Upgrading From A Galaxy S7 To An Honor 7x Was It A Mistake

Switching smartphones after years with one brand can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. For many long-time Samsung users, the Galaxy S7 was a benchmark device—reliable, well-built, and future-proof at its launch. When it came time to upgrade, some opted for alternatives offering better value, like the Honor 7X. But was trading the S7’s polish for the 7X’s affordability a smart move—or a regrettable compromise?

This article examines the transition from the Galaxy S7 to the Honor 7X through real-world usage, technical comparisons, and practical insights. Whether you're considering a similar switch or reflecting on your own decision, this breakdown will help clarify whether the trade-offs were worth it.

Performance and Hardware: A Tale of Two Eras

The Galaxy S7, released in early 2016, featured Samsung’s Exynos 8890 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset (depending on region), 4GB of RAM, and a 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display. At the time, it was flagship-tier hardware designed for speed, efficiency, and immersive media consumption.

In contrast, the Honor 7X, launched in late 2017, ran on Huawei’s Kirin 659 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM and a larger 5.7-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD display with an 18:9 aspect ratio—a then-novel design choice emphasizing screen real estate over pixel density.

On paper, the S7 had superior processing power and a sharper display. However, daily performance isn’t always dictated by specs alone. The Honor 7X, while not a gaming powerhouse, handled everyday tasks smoothly thanks to EMUI’s optimization and lighter app demands in 2017–2019.

Tip: If you prioritize multitasking and app responsiveness over display quality, mid-range chips like the Kirin 659 can still deliver acceptable performance for messaging, browsing, and social media.

Battery Life: Where the Honor 7X Shines

One area where the Honor 7X clearly outperformed the Galaxy S7 was battery longevity. With a 3,340mAh cell, the S7 offered solid endurance but required daily charging under moderate use. Fast charging helped, but battery degradation over time became noticeable after two years.

The Honor 7X packed a larger 3,340mAh battery—but due to the less power-hungry Kirin 659 and efficient software tuning, it often lasted longer despite identical capacity. Users reported consistently reaching end-of-day with 20–30% remaining, even with screen-on times exceeding five hours.

“Battery anxiety is real. Moving from the aging S7 to the 7X felt like gaining half a day of freedom.” — Raj M., former S7 user and tech blogger

Display and Design: Trade-Offs in Build Quality

The Galaxy S7 boasted a sleek glass-and-metal body with IP68 water resistance—a feature absent on the Honor 7X. The 7X used a full-metal unibody design that felt sturdy but lacked the premium tactile feedback of the S7. It also omitted waterproofing, making it less resilient in wet conditions.

The 7X’s taller 18:9 display was ideal for videos and scrolling, but the IPS LCD panel couldn’t match the S7’s vibrant Super AMOLED contrast and deep blacks. Outdoor visibility was decent, but color accuracy and viewing angles fell short compared to Samsung’s display technology.

Feature	Galaxy S7	Honor 7X
Display Type	Super AMOLED	IPS LCD
Resolution	1440 x 2560	1080 x 2160
Build Material	Glass & Metal (IP68)	Full Metal (No IP rating)
Screen Size	5.1 inches	5.7 inches
Aspect Ratio	16:9	18:9

Software and Long-Term Support: The Hidden Cost of Value

Samsung provided three major Android updates and consistent security patches for the S7 during its supported lifecycle. While it eventually stopped receiving OS upgrades beyond Nougat (7.0), the update frequency built trust among users.

Honor, as a sub-brand of Huawei, offered only one major Android version upgrade (from Nougat to Oreo) for the 7X. After 2019, official updates slowed significantly. By 2021, the device was effectively abandoned, leaving users exposed to security vulnerabilities and incompatible with newer apps.

This lack of long-term support proved to be one of the most significant drawbacks. Users upgrading from the S7 expected a similar lifespan, but the 7X began feeling outdated just two years after purchase.

Tip: Always research a manufacturer’s track record with software updates before switching brands. Budget phones often sacrifice long-term support for upfront savings.

Real-World Experience: A Mini Case Study

Take the example of Linda T., a teacher who used her Galaxy S7 from 2016 to 2018. When her battery started failing, she chose the Honor 7X for its lower price and larger screen—ideal for grading papers and watching lectures.

Initially, she loved the extra screen space and improved battery. But within a year, she noticed lag when opening multiple tabs, and apps like Google Classroom began crashing more frequently. By 2020, the phone struggled to install updated versions of essential apps.

Linda reflected: “I saved $200 at first, but I ended up buying a new phone a year earlier than I expected. If I’d known about the update policy, I might’ve held onto the S7 longer or gone for a different mid-ranger.”

Camera Comparison: Compromises in Low Light

The Galaxy S7’s 12MP rear camera was ahead of its time—featuring large pixels, Dual Pixel autofocus, and excellent low-light performance. It remained competitive even against newer devices in 2018.

The Honor 7X introduced a dual-camera setup (16MP + 2MP), primarily for portrait mode effects. While daylight shots were sharp and colorful, low-light photography suffered from noise, slow shutter speeds, and poor dynamic range. The secondary depth sensor added little real value.

For casual photographers, the 7X was sufficient. But anyone upgrading from the S7 expecting comparable image quality, especially indoors or at night, was likely disappointed.

Upgrade Checklist: What to Consider Before Switching Brands

Moving from a trusted flagship to a budget-friendly alternative requires careful evaluation. Use this checklist to avoid buyer’s remorse:

• Check software support history: Does the brand provide at least two major OS updates?
• Evaluate build quality: Is the phone durable enough for your lifestyle?
• Test real-world battery life: Don’t rely solely on mAh numbers—look for user reviews.
• Assess camera needs: Are you shooting mostly in daylight, or do you need strong low-light performance?
• Review app compatibility: Will your essential apps run smoothly on mid-range hardware?
• Consider resale value: Flagship devices typically retain value better than budget models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Honor 7X replace a Galaxy S7 in 2024?

No. As of 2024, the Honor 7X is no longer supported, lacks modern security patches, and struggles with current app requirements. It may function as a basic phone, but it’s not recommended for daily use.

Was the Honor 7X a good phone in its time?

Yes. At launch, the 7X offered excellent value with its full-screen design, solid battery life, and clean software. It was praised by reviewers for delivering flagship-like aesthetics at a fraction of the cost.

Why did Honor stop supporting the 7X so quickly?

Honor operated under Huawei’s ecosystem, which faced U.S. sanctions in 2019. This disrupted software development and global update rollouts. Additionally, budget devices are often deprioritized for long-term maintenance.

Conclusion: Weighing Value Against Longevity

Upgrading from a Galaxy S7 to an Honor 7X wasn’t inherently a mistake—but it depended heavily on expectations. For users seeking a temporary, budget-conscious solution with better battery and a modern screen, the 7X made sense. Its larger display and metal build offered tangible improvements in form factor.

However, those valuing long-term reliability, software support, camera quality, and build refinement likely found the transition underwhelming. The lack of IP rating, weaker low-light photography, and abrupt end to updates diminished the overall ownership experience.

The lesson isn’t that the Honor 7X was a bad phone—it was well-regarded in its category. Rather, it highlights a key truth: upgrading from a high-end device to a budget model involves trade-offs that go beyond price. Longevity, support, and ecosystem matter just as much as specs.

💬 Have you made a similar switch? Share your experience—was it worth it, or would you go back to your old device?