Introduction
Pushed way out of its comfort zone and into a high-stakes flagship redesign last season, Samsung's back to what it does best -- making itself comfortable at the top of the heap. OK, it sounds like a bold claim but by no means incredible if you've seen the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge.
Yet, this isn't exactly a galaxy far, far away. The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge looks a lot like its predecessor, and we've heard a lot of people calling it the same device. Can't blame them really - Samsung indeed focused on refinement this time around and if you caught our regular Galaxy S7 review, you'd know we liked what they come up with.
Anyway, the real deal is on the inside. If only you look at the features it brings back, such as water protection and a microSD slot, you may conclude that the Galaxy S7 edge is what the S6 edge should've been.
But that's not where the hardware novelties end. We paid due attention to the camera in our MWC coverage and the review of the vanilla Galaxy S7 to conclude that the dual pixel autofocus, wider aperture and bigger pixel size more than make up for the lower sensor resolution.
The new flagship wouldn't have done without an engine upgrade - we guess Qualcomm's return as a chipset supplier is another sign of things getting back to normal after the Project Zero coup. The Galaxy S7 pair is powered by either Snapdragon 820, or the latest Exynos 8890, each with 4GB of RAM.
There is a bigger display with an always-on option, and a more robust battery too. The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge runs the latest Android of course, skinned with the latest TouchWiz.
Key features
- Curved 5.5" Super AMOLED display of 1440p resolution; 534ppi; Always On capabilities;
- Gorilla Glass 4 front and rear panels
- IP68 certified - dust proof and water resistant
- USA model: Snapdragon 820 chipset - quad-core Kryo processor (2x 2.15GHz and 2x 1.6GHz cores); Adreno 530 GPU; 4GB of RAM
- Global model: Exynos 8890 chipset - octa-core processor with four 2.6GHz Mongoose and four 1.6GHz Cortex-A53 cores; Mali-T880 MP12 GPU; 4GB of RAM
- 12MP f/1.7 main camera with phase detect autofocus, optical image stabilization, LED flash
- 2160p video at 30fps; 1080p@60fps; 720p@240fps; HDR
- 5MP f/1.7 front-facing camera, 1440p video recording at 30fps
- 32/64GB of built-in storage; microSD slot up to 200GB
- Cat.9 4G LTE (450Mbps); Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac; Bluetooth 4.2, ANT+, NFC; GPS, GLONASS and Beidou
- Heart-rate monitor, barometer, SpO2 sensor
- Wireless charging (Qi/PMA)
- 3,600 mAh non-removable battery, fast charging
Main disadvantages
- Hefty price tag
- Sealed battery
- No IR blaster or FM radio (except for T-Mobile units in the US, so far)
Samsung did well to bring back two of the most valued features - the microSD slot and water protection but the new design precludes any way of accessing the battery outside an authorized service center. The FM radio and IR blaster are gone for some reason at least in our Exynos version of the handset.
Update: A software update has enabled the FM radio at least on T-Mobile S7/S7 edge in the US. It turns out the FM receiver hardware has always been there and was just not enabled at launch. The T-Mobile units are powered by the Snapdragon 820 chipset, so technically the option is there for all variants running on Qualcomm's chip. Our international unit, however, runs on the Exynos 8890 and so far we haven't heard of FM radio enabling update (if there ever will be one).
Now, whatever deals there may have been in the debut week - including a free Gear VR headset - the Galaxy S7 edge remains among the most expensive mass-produced phones right now. But if Apple can charge as much, no harm in Samsung trying as well.
So, what is the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge really made of and is it worth the asking price? Read on as we try to find out!
Unboxing the Galaxy S7 edge
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge comes in a cool black box, which holds a fast-charge-enabled AC adapter, a microUSB cable, the new Samsung headphones, and a microUSB-to-USB adapter. The small thingy came as a surprise to us, but we found it quite helpful - it enables USB OTG letting you connect peripherals and even charge other devices.
The retail package contents
The headphones are the same as the ones shipping with the Galaxy S6 edge.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge comes in a cool black box, which holds a fast-charge-enabled AC adapter, a microUSB cable, the new Samsung headphones, and a microUSB-to-USB adapter. The small thingy came as a surprise to us, but we found it quite helpful - it enables USB OTG letting you connect peripherals and even charge other devices.
The retail package contents
The headphones are the same as the ones shipping with the Galaxy S6 edge.
Galaxy S7 edge 360-degree spin
This season's S7 lineup looks pretty much like their predecessors but Samsung's decision to give the edge model more screen real estate makes sense. Users are given a choice between a 5.5" phablet with a dual-edge curved display and a standard 5.1" screen. The identical display size last year nearly defied the purpose of having a pair of flagships competing against each other.
The new Galaxy S7 edge measures 150.9 x 72.6 x 7.7mm. That's 8mm taller and 2mm wider than the S6 edge, and 3mm shorter and narrower than the S6 edge+. These two are a good reference considering the S7 edge sits right between in terms of screen size. The S7 edge weighs 153 grams, which is reasonable for a device of its caliber, yet a good 25g heavier than its predecessor.
