permissions—apps must request access to photos, location, or microphone each time unless granted always-on.
• No Expandable Storage: The iPhone 8 comes in 64GB or 256GB. I upgraded to 256GB because I couldn’t add a microSD card like on the S7.
• No Headphone Jack: This was the hardest adjustment. I now rely on Lightning earbuds or Bluetooth AirPods. Audio quality improved, but convenience dropped.

Tip: Use iCloud Photos with Optimize iPhone Storage to save space without losing access to your library.

Was It Worth the Upgrade? A Final Verdict

Yes—but with caveats.

If you’re upgrading from a Galaxy S7 purely for better performance, longer software support, and improved cameras, the iPhone 8 delivers. The transition to iOS brings stability, ecosystem cohesion, and peace of mind knowing your phone will receive updates for years.

However, you sacrifice flexibility. No SD card, no easy file browsing, no default app choices. You’ll pay extra for accessories like fast chargers and adapters. And if you love tinkering with settings or sideloading apps, iOS will feel restrictive.

Ultimately, the iPhone 8 isn’t a flashy upgrade. It lacks Face ID, edge-to-edge displays, or dual cameras like the iPhone X. But it offers a balanced blend of design, durability, and performance in a compact form factor—something increasingly rare today.

Checklist: Before Switching from Android to iPhone

1. Back up your Android data using Google Drive or Samsung Cloud.
2. Download the “Move to iOS” app before setting up your new iPhone.
3. Ensure your Apple ID is created and two-factor authentication is enabled.
4. Purchase necessary accessories: fast charger, case, screen protector.
5. Transfer contacts, messages, photos, and Wi-Fi passwords via the migration tool.
6. Reinstall essential apps and reconfigure accounts (email, social media, banking).
7. Set up iCloud Backup and enable Find My iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Samsung earbuds with the iPhone 8?

Yes, via Bluetooth. However, some proprietary features like ambient sound mode or firmware updates may not work without Samsung’s app, which isn’t available on iOS.

Does the iPhone 8 still get software updates?

As of 2023, the iPhone 8 supports up to iOS 16 and is expected to receive iOS 17. This gives it seven years of OS updates since launch—far exceeding most Android phones.

Is the iPhone 8 too small by today’s standards?

At 4.7 inches, it’s noticeably smaller than modern flagships. Some users find it refreshing for one-handed use; others miss the screen real estate for videos and multitasking.

Conclusion: Making the Right Move for Your Needs

Switching from the Galaxy S7 to the iPhone 8 wasn’t just about newer hardware—it was about investing in longevity, security, and a cohesive digital lifestyle. The performance gains are tangible, the camera produces more consistent results, and iOS offers a polished, secure environment that ages gracefully.

It’s not a perfect phone. The screen is small, the bezels are wide, and the lack of a headphone jack still feels like a step backward for some. But for someone seeking reliability, long-term support, and seamless integration with other Apple devices, the iPhone 8 remains a surprisingly capable choice—even years after its release.

🚀 Thinking about making the switch? Evaluate what matters most: customization and openness (Android), or consistency, longevity, and ecosystem strength (iOS). Your answer will tell you whether the upgrade is truly worthwhile.