Zenfone 3 Ze552kl Vs Galaxy S7 Was Upgrading To The S7 Really Worth It

In 2016, two smartphones stood out in the mid-to-high-end market: the Asus ZenFone 3 (ZE552KL) and the Samsung Galaxy S7. One offered excellent value for money, while the other represented flagship excellence. For users considering an upgrade from the ZenFone 3 to the Galaxy S7—or choosing between them—the decision wasn’t just about specs. It came down to real-world performance, longevity, camera quality, and overall user satisfaction.

This article breaks down both devices across key categories, compares their strengths and weaknesses, and answers the critical question: was moving from the ZenFone 3 to the S7 actually worth it?

Design and Build Quality

The ZenFone 3 features a sleek aluminum unibody with chamfered edges and a brushed metal finish. At the time, it was one of the most premium-looking phones under $400. The 5.5-inch display fits comfortably in hand, and the curved back improves grip. However, it lacks water resistance and uses Gorilla Glass 3—solid but not top-tier by 2016 standards.

In contrast, the Galaxy S7 introduced a refined design language with glass front and back, sandwiched between a slim aluminum frame. Its symmetrical curves and seamless integration of materials gave it a luxury feel. More importantly, it was IP68-rated for dust and water resistance—a major advantage for durability and peace of mind.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or near liquids, water resistance isn't just a bonus—it's essential.

Samsung also opted for Gorilla Glass 4 on both sides, offering better scratch and shatter resistance than the ZenFone 3’s protection. While both phones felt premium, the S7 delivered a more polished, robust build that justified its higher price point.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

Under the hood, the differences become even more pronounced. The ZenFone 3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625—a capable octa-core processor built on a power-efficient 14nm process. Paired with 3GB or 4GB RAM and Adreno 506 GPU, it handled daily tasks smoothly and offered impressive battery life. But it was designed for efficiency, not raw power.

The Galaxy S7, however, ran on either the Snapdragon 820 (in most regions) or Exynos 8890, depending on the market. Both chips were flagship-grade, delivering significantly faster CPU and GPU performance. With 4GB of RAM and UFS 2.0 storage, app launches were snappier, multitasking was smoother, and gaming performance far exceeded the ZenFone 3.

“Flagship processors in 2016 weren’t just about speed—they enabled richer software experiences, better thermal management, and longer support cycles.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse

For example, high-end games like *Asphalt 8* or *Modern Combat 5* ran at maximum settings on the S7 without throttling, while the ZenFone 3 often had to reduce graphics quality to maintain frame rates. Similarly, AR features and camera processing benefited from the S7’s superior hardware.

Camera Capabilities: Daylight and Low Light

Photography was where the Galaxy S7 truly pulled ahead. It featured a 12MP rear sensor with Dual Pixel technology, larger 1.4µm pixels, and an f/1.7 aperture—one of the fastest lenses available at the time. This allowed exceptional low-light performance, preserving detail and color accuracy in dim environments.

The ZenFone 3 used a 16MP sensor with laser autofocus and optical image stabilization, which sounded better on paper. But smaller 1.0µm pixels and an f/2.0 aperture limited its ability to capture light. In well-lit conditions, photos were sharp and vibrant, but in indoor or nighttime settings, noise and blur became noticeable.

One real-world test illustrates this gap: a user attending a concert indoors tried capturing stage shots with both devices. The ZenFone 3 produced grainy, dark images with motion blur, even after multiple attempts. The S7, meanwhile, captured clear, bright shots with accurate colors—thanks to its superior light-gathering capability and faster shutter response.

Feature	ZenFone 3 ZE552KL	Galaxy S7
Rear Camera	16MP, f/2.0, OIS	12MP, f/1.7, Dual Pixel, OIS
Front Camera	8MP, f/2.0	5MP, f/1.7
Low-Light Performance	Fair	Excellent
Video Recording	1080p@30fps	4K@30fps / 1080p@60fps
Aperture Advantage	Standard	~70% more light intake

The S7’s front camera also performed better in low light due to its wider f/1.7 aperture, making selfies and video calls clearer in dim rooms—a subtle but meaningful improvement for social users.

Battery Life and Charging Experience

The ZenFone 3 packed a 3000mAh battery, which, combined with the efficient Snapdragon 625, delivered up to two days of moderate use. That was a standout feature for travelers or users who hated daily charging.