This season's S7 lineup looks pretty much like their predecessors but Samsung's decision to give the edge model more screen real estate makes sense. Users are given a choice between a 5.5" phablet with a dual-edge curved display and a standard 5.1" screen. The identical display size last year nearly defied the purpose of having a pair of flagships competing against each other.
The new Galaxy S7 edge measures 150.9 x 72.6 x 7.7mm. That's 8mm taller and 2mm wider than the S6 edge, and 3mm shorter and narrower than the S6 edge+. These two are a good reference considering the S7 edge sits right between in terms of screen size. The S7 edge weighs 153 grams, which is reasonable for a device of its caliber, yet a good 25g heavier than its predecessor.
Design and build quality
So, Samsung is in a way giving the Galaxy S7 edge more responsibilities than to just be the cooler S7 sibling. The 5.5" phablet is giving the S7 series more depth (different user bases) and the regular Galaxy S7 will probably have more breathing space than the S6 last year. That said, Samsung will probably skip the edge+ this time around.
With a metal frame bordering the curved 5.5" Super AMOLED screen, and a sheet of curved Gorilla Glass 4 either side, the Galaxy S7 edge is, upon a casual glance, a scaled up S6 edge.
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Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (5.5") flanked by the S6 edge+ (5.7") and S6 edge (5.1")
But why change, when the Galaxy S6 edge is still one of the best looking devices in the market. The Galaxy S7 edge benefits from some minor touches, mostly in how the contour of the frame and the screen curves feel against your fingertips.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
So, yes, it's last year's design but still gorgeous - and this year's onyx black flavor certainly helps appreciate it even more.
The S7 edge next to S6 edge and iPhone 6s Plus • The edge phones do stand out • The S7 edge compared to S6 edge+ • The backs are similar
If you passed on the S6 on account of the missing water-proofing, the Galaxy S7 edge is IP68-certified, which means it can survive at 1.5m deep for up to 30 minutes. Even without extra flaps, both the audio jack and the microUSB port are waterproofed. The charging port has moisture detection however and won't let you charge the phone if the pins are wet.
The ports have no flaps • The mics are also water-proof • The SIM/SD slot is protected by rubber
The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge is a stunner but this comes at a price. The dual glass design calls for handling with extra care and any sort of a protection case will inevitably cost some style points.
It's the handling though that raises a little more concern, especially with the bigger screen - and therefore bigger overall footprint. The phone can be quite hard to pick up from a table because of its dual edge design - glass on the sides has hardly any grip.
Worse yet, it seemed our unit needed, at the very least, some tweaking of the palm rejection algorithm. With a hand wrapped around the phone, the S7 edge occasionally detected the palm against the sides rather than taps on screen when trying to make a call, or hit links in the browser. This was particularly aggravating at the few occasions when we needed to pick up the phone and answer a call for example.
This could've been only our unit but other than that, the feel of a curvy, smooth and cold Galaxy S7 edge is almost unrivaled.
Handling the S7 edge
Now, that's something you'll lose if you opt for a bumper case, which however will surely pay off in the long run. We're sure the slightest damage inflicted on a beautiful device like the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge would be bitterly regretted.
So, Samsung is in a way giving the Galaxy S7 edge more responsibilities than to just be the cooler S7 sibling. The 5.5" phablet is giving the S7 series more depth (different user bases) and the regular Galaxy S7 will probably have more breathing space than the S6 last year. That said, Samsung will probably skip the edge+ this time around.
With a metal frame bordering the curved 5.5" Super AMOLED screen, and a sheet of curved Gorilla Glass 4 either side, the Galaxy S7 edge is, upon a casual glance, a scaled up S6 edge.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (5.5") flanked by the S6 edge+ (5.7") and S6 edge (5.1")
But why change, when the Galaxy S6 edge is still one of the best looking devices in the market. The Galaxy S7 edge benefits from some minor touches, mostly in how the contour of the frame and the screen curves feel against your fingertips.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
So, yes, it's last year's design but still gorgeous - and this year's onyx black flavor certainly helps appreciate it even more.
The S7 edge next to S6 edge and iPhone 6s Plus • The edge phones do stand out • The S7 edge compared to S6 edge+ • The backs are similar
If you passed on the S6 on account of the missing water-proofing, the Galaxy S7 edge is IP68-certified, which means it can survive at 1.5m deep for up to 30 minutes. Even without extra flaps, both the audio jack and the microUSB port are waterproofed. The charging port has moisture detection however and won't let you charge the phone if the pins are wet.
The ports have no flaps • The mics are also water-proof • The SIM/SD slot is protected by rubber
The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge is a stunner but this comes at a price. The dual glass design calls for handling with extra care and any sort of a protection case will inevitably cost some style points.
