The hardware has surpassed the software a long time ago. Specially in flagships, where companies put an effort to optimize the software.

Yes, the A17 is more powerful… but you cannot tell the difference… until 6 or 7 years more.

It’s like looking at a game at 144 fps and 180 fps, can you tell the difference?

Nope, but I keep my old phones always, and sometimes turn them on to take a look back at the past.