Choosing between two flagship smartphones can be a daunting task, especially when they share a name but offer distinct experiences. The Samsung Galaxy S7 and its curved-screen sibling, the S7 edge, both arrived with impressive specifications and a promise of premium performance.
However, subtle yet significant differences set these two devices apart, influencing everything from handling to battery life. If you’re trying to decide which of these titans is the right fit for your pocket, understanding these nuances is key.
This comparison delves deep into the s7 vs s7 fe, exploring their design, features, and overall user experience to help you make an informed decision.
s7 vs s7 fe
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | s7 | s7 fe |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Rear Camera (Main) | 50MP | 50MP |
| Rear Camera (Ultrawide) | 12MP | 12MP |
| Rear Camera (Telephoto) | 10MP (3x Optical Zoom) | 10MP (3x Optical Zoom) |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP |
| Battery Capacity | 3700 mAh | 3700 mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display Technology
- S7: Features a vibrant 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels. This offers excellent color reproduction and deep blacks, making it great for media consumption. However, the smaller screen size might not be ideal for users who prefer larger displays.
- S7 Fe: Boasts a larger 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with the same 1440 x 2560 resolution. The increased screen real estate is a significant advantage for multitasking and viewing content. While the technology is the same, the larger size can lead to slightly lower pixel density, though it’s generally imperceptible.
- Winner: s7 fe
Processor and Performance
- S7: Powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or Samsung Exynos 8890 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM. This setup provides robust performance for most daily tasks and demanding applications. Performance can vary slightly depending on the regional variant.
- S7 Fe: Utilizes the same processor options (Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890) and also comes with 4GB of RAM. This ensures a comparable, high-performance experience for users. The larger form factor doesn’t negatively impact its processing power.
- Winner: Tie
Camera Capabilities
- S7: Equipped with a 12MP rear camera with Dual Pixel autofocus and an f/1.7 aperture, delivering excellent low-light performance and sharp images. The front camera is 5MP. Its camera is widely praised for its quality and speed.
- S7 Fe: Also features a 12MP rear camera with Dual Pixel autofocus and an f/1.7 aperture, offering the same exceptional image quality and low-light capabilities. The front camera is also 5MP. The camera hardware is identical, providing a consistent photography experience.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- S7: Houses a 3000 mAh battery. While sufficient for moderate use, heavy users might find themselves needing a midday charge. It supports fast charging and wireless charging.
- S7 Fe: Comes with a larger 3600 mAh battery. This provides a noticeable improvement in battery life, allowing for longer usage between charges, especially beneficial for the larger display. It also supports fast and wireless charging.
- Winner: s7 fe
Storage Options
- S7: Offered with 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card up to 200GB. This provides ample space for apps and media for most users.
- S7 Fe: Also provides 32GB of internal storage, with the same microSD card expansion up to 200GB. The storage capacity is identical, offering flexibility for users to increase their storage as needed.
- Winner: Tie
Build Quality and Design
- S7: Features a premium glass and metal construction with IP68 water and dust resistance. Its compact size makes it comfortable to hold and operate with one hand.
- S7 Fe: Maintains the same premium glass and metal build with IP68 water and dust resistance. The larger dimensions make it less pocketable and potentially more difficult for single-handed use for some.
- Winner: s7
Audio Experience
- S7: Equipped with a single bottom-firing speaker. While it produces clear audio, it can be easily covered when holding the phone horizontally.
- S7 Fe: Also features a single bottom-firing speaker. The audio quality is similar to the s7, but the larger chassis doesn’t introduce any significant improvements or disadvantages to the speaker’s performance.
- Winner: Tie
Software and Updates
- S7: Launched with Android Marshmallow and has received updates over the years. Samsung’s software experience includes its own UI customizations.
- S7 Fe: Also launched with Android Marshmallow and has received similar software update support. Both devices benefit from Samsung’s TouchWiz (later Samsung Experience) interface.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | Tie |
| Performance | Tie |
| Camera | Tie |
| Battery Life | Tie |
| Value | s7 fe |
| Overall | s7 fe |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both devices boast vibrant and smooth 6.1-inch AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring excellent visual clarity and fluid scrolling for all your content.
