Introduction
When the Samsung Galaxy S7 launched in early 2016, it was hailed as one of the best smartphones of its time. With its elegant glass-and-metal design, sharp 5.1-inch Quad HD AMOLED display, excellent 12MP camera, and IP68 water resistance, it represented the perfect blend of style and performance. The Galaxy S7 was a true flagship that helped define what premium Android phones would become for years to follow.
Fast forward to 2025, and the story is very different. While the S7 remains an iconic device in Samsung’s history, it’s no longer a practical choice for modern users. Its hardware, software, and battery performance have aged dramatically, and it no longer receives updates or official support. For anyone shopping today, even at a low price, the Galaxy S7 simply isn’t a smart or safe buy.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, there are no Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S7 units available in 2025. Most professional resellers stopped handling models this old years ago due to a lack of replacement parts, limited resale value, and security concerns.
Why No Certified Used / Refurbished Galaxy S7?
The absence of Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S7 inventory in 2025 isn’t a coincidence — it’s a result of age, obsolescence, and practicality. Professional refurbishers and certified resellers typically focus on models that still receive security updates and have available OEM parts for repair or replacement. The Galaxy S7 fails on both counts.
Samsung officially ended software and security support for the S7 in 2020, meaning it no longer receives Android updates or safety patches. Refurbishers can’t sell such outdated phones with confidence, as they can’t guarantee secure or reliable operation.
In addition, the phone’s Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 3000 mAh battery are far below modern standards. After nearly a decade of use, most S7 units suffer from degraded batteries, worn components, and fragile displays — making refurbishment unprofitable and unreliable.
While individual sellers may still list used Galaxy S7 units on eBay or Craigslist for around $80–$100, these come with no certification, warranty, or guarantee of authenticity. In some cases, buyers even risk falling victim to counterfeit listings or scams.
For a similar price, a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22, available from trusted resellers for around $150+, delivers vastly superior performance, modern security, and guaranteed software updates — making it the far better investment in 2025.
Galaxy S7 Review in 2025
Price and Availability
As of 2025, finding a Samsung Galaxy S7 through certified resellers is nearly impossible. According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, there are no Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S7 listings available, as professional refurbishers have long retired this model from their lineup. The S7 is simply too old, and its lack of software support makes it unsuitable for certified resale programs.
However, you may still find individual sellers offering used Galaxy S7 units on marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace for around $80 to $100. These devices are typically uncertified, heavily worn, and lack any warranty or quality assurance. Given their age, many of these units also suffer from degraded batteries, damaged screens, and replacement parts that may not be genuine.
While the Galaxy S7 might seem cheap, it’s not a good value in 2025. For just a bit more, a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22 — priced around $150+ — offers a dramatically better experience with updated software, 5G support, and years of guaranteed reliability.
Chipset and Performance
When it launched, the Snapdragon 820 processor inside the Galaxy S7 was cutting-edge. But nearly a decade later, it struggles to keep up with even entry-level Android phones. Paired with 4GB of RAM and UFS 2.0 storage, the phone feels sluggish when running modern apps, switching between tasks, or browsing complex websites.
Simple actions like opening social media apps or streaming HD video can result in stuttering and delays. Gaming performance is especially weak — modern titles are often incompatible or run at low frame rates due to the aging Adreno 530 GPU.
Even with its former flagship status, the Galaxy S7 is no longer suitable for performance-focused users. The hardware simply can’t keep pace with modern software, and without updates, optimization issues will only worsen over time.
Display and Camera
In 2016, the Galaxy S7’s 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display was one of the best on the market. It offered rich colors, deep blacks, and crisp resolution. But in 2025, the 60Hz refresh rate and lower brightness (around 600 nits) feel dated. Modern smartphones like the Galaxy S22 offer Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels with 120Hz refresh rates and 1300 nits brightness, providing smoother motion, better contrast, and improved outdoor visibility.
The 12MP rear camera was groundbreaking when it debuted, introducing Dual Pixel autofocus and excellent low-light performance. However, today it lacks AI-based image processing, Night Mode, and multiple lens versatility. The result is flatter images with less dynamic range and slower focus. The 5MP front camera also feels limited for selfies and video calls by modern standards.
