The Samsung Galaxy S7 was released earlier this year to much fanfare -- and how has the flagship device fared so far? We took the Samsung Galaxy S7 out for a spin, and here are what we have come across: The Samsung Galaxy S7 has taken the Galaxy S6’s design to a whole new level, one that is favorable for end users with its new and improved waterproof capability. The display is also a joy to behold, and so too, does its camera perform admirably. If there are any drawbacks for the Galaxy S7, it would be the pauper-like 32GB of internal storage (thankfully there is a microSD card slot to remedy that!) with its relatively high price point. Oh yeah, be prepared to wipe fingerprints off this bad boy more often than you would like to.
Here is a news update that might also surprise you -- pleasantly, of course: the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge would be picking up features found in the now discontinued Galaxy Note 7 through an upcoming update. Before I continue further, I would like to say that context is everything in a smartphone review, and this 5.1-inch flagship device is used with my Google account synchronized to it, while I rely on Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp as my instant messaging tools of choice. Of course, there will also be the use of Google Maps to help me navigate to where I need to go each day within the shortest time possible for 30 minutes to an hour on average.
With two processor variants to choose from, those in the US have Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 820 processor, while the rest of the world will rely on Samsung’’s Exynos 8890 processor. 4GB of RAM accompanies the processor, while the back camera sports a 12MP shooter with a 3,000mAh battery in tow. Battery life has proven itself to be pretty decent with the usage context provided above, although on certain days when I listen to more music over Bluetooth due to being stuck in traffic, there was a need for a power bank to support my daily usage pattern from time to time. In other words, getting a power bank is crucial if you are to bring the Galaxy S7 with you.
The overall design of the Galaxy S7 is pleasant to the eyes, where the curve at the back makes it a whole lot nicer to grip in your hand -- while the smaller bezels allow you to have a secure hold without worrying about it slipping off, although the material of choice does turn this into a fingerprint magnet. The solitary speaker also sounds muffled, even more so when you use it with a protective case, but then again a pair of headphones would probably nullify that minor point.
The Galaxy S7’s waterproof capability is also impressive, and hence it lives up to its reputation of being able to function even after being dropped into the sink as you’re doing the dishes. Do take note that the microUSB port is also waterproofed for this very function, and it does not come with the pesky flap that covers the charging port as with the Galaxy S5. Having that in mind, do take note that the Galaxy S7 will not charge if it detects that there is still some water left in the microUSB port -- which means you will need to ensure that said port is dry prior to juicing up your device.
Thankfully, Samsung will be rolling out the Android 7.0 Nougat update for the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge soon, so you need not fret about not having the latest operating system version.
It might be an aged device compared to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus as well as the LG V20, but it is still more than capable of holding its own in the market. If you want a flagship phone that is a fast performer with great looks, then you would not go wrong with the Galaxy S7 or slightly larger S7 edge, which has just about everything similar in terms of specifications, save for the increased sized display and battery capacity.
