Andreas Osthoff, 03/19/2016
Android ARM Galaxy S7 Smartphone Touchscreen
Exploring new worlds? Exploring new worlds? Faster SoC, larger battery, better camera, premium display, and great design. The S-class from Samsung signifies excellence and our expectations are accordingly high. Usually these are also fulfilled, but the Galaxy S7 has some weaknesses.
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For the original German review, see here.
Samsung has abandoned the plastic chassis for its high-end devices with the Galaxy S6 series and has introduced an elegant chassis made of metal and glass. However, customers have also lost two characteristic features of the S models in the process: a replaceable battery and expandable storage. Maybe this has also influenced the fact that the sales figures did not live up to the expectations. The manufacturer now makes a step towards the users and once again includes a microSD-slot, and the chassis is – as with the Galaxy S5 – certified according to IP68 (protection against water and dust).
The current generation introduces another change, because the two models Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge now come with different screen sizes. While the Galaxy S7 still has a 5.1-inch screen, the S7 Edge has a larger 5.5-inch model. The resolution is still 2560x1440 (QHD) in both cases. Therefore, a larger S7 Edge Plus similar to the S6 generation is rather unlikely. Our test model today is the standard Galaxy S7 with 32 GB of internal storage in the color black-onyx.
So what can potential buyers expect from the Galaxy S7? Obviously the new flagship device has been upgraded to the current Android 6.0 and a faster processor. However, the new camera at the back is of particular interest since the resolution has been reduced to 12 MP, but the new sensor is supposed to take better pictures in low-light situations. Another new feature is the so called Always-On Display. It shows certain information like the clock or the calendar even when the smartphone is in standby mode. The device is also rather thicker this time to accommodate the larger battery. A 3000-mAh module is supposed to increase the runtimes.
Priced at 700 Euros (~$789), the Samsung Galaxy S7 is one of the most expensive premium devices you can get. The main rivals for the normal Galaxy S7 are the "smaller" flagship devices with screen sizes up to 5.2 inches. This list includes the Sony Xperia Z5, the Microsoft Lumia 950, the HTC One M9, Nexus 5X or the Apple iPhone 6s. Larger models such as the Huawei Mate 8, the LG G4, Moto X Style, the Lumia 950 XL or the OnePlus 2 on the other hand will be direct competitors for the Galaxy S7 Edge, but we will also use some of these devices for comparisons in this article.
In addition to the Samsung Galaxy S7, we also had the opportunity to take a look at the Samsung Gear VR headset, which is free when you preorder one of the two Galaxy S7 smartphones. We will also cover this special accessory during this review.
Test device courtesy of Samsung Deutschland
Samsung Galaxy S7
Processor
Samsung Exynos 8890 Octa 2.6 GHz
Graphics adapter
ARM Mali-T880 MP12, Core: 650 MHz
Memory
4096 MB
, LPDDR4, 1794 MHz
Display
5.1 inch 16:9, 2560x1440 pixel, capacitive, SAMOLED, glossy: yes
Storage
32 GB UFS 2.0 Flash, 32 GB
, 24.5 GB free
Weight
152 g ( = 5.36 oz / 0.34 pounds), Power Supply: 61 g ( = 2.15 oz / 0.13 pounds)
Price
700 Euro
see all specifications
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Case
After the chassis was fundamentally changed for the sixth generation, the new Galaxy S7 is more of an evolution. It is still made of metal and glass, which leaves a very sophisticated impression. Probably the most noticeable change is the thicker chassis at 7.9 millimeters (~0.3 in; Galaxy S6: 6.8 mm/~0.27 in). This is mainly a result of the larger battery that needs more space. However, this fact is cleverly concealed: Both edges at the bottom are noticeably rounded, so the smartphone feels really good in the hands. The new generation also weighs slightly more at 152 grams (~5.4 oz; Galaxy S6: 138 grams/~4.9 oz), but this actually adds to the high-quality impression. The thicker chassis has another advantage since the bump of the main camera is now much smaller. The build quality of the smartphone is perfect: Sophisticated materials, careful material transitions and well-integrated physical buttons; only the home button produces a rather loud clicking sound. Once again, the back cover made of Gorilla Glass is a minor problem. It is extremely smooth, so the case can feel rather slippery. The surface also looks rather nasty after a while and you have to clean it regularly. As well as our black model, Samsung also offers the smartphone in white-pearl and gold-platinum.
There is no criticism for the stability, either: Neither pressure nor twisting attempts are a problem for the device. Another advantage over the Galaxy S6 is the IP68 certification against water and dust, which does not require additional covers for the USB port or the SIM slot. According to the manufacturer, you can submerge it for up to 30 minutes in fresh water (up to 1.5 meters/~5 ft deep), so you do not have to worry about it in the rain or in your pool. The SIM slot is now located at the top edge and also accommodates a microSD-card.
The teardown from our iFixit colleagues (we reported) does not rate the Galaxy S7 very well. Compared to the predecessor Galaxy S6, which got 4/10 points, the situation is even worse for the new model. You can replace many components, but accessing them is really tricky. The Galaxy S7 got a total score of 3/10 points.
Despite its 5.1-inch screen, the Galaxy S7 is a rather compact smartphone, which is particularly evident when you compare it with the rival Apple iPhone 6s. Even though the iPhone has only a 4.7-inch screen, it is just barely shorter and narrower.
