Samsung's flagship announcements have become cornerstones of the Android upgrade cycle. Just like last year, the company has announced two new Galaxy-branded phones at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona: the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. Both phones are modest bumps over their previous designs, both in terms of hardware and style, but there are some notably improved features that power users and practical consumers will both appreciate.
The new phones bring back two of the most-missed features that were dropped from the S6 generation: expandable storage (via MicroSD cards) and water-resistant bodies. The former comes from a new "hybrid" nano-SIM tray, which houses both the SIM card and the MicroSD card in a single metal tray that slides out via a standard SIM tool. (Note that this means you'll have to pop out the SIM to change MicroSD cards, which could be a bit annoying.) The later is IP68-rated ingress protection, a dust and water-resistant function that was last seen on the Galaxy S5. Both of them can spend up to a half an hour in 1.5 meters of water without sustaining damage. That's handy, since the SoC uses an integrated liquid vapor cooling system.
Inside, the new phones have some industry-leading hardware, headlined by Qualcomm's top-of-the-line Snapdragon 820 system-on-a-chip - an interesting choice, considering Samsung's competing Exynos chips. Both phones come with a massive 4GB of memory, 32GB or 64GB of storage space, and a new "Dual Pixel" 12MP rear camera with an F-stop rating of 1.7. (That rivals some standard DSLR lenses for clarity and low-light performance). The screens are 5.1 inches for the standard Galaxy S7 and a more expansive 5.5 inches for the S7 Edge - the Edge is notably bigger than the standard model, reaching into size territory that used to be reserved for the Galaxy Note series. Both screens are Super AMOLED panels with 2560x1440 resolution. The mobile radios have been upgraded to LTE category 9.
The cameras have been given particular attention. Though 12 megapixels isn't astounding, Samsung claims that the Dual Pixel sensor allows for better performance in low light thanks to its larger sensor pixels. Samsung says that these pixels are 30% larger than the latest iPhone, and that 100% of those Dual Pixels can be used to focus images simultaneously. The rear camera is equipped with optical image stabilization, something that many flagship devices still don't come with, and the 5MP front-facing camera with its wide-angle "selfie" performance also uses an F/1.7 lens. Samsung will also sell first-party add-on lenses for the rear camera - similar to those "DSLR" phone lenses you've seen in mall kiosks for years.
The Galaxy S7 uses a 3000mAh battery, which is pretty beefy for a 5.1-inch screen device, but the S7 Edge bumps it up to 3600mAh. Both designs still use an enclosed body (the better to keep it waterproof), so batteries can't be swapped out. The good news is that both phones support the dual-mode wireless charging seen in the S6 series. Dimensions are 142.4 x 69.6 x 7.9mm for the Galaxy S7 and 150.9 x 72.6 x 7.7mm for the S7 Edge.
Stylistically, both phones are extremely similar to the last generation, with the only notable changes being the more gentle curves around the edges and the larger size of the S7 Edge. The design is familiar, with power and volume buttons on the right edge, a standard MicroUSB port (not USB Type C), and a single speaker on the bottom. Both use the "glass sandwich" approach, with a metal band around the edge (which is a little curvier than it used to be) and tempered glass on the front and rear of both phones.
Both phones use Samsung's latest advances in its proprietary user interface, including an "always on" display similar to the one used by Motorola and Nexus phones in previous generations. Here's a quick look at that - we'll have in-depth breakdowns of all the new bells and whistles when we post hands-on articles for both phones. They're running Android 6.0 underneath, an impressive inclusion considering the depth of Samsung's software customizations.
Samsung says that the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge will be available in March. There's no word on a price, but expect both models to match the price of the previous generations, starting at around the $600 mark and going up for larger capacities and the premium S7 Edge model. Anyone who pre-orders a phone will get the latest version of Samsung's Gear VR headset as a bonus. They should launch in every major worldwide market at around the same time, including all major US carriers.
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd today announced the newest additions to the Galaxy family of products—Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. Created for today's mobile lifestyle, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge lead the industry with a unique mobile experience that features an enhanced design, higher-quality camera, refined software functionality, and unparalleled connectivity to a galaxy of services, products and experiences.
“We empower consumers with technology to help them get more out of life and will continue to push the frontier of what’s possible.”
Tweet this
“We believe in a world that is brighter, sharper, more convenient, and more fun. We strive to deliver on that vision with the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge by marrying elegant design with functionality and providing a seamless mobile experience,” said DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “We empower consumers with technology to help them get more out of life and will continue to push the frontier of what’s possible.”
Advanced Camera: High Quality Images No Matter Time of Day or Location
The Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge are built with advanced smartphone cameras. The main, rear camera sensor captures 95 percent more light through a wider aperture and larger pixels to deliver brighter and sharper images, even in low light1. With the first ever Dual Pixel sensor in a smartphone camera, the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge autofocus on an image quicker and more accurately than other leading smartphones, allowing you capture moments even in dim light.
Refined Design and Function
With a curved-glass back and slim ergonomic body, the 5.1-inch Galaxy S7 and the 5.5-inch Galaxy S7 edge are even easier to hold in one hand and fit in your pocket or purse. The Galaxy S7 edge features curved glass on all sides of the device, giving users a unique dual-edge display and bigger screen than the Galaxy S7 for a fully immersive experience. The larger edge panel on the Galaxy S7 edge gives users more space for apps to make it easier to select and swipe through the different screens with one-hand2. The new Tasks edge screen offers one-tap access to applications, functions and news, such as contacts, selfie mode or calendar, always accessible.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge sport a Super AMOLED, Always-On Display which allows users to take short, quick peeks at basic information like the time, calendar or notifications without touching or waking the screen. Always-On Display intelligently turns off when your phone is tucked away in your pocket or purse and out of sight.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge are made both water resistant and dust resistant (IP68 certification) with no compromises to the seamless design and making them life-proof to accidental spills3.
