Moto G5s Camera Vs Samsung S7 Is The S7 Still Worth It For Photos

Smartphone photography has evolved rapidly over the past decade, but some older devices still hold up remarkably well—especially when used wisely. The Samsung Galaxy S7, released in 2016, was once a flagship powerhouse praised for its low-light performance and fast autofocus. Meanwhile, the Moto G5S, launched in 2017 as a mid-range option, offered decent specs at an affordable price. But how do their cameras compare today, especially if you're considering one secondhand or on a tight budget? More importantly, does the S7 still justify its reputation for photo quality?

Camera Hardware: Specs Tell Part of the Story

The foundation of any smartphone camera lies in its hardware. While software plays a growing role, sensor size, aperture, pixel count, and lens quality remain critical factors.

On paper, the S7 doesn’t have the highest megapixel count, but its larger sensor and wider f/1.7 aperture allow significantly more light capture. The 1.4µm pixels are also larger than those on the G5S, which helps reduce noise in dim environments. Perhaps most crucially, the S7 includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Samsung’s innovative Dual Pixel autofocus system, both absent on the Moto G5S.

Low-Light Performance: Where the S7 Still Shines

One area where the Galaxy S7 continues to impress—even by today’s standards—is low-light photography. Its f/1.7 aperture and large pixels enable cleaner, brighter shots in indoor or nighttime conditions. The G5S, with its smaller aperture and lack of stabilization, tends to produce grainy, blurry images when lighting drops.

In side-by-side tests, the S7 consistently captures more detail in shadows and maintains better color balance. It also handles dynamic range better, preserving highlights without blowing them out. The Moto G5S struggles with contrast in mixed lighting and often applies aggressive noise reduction that smudges fine textures.

“Even five years after release, the S7's low-light performance rivals many budget phones today because of its hardware advantages.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse Reviews

Daylight and Detail Capture: Closer Than You’d Think

In ideal daylight, the gap between the two devices narrows. The Moto G5S produces sharp, well-saturated images with accurate white balance under consistent lighting. Its 13MP sensor captures slightly more detail in close-ups, but only when the subject is static and perfectly lit.

The S7, meanwhile, applies more natural tone mapping and retains smoother gradients in skies and skin tones. Its processing avoids oversharpening, which helps maintain a realistic look. However, it sometimes leans toward cooler whites compared to the warmer output of Motorola’s tuning.

For social media sharing or casual snapshots, both phones deliver acceptable results in daylight. But the S7 offers greater consistency across different scenes and transitions, thanks to superior metering and focus speed.

Autofocus and Responsiveness: Speed vs. Accuracy

Capturing a moment depends not just on image quality but also on how quickly and accurately the camera locks focus. The S7’s Dual Pixel autofocus system covers nearly the entire frame, allowing it to track moving subjects effectively. It excels at portrait shots and quick point-and-shoot scenarios.

The Moto G5S uses phase-detection autofocus, which is functional but slower and less reliable, especially in lower light. It often hunts for focus or locks onto the wrong plane, resulting in missed shots. Without OIS, hand movement during focusing can further degrade image clarity.

If you frequently photograph children, pets, or action, the S7’s responsiveness gives it a clear edge. It wakes and shoots in under a second, while the G5S suffers from noticeable lag between launch and capture.

Real-World Example: Capturing Family Moments

Consider Sarah, a parent shopping for a budget-friendly phone to document her toddler’s daily milestones. She bought a used Moto G5S for $80, expecting decent photos. While outdoor park photos came out fine, she noticed most indoor shots—taken during playtime or meals—were blurry or too dark. After switching to a refurbished S7 ($100 at the time), she immediately saw improvement. Indoor birthday candle photos, previously lost in noise, now showed her child’s face clearly. Fast-moving moments, like jumping on the couch, were finally in focus thanks to quicker autofocus.

This isn’t about megapixels—it’s about real usability. For parents, travelers, or anyone documenting life as it happens, the S7’s hardware advantages translate into more keepers per roll.

Software and Longevity Considerations

Hardware alone doesn’t determine long-term value. The S7 ran Android 6 at launch and received updates up to Android 8.0 Oreo. No security patches have been issued since 2019, raising concerns about app compatibility and security risks. Many modern camera apps may run slowly or lack full functionality.

The Moto G5S shipped with Android 7 and was updated to Android 9. While also outdated, Motorola’s near-stock UI tends to age more gracefully than Samsung’s heavily customized TouchWiz (now One UI). Apps like Google Camera (GCam) can be sideloaded on both devices, potentially improving photo quality—but success varies.

Some users report installing GCam ports on the S7 with excellent results, enhancing HDR and night mode capabilities beyond stock performance. On the G5S, GCam support is limited and unstable, reducing its upgrade potential.

When the S7 Is Worth It—and When It Isn’t

So, is the Samsung Galaxy S7 still worth it for photography in 2024? The answer depends on your priorities.

• Choose the S7 if: You prioritize photo quality, especially in low light; take frequent indoor or evening shots; value fast, reliable autofocus; and plan minimal app usage beyond camera and basic utilities.
• Consider the G5S if: You mainly shoot in daylight; need a secondary device; prefer clean software; or are extremely budget-constrained. However, expect compromises in image consistency and versatility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Moto G5S compete with newer budget phones?

Not really. Even among budget options released after 2018, the G5S falls behind in camera processing, dynamic range, and low-light capability. Phones like the Redmi Note 8 or Moto G Power (2020) offer far better photographic experiences.

Is the S7 safe to use in 2024?

It functions as a standalone device, but lacks modern security updates. Avoid entering sensitive information or using banking apps. Use it primarily for calls, photos, and offline tasks.

Does either phone support 4K video?

The S7 records 4K video at 30fps, a significant advantage. The Moto G5S maxes out at 1080p. However, 4K on the S7 lacks stabilization and consumes storage quickly—practical only for static scenes.

Final Verdict: The S7 Remains a Strong Contender for Photographers on a Budget

Despite being nearly a decade old, the Samsung Galaxy S7 holds up surprisingly well as a photography tool—if you understand its limitations. Its hardware-based advantages in aperture, sensor size, autofocus, and stabilization give it a lasting edge over contemporaries like the Moto G5S. For someone who values image quality over app ecosystem or future-proofing, the S7 is still worth considering, particularly at bargain prices.

The Moto G5S serves best as a basic communication device. As a primary camera, it disappoints outside optimal conditions. If photography matters to you, spending a little extra for an S7 (or a newer alternative) pays off in preserved memories and fewer deleted shots.

Technology moves fast, but great camera design has longevity. The S7 proves that sometimes, older doesn’t mean obsolete—especially when light, speed, and optics align.