The smartphone market is a battlefield, and in the premium segment, two titans often emerge: the stylus-wielding powerhouse and the elegantly curved contender. When Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Note 7 and the Galaxy S7 Edge, they offered distinct yet compelling experiences for discerning users.
For those who crave productivity and a larger canvas for their digital life, the Note 7 promised unparalleled functionality. Meanwhile, the S7 Edge captivated with its sleek design and immersive display, appealing to those who prioritize aesthetics and a comfortable in-hand feel.
Deciding between these two exceptional devices can be a challenge. We delve deep into the nuances of the Note 7 vs Edge 7 to help you pinpoint the perfect fit for your needs and preferences.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | note 7 | edge 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.7 inches | 5.5 inches |
| Display Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels | 1440 x 2560 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 820 / Exynos 8890 | Snapdragon 820 / Exynos 8890 |
| RAM | 6 GB | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 64 GB / 128 GB | 32 GB / 64 GB |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (microSD) | Yes (microSD) |
| Rear Camera | 12 MP Dual Pixel | 12 MP Dual Pixel |
| Front Camera | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Battery Capacity | 3500 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Biometrics | Iris Scanner, Fingerprint | Fingerprint |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Note 7: Features a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution. The larger screen offers more real estate for multitasking and media consumption, with excellent color accuracy and brightness. However, its size might be less comfortable for one-handed use for some users.
- Edge 7: Boasts a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, also with a QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution. The curved edges provide a sleek aesthetic and can offer quick access to apps and notifications. While slightly smaller, it still delivers vibrant visuals and sharp details, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more compact device.
- Winner: note 7
Processor & Performance
- Note 7: Equipped with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or Samsung Exynos 8890 processor, depending on the region, paired with 4GB of RAM. This configuration ensures smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and excellent gaming performance. It handles demanding tasks with ease, providing a lag-free experience.
- Edge 7: Utilizes the same processor options as the Note 7 (Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890) with 4GB of RAM. Performance is equally impressive, offering swift operation for everyday use and intensive applications. The slight difference in screen size doesn’t translate to a noticeable performance gap.
- Winner: Tie
Camera System
- Note 7: Features a 12MP rear camera with OIS and an f/1.7 aperture, and a 5MP front-facing camera. The rear camera captures stunningly detailed photos with excellent low-light performance. The front camera is also capable of producing sharp selfies.
- Edge 7: Also sports a 12MP rear camera with OIS and an f/1.7 aperture, and a 5MP front-facing camera. The camera hardware is identical, resulting in comparable photo quality. Both devices excel in capturing vibrant and clear images in various lighting conditions.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Note 7: Comes with a 3500 mAh battery, supporting fast wired and wireless charging. While the battery capacity is decent for its size, heavy users might find themselves needing a midday charge due to the larger display and powerful internals.
- Edge 7: Features a 3000 mAh battery, also with fast wired and wireless charging capabilities. The slightly smaller battery, combined with a slightly smaller screen, can offer comparable or even slightly better endurance for some users compared to the Note 7.
- Winner: edge 7
Stylus (S Pen)
- Note 7: Integrates the signature S Pen, offering enhanced productivity features like note-taking, screen writing, and air command gestures. The S Pen is a significant differentiator, providing a unique user experience for those who value its functionality for work or creativity.
- Edge 7: Does not include the S Pen stylus. This makes it a more straightforward smartphone experience for users who don’t require or desire stylus functionality.
- Winner: note 7
Build Quality & Design
- Note 7: Features a premium design with a glass front and back, and an aluminum frame. It boasts IP68 water and dust resistance. The design is sleek and modern, though the larger size can be a factor for some.
- Edge 7: Also features a premium glass and metal construction with IP68 water and dust resistance. The curved edges give it a distinctive and elegant look that many find appealing. Its slightly smaller footprint can make it more ergonomic for some hands.
- Winner: Tie
Storage Options
- Note 7: Offers 64GB of internal storage with microSD card support for expansion. This provides ample space for apps, photos, and videos. The inclusion of expandable storage is a significant advantage for media-heavy users.
- Edge 7: Comes with 32GB of internal storage, also with microSD card support. While 32GB is sufficient for many, the Note 7’s larger base storage might be preferable for those who download a lot of content or store many large files.
- Winner: note 7
Security Features
- Note 7: Includes a fingerprint sensor and an iris scanner for advanced biometric security. The addition of the iris scanner provides an extra layer of security and a unique unlocking method, adding to its premium feel.
- Edge 7: Features a fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking. While it lacks the iris scanner, the fingerprint sensor is highly effective and widely adopted for secure device access.
- Winner: note 7
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Productivity | note 7 |
| Display Innovation | edge 7 |
| Biometric Security | note 7 |
| Camera | Tie |
| Performance | Tie |
| Design | Subjective (note 7 for stylus, edge 7 for curves) |
| Battery Life | note 7 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both the Note 7 and Edge 7 boast stunning AMOLED displays with QHD resolution, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks for an exceptional viewing experience.
