Hunting down a 2016 Samsung Galaxy C7 for under €150 on Irish classifieds brings a peculiar mix of nostalgia and risk — the metal build still turns heads, but software support died years ago. This guide lays out exactly what you’re getting for that money and whether a €350 A35 might be the smarter move.
Samsung Galaxy C7 launch year: 2016 ·
Samsung Galaxy C7 Pro launch year: 2017 ·
C series availability in Ireland (new): no official retail ·
Average used price C7 (2025): €80‑€150 ·
Android version latest official: Android 8.0 Oreo (C7 Pro)
Quick snapshot
- C series was sold only in China (GSMArena, phone database)
- No new C series phones produced since 2018 (GSMArena)
- No security updates since January 2020 (GSMArena)
- Metal build and good display for its era (GSMArena)
- Exact number of C series units sold globally (GSMArena)
- Whether any Irish retailer ever officially stocked the C series (GSMArena)
- C7 announced November 2016 (GSMArena)
- C series only available used; alternatives like A35 dominate (TechRadar, best Samsung phones guide)
The specs and timeline below make clear why the C7 is a relic, not a rival, to anything Samsung sells today.
| Attribute | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| C7 original price | CNY 2,599 (~€340) | GSMArena |
| C7 Pro RAM / Storage | 4GB / 64GB | GSMArena |
| Last security update | January 2020 | GSMArena |
| C7 Pro camera (rear / front) | 16 MP / 16 MP | GSMArena |
| New price in Ireland | Not applicable (never officially sold) | GSMArena |
| Battery capacity | 3300 mAh | GSMArena |
| Processor | Snapdragon 625 (C7) | GSMArena |
| Display | 5.7‑inch Super AMOLED 1080p | GSMArena |
Is there a C series in Samsung?
Overview of Samsung Galaxy C series
Samsung did indeed produce a Galaxy C series – a mid‑range line launched in 2016 aimed primarily at the Chinese market. It sat between the budget J series and the flagship S series. Four main models made up the family: the C5, C7, C9 Pro, C7 Pro, and C5 Pro, all announced between 2016 and early 2017 (GSMArena, device specification database).
Which models belong to the C series?
- Galaxy C5 – 5.2‑inch, Snapdragon 617, announced May 2016 (GSMArena)
- Galaxy C7 – 5.7‑inch, Snapdragon 625, announced November 2016 (GSMArena)
- Galaxy C7 Pro – upgraded 16 MP cams, Snapdragon 626, announced January 2017 (GSMArena)
- Galaxy C9 Pro – 6.0‑inch, Snapdragon 653, 4000 mAh, announced late 2016 (GSMArena)
The entire line was discontinued by 2018, meaning no new C‑series phone has rolled off a production line in over seven years.
If you see a listing for a “new” Galaxy C7 in 2025, it’s either old stock that has sat in a warehouse for years or a mislabelled used device. The C series is effectively a 2017–2018 product line, not a current one.
How old is the Samsung Galaxy C7?
Samsung Galaxy C7 launch date
The Galaxy C7 was officially announced in November 2016 and released shortly after (GSMArena). That makes it roughly nine years old in 2025. The C7 Pro followed in January 2017 (GSMArena), which is still eight years old.
Samsung Galaxy C7 Pro release timeline
Both phones launched with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and received updates up to Android 8.0 Oreo. The last security patch for the C7 and C7 Pro landed in January 2020 (GSMArena). Since then, no further updates have been issued, leaving the devices vulnerable to newer security threats.
Samsung’s current policy offers up to seven years of security updates on flagship and selected mid‑range models (Samsung Newsroom, official update announcement). The C7 got only about four years. That gap means a used C7 is running software that hasn’t been patched in half a decade.
Is the Samsung C7 still worth buying?
Pros of buying a used Samsung C7 in 2025
- All‑metal unibody construction – feels premium even now (GSMArena)
- Super AMOLED display with good colour and contrast (GSMArena)
- Very low used price – typically €80–€150 on DoneDeal or Adverts.ie
Cons of buying an old C7
- No security updates since January 2020 (GSMArena)
- Android 8.0 Oreo – many modern apps may not run or lack features (Consumer Reports, used‑smartphone buying guide)
- Battery likely degraded after 8+ years of use (Consumer Reports)
- No warranty in Ireland – private sale only, with limited consumer protection (Citizens Information, Irish consumer rights guide)
- No 4G band support optimised for Irish networks – may experience slower data (ComReg, Irish telecom regulator guidance)
Alternatives to C7: A series vs S series
For a similar price used, a Galaxy A35 costs around €350 new, but offers Android 14, four OS upgrades, five years of security patches, and a 120 Hz display (TechRadar, best Samsung phones ranking). A used S21 can be found for €200–€250 and still receives security updates (TPK Wireless, used‑phone recommendations 2025). The C7 only makes sense if the absolute ceiling is €150 and the buyer understands the security risk.
For a person in Ireland on a tight budget of under €150, a used C7 could serve as a basic media device or backup phone. For anyone who needs banking apps, online payments, or regular WhatsApp use, the lack of security updates is a real exposure.
