Samsung’s Galaxy S6 edge was by far the best phone of 2015.
Now the Korean tech firm is back with its refreshed and fully updated device – the Galaxy S7 edge.
These two devices may look very similar but there’s plenty of tasty upgrades tucked inside Samsung’s shiny new handset.
The question is, should you buy the Galaxy S7 edge or grab a bargain and pick up last year’s S6?
Daily Star Online finds out.
THE DESIGN
On the outside the S7 hasn’t changed much, but that’s no problem as this phone is still as stunning as a supermodel.
With its curved edge display, metal frame and glass back, we’re glad Samsung hasn’t tinkered too much with the design.
However, there are a few welcome changes that sets it apart from the older S6.
Firstly, Samsung has got rid of the unsightly camera hump which stuck out of the S6 like a boil on its bottom and the rear case has been slightly curved to make it more comfortable to hold.
But the best new design feature has to be the S7’s waterproof case as this phone can now survive 30 minutes underwater.
Daily Star Online plopped the S7 in the drink and it emerged soggy, but totally unscathed – something its biggest rival, the iPhone, wouldn't deal with.
It's all postive although our only criticism of the S7 edge is the glass case is a magnet for fingerprints and keeping it pristine is a full time mission.
We’re also not entirely sold on Samsung's version of Android, TouchWiz, which still doesn’t look as good as some of the competition.
THE SCREEN
When it comes to what’s on the screen there’s one big difference between the S6 and S7 edge and that’s the size of the display.
Samsung has beefed up the S7 edge with a new 5.5-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED screen and this beast is a beauty.
The bigger display is brighter and sharper than before and features always-on technology which allows the time, date and basic notifications to be constantly displayed.
This always-on display is slightly pointless but for some reason we really like it and it doesn't appear to affect the battery life.
The S7 edge is an absolute joy to use, but be warned.
When you put the S7 edge alongside the S6 you'll notice how much bigger this device is and there's no option for a smaller edge display.
So you'll have to decide if your skinny jeans can cope with this beast being squeezed inside their pockets.
THE BATTERY
Samsung phones have always had excellent battery life and the S7 edge continues this long-lasting tradition.
In fact, the S7 edge has a whopping 3600mAh battery tucked inside and our tests have revealed it lasts around 10% longer than the S6 edge.
Don't expect week-long power but you will easily get a day's life out of it without going near a plug and Samsung's battery saving mode will help extend its life should you begin to run low.
We've tested the S6 and S7 edge with our Star Wars Trilogy marathon and the force is certainly stronger with the S7.
The new smartphone can also be filled to 50% in just 10 minutes and, like the S6, has ability to be charged wirelessly.
CAMERA
Samsung’s S6 edge has one of the best cameras on a smartphone and the S7 is even better.
With a super fast focus and improved low light image quality this phone could give a DSLR a run for its money.
The 5 megapixel front-facing snapper is also fit for a celebrity selfie and there's plenty of extras such as panorama, slow motion and hyperlapse modes to keep amateur snappers happy.
For the pros there is also a fully manual mode which easily lets you select your image settings such as ISO, white balance and shutter speed.
This is a very good camera although you will find some of your images get slightly over sharpened at times.
You can also shoot video footage in Ultra HD 4K quality although, be warned, 20 seconds of footage shot in 4K will use a whopping 100MB of your precious disk space.
SPEED & MEMORY
As well as more brawn the S7 also has more brains.
Samsung reckons its new smartphone is around 50% faster than the S6 and having had plenty of fun with the S7 it certainly feels packed with power.
From start-up to playing a memory hungry racing sim this device is slicker than John Travolta.
We put the S6 and S7 edge through an app speed test and the S7 was a clear winner beating its older cousin by around 20 seconds.
The S7 also sees the return of expandable storage which will please many Samsung faithful.
This means you can boost the S7’s memory to a whopping 200GB with a MicroSD card – which is handy as the S7 currently only ships with 32GB of in-built storage.
PRICE
If you fancy an S7 edge you’d better clear the credit card as this smartphone is not cheap.
Buying the phone SIM-free will cost you a mighty £639.
If you want the phone on contract prices start from around £40 per month although some retailers are offering lower S7 deals at launch.
This is clearly not a bargain and could be one of the S7’s biggest problems especially as there are now so many excellent Android phones that cost half that price.
It may also face stiff competition from the older S6 edge which now costs £200 less than Samsung’s new flagship phone.
EXTRAS
Like the S6, the S7 edge comes packed with a fingerprint scanner, heart rate sensor and quick access to your favourites via a swipe on the edge of the screen.
This easy swipe is still a bit of a gimmick but it does allow faster access to some of your favourite apps, utilities and contacts.
The S7 also features a new Game Launcher which lets you play the latest apps without getting interrupted by texts, calls and emails.
It also lets you record your in-game footage which can be posted straight to YouTube.
Game Launcher isn’t a game changer and it needs a bit more fine tuning before it becomes a killer feature.
The icon for Game Launcher also appears while you're playing your favourite apps and it does become a little annoying.
We're also a little underwhelmed by the fingerprint scanner which isn't as good as Apple's offering and does have tendency to fail.
Samsung Pay is also included in the S7 although there's still no word on when it will land in the UK.
VERDICT
Samsung has done it again and if you thought the S6 edge was good wait until you get the S7 in your hands.
Everything the S6 can do the S7 can do it better.
With stunning looks, dazzling display, waterproof design and superior camera this is without doubt the smartphone to beat in 2016.
The competition should be very, very afraid.
(dailystar.co.uk)
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