It's the handling though that raises a little more concern, especially with the bigger screen - and therefore bigger overall footprint. The phone can be quite hard to pick up from a table because of its dual edge design - glass on the sides has hardly any grip.
Worse yet, it seemed our unit needed, at the very least, some tweaking of the palm rejection algorithm. With a hand wrapped around the phone, the S7 edge occasionally detected the palm against the sides rather than taps on screen when trying to make a call, or hit links in the browser. This was particularly aggravating at the few occasions when we needed to pick up the phone and answer a call for example.
This could've been only our unit but other than that, the feel of a curvy, smooth and cold Galaxy S7 edge is almost unrivaled.
Handling the S7 edge
Now, that's something you'll lose if you opt for a bumper case, which however will surely pay off in the long run. We're sure the slightest damage inflicted on a beautiful device like the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge would be bitterly regretted.
Controls
If you are familiar with the Galaxy S6 or S6 edge, there will be no secrets on the S7 edge for you, as all the controls are pretty much identical.
Most of the front is occupied by the 5.5" display, which has even less bezel than the S6 edge's screen. Up above is the earpiece, with the familiar bunch of sensors, a status LED, and the 5MP selfie camera.
Above and below the screen
Below the screen is the familiar button layout: the hardware Home Key/fingerprint reader combo, surrounded but the capacitive Back and Task Switcher keys.
The metal Power/Lock set is on the right while the volume keys are on the left.
The right side • The Power Key • The left side • The volume keys
The top has the second mic and the card slot. The latter accommodates both nano-SIM and microSD cards and is secured with rubber gasket.
There is no IR blaster this time around, so no remote control duties on the S7 edge.
The audio jack, microUSB port, the primary mic, and the loudspeaker are all at the bottom.
The top of the S7 edge • The nano-SIM and microSD beds • The bottom • The microUSB port
Finally, the new 12MP camera is on the back, still accounting for a small hump, but a lot less conspicuous than on the previous generation. Its companions are, as usual, a single LED flash and a heart-rate sensor.
The camera hump is much smaller now
If you are familiar with the Galaxy S6 or S6 edge, there will be no secrets on the S7 edge for you, as all the controls are pretty much identical.
Most of the front is occupied by the 5.5" display, which has even less bezel than the S6 edge's screen. Up above is the earpiece, with the familiar bunch of sensors, a status LED, and the 5MP selfie camera.
Above and below the screen
Below the screen is the familiar button layout: the hardware Home Key/fingerprint reader combo, surrounded but the capacitive Back and Task Switcher keys.
The metal Power/Lock set is on the right while the volume keys are on the left.
The right side • The Power Key • The left side • The volume keys
The top has the second mic and the card slot. The latter accommodates both nano-SIM and microSD cards and is secured with rubber gasket.
There is no IR blaster this time around, so no remote control duties on the S7 edge.
The audio jack, microUSB port, the primary mic, and the loudspeaker are all at the bottom.
The top of the S7 edge • The nano-SIM and microSD beds • The bottom • The microUSB port
Finally, the new 12MP camera is on the back, still accounting for a small hump, but a lot less conspicuous than on the previous generation. Its companions are, as usual, a single LED flash and a heart-rate sensor.
The camera hump is much smaller now
Back to basics
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge comes with a 12MP main camera (4:3 aspect), compared to the 16MP (16:9) snapper on the Galaxy S6 series. The field of view is not as wide as on the S6 on the horizontal but the S7 edge captures more when it comes to the height of the scene.
Samsung used completely new hardware for the Galaxy S7 edge camera though. The sensor packs fairly large 1.4µm pixels and it sits behind the brightest aperture on a phone yet - f/1.7. All this is designed to collect more light and coupled with OIS it makes for great low-light shots.
The image sensor features Dual Pixel focusing - it's a Phase Detection autofocus, but Samsung claims it's four times faster. And it is, we tested that too and it ran circles around the iPhone 6s. The S7 edge does great whatever the scene, focuses instantly, and gets it always right. It's a real pleasure to observe the AF in action.
The one thing the 'S' series in still handing on is the single-LED flash. It's powerful, but maybe a dual-tone flash may turn for the better in few scenarios. Still, with the big pixels, wide aperture, and OIS you'll hardly need to use the flash anyways.
The camera is quick to launch and shot to shot time is lightning fast. The available shooting modes include panorama, selective focus, video collage, live broadcast, virtual shot, slow-motion, hyperlapse. There is also a manual mode (Pro mode) where you can tweak ISO, shutter speed, focus, white balance, exposure, among others.
Camera interface
Motion photo is available, too - it captures a three-second video before you've pressed the shutter and embeds it within the .jpg file. Upon the release of the phone, you could only view the videos on the device itself, or on other S7/S7 edge units.
Today, a few updates later, you can share the still image or the video separately with virtually anyone. Depending on the chosen aspect of the photo, you'd get either 960x720px or 1280x720px videos in an .mp4 format.