Overall, while the Galaxy S7’s display and camera were once industry-leading, they now fall far short of the quality, sharpness, and flexibility offered by newer models.
Battery
The 3000 mAh battery inside the Galaxy S7 was adequate in 2016 but is a major weak point in 2025. After years of charge cycles, most batteries have lost a significant portion of their capacity, leading to short screen-on times and frequent recharging. Even refurbished units rarely last more than a few hours of moderate use.
Charging speed is also a limitation. The phone supports only 15W wired charging, which feels slow by today’s standards, where even budget models can reach 25W–45W. Replacing the battery is possible but not cost-effective, as genuine Samsung parts are hard to find and third-party replacements vary in quality.
In short, the Galaxy S7’s battery life is no longer reliable for daily use — especially when compared to modern devices with larger, faster-charging, and more efficient batteries.
Software Support (End of Life)
Perhaps the biggest drawback of the Galaxy S7 in 2025 is that it’s long past its software and security support period. Samsung officially ended updates for the S7 in 2020, leaving it permanently stuck on Android 8.0 (Oreo) with the old Samsung Experience UI.
This means no access to the latest Android features, no performance improvements, and — most importantly — no security patches. As a result, using the S7 today poses serious privacy and security risks, especially for online banking, email, or app-based payments.
Many popular apps now require Android 10 or higher to install or run properly, leaving the Galaxy S7 incompatible with an increasing number of modern services. Even third-party app stores and browsers are gradually dropping support for older Android versions.
In essence, while the Galaxy S7 remains a nostalgic classic, it’s a retired device that no longer meets the standards of modern smartphones — both in performance and safety.
Galaxy S7 vs S22 — Much Better with Similar Price
Specs Comparison
| Feature |
Galaxy S7 |
Galaxy S22 |
| Launch Year |
2016 |
2022 |
| Display |
5.1" Quad HD Super AMOLED, 60Hz |
6.1" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1300 nits |
| Processor (U.S.) |
Snapdragon 820 (14nm) |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) |
| RAM / Storage |
4GB / up to 64GB (UFS 2.0) |
8GB / up to 256GB (UFS 3.1) |
| Main Camera |
12MP (single) |
50MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 10MP (telephoto) |
| Front Camera |
5MP |
10MP |
| 5G Connectivity |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
| Battery |
3000 mAh, 15W charging |
3700 mAh, 25W charging |
| Software Support |
Up to Android 8.0 (Oreo) |
Android 16 (One UI 8), Supported through 2028 |
| Certified Used / Refurbished Price (2025) |
~$100 (individual sellers only) |
~$150+ (Certified Resellers, holiday promo) |
Performance and Speed
The performance gap between the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S22 is enormous. The S7’s Snapdragon 820 chip and 4GB RAM struggle to handle modern apps, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the S22 offers roughly 4x faster CPU performance and far better energy efficiency. The S22 handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps effortlessly, while the S7 feels laggy even with basic use.
Even web browsing or switching between apps shows the age of the S7’s hardware. The S22, by contrast, feels fluid and modern — built for 2025 and beyond.
Display and Design
The Galaxy S7’s 5.1-inch display was revolutionary in 2016, but its 60Hz refresh rate and lower brightness can’t compete with modern screens. The S22’s 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display delivers smoother scrolling, higher brightness (1300 nits), and better outdoor visibility.
The design also reflects six years of progress. The S7’s curved glass edges look elegant but make it fragile, while the S22’s flatter, Gorilla Glass Victus+ design is sturdier and easier to hold. Both phones are water-resistant, but the S22 offers a more refined, durable build.
Camera Quality
The S7’s 12MP single-lens camera once set the standard for mobile photography, but it’s now outclassed in every way. The S22’s triple-camera system (50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto) captures sharper, more detailed photos with better color balance and vastly improved low-light performance.
The S22 also features AI-powered photography, Night Mode, and 8K video recording, while the S7 is limited to basic 4K. Even casual users will notice the difference — especially in portrait shots and motion capture.