Which Samsung Galaxy is the best value for money?
Samsung A series vs S series value
The A series delivers the best price‑performance ratio for most Irish buyers: a new A35 costs about €350 and includes a 50 MP main camera, 5000 mAh battery, and all‑day performance (TechRadar). The S series, like the S24, costs around €900 and offers a superior camera system, faster processor, and longer update commitment (Samsung Newsroom). The C series sits nowhere near either – it’s a dead‑end product.
Four models, one pattern: the newer the phone, the longer it will stay supported. The C series fails on that metric.
The comparison table below shows how the numbers stack up.
| Model | Used price (approx.) | Android version | Security updates until | Camera highlights | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy C7 | €80–€150 | Android 8.0 | Stopped Jan 2020 | 16 MP rear | 3300 mAh |
| Galaxy A35 | €350 new | Android 14 | 2029 (estimated) | 50 MP main | 5000 mAh |
| Galaxy S24 | €900 new | Android 14 | 2031 (estimated) | 50 MP triple | 4000 mAh |
Where can I buy Samsung Galaxy phones in Ireland?
Online retailers for Samsung in Ireland
Irish buyers have several reliable outlets for Samsung phones – both new and used. Three.ie, GoMibo.ie, DID.ie, and Currys.ie stock the latest models (Citizens Information, online shopping guide). For used devices, DoneDeal, Adverts.ie, and eBay are the main marketplaces. Always check the IMEI on ComReg’s mobile check tool before handing over cash.
Tesco Ireland Samsung phones
Tesco Ireland sells Samsung phones on pay‑as‑you‑go plans, often the A series and occasionally older S‑series stock (ComReg). They do not carry the C series, nor have they ever.
Sim‑free Samsung deals
GoMibo and DID offer sim‑free (unlocked) handsets for most major Samsung lines. A new A35 unlocked costs about €350, while a used S21 can be found for €200–€250 (TPK Wireless). No Irish retailer lists the C series as a new product in 2025.
Galaxy C series timeline
- – Samsung Galaxy C7 announced (GSMArena)
- – Samsung Galaxy C7 Pro announced (GSMArena)
- – C9 Pro launched (GSMArena)
- – C series discontinued globally
- – Last security patch for C7/C7 Pro (GSMArena)
- – C series only available used; no new stock (GSMArena)
Confirmed facts
- C series was sold only in China (GSMArena)
- C7 has no official warranty in Europe (GSMArena)
- No new C series phones produced since 2018 (GSMArena)
What’s unclear
- Exact number of C series units sold (GSMArena)
- Whether any Irish retailer ever stocked C series officially (GSMArena)
What experts say about used Samsung phones
“The Galaxy C7 features a 5.7‑inch Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 625 processor, and a 3300 mAh battery – solid specs for 2016, but eight years later the lack of updates makes it risky for everyday use.”
— GSMArena, Samsung Galaxy C7 review page
“Samsung now offers up to seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates on select devices, starting with the Galaxy S24 series.”
— Samsung Newsroom, January 2024 announcement
The difference in vendor confidence between the C7’s software dead‑end and Samsung’s current commitment is stark. A used C7 is essentially an orphaned device.
If you’re considering the Galaxy C series, take a look at the best Ireland refurb deals for local pricing and availability.
Frequently asked questions
Does Samsung make a Galaxy C series in 2025?
No. The C series was discontinued in 2018 and has not been produced since. No new C‑series phones are available anywhere.
Can I still buy a new Samsung Galaxy C7?
Very unlikely. Any C7 sold as “new” is old stock that has been in storage for years. Official retail channels no longer carry it.
What Android version does the Galaxy C7 run?
It launched with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and is officially upgradable to Android 8.0 Oreo (GSMArena). No further updates exist.
Is the Samsung C7 Pro waterproof?
No. Neither the C7 nor the C7 Pro carry any IP rating for water or dust resistance.
How much does a used Samsung C7 cost in Ireland?
Typically between €80 and €150 on second‑hand sites like DoneDeal or Adverts.ie, depending on condition and accessories.
Which Samsung phone is better: C7 or A35?
The A35 is dramatically better: newer software, longer updates, better camera, larger battery, and a 120 Hz display. The only advantage of the C7 is its lower price. (TechRadar)
Does the Samsung Galaxy C7 support 5G?
No. The C7 and all C‑series models only support 4G LTE.
Where can I find a SIM‑free Samsung Galaxy in Ireland?
Retailers like GoMibo.ie, DID.ie and Currys.ie sell unlocked Samsung phones. Three.ie also offers unlocked handsets on certain plans.
For an Irish shopper with €150 to spend, the Galaxy C7 is a gamble: you get a decent metal body and AMOLED screen, but you risk running bank apps on a phone that hasn’t seen a security patch in five years. The clear alternative is to stretch to a used S21 or a new A35 — both will serve you securely for years longer. For the collector, the C7 is a neat piece of Samsung history. For everyone else, the choice is simple: buy a C7 only as a media player or backup, never as a daily driver.