You can download even more shooting modes from the store such as Animated GIF, surround shot, Dual Camera, Sports.
Pro mode
The Galaxy S7 edge stills came out excellent, but we expected nothing short of that as the Galaxy S6 series set the bar high. The resolved detail is impressive, the color reproduction and white balance are spot-on. There is very little noise, and also no artifacts or oversharpening. Finally, the dynamic range is among the best we've seen on a mobile and we found almost no use case for the HDR or even the Auto HDR setting.
There is something Samsung could have done better though - the rendition of the foliage. It's a bit of a mashup and probably needs a finer tuning on the processing algorithm. Don't get this wrong - compared to the iPhone 6s Plus foliage, the S7 edge does an AAA job, but it's just that the Galaxy S6 edge renders it better.
Still, the Galaxy S7 edge snaps the best pictures we've seen from a smartphone camera to date and with the return of the water-protection, it's an excellent portable camera for any trip.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge 12MP camera samples
And here are some close-up shots we took with the S7 edge, which are equally impressive - the detail, contrast, and colors are gorgeous.
Galaxy S7 edge close-up camera samples
The HDR mode does a great job of lighting up the shadows and not changing anything in the highlights. Thanks to the Live HDR mode you can see the result of the HDR mode even before you've snapped the image.
HDR off • HDR on • HDR off • HDR on
The Galaxy S7 edge features much better autofocus, brighter F/1.7 lens, and optical image stabilization. Yes, we know we said that already, but do you know what all of these mean? Great low-light photos, of course!
And the Galaxy S7 edge lived up to our expectations - the low-light samples, whether indoors or outdoors, blow away the competition. Sure, you can tweak any phone on manual mode and take a shot, but it takes time and a tripod. We took all of our images handheld just tapping the shutter - no tripods, no hassle, nothing.
Galaxy S7 edge low-light samples
The iPhone 6s Plus, one of the hottest flagships around, also features a 5.5" display and a 12MP main camera. We snapped a few samples for comparison, and you can easily pick the Galaxy S7 edge as the winner. The iPhone samples are great by themselves, they are just not that good as the Galaxy's. The resolved detail and the low noise should become a signature for Samsung's flagship snappers.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge samples
Apple iPhone 6s Plus samples
The Galaxy S7 edge snapper doesn't have as wide field-of-view as the Galaxy S6 camera on the horizontal plane, but as these camera samples will show you, the level of detail is mostly equivalent.
Galaxy S7 edge • Galaxy S6
The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge shoots panoramas with very high resolution - 4,000 px tall if you hold the phone upright. The software and the fast chipset make shooting very simple, you just start panning in one direction.
The resulting images are rich in detail and aside from the moving cars, there are no major stitching artifacts. The resolved detail is as impressive as on the 12MP stills, as is the dynamic range and produced color.
A few Galaxy S7 edge panoramic samples
The Galaxy S7 edge is equipped with a 5MP front-facing camera, which has a similar F/1.7 aperture and offers Live HDR and color filters as well. It has a 120-degree WideSelfie mode, so it can easily capture group selfies. You can snap selfies with a tap on the heart-rate sensor on the back of the phone.
The resolved detail is about average, as is the dynamic range, but the colors and contrast are great.
Galaxy S7 edge selfie samples
Here's the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge in our Photo quality comparison tool, where you can pit it against the Galaxy S6 edge, the iPhone 6s Plus, among others. The Galaxy S7 edge camera easily aces all tests and becomes the champ in the low-light scene.
The bright f/1.7 lens and bigger pixels allow the S7 edge to capture the dark sample with an ISO as low as ISO 200 and a shutter speed of 1/100s. There is very little noise and it's really hard to tell the low-light sample from most of the competition's samples from the brightly lit scene.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge in our Photo comparison tool
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge comes with a 12MP main camera (4:3 aspect), compared to the 16MP (16:9) snapper on the Galaxy S6 series. The field of view is not as wide as on the S6 on the horizontal but the S7 edge captures more when it comes to the height of the scene.
Samsung used completely new hardware for the Galaxy S7 edge camera though. The sensor packs fairly large 1.4µm pixels and it sits behind the brightest aperture on a phone yet - f/1.7. All this is designed to collect more light and coupled with OIS it makes for great low-light shots.
The image sensor features Dual Pixel focusing - it's a Phase Detection autofocus, but Samsung claims it's four times faster. And it is, we tested that too and it ran circles around the iPhone 6s. The S7 edge does great whatever the scene, focuses instantly, and gets it always right. It's a real pleasure to observe the AF in action.
The one thing the 'S' series in still handing on is the single-LED flash. It's powerful, but maybe a dual-tone flash may turn for the better in few scenarios. Still, with the big pixels, wide aperture, and OIS you'll hardly need to use the flash anyways.
