Last year, Samsung debuted their newly redesigned Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge smartphones. The phones sold well and were critically acclaimed, thanks to their metal unibody designs, powerful hardware and lighter software. Now Samsung are back with the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, refined models that offer better cameras, bigger batteries and even waterproofing. Let’s take a look.
A sleeker, more comfortable design
The Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge were massive departures from the S5, ditching cheap-feeling plastic for a sleek metal design. The S7 doesn’t stray from that winning formula, with small tweaks that make the phone more comfortable and convenient. The camera doesn’t bulge out of the back, the fingerprint scanner is flatter, and the slightly curvier edges make it easier to pick up and hold. The micro USB and headphone ports are sealed too, allowing for IP68 water and dust resistance. Whether you choose the 5.1-inch S7 or the larger 5.5-inch S7 Edge, you should be in for a treat: The Verge say it’s “a stunning device to hold”, and from here we’re inclined to agree.
More powerful hardware and added features
The S7 and S7 Edge retain the 2560 x 1440 AMOLED screens of their predecessors, but beneath the glossy Gorilla Glass you’ll find quite a few changes. The phone is powered by a Snapdragon 820 octa-core processor, backed with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. This storage can be expanded with a Micro SD card, a welcome change from the Galaxy S6. The phone retains the wireless and fast charging of its predecessor, but the batteries are much larger this time around: 3,000mAh for the S7 (up from 2,550mAh) and 3,600mAh for the S7 Edge (up from 2,600mAh).
An upgraded camera system
The camera system on the S7 is an interesting upgrade from the S6. It actually uses a lower resolution 12-megapixel sensor than last year’s 16-megapixel model, but its larger pixels make it better in low light. The lens is wider too, with an f/1.7 aperture, which lets in 25% more light, and the sensor shape has changed from 16:9 to a more traditional 4:3 aspect ratio. Finally, the camera focuses three times faster than its predecessor, and launches faster than either the Nexus 6P or iPhone 6S Plus.
Android 6.0 with a few new tricks
The S7 comes with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and Samsung’s TouchWiz interface; like last year it’s a fairly light experience. There are a few new Edge features, but the standout addition is the always-on display. The phone will permanently show the time, notifications, a calendar or a chosen image, unless the proximity sensor detects it’s in a bag or pocket. This uses approximately 0.5% of the total battery life per hour, a fairly miniscule proportion given the utility it provides.
Innovative cases and accessories
The S7 and S7 Edge come with the usual assortment of cases and accessories, including some fantastic official models and a wide range of third-party choices. The most interesting Samsung accessory is probably the Gear 360 camera, a new option for recording video for VR headsets like Samsung’s own Gear VR. We’ll be adding tons of accessories to our site in the days and weeks to come, so check out our selection via the buttons below:
Available next month, pre-orders open now
The S7 and S7 Edge are available for pre-order now. Pre-order customers will get them on March 8th; everyone else will get them on March 11th. The S7 will cost £569 SIM-free, while the S7 Edge will cost £639. You can also pick up the S7 Edge on contract; expect to pay somewhere in the region of £50 up-front and £40 per month for a black or gold model.
What do you think of the phone? Let us know in the comments below!
I have ordered the S7. I am a bit unconvinced by the sealed battery as I keep a spare for my S5. Glad they have put the SD card slot back.
I now need a case for it. My ideal is a pouch covering the whole phone with some transparency and the ability to answer calls without taking the phone out. A small hole for headphones would be good as well, although I think it was a mistake to move the socket to the bottom of the phone. I am happy to take the phone out to use the camera etc.
Sadly, it appears that the case described above doesn’t exist. There are plenty which leave the camera and/or sides vulnerable. Any case manufacturers reading this are welcome to use my ideas.