After many leaks and teases, Samsung’s next generation Galaxy phones are here. The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge both debuted today during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.
The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge look nearly identical to the previous Galaxy S6 line of phones, but offer a more rounded look. Perhaps the biggest physical change is the smaller camera hump and the inclusion of a microSD card slot. Smaller physical changes include the hybrid SIM/microSD tray being relocated to the top instead of the side. MicroSD storage will be expandable up to 200GB. The headphone jack, speaker, and charging port still remain on the bottom of the phone. Strangely, Samsung is sticking with microUSB, while its competitors like the LG G5 and Nexus 6P have moved onto the more future-proof USB Type-C port.
What you don’t see is that both phones are dust and water resistant, which means you don’t have to worry about splashes or getting your phone wet in the rain. Don’t expect to drop the Galaxy S7 into the ocean and still have it work though.
The Galaxy S7 will feature a 5.1″ screen while the large S7 Edge will pack a 5.5″ display. The Galaxy S7 Edge will feature the unique curved display that debuted with the Galaxy S6 Edge, giving users quick access to apps, contacts, and information. Both phones will feature Super AMOLED quad HD displays (2560×1440), which is the same as the previous generation phones. While Sony has a 4K smartphone, most manufacturers are avoiding the battery-hungry screens for now.
Both the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge will also feature always-on screen technology, similar to the just announced LG G5. The phones use AMOLED technology which allows only the needed pixels to be illuminated, so active notifications won’t have a significant impact on battery life.
For the camera, Samsung upgraded both phones with better low-light performing sensors. Samsung achieved this by bumping up the camera’s aperature (f1.7) and added bigger pixels on the sensor, similar to HTC’s strategy with it’s M8 phone. The Galaxy S7 also features quicker auto focus to ensure you never miss a shot. Samsung didn’t pull any punches, comparing its new flagship phones with the iPhone 6s Plus.
Battery life will be improved with the new phones too, with the Galaxy S7 getting a 3,000mAh battery and the Galaxy S7 Edge getting 3,600mAh. Samsung says you can watch an entire season of Game of Thrones on a single charge, which is a very specific example.
The new processors in the Galaxy S7 phones boast high performance but will also run cooler, using a “tube” that helps keep the phone cool in your hand. Samsung claims a “desktop PC” gaming experience, but that’s obviously hyperbole, though the phone will boast impressive graphics for a phone.
Galaxy S7 and S7 edge will be available starting March 11. Preorders will begin soon and Samsung is sweetening the pot by giving those who preorder a Gear VR headset for free.
This article was written by Lewis Leong on ign.com