Upgrade Your Phone: iPhone 8 Plus vs. S7 Edge
When deciding whether to upgrade from a Samsung S7 Edge to an iPhone 8 Plus, it's crucial to consider more than just the technical specifications. Personal experience can provide insights that numbers alone cannot.
Comparing Technical Specifications
At first glance, the iPhone 8 Plus and S7 Edge are fairly comparable. Both boast impressive camera systems and ample storage, making the decision tough based on features alone. However, the real-world difference in performance and user experience emerges when you put both smartphones to the test.
A Touch of Intuition and Responsiveness
While the S7 Edge may have similar numerical specs as the iPhone 8 Plus, the user experience is where the mobile giants truly differentiate themselves. During my 3-year tenure with the S7, I noticed a notable decrease in peppy and responsive feel compared to the aging iPhone 5 that I had previously used. The S7 Edge took far longer to open applications, and the user interface was less intuitive, particularly when compared to the iPhone 8 Plus.
Even the beloved camera on the S7 Edge proved to be inconsistent. The aesthetics of the pictures taken were sometimes better, but performance in terms of aperture and megapixels was often hit or miss. Furthermore, the camera, in my experience, took forever to open, resulting in missed photo opportunities. On the other hand, the iPhone never failed me in this aspect.
User Interface and App Accessibility
One of the most significant factors in my decision to switch from an S7 Edge to an iPhone 8 Plus was the intuitiveness and ease of access to applications. Many who criticize the iPhone often imply that the features available on the iPhone are far from innovative, but that’s not entirely accurate.
According to the iPhone detractors, "Android had it 3 years ago" means it was a third-party app and not natively integrated into the iPhone's core system. This misconception overlooks the fact that many third-party apps were only available on the iPhone and couldn't be replicated in Android until much later. Thus, the ease of access to core apps and features on the iPhone is unparalleled.
Customization vs. Intuitive Design
While customization can make a phone more tailored to your needs, it comes at the cost of time and personal preference. My approach to using a phone is practical and straightforward: it’s an appliance designed to get me to the apps I want. Customizing the phone with default app replacements can be redundant and time-consuming, similar to spending extra time adjusting the settings on a stove or TV.
Final Impressions on Battery Life and Software Updates
The battery life of the S7 Edge, with its 3600 mAh capacity, should theoretically provide excellent performance. However, in reality, the battery life comparison is stark. The iPhone 8 Plus held its charge far better, despite the fact that the S7 Edge had a larger battery. Additionally, the battery issue was compounded by the S7 heating up under use, a problem that didn't occur on my aging iPhone.
Another point to consider is software updates. My iPhone was still receiving feature updates when I sold it. In contrast, the S7 ceased receiving feature updates shortly after purchase and now only rarely gets security updates. This highlights a significant difference in longevity and support between the two devices.
Conclusion
While the S7 Edge and iPhone 8 Plus share similar technical specifications, the user experience and real-world performance of the iPhone 8 Plus far outweigh its competitors. If you value ease of use, intuitive design, consistent feature updates, and longer battery life, upgrading to an iPhone 8 Plus could be the right choice for you.