The camera is quick to launch and shot to shot time is lightning fast. The available shooting modes include panorama, selective focus, video collage, live broadcast, virtual shot, slow-motion, hyperlapse. There is also a manual mode (Pro mode) where you can tweak ISO, shutter speed, focus, white balance, exposure, among others.
Camera interface
Motion photo is available, too - it captures a three-second video before you've pressed the shutter and embeds it within the .jpg file. Upon the release of the phone, you could only view the videos on the device itself, or on other S7/S7 edge units.
Today, a few updates later, you can share the still image or the video separately with virtually anyone. Depending on the chosen aspect of the photo, you'd get either 960x720px or 1280x720px videos in an .mp4 format.
You can download even more shooting modes from the store such as Animated GIF, surround shot, Dual Camera, Sports.
Pro mode
The Galaxy S7 edge stills came out excellent, but we expected nothing short of that as the Galaxy S6 series set the bar high. The resolved detail is impressive, the color reproduction and white balance are spot-on. There is very little noise, and also no artifacts or oversharpening. Finally, the dynamic range is among the best we've seen on a mobile and we found almost no use case for the HDR or even the Auto HDR setting.
There is something Samsung could have done better though - the rendition of the foliage. It's a bit of a mashup and probably needs a finer tuning on the processing algorithm. Don't get this wrong - compared to the iPhone 6s Plus foliage, the S7 edge does an AAA job, but it's just that the Galaxy S6 edge renders it better.
Still, the Galaxy S7 edge snaps the best pictures we've seen from a smartphone camera to date and with the return of the water-protection, it's an excellent portable camera for any trip.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge 12MP camera samples
And here are some close-up shots we took with the S7 edge, which are equally impressive - the detail, contrast, and colors are gorgeous.
Galaxy S7 edge close-up camera samples
The HDR mode does a great job of lighting up the shadows and not changing anything in the highlights. Thanks to the Live HDR mode you can see the result of the HDR mode even before you've snapped the image.
HDR off • HDR on • HDR off • HDR on
The Galaxy S7 edge features much better autofocus, brighter F/1.7 lens, and optical image stabilization. Yes, we know we said that already, but do you know what all of these mean? Great low-light photos, of course!
And the Galaxy S7 edge lived up to our expectations - the low-light samples, whether indoors or outdoors, blow away the competition. Sure, you can tweak any phone on manual mode and take a shot, but it takes time and a tripod. We took all of our images handheld just tapping the shutter - no tripods, no hassle, nothing.
Galaxy S7 edge low-light samples
The iPhone 6s Plus, one of the hottest flagships around, also features a 5.5" display and a 12MP main camera. We snapped a few samples for comparison, and you can easily pick the Galaxy S7 edge as the winner. The iPhone samples are great by themselves, they are just not that good as the Galaxy's. The resolved detail and the low noise should become a signature for Samsung's flagship snappers.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge samples
Apple iPhone 6s Plus samples
The Galaxy S7 edge snapper doesn't have as wide field-of-view as the Galaxy S6 camera on the horizontal plane, but as these camera samples will show you, the level of detail is mostly equivalent.
Galaxy S7 edge • Galaxy S6
The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge shoots panoramas with very high resolution - 4,000 px tall if you hold the phone upright. The software and the fast chipset make shooting very simple, you just start panning in one direction.
The resulting images are rich in detail and aside from the moving cars, there are no major stitching artifacts. The resolved detail is as impressive as on the 12MP stills, as is the dynamic range and produced color.
A few Galaxy S7 edge panoramic samples
The Galaxy S7 edge is equipped with a 5MP front-facing camera, which has a similar F/1.7 aperture and offers Live HDR and color filters as well. It has a 120-degree WideSelfie mode, so it can easily capture group selfies. You can snap selfies with a tap on the heart-rate sensor on the back of the phone.
The resolved detail is about average, as is the dynamic range, but the colors and contrast are great.
Galaxy S7 edge selfie samples
Here's the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge in our Photo quality comparison tool, where you can pit it against the Galaxy S6 edge, the iPhone 6s Plus, among others. The Galaxy S7 edge camera easily aces all tests and becomes the champ in the low-light scene.
The bright f/1.7 lens and bigger pixels allow the S7 edge to capture the dark sample with an ISO as low as ISO 200 and a shutter speed of 1/100s. There is very little noise and it's really hard to tell the low-light sample from most of the competition's samples from the brightly lit scene.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge in our Photo comparison tool
Full-featured video recording
The Galaxy S7 edge can capture video in 4K (2160p/30fps), 1080p/60fps, 1080p/30fps, as well as the less common 1440p/30fps and lesser resolutions. From the shooting modes you can select slow motion video (720p/240fps), and Hyperlapse. The latter isn't at a fixed speed, instead the S7 edge analyzes the footage and uses a variable speed depending on the action or lack thereof.
4K videos are recorded with a bitrate of 48Mbps, 1080p/60fps are 28Mbps, while regular speed 1080p/30fps get 17Mbps. Either way audio is recorded in stereo at 256Kbps, so no complaints on the numbers.