- Processing Power: Under the hood, both devices are powered by top-tier processors (Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890 depending on region) and ample RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and demanding app performance.
- Camera Capabilities: They share the same impressive 12-megapixel Dual Pixel rear camera, renowned for its fast autofocus and excellent low-light performance, capturing detailed and clear photos.
- Durability: Both flagship phones feature IP68 water and dust resistance, providing peace of mind against accidental spills or exposure to the elements.
- Expandable Storage: Users of either device can expand their storage options via a microSD card slot, offering flexibility for media and app storage.
- Premium Build: Both devices showcase a premium build quality with glass and metal construction, feeling solid and sophisticated in hand.
Note 7 Vs Edge 7 Buying Guide
Performance and Speed
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7, when it was released, boasted top-tier performance for its time. Its processor and RAM configuration were designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking with ease. This made it a powerhouse for productivity and gaming. The Edge 7, while also a capable device, generally offered a slightly less powerful chipset and RAM, making it more suited for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Switch Lite )
Camera Capabilities
Both devices featured impressive camera systems for their era. The Note 7 often came with slightly more advanced camera hardware or software features, aiming to provide professional-grade photography on the go. This included enhanced low-light performance and potentially more sophisticated image processing. The Edge 7 still delivered excellent photos, but the Note 7 might have had a slight edge in specific scenarios or advanced controls.
Display and Design
The Edge 7 was renowned for its iconic curved display, offering a sleek and immersive viewing experience. The Note 7, while also featuring a premium build, typically opted for a more traditional flat display, which some users preferred for its practicality. Both devices utilized high-quality AMOLED panels with vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the Edge 7’s design was its standout aesthetic feature.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life was a crucial consideration for both devices. The Note 7 aimed to provide substantial battery endurance to support its larger screen and productivity features. The Edge 7 also offered decent battery performance for its size. Both likely supported fast charging technologies, but the specific charging speeds and battery capacities would have varied, impacting overall longevity and recharge times. (See Also: Pixel 6a Vs Iphone 12 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy note 7 If…
- You want the absolute best in mobile productivity with the integrated S Pen stylus for note-taking and creative tasks.
- You desire the cutting-edge biometric security of an iris scanner in addition to a fingerprint sensor.
- You are looking for potentially more RAM for enhanced multitasking performance.
- You prefer a slightly larger display for immersive media consumption and productivity.
Buy edge 7 If…
- You appreciate the sleek and futuristic aesthetic of a curved display that offers a more immersive viewing experience.
- You are looking for a slightly more compact and arguably more ergonomic device.
- You are content with a robust flagship experience without the need for a stylus.
- You are looking for a powerful and stylish device that excels in photography and everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone is better for gaming?
For a more demanding gaming experience with potentially higher frame rates and smoother performance, the Note 7 would generally be the preferred choice. Its typically more powerful processor and greater RAM capacity were designed to handle graphically intensive games more effectively. The Edge 7 is still capable of playing many games well, but might struggle with the absolute most resource-heavy titles compared to the Note 7.
Which has a better display for media consumption?
While both phones offered excellent AMOLED displays, the Edge 7’s signature curved screen provided a more immersive viewing experience for movies and videos. This “edge” effect could make content feel more expansive. However, the Note 7’s display was still of very high quality, offering vibrant colors and sharp details, making it excellent for media as well, just without the unique curved aesthetic.
Is the Note 7’s stylus useful?
The S Pen stylus was a defining feature of the Note 7, offering enhanced productivity and creativity. It allowed for precise note-taking, drawing, and quick actions like screen writing and smart selection. If you value digital handwriting, detailed annotations, or drawing directly on your phone, the Note 7’s stylus is a significant advantage over the Edge 7, which lacks this functionality. (See Also: Galaxy Watch 6 Vs Active 2 )
Which phone is more durable?
Both devices were built with premium materials, likely featuring glass and metal construction. However, the curved display of the Edge 7, while visually striking, could be more susceptible to damage from drops on its edges. The Note 7’s more traditional flat display might have offered slightly better resilience in certain impact scenarios, though both would benefit from a protective case.
Which phone has better camera software features?
The Note 7 often included more advanced camera software features and modes, aiming to provide a more professional photography experience. This could include enhanced manual controls, more sophisticated scene recognition, or superior image processing algorithms. While the Edge 7’s camera was excellent, the Note 7 might have offered a slight advantage for users who enjoy fine-tuning their shots or utilizing specialized camera functions.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 and Edge 7 were both premium devices offering excellent experiences for their time. The Note 7 distinguished itself with superior performance and the invaluable S Pen stylus for productivity. The Edge 7 captivated with its innovative curved display and elegant design. For those prioritizing raw power and stylus functionality, the Note 7 was the more capable device.
Winner: Note 7