Is the New iPhone 8 Plus Worth It If You Currently Use the Samsung Galaxy S7?
While the decision to upgrade should ultimately be based on personal needs and desires, there are several points worth considering. Whether you're considering the iPhone 8 Plus or the Samsung Galaxy S7, this comprehensive comparison aims to provide a clear picture of their differences and similarities, helping you make an informed decision.
Design Comparison
The two flagship devices, the Samsung Galaxy S7 and iPhone 8 Plus, showcase distinct design philosophies yet maintain a high level of premium quality.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 boasts a vibrant, symmetrical look with its glass-back design, giving it a luxury feel. Its 148.9 x 68.1 x 8mm dimensions make it comfortable in hand and the IP67 certification ensures it can withstand water without damage, a feature also absent in the iPhone 8 Plus. This Samsung model includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing compatibility with wired headphones, which may be a deciding factor for those who prefer wired over wireless options.
The iPhone 8 Plus, on the other hand, has a sleek unibody construction, measuring 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1mm. This makes it slightly smaller and more compact compared to the Samsung Galaxy S7. However, its IP67 rating indicates it can resist water and dust to a lesser degree than the Samsung model.
Display Features
The display is one of the key areas where the Samsung Galaxy S7 really excels. With a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display offering a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, it provides vibrant, vivid, and highly detailed visuals. The iPhone 8 Plus, at 4.7 inches with an LCD screen, has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, resulting in a noticeably lower resolution and potentially duller colors.
The curved display edges of the Samsung Galaxy S7 add to its aesthetic appeal, similar to the edges of the Samsung S7 Edge. The iPhone 8 Plus presents a more standard 16:9 aspect ratio, slightly more compact and potentially easier to handle for some users.
Operating System and Performance
When it comes to the operating system, the Samsung Galaxy S7 runs on Android while the iPhone 8 Plus uses iOS 10. Both platforms are powerful and offer similar user interfaces but with distinct ecosystem benefits.
The iPhone 8 Plus is equipped with the A10 Fusion chip and 2GB of RAM, providing robust performance. The Samsung Galaxy S7, boasting 3GB of RAM and equipped with the Exynos 8890 processor, is also a powerhouse.
Camera Technology
The camera capabilities of both devices are impressive. The Samsung Galaxy S7 features a 12MP sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, capturing high-quality photos in various lighting conditions. Although the camera is top-of-the-line, it may not hold up against the latest advancements in 2017.
The iPhone 8 Plus comes with a similar 12MP sensor but includes optical image stabilization, adding to its versatility. The front-facing cameras on both devices are also comparable, but the Samsung Galaxy S7 offers an 8MP sensor in its primary front-facing camera, a step ahead of the iPhone 8 Plus's 7MP sensor.
Battery Life and Charging
The Samsung Galaxy S7 comes with a 2600mAh battery, whereas the iPhone 8 Plus has a 3110mAh battery. Despite the Samsung Galaxy S7 being slightly smaller, its battery life is slightly shorter compared to the iPhone 8 Plus due to higher displays and components.
The iPhone 8 Plus supports fast charging, though this feature is less versatile as it requires a 2.1A iPad charger. The Samsung Galaxy S7 also supports fast charging, making it a more convenient option for users who prefer quick charging.
In conclusion, while the iPhone 8 Plus offers powerful hardware and a well-polished ecosystem, the Samsung Galaxy S7 excels in design, display quality, and battery life. Both devices are excellent choices, and the final decision should be based on personal preference and specific needs.