Choosing between Samsung’s flagship smartphones can be a delightful dilemma, especially when comparing two titans like the Galaxy S7 edge and the Galaxy S7. Both devices represent peak Samsung innovation from their release year, offering powerful performance and stunning displays. However, subtle yet significant differences set them apart, catering to distinct user preferences.
For those seeking a more immersive and visually striking experience, the S7 edge often steals the spotlight with its signature curved display. This design not only looks futuristic but also offers unique functionalities. On the other hand, the standard S7 provides a more traditional, yet equally capable, smartphone experience that many users prefer for its comfortable grip and classic aesthetic.
This comparison aims to dissect the core features, design philosophies, and user benefits of the s7 edge vs s7 galaxy. We’ll help you understand which of these remarkable devices might be the perfect fit for your daily needs and technological desires.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | s7 edge | s7 galaxy |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.5-inch | 5.1-inch |
| Display Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels | 1440 x 2560 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 820/Exynos 8890 | Snapdragon 820/Exynos 8890 |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB | 32GB/64GB |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (microSD) | Yes (microSD) |
| Rear Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 5MP | 5MP |
| Battery Capacity | 3600 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 150.9 x 72.6 x 7.7 mm | 142.4 x 70 x 7.9 mm |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display Size and Type
- S7 Edge: Features a larger 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display. The curved edges offer a more immersive viewing experience and allow for edge-specific features, though some users find accidental touches more frequent.
- S7 Galaxy: Sports a slightly smaller 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display. It offers a more traditional flat screen, which is generally easier to handle and less prone to accidental input.
- Winner: s7 edge
Design and Ergonomics
- S7 Edge: Boasts a premium design with its signature curved display, giving it a sleek and modern look. The curved edges can make it feel slimmer in hand, but the larger size might be less comfortable for some.
- S7 Galaxy: Features a more conventional and compact design with a flat display. Its smaller size makes it very comfortable to hold and operate with one hand, appealing to users who prefer a more manageable device.
- Winner: s7 galaxy
Battery Capacity
- S7 Edge: Comes with a larger 3,600 mAh battery. This, combined with the slightly larger screen, generally translates to longer battery life, especially for moderate users.
- S7 Galaxy: Equipped with a 3,000 mAh battery. While smaller, it still offers good all-day performance for most users, but may struggle more with heavy usage compared to its edge sibling.
- Winner: s7 edge
Screen Resolution and Quality
- S7 Edge: Both devices share the same excellent 1440 x 2560 pixel (QHD) Super AMOLED display. This results in incredibly sharp text, vibrant colors, and deep blacks, making for a superb viewing experience on both.
- S7 Galaxy: Also boasts the same high-resolution 1440 x 2560 pixel (QHD) Super AMOLED screen. The visual quality is identical to the s7 edge, offering stunning clarity and color reproduction.
- Winner: Tie
Edge Features
- S7 Edge: The curved edges unlock unique software features like Edge Panels for quick app access, contacts, and news. While innovative, their practical utility can be subjective and some users may not utilize them extensively.
- S7 Galaxy: Lacks the physical curved edges, and therefore does not offer the dedicated Edge Panel software features. This means a more streamlined, less feature-rich software experience in this specific regard.
- Winner: s7 edge
Storage Options
- S7 Edge: Both models typically offered 32GB of internal storage. Crucially, both also supported microSD card expansion, allowing users to easily add more storage, which was a significant advantage.
- S7 Galaxy: Also came with 32GB of internal storage and the same expandable microSD card slot. This means users had identical flexibility for storing apps, photos, and videos on both devices.
- Winner: Tie
Water and Dust Resistance
- S7 Edge: Both devices share an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. This means they can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, providing excellent durability against the elements.
- S7 Galaxy: Also features the robust IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. This makes it equally protected against accidental spills and submersion as the s7 edge.
- Winner: Tie
Camera Performance
- S7 Edge: Both phones are equipped with the same excellent 12MP rear camera with f/1.7 aperture and OIS. This camera excels in low-light conditions and produces sharp, detailed photos with natural colors.
- S7 Galaxy: Shares the identical 12MP rear camera with f/1.7 aperture and OIS. The photographic capabilities are indistinguishable between the two, delivering consistently great image quality.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size & Experience | s7 edge |
| Ergonomics & Handling | s7 galaxy |
| Battery Life | s7 edge |
| Camera Performance | Tie |
| Overall Performance | Tie |
| Value for Money | s7 galaxy |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones boast stunning Super AMOLED displays with a sharp Quad HD resolution, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience.
- Performance: Powered by the same flagship processors (Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890) and 4GB of RAM, both devices offer exceptional speed and responsiveness for multitasking and demanding applications.
- Camera System: They share an identical 12MP rear camera with advanced features like Dual Pixel autofocus and optical image stabilization, promising excellent photo and video quality in various lighting conditions. The 5MP front camera ensures clear selfies.
