Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S7: Key Differences

July. 16,2025

This comparison explores the key differences between the older Samsung Galaxy S3 and the more recent Galaxy S7. It covers design, performance, features, and usability aspects, helping users understand the evolution of Samsung’s flagship smartphones. The S3 is lighter with a removable battery, while the S7 offers better water resistance, camera, and processing power. Essential distinctions include display quality, sensors, and software updates, making this a valuable guide for tech enthusiasts and potential buyers alike.

Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S7: Key Differences

Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S7: Key Differences

At first glance, comparing the Samsung Galaxy S3 to the Galaxy S7 may seem unusual – one is an older flagship from 2012, while the other is a more recent model from 2016. This article highlights various differences, both well-known and lesser-known, between these two Samsung devices.

Design and Build
The Galaxy S3 comes in white and blue, whereas the Galaxy S7 is available in silver, gold, and black. The S3 weighs 133g, making it lighter than the S7's 152g. The S7 is slimmer and easier to fit in your pocket. Unlike the S3, the S7 features Gorilla Glass, a larger 5.1-inch screen, and a better screen-to-body ratio of 72.33%. The S7 also has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Additionally, the S7 supports dual SIM cards, while the S3 does not. Notably, the S3’s removable battery offers an advantage over the non-removable battery of the S7.

Performance and Software
The S7 runs on Android Marshmallow with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI, unlike the S3, which operates on Ice Cream Sandwich without a dedicated UI. The S3 features a quad-core processor and 1GB RAM, whereas the S7 boasts an octa-core Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890 processor and 4GB RAM. Internal storage options for the S3 include 16/32/64GB, expandable up to 64GB, while the S7 offers 32/64GB with expandable storage up to 2TB. The camera setup includes an 8MP rear and 1.9MP front for the S3, while the S7 has a 12MP rear and 5MP front camera. Bluetooth versions also differ: v4.0 on the S3 and v4.2 on the S7.

Additional Features
The Galaxy S3 includes a radio, which the S7 lacks. The S3 also has proximity, accelerometer sensors, and NFC. The S7 adds fingerprint, barometer, and heart-rate sensors, enhancing functionality.