Battery Life and Charging
After nine years, the Galaxy S7’s 3000 mAh battery has degraded significantly. Most units can barely last a few hours before needing a recharge. Its 15W charging also feels painfully slow by today’s standards.
The S22, on the other hand, offers a 3700 mAh battery with 25W fast charging, easily delivering a full day of use. Combined with the efficiency of its 4nm processor, the S22 not only lasts longer but charges faster and stays cooler during use.
Software and Longevity
The Galaxy S7 stopped receiving updates in 2020, leaving it stuck on Android 8.0 (Oreo). This makes it incompatible with many modern apps and exposes it to security risks.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy S22 runs Android 16 (One UI 8) and is supported through 2028, including monthly security patches through 2026 and quarterly updates after that. This gives it a five-year advantage in usability and peace of mind — a major factor when considering long-term value.
Value and Pricing
While the Galaxy S7 might sell for around $100 from individual sellers, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22 starts at $150+ — just a small difference for a massive upgrade in every area.
The S22 offers better performance, modern connectivity, superior cameras, and years of software support, making it the clear winner. In 2025, the S7 belongs in a display case — not in your pocket.
Conclusion — Should You Still Buy the Galaxy S7 in 2025?
No — the Samsung Galaxy S7 is far beyond its usable lifespan in 2025. While it was a landmark smartphone in its day, its outdated hardware, small battery, and lack of software updates make it a poor choice for modern users. The phone no longer receives Android or security updates, leaving it vulnerable to security risks and incompatible with many modern apps.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S7 units are no longer available because professional refurbishers have stopped supporting models this old. Even if you find one through individual sellers for around $100, these devices often come with degraded batteries, worn-out components, and no warranty — making them a risky buy.
Instead, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22 is a vastly better option. Starting at around $150+, it delivers modern power, 5G connectivity, and flagship-level performance. With a 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display, superior triple-camera system, and software support through 2028, the Galaxy S22 offers everything the S7 can’t — speed, security, and long-term reliability.
FAQ: Buying the Galaxy S7 in 2025
1. How old is the Galaxy S7 in 2025?
The Galaxy S7 was released in March 2016, making it nine years old in 2025.
2. Does the Galaxy S7 still receive software updates?
No. Samsung officially ended support for the Galaxy S7 in 2020, leaving it permanently stuck on Android 8.0 (Oreo).
3. Is the Galaxy S7 safe to use in 2025?
Not really. Without recent security updates, the phone is vulnerable to malware, data theft, and compatibility issues with modern apps.
4. How much does the Galaxy S7 cost in 2025?
Used Galaxy S7 units from individual sellers typically sell for around $80–$100, but they are uncertified, often heavily used, and not backed by any warranty.
5. Can I find a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S7?
No. Professional refurbishers have stopped offering the Galaxy S7 due to its age, lack of parts, and outdated software.
6. What Android version does the Galaxy S7 run?
The Galaxy S7 maxed out at Android 8.0 (Oreo) and never received Android 9 or later updates.
7. Does the Galaxy S7 support 5G?
No. The Galaxy S7 supports only 4G LTE networks and lacks 5G hardware compatibility.
8. Is it worth replacing the battery on a Galaxy S7?
No. The cost and risk of replacing the battery outweigh the benefits, especially since the phone remains outdated and insecure.
9. How does the Galaxy S7 compare to the Galaxy S22?
The Galaxy S22 outperforms the S7 in every way — speed, display, camera quality, battery life, and long-term software support — while costing only slightly more in 2025.
10. What’s the best alternative to the Galaxy S7 in 2025?
The Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22 is the best upgrade option. It’s newer, faster, 5G-ready, and backed by years of updates — all for a great value around $150+.
11. How big is the Samsung S7 in inches?
The Galaxy S7 has a 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, making it compact compared to modern smartphones.
12. Which is better, S7 or S7 Edge?
Neither of them is good now due to the age, outdated software and hardware. Instead, we recommend getting a Certified Used or Refurbished S22, starting at $150+.
13. Is the Samsung S7 still usable?
Technically, yes — it can handle basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing. However, due to its outdated software, lack of updates, and battery degradation, it’s not recommended for daily use in 2025.
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