- Storage Options: Both the S7 edge and S7 galaxy come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, and importantly, both support microSD card expansion for added storage flexibility.
- Durability: With an IP68 rating, both smartphones are protected against dust and water immersion, offering peace of mind for everyday use and accidental spills.
- Build Quality: Both models feature a premium build with a combination of glass and metal, giving them a sleek and high-end feel in the hand.
S7 Edge Vs S7 Galaxy Buying Guide
Design and Display Considerations
The S7 Edge boasts a distinctive dual-curved edge display, offering a more immersive viewing experience and a premium aesthetic. This design, however, can make it slightly less comfortable for some users to hold and may be more susceptible to accidental touches. The S7 Galaxy, conversely, features a traditional flat display, which is more pocket-friendly and generally easier to handle for extended periods. Your preference for aesthetics versus practicality will heavily influence this choice. (See Also: Clarity Skin Care Vs Dermalogica )
Camera Capabilities and Performance
Both the S7 Edge and S7 Galaxy share the same exceptional 12MP rear camera with Dual Pixel technology, delivering stunning photos in various lighting conditions. You’ll find that low-light performance is particularly impressive on both devices, capturing crisp details and vibrant colors. The front-facing cameras are also identical, ensuring high-quality selfies. Therefore, camera performance should not be a deciding factor between these two models; the image quality is consistently excellent across the board.
Battery Life and Charging
The S7 Edge comes equipped with a slightly larger battery (3600 mAh) compared to the S7 Galaxy (3000 mAh), which translates to potentially longer usage times, especially given the Edge’s optimized software for its unique display. Both devices support fast charging and wireless charging, offering convenient ways to power up. For users who prioritize maximum endurance and are less concerned about the slight increase in size, the Edge’s battery advantage might be appealing.
Performance and Software Features
Under the hood, both the S7 Edge and S7 Galaxy are powered by the same robust processors and RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and excellent gaming performance. They run on the same Android operating system with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI, providing a familiar and feature-rich experience. The primary software differentiator lies in the Edge screen functionality, which offers shortcuts to apps, contacts, and other features. Consider if these edge-specific conveniences are valuable to your daily workflow. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Nintendo Lite )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy s7 edge If…
- You prefer a larger screen for media consumption and gaming.
- You appreciate the aesthetic and ergonomic benefits of a curved display.
- You need a slightly larger battery for extended usage.
- You want a device that feels more premium and stands out.
Buy s7 galaxy If…
- You prefer a more compact and pocketable device.
- You are on a tighter budget, as it was generally the more affordable option.
- You don’t need the curved screen features or the larger display size.
- You prioritize ease of one-handed use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better screen?
The S7 Edge features a larger, dual-curved edge display that offers a more immersive visual experience and allows for edge-specific shortcuts. The S7 Galaxy has a traditional flat display, which some users find more ergonomic and less prone to accidental touches. Both screens are Super AMOLED with excellent color reproduction and sharpness, making them top-tier displays for their time. Your preference for curved aesthetics versus flat practicality is the main consideration here.
Is the S7 Edge battery significantly better?
The S7 Edge has a larger 3600 mAh battery compared to the S7 Galaxy’s 3000 mAh battery. This generally translates to longer battery life for the S7 Edge, especially with moderate usage. However, the actual difference can vary based on individual usage patterns and how the edge screen features are utilized. Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging, offering convenient ways to top up their batteries.
Are there any major performance differences?
No, there are no significant performance differences between the S7 Edge and the S7 Galaxy. Both devices are equipped with the same powerful processor (either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or Samsung Exynos 8890, depending on region) and 4GB of RAM. This means they offer virtually identical speed and responsiveness for apps, gaming, and multitasking. You can expect a fluid user experience on either device. (See Also: Wingstop Tenders Vs Boneless Wings )
Which phone is more durable?
Both the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge and S7 Galaxy share an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. However, the curved glass on the S7 Edge’s display might make it slightly more susceptible to damage from drops compared to the flat screen of the S7 Galaxy. Both are constructed with premium materials, but the S7 Edge’s design introduces a minor durability concern.
Which one is better for photography?
Both the S7 Edge and S7 Galaxy feature the exact same excellent 12-megapixel rear camera with Dual Pixel autofocus and optical image stabilization. This means that photography performance is identical between the two models. You will get the same stunning photos and videos in various lighting conditions, including low light. The front-facing cameras are also identical, so neither phone offers an advantage in this regard.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge and S7 Galaxy are remarkably similar devices, with the primary distinction being the Edge’s curved display and slightly larger battery. While the Edge offers a more premium aesthetic and potentially longer battery life, the flat-screen S7 Galaxy provides a more comfortable grip and potentially better durability against drops. For most users, the S7 Galaxy offers a more practical and balanced experience, making it the better all-around choice.
Winner: S7 Galaxy