Samsung Galaxy S7

The Samsung Galaxy S7 was a pivotal release for Samsung in early 2016. It built upon the design language introduced with the Galaxy S6 but addressed several criticisms and brought back some beloved features. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S7:

Overview:

The Galaxy S7 was Samsung’s attempt to refine the premium design introduced with the S6 while reintroducing features that were missed in its predecessor. It was a blend of glass and metal, offering a compact and ergonomic design with top-tier specifications.

Features:

Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and later received updates.
Display: 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels.
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890, depending on the region.
Memory: 4 GB RAM with options of 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
Camera: 12 MP rear sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, OIS, and Dual Pixel technology. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging and wireless charging support.
Other Features: IP68 water and dust resistance, fingerprint sensor, and Always-On Display.

Pros:

Design: The phone’s compact and ergonomic design was praised, with its curved back making it comfortable to hold.
Camera: The camera was a highlight, offering excellent low-light performance and fast autofocus.
Performance: Both the Snapdragon 820 and Exynos 8890 variants offered smooth and responsive performance.
Expandable Storage: The return of the microSD card slot was a welcome feature for many users.
Water Resistance: The IP68 rating meant the phone could handle splashes and brief submersion without damage.

Cons:

Battery Life: While decent, some users hoped for a longer-lasting battery, especially given the Quad HD display.
Software: Samsung’s TouchWiz UI, while improved, still had its critics and was considered bloated by some.
Glass Back: While premium, the glass back was prone to fingerprints and potential breakage.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Galaxy S7 faced competition from:

LG G5: With its 5.3-inch Quad HD IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 820, and a unique modular design.
HTC 10: Featuring a 5.2-inch Quad HD Super LCD5 display, Snapdragon 820, and a metal unibody design.
iPhone 6s: Apple’s flagship with a 4.7-inch Retina display, Apple A9 chip, and 3D Touch.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy S7 was announced in February 2016 and became available in various markets in March 2016.

Common Issues/Problems:

Bootloop Issues: Some users reported their devices getting stuck in a bootloop, though this wasn’t widespread.
Battery Degradation: Over time, some users noticed a significant drop in battery performance.
Overheating: There were occasional reports of the device getting quite warm, especially during intensive tasks.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S7 was a well-received device that combined a premium design, excellent camera, and solid performance. It addressed many of the criticisms of the Galaxy S6, such as the lack of expandable storage and water resistance. For users looking for a compact yet powerful device with a great camera, the S7 was a compelling choice. However, those who were not fans of Samsung’s software or who preferred a metal back might have leaned towards other options available in the market at the time.