Enhanced Performance
From launching apps to playing games to streaming video, everything happens faster and smoother on the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, thanks to a new, improved, more powerful and more efficient CPU and GPU.
The phones will have boosted battery capacity of 3,000 mAh for the Galaxy S7 and 3,600 mAh for the Galaxy S7 edge. Users will also enjoy fast wireless and wired charging4.
Additionally, the hybrid SIM card tray allows users to insert a microSD card for up to 200GB of additional storage5.
Unlocking the Full Galaxy Experience
Samsung continues to push the boundaries of hardware, software and services to create devices that improve how consumers connect, share and get more out of life. By introducing a portfolio of seamless mobile experiences that are unlocked with the new Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge at the center, Samsung is pushing beyond the limits of today’s technology to create meaningful innovation.
Whether consumers are using the Galaxy S7 series and the new Gear S2 Classic to bring features of their smartphone to their wrist or using the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge with Gear VR to enjoy immersive 360-degree content – Samsung is redefining what users can do with their smartphones.
Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge users also get the best mobile payment service with Samsung Pay. It is secure, easy-to-use and accepted almost anywhere you can swipe or tap your card6. Protected by Samsung KNOX7, fingerprint scanning and advanced tokenization, Samsung Pay works with NFC (Near Field Communication) and MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission), making mobile payments available to more merchants and consumers than ever before.
Samsung+ is a free, mobile app empowering customers to get more out of owning a Samsung product. With Samsung+, users are always just a tap away from live tech support, device diagnostics, tips and tricks, exclusive content, giveaways and special offers.
Samsung Smart Switch offers a simple, quick way for users to switch to the new Samsung devices. Whether upgrading an Android device or switching from another platform, Smart Switch8 allows you to easily transfer content to your new phone via wireless or USB connection. The Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge will include a USB connector in the box for a seamless transfer of content from your old device.
Security
Samsung KNOX makes the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge advanced, enterprise-ready devices with built in defense grade security—right out of the box. Unlike other mobile security platforms, KNOX is anchored in the device’s hardware, and protects the device from the moment it boots up all the way through launching an app.
U.S. Availability
In the U.S., the Galaxy S7 will be available in Black Onyx and Gold Platinum and the Galaxy S7 edge will be available in Black Onyx, Gold Platinum and Silver Titanium. Both the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge will be available with built-in memory of 32GB and expandable memory options. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon Wireless will carry the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge in stores beginning March 11, with pre-orders starting at 8:00 a.m. EST on February 23.
The devices will also be available at Samsung Experience Shops at Best Buy, as well asBestBuy.com, Car Toys, Sam’s Club, Staples, Target and Walmart.
Consumers can get an exclusive first look at both devices at participating AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular stores across the U.S. starting February 26 and at Samsung Experience Shops at Best Buy locations around the country starting February 24. The full list of participating locations is available at http://www.samsung.com/us/gs7.
Also, consumers who buy a Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge between February 23 and March 18 can dive right in to the exciting world of virtual reality with a free Gear VR powered by Oculus, plus a 6-game bundle– an estimated $1509 value. This promotion will last for a limited time only, while supplies last. Visit www.samsung.com for more information.
For more information and images, please visit news.samsung.com/us.
Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Product Specification
Galaxy S7
Galaxy S7 edge
OS
Android 6 (Marshmallow)
Android 6 (Marshmallow)
Dimensions
142.4 x 69.6 x 7.9mm, 152g
150.9 x 72.6 x 7.7mm, 157g
AP
Quad-core 2.15GHz + 1.6GHz processor
Quad-core 2.15GHz + 1.6GHz processor
Memory (Portion of memory occupied by existing content)
4GB RAM (LPDDR4)
32GB internal storage
External microSD card (up to 200GB) support (sold separately)
4GB RAM (LPDDR4)
32GB internal storage
External microSD card (up to 200GB) support (sold separately)
Display
5.1” Quad HD Super AMOLED 2560x1440 (577ppi)
5.5” Quad HD Super AMOLED 2560x1440 (534ppi)
Dual edge screen
Camera
Rear: Dual Pixel 12MP with OIS (F1.7)
Front: 5MP (F1.7)
Rear: Dual Pixel 12MP with OIS (F1.7)
Front: 5MP (F1.7)
Battery
3,000mAh
3,600mAh
Charging
Fast Charging, Fast Wireless Charging (wireless charging pad sold separately)
Fast Charging, Fast Wireless Charging (wireless charging pad sold separately)
Payment
NFC, MST
NFC, MST
Connectivity
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz), MU-MIMO
Bluetooth® v4.2 LE, ANT+, USB 2.0, NFC, Location
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz), MU-MIMO
Bluetooth® v4.2 LE, ANT+, USB 2.0, NFC, Location
Sensor
Accelerometer, Proximity, RGB Light, Geo-magnetic, Gyro, Fingerprint, Barometer, Hall, HRM
Accelerometer, Proximity, RGB Light, Geo-magnetic, Gyro, Fingerprint, Barometer, Hall, HRM
Environmental
IP68
IP68
Colors
Black Onyx, Gold Platinum
Black Onyx, Gold Platinum, Silver Titanium