None when it comes to video quality either. 2160p videos are packed with detail, you can extract frames and have them pass as an 8MP photo, almost. Color reproduction is the same as still images, saturation neither drops, nor is additionally pumped up.
1080p/60fps is the one area we experienced some issues with focus hunting, apparently the S7 edge thinks that since we're using the higher framerate, we must be following some action closely. Other than that, videos are smooth and detailed, perhaps with a little noise in the darker areas. At 30fps the focusing is calmer and doesn't give us any reasons to protest.
You can also download the untouched video samples: 4K at 30fps (11s, 66MB), 1080p at 60fps (12s, 42MB), 1080p at 30fps (9s, 20MB).
Here is a hyperlapse sample you may want to check out. It's a short 4s 1080p video (10MB).
Finally, you can use our Video Compare Tool to see how the Galaxy S7 edge stacks against the competition when it comes to video capturing. We'll give you a hint - it's a bar setter.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge in our video compare tool: 2160p resolution
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge in our video compare tool: 1080p resolution
The Galaxy S7 edge can capture video in 4K (2160p/30fps), 1080p/60fps, 1080p/30fps, as well as the less common 1440p/30fps and lesser resolutions. From the shooting modes you can select slow motion video (720p/240fps), and Hyperlapse. The latter isn't at a fixed speed, instead the S7 edge analyzes the footage and uses a variable speed depending on the action or lack thereof.
4K videos are recorded with a bitrate of 48Mbps, 1080p/60fps are 28Mbps, while regular speed 1080p/30fps get 17Mbps. Either way audio is recorded in stereo at 256Kbps, so no complaints on the numbers.
None when it comes to video quality either. 2160p videos are packed with detail, you can extract frames and have them pass as an 8MP photo, almost. Color reproduction is the same as still images, saturation neither drops, nor is additionally pumped up.
1080p/60fps is the one area we experienced some issues with focus hunting, apparently the S7 edge thinks that since we're using the higher framerate, we must be following some action closely. Other than that, videos are smooth and detailed, perhaps with a little noise in the darker areas. At 30fps the focusing is calmer and doesn't give us any reasons to protest.
You can also download the untouched video samples: 4K at 30fps (11s, 66MB), 1080p at 60fps (12s, 42MB), 1080p at 30fps (9s, 20MB).
Here is a hyperlapse sample you may want to check out. It's a short 4s 1080p video (10MB).
Finally, you can use our Video Compare Tool to see how the Galaxy S7 edge stacks against the competition when it comes to video capturing. We'll give you a hint - it's a bar setter.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge in our video compare tool: 2160p resolution
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge in our video compare tool: 1080p resolution
Final words
If the best rival is the one you can learn from, has Samsung learnt the wrong trick? Or did the Project Zero redesign got everyone there too excited to think rationally? Probably a bit of both. The company delivered these beautiful Galaxy S6 smartphones but they missed a few user-favorite features, which now make a comeback on the next model. We've seen Apple do exactly this in recent years. First we get the new cool design, then we get the proper hardware upgrades a generation later.
Yes, you may've read our review of the vanilla Samsung Galaxy S7 but it bears repeating. The S7 edge is what the Galaxy S6 edge was supposed to be a year back, an all-round flagship ticking every box. And now, for the extra cash over the S7, you're getting the sexy curved design but also a bigger screen. That's the right thing to do.
The regular S7 doesn't drop out of favor as the ordinary, unattractive, more affordable option. It's just as relevant being the more compact, equally powerful, yet more affordable version of the undisputed flagship.
Now, that's what the Galaxy S7 edge is. The flagship phone to have right now. Polished to perfection, immensely powerful and reliably powered, incredibly proficient at imaging and pretty much everything it does.
If the best rival is the one you can learn from, has Samsung learnt the wrong trick? Or did the Project Zero redesign got everyone there too excited to think rationally? Probably a bit of both. The company delivered these beautiful Galaxy S6 smartphones but they missed a few user-favorite features, which now make a comeback on the next model. We've seen Apple do exactly this in recent years. First we get the new cool design, then we get the proper hardware upgrades a generation later.
Yes, you may've read our review of the vanilla Samsung Galaxy S7 but it bears repeating. The S7 edge is what the Galaxy S6 edge was supposed to be a year back, an all-round flagship ticking every box. And now, for the extra cash over the S7, you're getting the sexy curved design but also a bigger screen. That's the right thing to do.
The regular S7 doesn't drop out of favor as the ordinary, unattractive, more affordable option. It's just as relevant being the more compact, equally powerful, yet more affordable version of the undisputed flagship.
Now, that's what the Galaxy S7 edge is. The flagship phone to have right now. Polished to perfection, immensely powerful and reliably powered, incredibly proficient at imaging and pretty much everything it does.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge key test findings
- A sight to behold, the design carefully refines the S6 edge, with slimmer bezels and subtle curves on the back. Grip is questionable and the screen sometimes registers your palm rather than your fingertips but one-off looks and the amazing feel in hand more than compensate for that.
