Thinking Of Ditching My Samsung S5 For An Iphone 7 Will I Regret It

If you're still holding onto a Samsung Galaxy S5 and considering a switch to the iPhone 7, you're standing at a crossroads many users have faced. The S5, released in 2014, was once a flagship powerhouse with water resistance, a fingerprint sensor, and expandable storage. But nearly a decade later, it's long past its prime. The iPhone 7, launched in 2016, may seem like a modest upgrade on paper, but the shift from Android to iOS is more than just hardware—it's a change in ecosystem, user experience, and long-term support.

The real question isn’t whether the iPhone 7 is better than the S5—because technically, it is—but whether the transition will meet your expectations and lifestyle needs. Will you regret leaving behind the flexibility of Android for Apple’s curated environment? Let’s explore what you’re gaining, what you’re losing, and whether this move makes sense in 2024 and beyond.

Performance: From Aging Android to a Still-Functional iOS Device

The Galaxy S5 ran on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 801 with 2GB of RAM—a solid setup in its time. However, modern apps and operating system updates have left it behind. Most current Android versions don’t support the device, app compatibility is limited, and even basic tasks like web browsing or social media can feel sluggish.

In contrast, the iPhone 7 shipped with Apple’s A10 Fusion chip and 2GB of RAM. While that sounds similar on paper, iOS is far more efficient in managing resources. Even today, the iPhone 7 can run up to iOS 16 (depending on model), which means access to recent security patches, updated apps, and smoother multitasking. This extended software support gives the iPhone 7 a significant edge over the aging S5.

Tip: If performance is your main concern, the iPhone 7 will feel dramatically faster and more responsive than the S5—even years after both were released.

Ecosystem Shift: Android Flexibility vs. iOS Integration

Switching from Samsung to Apple means moving from a highly customizable, open Android ecosystem to a tightly controlled, seamless iOS experience. On Android, you could install third-party launchers, use any file manager, sideload apps freely, and plug in a microSD card. The iPhone 7 offers none of that. No expandable storage. No default app changes. No easy file system access.

But what you gain is integration. iCloud syncs your photos, messages, notes, and passwords across devices. If you own a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch, the handoff features alone can be transformative. Notifications appear across devices, AirDrop works instantly, and FaceTime remains one of the most reliable video calling tools.

“The strength of Apple’s ecosystem isn’t raw power—it’s consistency. Once you’re in, switching out feels disruptive.” — Mark Tran, Mobile Technology Analyst at GadgetInsight

For someone used to Android’s freedom, this might feel restrictive. But for users who value reliability and continuity, especially those planning to stay within Apple’s product range, the trade-off often pays off.

Hardware Comparison: What You Gain and Lose

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S5	iPhone 7
Release Year	2014	2016
Processor	Snapdragon 801	A10 Fusion
Rear Camera	16 MP	12 MP (w/ optical image stabilization)
Front Camera	2 MP	7 MP
Storage Options	16/32GB + microSD	32/128/256GB (no expansion)
Water Resistance	IP67	IP67
Headphone Jack	Yes	No (first iPhone without one)
Battery Capacity	2800 mAh	1960 mAh
Charging	Micro USB	Lightning

While the S5 had a larger battery and expandable storage, the iPhone 7 counters with superior camera processing, longer software support, and a more durable build quality. Its cameras produce consistently better low-light photos and smoother video recording, thanks to Apple’s image signal processor and software tuning.

Real User Experience: A Mini Case Study

Take the example of Lena, a freelance photographer who used her Galaxy S5 for six years. She relied on microSD cards to store thousands of images and loved the removable battery option. When her phone began failing to boot regularly, she opted for a used iPhone 7. At first, she missed the SD card slot and struggled with iCloud photo syncing delays. But within three months, she adapted. She started using Lightroom Mobile with seamless Adobe Creative Cloud integration, appreciated the Live Photos feature during shoots, and found that her photos looked sharper and more consistent straight out of the camera.

Lena didn’t miss Android’s customization—but she did miss having spare batteries. Her verdict? “I don’t regret the switch, but I wish I’d known how different the workflow would be. It wasn’t just a new phone—it was a new way of working.”

Long-Term Value and Future-Proofing

As of 2024, neither the S5 nor the iPhone 7 is considered a modern smartphone. But here’s the key difference: the iPhone 7 received software updates for nearly six years, supporting iOS 16 in some configurations. The S5 stopped receiving major updates around 2016. That means the iPhone 7 has a much higher chance of running current versions of WhatsApp, Google Maps, banking apps, and other essential services.

However, Apple has begun phasing out support for 64-bit-only apps, and some newer apps may no longer function optimally on the iPhone 7. If you plan to keep your phone for another two years, consider whether app compatibility will become an issue. For light usage—calls, texts, email, social media—the iPhone 7 should suffice. For gaming or AR applications, it will struggle.

Checklist: Before You Make the Switch

• ✅ Back up all data from your S5 (Google account, SD card contents, SMS)
• ✅ Transfer contacts and calendar via Google Sync
• ✅ Prepare for the lack of headphone jack (get Lightning earbuds or Bluetooth headphones)
• ✅ Set up Apple ID and enable two-factor authentication
• ✅ Install essential apps and test their functionality on iOS
• ✅ Consider cloud storage alternatives (iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox)
• ✅ Reset and securely wipe your S5 before selling or recycling

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer everything from my Samsung S5 to the iPhone 7?

Yes, but not automatically. Use Apple’s “Move to iOS” app during initial iPhone setup to transfer contacts, messages, photos, and Google account data. Note that app data and settings won’t carry over, and files on microSD must be manually copied to a computer first.

Will the iPhone 7 feel slow compared to modern phones?

Compared to current flagships, yes—it’s underpowered by today’s standards. But next to the S5, it will feel snappier and more responsive, especially in app launches and camera performance. For everyday tasks, it remains usable, though heavy multitasking or gaming may cause lag.

Is it worth buying an iPhone 7 in 2024?

Only if you’re on a tight budget and need a functional iOS entry point. Newer options like the iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd gen) offer similar form factors with modern processors, better cameras, and current iOS support at only slightly higher prices. If possible, stretch your budget for one of those instead.

Conclusion: Should You Regret the Switch?

Regret depends on your priorities. If you value software longevity, camera quality, and ecosystem integration, the iPhone 7 is a meaningful upgrade from the S5. You’ll enjoy faster performance, better app support, and a more polished user experience. However, if you rely heavily on expandable storage, prefer hardware customization, or dislike Apple’s closed ecosystem, the transition may feel limiting.

The iPhone 7 isn’t future-proof, but it’s significantly more viable than the S5 in 2024. Just be aware: this isn’t a leap into the future—it’s a step toward stability. If you’re ready to embrace Apple’s ecosystem and accept the trade-offs, you likely won’t regret leaving the S5 behind. But if you’re hoping for a long-term device, consider looking one generation higher.

💬 Have you made the switch from Android to iPhone—or vice versa? Share your experience and help others decide whether the move is worth it.