The Galaxy S7 had a slightly smaller 3000mAh battery (S7 edge had 3600mAh), but its power-hungry Snapdragon 820 and Quad HD display reduced endurance. Most users reported needing to charge by evening after heavy usage. However, the S7 supported fast charging and wireless charging—features absent on the ZenFone 3.

This created a trade-off: longer runtime versus faster recharge flexibility. If you valued convenience and quick top-ups, the S7’s fast charging (0–50% in ~30 minutes) could offset shorter battery life. But if you prioritized going days without plugging in, the ZenFone 3 remained superior.

Charging Comparison Summary

• ZenFone 3: Slower charging, no wireless option, but excellent battery stamina
• Galaxy S7: Fast charging + wireless charging, but required daily recharging under heavy use

Software, Updates, and Longevity

Here’s where long-term value becomes clear. The ZenFone 3 shipped with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and Asus’s ZenUI, which overlaid heavy skins and bloatware. While customizable, the interface felt cluttered. More critically, Asus provided only one major OS update (to Android 7.0 Nougat), leaving the device unsupported soon after launch.

The Galaxy S7 launched with Android 6.0 and TouchWiz (later rebranded to Samsung Experience), which was streamlined and feature-rich. Samsung committed to two years of OS updates, eventually bringing Android 8.0 Oreo. Combined with regular security patches until 2019, the S7 enjoyed over three years of reliable software support.

This meant S7 users received new features, improved privacy controls, and better app compatibility longer. For professionals or those keeping phones beyond two years, this extended lifecycle added significant value—even if the upfront cost was higher.

Checklist: Was Upgrading Worth It?

Ask yourself these questions before deciding:

1. Do I need water and dust resistance? → If yes, choose S7
2. Am I a mobile photographer, especially in low light? → S7 wins clearly
3. Do I play graphics-intensive games or use AR apps? → S7 handles them better
4. Do I hate charging every day? → ZenFone 3 lasts longer per charge
5. Do I plan to keep my phone for 3+ years? → S7 offers better software support
6. Is budget a primary concern? → ZenFone 3 offered great value

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a freelance travel blogger, owned a ZenFone 3 for nine months. She loved its battery life and portability but grew frustrated when her photos didn’t perform well on Instagram, especially during sunset shoots or indoor cafes. After researching, she upgraded to the Galaxy S7.

The difference was immediate. Her low-light food photography improved dramatically, and clients noticed the sharper visuals. Wireless charging simplified her morning routine, and IP68 rating gave her confidence using the phone near beaches and pools. Although she charged daily, the overall experience justified the switch.

She later reflected: “I thought the ZenFone 3 was good enough. But once I used the S7, I realized how much I’d been compromising on image quality and durability.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the Galaxy S7 significantly more expensive than the ZenFone 3?

Yes. At launch, the Galaxy S7 retailed around $650–$700, while the ZenFone 3 started at $299. That’s more than double the price, making the decision financial as much as technical.

Could the ZenFone 3 compete with the S7 in everyday use?

For basic tasks—calls, messaging, web browsing, streaming—the ZenFone 3 performed admirably. But under demanding workloads or in challenging conditions (low light, wet environments), the S7 proved more capable and reliable.

Is the ZenFone 3 still usable today?

Limitedly. Without recent security updates or app optimization, many modern apps run slowly or fail to install. It can serve as a backup or secondary device, but not as a primary smartphone in 2024.

Final Verdict: Was Upgrading Worth It?

For users seeking peak performance, superior camera quality, water resistance, and long-term software support, upgrading from the ZenFone 3 to the Galaxy S7 was absolutely worth it. The S7 wasn’t just faster—it offered a more complete, future-proofed experience.

However, for budget-conscious users who prioritized battery life and didn’t need advanced features, the ZenFone 3 remained a smart choice. It delivered flagship-like design and solid performance at a fraction of the cost.

In the end, the answer depends on your priorities. If you wanted the best Android experience money could buy in 2016, the S7 was the clear winner. If you valued value and efficiency over prestige, the ZenFone 3 held its ground.

🚀 Still comparing old flagships or planning a retro setup? Share your thoughts or upgrade story in the comments—we’d love to hear what drove your decision!