Samsung Galaxy S7

Samsung Galaxy S7 Review

The Samsung Galaxy S7 has gone through significant changes since the S6 and S5 and show cases the changing approach Samsung has been taking with their phones lately. The S7 has advanced significantly by improving on the design of the S6, through reducing flaws, expanding on the utilities of the phone, and increasing memory. With 4 GB of Ram, the S7 is a working powerhouse when it comes to working applications and taking photos or videos. It makes playing games or running daily processes a breeze.

The Feel of the Galaxy S7

With a 5.1 inch screen, the Galaxy S7 comes in right under some of the larger phones available on the market. With a curved back and slightly rounded sides, the S7 has a much more comfortable feel than the straight edged Galaxy S6. The highly reflective and shiny metal and glass backing of the phone shows a glossy finish that adds elegance to the phone. The back may be susceptible to smudging over time, but for most people that should not be a problem, especially if you keep a case on your phone.

The Camera

Perhaps one of the biggest selling points of the S7 is the camera. Photos can be shot at 4k resolution on the S7 in beautiful clarity. Coming in at a stunning 12 mega pixels, this first of its kind dual pixel camera looks great on the S7's 5.1' Quad HD Super AMOLED Display. Thanks to this new dual pixel technology, the S7 camera works fantastically well in low light situations or when it is dark out. The dual pixel technology also helps the camera auto focus much better in situations where a picture is taken out of focus with a new advanced sensor. The camera has a variety of different features and functions that will satisfy both the average user and the more advanced photographer. The auto mode featured on the phone will suit most enthusiast's needs, while the more advanced can have more control over their pictures with the Pro options included on the phone, with features such as blur control, red eye reduction, reversing images, and removal of background objects. The camera can also take multiple pictures in a single minute to create reels of photos and gives you the option to pick the best one.

Water Resistance

The New Galaxy S7 has taken the water proofing of the previous models and perfected it. With an IP68 certified water- resistant rating, the S7 is able to repel all spills, handle any splashes, and even be fully submersed in up to five feet of water for up to 30 minutes at a time. Although when the Galaxy S7 is fully submerged many of the phones features wont function, it is still a relief to know that if dropped into water or if it gets wet in any way, the device will still work and will not immediately break like previous models. Applications such as music apps can be used prior to submerging the phone in water and will still work afterwards, which is useful for those who like to listen to music while showering.

Memory

As with many of the Galaxy phones, the S7 is capable of holding up to 200GB of extra memory through the use of micro SD cards. The S7 comes with a built in adaptable SC tray that can hold any variation of micro SD cards from 16MB up to 200 GB. Samsung still does not include the option to allow the SIM card as Flex Storage, which allows for the external SD card to act like the built-in storage. This means the user will still have to choose to download applications, photos, and videos as external storage. Since it usually only comes with 32GB of memory, it is very helpful that cheap micro SD cards are available for purchase. With the 4k resolution photos the S7 is capable of producing, storage may fill up fast.

Charging

The Galaxy S7 comes with built in wireless charging capabilities. With the new cable-less accessory, it is possible to charge the new S7 from 0 to 100% in almost no time at all. With the largest battery ever assembled for a Galaxy phone, the S7 will have longer battery life than its predecessors. The Galaxy S7 averaged 16 hours per full charge in three different tests, which are the longest seen by any phone. In comparison, the iPhone 6s scored 10.5 hours on the exact same test. To use the convenient wireless charging method, a separate wireless charging pad must be purchased. This pad uses Qi Inductive Charging Technology that completely eliminates the need of plugging the phone into a charger. The pad allows access to the phone and all of its applications while charging on the pad, and also allows the user to answer phone calls at any time without having to unplug.

Operating System

The Galaxy S7 comes pre-loaded with Androids Marshmallow operating system. Although the various operating systems may have sweet names, they are power houses that allow for the battery life to extend by drawing less power from apps you don’t use and features significant security applications and touch screen widgets that will keep the owner’s phone personalized and handy. The S7 has plenty of different ways for the user to customize the home screen of the phone and the ways in which all of the applications perform. If the highly sensitive fingerprint home button technology is not your preferred method of unlocking the phone, the S7 has number, letter, or pattern password protection options to choose from. The Galaxy S7 comes with much less bloat ware than its predecessors. This means there is more available memory for the user with less of it being used to hold the bloat ware applications.

Samsung Pay

The S7 also comes pre-loaded with Samsung Pay. This application allows the user to use their credit or debit card almost anywhere swipe or scan cards are accepted. It is also accepted in more stores than any other mobile payment service, such as Apple Pay. The application is easy to use on the S7, as well. The user only needs to swipe up on their phone, click the application, verify it is them with the advanced fingerprint sensor technology and then hover the phone over the card reader to pay. The application is extremely secure, asking the user to confirm that it was their payment in a variety of ways. With multiple layers of security, the Samsung Pay allows users to use their debit and credit cards on their phone without having to worry.

Gaming

For those users who wish to play the hundreds of different gaming applications the play store has to offer, the Galaxy S7 performs at the highest capabilities of any phone on the market and allows users many specialized functions to increase their gaming experience. The Game Launcher that comes with the S7 can be turned on during game play to allow you to access a variety of quick actions such as screen minimizing, game recording, or taking screenshots during game play. All alerts can also be temporarily disabled while any games are being played, allowing the gamer to fully submerse themselves in the experience.

Price

Although the price for a new Galaxy S7 will vary depending on the different wireless carriers and the users’ available upgrade or plan, it is available from Samsung for $680 with the option of getting the S7 Edge for $770-$800. Some carriers may also offer the current promotion that Samsung is offering that comes with a free Samsung Gear Virtual Reality headset and six free games that sync with the S7 and the Samsung Gear headset.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S7 is an outstanding phone that will be one of the highest caliber phones put out this year. With the amazing ease of access, customization, battery life, and picture taking capabilities, the S7 is the best phone Samsung has released thus far. Improving on their previous products, Samsung has created a phone that exceeds all expectation, and will set the standard for all phones created in the future. With the incredible speed and power of this smooth and comfortable-feeling device, the world will be in the owner's hands.