Right now, you can’t toss a virtual rock without hitting a glowing review of the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. So you probably already know about this phone’s top level specs, the return of features sorely missed and the fact that Samsung fans didn’t have to wait months to get their hands on it. Consumer Reports senior editor Mike Gikas actually described the S7 as not just one of “Samsung’s best smartphones, but, perhaps, the best smartphone.”
High praise, yes, but by all accounts well deserved praise. Initial sales figures beat expectations and enthusiasm for this latest flagship release (from a company that hasn’t always hit it out of the park) remains high. It’s not hard to see why.
First, it’s among the best of the best when you’re looking at specs. Inside this smartphone, you’ll find top of the line components like Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 820 processor and a 3,000mAh battery – 3,600mAh in the Edge – that delivers 24 hours of simulated talk time. A substantial 4GB of RAM power the OS and apps and there’s 32GB of built-in storage, with up to 200GB more with microSD. Both the S7 and the S7 Edge feature Near Field Communication, Bluetooth v 4.2 LE and plenty of environmental sensors for the life trackers and gamers out there.
The release of the S7 also marks the return of IP68 dust resistance and long-term water resistance up to 3m. That means a dunk in the drink won’t trash this phone, which is good news in a market where Liquid Contact Indicators (LCI) are still a standard, if secret, feature in new smartphones.
Next up is the S7’s best in class camera, which surprisingly only boasts 12MP resolution. But what this phone lacks in resolution, it makes up for with a new sensor that captures more light, more quickly. That makes it one of the easiest smartphone cameras to use no matter who is doing the shooting. It can shoot in 4K, create cool bokeh effects and take great pics in low light, and if you’re a seasoned shutterbug it can also be used on full manual mode so you have total control.
Then there’s Samsung Pay. Access to the latest (and coolest) real world payment option on the market shouldn’t be the main factor in your smartphone decisions but if you’re leaning toward the S7, it could be the deciding one. Samsung Pay not only lets you pay over NFC but also at non-NFC terminals with technology that mimics a credit card swipe.
And finally, if you believe looks matter Samsung has delivered. The Galaxy S7 is a much more refined design without hard transitions and with plenty gentle curves that will feel great in your hand. Plus there are two size options to choose from thanks to the Edge, which is not only larger but also thinner because the wider area has let Samsung flatten out the internal circuitry.
Clearly it’s a great time to upgrade. Right now some carriers like T-Mobile are offering deals that make the most the S7’s high-end specs – like free no-data video streaming with Binge On. The Galaxy Gear VR headset is compatible with the Galaxy S7 so early adopters can make the most of the new VR ready apps and games. And the S7 comes loaded with Android Marshmallow right out of the box so you’re getting the latest OS along with the latest tech.
Given everything outlined above, this is a phone worth checking out. So if the S6’s faults made you gun-shy, it’s probably time to reevaluate your relationship with Samsung.