- Water and dust protection will give you peace of mind in adverse environmental conditions.
- The AMOLED display looks pleasing in default mode, near-perfect color accuracy can be achieved with a flick of a switch. Sunlight legibility is great, and maximum brightness has been further improved compared to the S6 edge.
- The Always On feature is useful though it does inevitably take a toll on battery life.
- There's no wired video out or FM radio and the IR emitter is gone too, but the microSD slot is back, thankfully.
- Battery life is flagship-worthy at 98 hours between charges - a good 18 hours more than the Galaxy S7. The Always On display lowers this rating down to 67 hours, still an acceptable result. If you want to use the Edge feeds on the lockscreen, the endurance will go further down to 60 hours.
- The Galaxy S7 edge comes with little on top of the Google app suite - there are a few signature apps like S Planner and S Health and Samsung's custom multimedia software, but other than that, there's little in the way of bloatware. Microsoft's mobile app package is on board too.
- The Always-On lockscreen makes some of the exclusive edge features redundant. The edge shortcuts are useful at times but you can safely do without them.
- Standard-setting benchmark results, both the CPU and the GPU pack plenty of power and are chart-toppers, future-proofing is guaranteed.
- Loudspeaker scores "Good" on loudness, and its sound quality is among the better ones with deep sound.
- Clean audio output with external amp, only minor quality drop with headphones (though more than the Galaxy S7), above average volume.
- The all-new 12MP still camera is capable of near-instant focusing thanks to its dual-pixel technology. Images are detailed, dynamic range and colors are good, and while in terms of image quality, the camera is comparable to that of the S6, the entire package is a downright upgrade.
- The selfie camera is great with skin tones, but has a tendency of clipping the highlights. It's also about time Samsung upped the resolution of its flagship front snappers.
- 4K videos are packed with detail, however camcorder struggles to hold on to focus at 1080p/60fps, which is the only bad thing we can say about it really.
Water resistance and memory expansion make a comeback on the Galaxy S7 line - Samsung may be owning up to a mistake made a year ago or simply have used the time well to polish a design that back then demanded all their attention and resources.
Either way, the Galaxy S7 edge is what it is because it manages to finally reconcile the brilliant new design and the traditional values. After an eventful previous season, the return to Snapdragon is a sign of going back to normality. The return of the memory card slot and water proofing are probably even better news for users. If you think about it, even the Gear VR headset has been a fairly long time coming since the Note 4.
Here and now, the Galaxy S7 edge has a perfectly credible shot at capitalizing on its pole position but Samsung better brace itself for a fight.
The new generation of Snapdragon 820-powered flagships isn't short on innovation, and each of them tries to offer something unique to set itself apart. The modular LG G5 is what we'd go for if we wanted to experiment with the Magic Slot and the compatible accessories. The Xiaomi Mi 5 is beautifully compact, has enhanced camera OIS, and costs less. The Sony Xperia X Performance claims to have it all: stereo speakers, 23MP worth of still images, water and dust proofing.
HTC are expected to finally cross the Quad HD mark and are making a big fuss about the camera on their upcoming HTC 10, so it will only get more exciting over at the Android camp.
LG G5 • Xiaomi Mi 5 • Sony Xperia X Performance
The 5.5" iPhone 6s Plus is an obvious competitor, a great looking handset itself, of beastly performance, enhanced 12MP camera with OIS and dual-tone flash, and 3D Touch.
Apple iPhone 6s Plus
Microsoft's Lumia 950 XL may not sound as exciting, but it surely ticks all the right boxes - a big Quad HD AMOLED screen, Snapdragon 810 chip, an iris scanner, gorgeous 20MP camera, and Windows 10 Mobile with Continuum. Occasionally, it can replace your netbook, so it's a niche tool you may want to consider.
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL
Right now, the Galaxy S6 lineup, S6, S6 edge and the S6 edge+, cover a wide range of screen sizes and will only be getting more and more attractive with every discount they receive. The Galaxy Note5 with its exclusive S-Pen features is also a nice deal already.
Samsung Galaxy S6 • Samsung Galaxy S6 edge • Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ • Samsung Galaxy Note5
Finally, the smaller Galaxy S7 may lack the design edge, but it still has gentle curves on both sides, better handling and smaller footprint. It costs less than the S7 edge, and yet it has the same build quality, screen, performance, and imaging skills.
Samsung Galaxy S7
The Galaxy S7 edge is easily the best Android phablet right now, if the S-Pen isn't a must. Not only does it employ the best tech available today, but puts it one of the most beautiful bodies in business.
If you break it down to its parts, you will be right to ask what stopped Samsung from delivering it a year ago. Try it, and the experience may change your perspective. Hold it in hand and you may as well wish all phones were like it.
