Attention Samsung and Android fans: the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are here. After months of speculation and spilled rumors, the electronics giant unveiled its two latest flagship phones at the Unpacked event in Barcelona.
Although the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge are excellent handsets, the switch to a metal and glass design was a step back, mainly because Samsung removed two popular features: the microSD card slot and a water-resistant design. Fortunately, both features are back on the Galaxy S7 and 7 Edge, and Samsung has improved everything else.
The Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Edge. Image source: pocket-lint.com.
This time around, Samsung has split the Galaxy into two screen sizes: 5.1-inches for the Galaxy S7, and 5.5-inches for the Galaxy S7 Edge, which also sports curved glass on both sides. It appears that most users will find the Galaxy S7 more reasonable to use, but power-users will appreciate the Galaxy S7 Edge’s larger display and productivity features.
Many will find the appearance of the Galaxy S7 similar to the Galaxy S6, though the difference is that the back of the newer model has two curved edges, similar to the Galaxy Note 5. This makes the phone easier for users to grip in their hands.
As for the Galaxy S7 Edge, it resembles a larger Galaxy S6 Edge (or a mini Galaxy S6 Edge+), and it’s also sleeker and more refined. The edges are softer, and because it’s basically a 5.5-inch “phablet,” it feels smaller than phones in the same class.
Aside from these small hardware differences between the two phones, the other specs are identical. Both phones’ screens have Quad HD (2,560 x 1,440) resolution, and look more crisp and clear than ever before. A new always-on display feature allows users to view widgets such as a clock or calendar continuously, without touching the phone. While some may think this will drain the battery, this feature actually saves battery life, according to Samsung, since it means users don’t have to light up the entire screen to check simple things.
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge users get several new sidebar options that can be scrolled through to access apps, contacts, tasks, or news feeds. Image source: pocket-lint.com.
On the inside, both phones pack the same performance. Both are equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and 4 Gbytes of RAM. The base model comes with 32 Gbytes of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSD card. Similar to other smartphones, the memory card slot is integrated into the nano-SIM card tray. Both phones come with a 12-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera.
The phones’ batteries are still non-removable, and they’re also larger: 3,000 mAh for the Galaxy S7 and 3,600 mAh for the Galaxy s7 Edge. Both phones support fast charging and fast wireless charging.
As the company’s most mature Android smartphones in terms of hardware and software, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are safe updates. Although some may assume Samsung’s newest phones look exactly like the previous models, the key takeaway is that they address all major complaints, including expandable storage, water resistance, and battery life, that weren’t included in the Galaxy S6.
Pricing information for the phones is not yet available. The worldwide release date is set at March 11 of this year.
Source: Mashable.
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