In an era of rapid technological advancements, the longevity of a smartphone has always been a topic of debate. The recent announcement by Google that the Pixel 8 will receive major OS updates and new features for the next seven years has sparked curiosity and discussion about how a seven-year-old phone would compare to the smartphones of 2030. To gain insights into this, we will delve into the phones launched seven years ago, explore the key changes in technology over that time, and assess the performance of a seven-year-old phone running modern software.
Phones Launched Seven Years Ago
The year 2016 marked a significant milestone in the world of smartphones. Major players in the industry were busy launching groundbreaking devices. Samsung introduced the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, establishing their dominance in the market. Apple unveiled the iPhone 7, the last flagship iPhone to feature a home button before transitioning to the iPhone X the following year.
What sets 2016 apart for tech enthusiasts, however, was Google’s decision to shift from the Nexus branding to introduce the Google Pixel lineup. The Pixel and Pixel XL were launched, marking Google’s commitment to building its own phones from the ground up. This transition coincided with the release of the iPhone 7.
Had Google pledged seven years of support for the original Pixel, it would be receiving its final software update around now. This raises an intriguing question: could an original Pixel phone handle the demands of Android 14?
Changes Over Seven Years
To evaluate the potential performance of a seven-year-old phone, it’s crucial to understand the significant changes in smartphone technology over the years. The devices launched in 2016 reflect a different era:
Display Technology
- The Galaxy S7 featured a 5.1-inch display with a remarkable 577 ppi (pixels per inch) density, setting a high standard in screen quality.
- The iPhone 7 had a 4.7-inch screen with 326ppi, still using an IPS LCD.
- The original Pixel came with a 5-inch OLED display, falling between the two in terms of both size and pixel density.
Today’s Pixel 8, with its impressive “Actua” display, boasts 428ppi. The increased pixel density is a testament to the ongoing improvements in screen technology.
Connectivity and Ports
- The Galaxy S7 used microUSB for charging, while the iPhone 7 featured a Lightning connector.
- The original Pixel introduced USB-C, setting a trend for modern connectors.
It took seven years for major phone manufacturers to converge on a single charging port, which is now USB-C.
Battery Size
As phones have grown larger over time, so have their batteries. The Pixel 8 now houses a 4,575 mAh battery, while the original Pixel had only a 2,770 mAh battery. There’s potential for further battery innovations within the next seven years, offering even more power for future devices.
Running Modern Software
The performance of seven-year-old phones when running modern software is a pressing question. Let’s take a look at the scenarios for iOS and Android:
iOS
The iPhone 7, despite having only 2GB of RAM, received updates for five years and reached iOS 15. However, iOS 17 incorporates new Bluetooth and UWB technology, which older iPhones lack the hardware to support.
Android
The situation is less promising on the Android side. The Galaxy S7, initially launched with Android 6, received updates only up to Android 8. The original Pixel, which introduced Android 7, saw support until Android 10. In contrast, Google promises seven years of updates for the Pixel 8.
While the original Pixel had 4GB of RAM, today’s budget phones match that memory, albeit with more advanced processors.
The potential bottleneck lies in storage. The base models in 2016 came with 32GB of storage, which would be insufficient today. Modern operating systems and applications, along with larger media files, demand greater storage capacity. Phones in 2030 may need 512GB or more to accommodate these growing needs.
The Promise of Durability
While seven years of software updates are indeed commendable, there’s another promise that Google could have made to ensure the Pixel 8’s longevity: durability. In an age where innovation should focus on creating smartphones that withstand the test of time, some companies are already achieving remarkable results. The Lenovo ThinkPhone, for instance, is an example of a flagship smartphone that undergoes military spec testing, ensuring its robustness.
In a world where the lifespan of technology is ever-shortening, more phone manufacturers should prioritize creating phones that are nearly indestructible. Durable phones have the potential to outlive software updates and become a sustainable choice for consumers.
In conclusion, as we anticipate the journey of the Pixel 8 over the next seven years, we must not only consider the software it will run but also the physical endurance it offers. Balancing these factors will be crucial in defining the future of smartphones and ensuring that they remain relevant long after their initial release.