- A sight to behold, the design carefully refines the S6 edge, with slimmer bezels and subtle curves on the back. Grip is questionable and the screen sometimes registers your palm rather than your fingertips but one-off looks and the amazing feel in hand more than compensate for that.
- Water and dust protection will give you peace of mind in adverse environmental conditions.
- The AMOLED display looks pleasing in default mode, near-perfect color accuracy can be achieved with a flick of a switch. Sunlight legibility is great, and maximum brightness has been further improved compared to the S6 edge.
- The Always On feature is useful though it does inevitably take a toll on battery life.
- There's no wired video out or FM radio and the IR emitter is gone too, but the microSD slot is back, thankfully.
- Battery life is flagship-worthy at 98 hours between charges - a good 18 hours more than the Galaxy S7. The Always On display lowers this rating down to 67 hours, still an acceptable result. If you want to use the Edge feeds on the lockscreen, the endurance will go further down to 60 hours.
- The Galaxy S7 edge comes with little on top of the Google app suite - there are a few signature apps like S Planner and S Health and Samsung's custom multimedia software, but other than that, there's little in the way of bloatware. Microsoft's mobile app package is on board too.
- The Always-On lockscreen makes some of the exclusive edge features redundant. The edge shortcuts are useful at times but you can safely do without them.
- Standard-setting benchmark results, both the CPU and the GPU pack plenty of power and are chart-toppers, future-proofing is guaranteed.
- Loudspeaker scores "Good" on loudness, and its sound quality is among the better ones with deep sound.
- Clean audio output with external amp, only minor quality drop with headphones (though more than the Galaxy S7), above average volume.
- The all-new 12MP still camera is capable of near-instant focusing thanks to its dual-pixel technology. Images are detailed, dynamic range and colors are good, and while in terms of image quality, the camera is comparable to that of the S6, the entire package is a downright upgrade.
- The selfie camera is great with skin tones, but has a tendency of clipping the highlights. It's also about time Samsung upped the resolution of its flagship front snappers.
- 4K videos are packed with detail, however camcorder struggles to hold on to focus at 1080p/60fps, which is the only bad thing we can say about it really.
Water resistance and memory expansion make a comeback on the Galaxy S7 line - Samsung may be owning up to a mistake made a year ago or simply have used the time well to polish a design that back then demanded all their attention and resources.
Either way, the Galaxy S7 edge is what it is because it manages to finally reconcile the brilliant new design and the traditional values. After an eventful previous season, the return to Snapdragon is a sign of going back to normality. The return of the memory card slot and water proofing are probably even better news for users. If you think about it, even the Gear VR headset has been a fairly long time coming since the Note 4.
Here and now, the Galaxy S7 edge has a perfectly credible shot at capitalizing on its pole position but Samsung better brace itself for a fight.
The new generation of Snapdragon 820-powered flagships isn't short on innovation, and each of them tries to offer something unique to set itself apart. The modular LG G5 is what we'd go for if we wanted to experiment with the Magic Slot and the compatible accessories. The Xiaomi Mi 5 is beautifully compact, has enhanced camera OIS, and costs less. The Sony Xperia X Performance claims to have it all: stereo speakers, 23MP worth of still images, water and dust proofing.
HTC are expected to finally cross the Quad HD mark and are making a big fuss about the camera on their upcoming HTC 10, so it will only get more exciting over at the Android camp.
LG G5 • Xiaomi Mi 5 • Sony Xperia X Performance
The 5.5" iPhone 6s Plus is an obvious competitor, a great looking handset itself, of beastly performance, enhanced 12MP camera with OIS and dual-tone flash, and 3D Touch.
Apple iPhone 6s Plus
Microsoft's Lumia 950 XL may not sound as exciting, but it surely ticks all the right boxes - a big Quad HD AMOLED screen, Snapdragon 810 chip, an iris scanner, gorgeous 20MP camera, and Windows 10 Mobile with Continuum. Occasionally, it can replace your netbook, so it's a niche tool you may want to consider.
Microsoft Lumia 950 XL
Right now, the Galaxy S6 lineup, S6, S6 edge and the S6 edge+, cover a wide range of screen sizes and will only be getting more and more attractive with every discount they receive. The Galaxy Note5 with its exclusive S-Pen features is also a nice deal already.
Samsung Galaxy S6 • Samsung Galaxy S6 edge • Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ • Samsung Galaxy Note5
Finally, the smaller Galaxy S7 may lack the design edge, but it still has gentle curves on both sides, better handling and smaller footprint. It costs less than the S7 edge, and yet it has the same build quality, screen, performance, and imaging skills.
Samsung Galaxy S7
The Galaxy S7 edge is easily the best Android phablet right now, if the S-Pen isn't a must. Not only does it employ the best tech available today, but puts it one of the most beautiful bodies in business.
If you break it down to its parts, you will be right to ask what stopped Samsung from delivering it a year ago. Try it, and the experience may change your perspective. Hold it in hand and you may as well wish all phones were like it.
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