Price: 780 USD/55000 INR/560 Pound/714 Euro
The Galaxy Note 7 languished into ashes due to its explosion problem. However, that hasn’t stopped Samsung from bouncing back with its Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge.
For quite a while, Samsung has been experimenting on its curved edges smartphones. The introduction was more of a gimmick but has now grown into a legitimate technology. As much the Galaxy S6 was a hit make in 2015, it failed to integrate some features like waterproofing and expandable storage. All these have now been re-introduced in the Galaxy S7 Edge making it a serious 2016/2017 phone. Here is a detailed review of the Galaxy S7 Edge.
Design
One of the killing features of the Galaxy S7 Edge is its looks. Samsung has differentiated the Galaxy S7 and its curved sibling a bit more than it did last year. Owners of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ might be a little miffed, since the S7 Edge effectively replaces it as well. The S7 Edge is certainly a handful, but it isn’t totally unmanageable.
The Korea-based firm decided to make the Galaxy S7 Edge all in one size. This smartphone is stunning with its dual edge screen design. To ensure that it gets a sleek, premium look, Samsung has combined metal and glass while making it. This is a positive move which at the same time works against the S7 Edge as it feels slippery. As much as it has the same resemblance, it now comes waterproof with no need for port covers.
To keep up with the war against Apple’s iPhone 7 Plus, the Galaxy S7 Edge has a heart rate monitor and fingerprint scanner.
The Camera
Samsung plays a big deal with its 12MP camera, same as the S6+. The difference is brought about by the amazing low light performance with the f/1.7 aperture and ‘Dual Pixel’ technology. The camera is quite impressive and probably one of the best in any device. However, it isn’t as effective in the dark. To overcome this, giving the phone just a second or two would result in a much sharper picture.
Nearly all photos taken with the Galaxy S7 Edge are phenomenal. Subtle details like the texture of a rope or flecks of rust on a pipe come through in vivid detail. It perfectly handles frames with shadow and light, losing almost nothing. Macros taken against distant backgrounds looked the best of all.
When it comes to video recording, the rear camera lets you record up to 4k while the front camera allows 1440p. This is unwelcome because the videos come out crisp.
The Software
There is a not-so-significant feature called the “Always On screen.” This is a software feature that makes it possible for you to use your device with no need to unlock it. It is quite handy although it is not as effective as one would have thought. Putting all that aside, the settings has more hidden features like Smart Stay that you may find necessary to explore.
There is also the Game Launcher software that helps block notifications, records the screen while playing and also saves power by lowering the framerate.
The good
Looks absolutely stunning
Record-breaking power
Incredible camera
IP68 protection
The Bad
Slightly unweildy
Hybrid SIM/microSD slot
Bloated software