- Performance Core: Under the hood, both the s7 and s7 fe are powered by the same robust Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and 8GB of RAM, guaranteeing top-tier performance for demanding apps and multitasking.
This means you can expect seamless gaming and quick app launches on either model. - Camera System: The primary camera setup on both phones is identical, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
You’ll also find a 10MP front-facing camera for sharp selfies and video calls. - Storage and RAM: Both models offer the same storage configurations of 128GB and 256GB, paired with 8GB of RAM, providing ample space for your files and smooth multitasking capabilities.
- Durability: Both the s7 and s7 fe come with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, offering peace of mind against accidental spills and environmental exposure.
- Battery Size: They share the same 3700 mAh battery capacity, suggesting similar endurance for typical daily usage.
S7 Vs S7 Fe Buying Guide
Performance & Everyday Use
The Samsung Galaxy S7, while an older flagship, still offers a capable performance for daily tasks. Its Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM, handles app switching, web browsing, and social media with ease. For users who primarily use their phone for communication, light gaming, and general productivity, the S7 remains a solid choice. However, for more demanding applications or intense multitasking, you might notice a slight dip in responsiveness compared to newer devices.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 FE, on the other hand, is designed with a focus on versatility and productivity, powered by a more recent processor. While not the absolute top-tier chip, it provides a smooth experience for a wider range of activities. This includes more demanding games and efficient multitasking, especially when leveraging its larger screen and S Pen functionality. If you’re looking for a device that can comfortably handle heavier workloads and offer a more fluid overall experience, the S7 FE has an edge. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Switch Lite )
Camera Capabilities
The Galaxy S7 boasts a respectable 12MP rear camera that was considered excellent for its time. It produces sharp, vibrant photos in good lighting conditions and performs reasonably well in low light thanks to its wide aperture. The camera app is intuitive and offers various shooting modes. While it might not compete with the computational photography advancements of modern smartphones, it still captures pleasing images for everyday sharing and memories. Video recording is also good, offering stable footage.
The S7 FE’s camera system is designed to be functional for everyday needs. While it may not have the same level of advanced image processing or specialized lenses as flagship models, it delivers decent photos and videos. It’s capable of capturing clear shots in well-lit environments and is suitable for casual photography and quick snapshots. For users who prioritize photography as a primary feature and demand top-tier image quality, both devices might fall short of the latest innovations, but the S7 FE offers a more contemporary, albeit not flagship, camera experience.
Battery Life & Charging
The Galaxy S7 features a 3000 mAh battery. While this was adequate for its era, with moderate usage, it might struggle to last a full day for power users, especially after years of battery degradation. It supports fast charging and wireless charging, which are convenient features. However, the charging speeds are slower compared to current standards. If you’re constantly on the go and rely heavily on your phone, carrying a power bank or being near a charger might be necessary with the S7.
The S7 FE, with its larger battery capacity, generally offers better endurance for a full day of use, even with more demanding tasks. This is crucial for its intended audience who might be using the device for productivity throughout the day. It also supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed. While wireless charging might not be a prominent feature, the improved battery life and faster wired charging make the S7 FE a more reliable option for extended usage without constant power concerns. (See Also: Pixel 6a Vs Iphone 12 )
Display & Form Factor
The Samsung Galaxy S7 sports a compact 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display. This screen size is ideal for one-handed use and fits comfortably in pockets. The display itself is vibrant and sharp, offering excellent color reproduction and deep blacks, making it great for media consumption. Its smaller form factor makes it easy to handle and navigate for those who prefer a more traditional smartphone size. The build quality is premium, often featuring glass and metal construction.
The S7 FE stands out with its significantly larger display, often around 12.4 inches. This expansive screen is its main selling point, making it perfect for multitasking, drawing with the S Pen, watching videos, and immersive gaming. While this larger size makes it less pocketable and more of a tablet-like experience, it unlocks a new level of productivity and entertainment. The trade-off for the large display is a less portable device, but for users prioritizing screen real estate, the S7 FE is the clear choice.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy s7 If…
- You are looking for the absolute best in mobile photography and want to leverage the most advanced camera features.
- You prioritize the latest and greatest in smartphone technology and are willing to pay a premium for it.
- You want a slightly more refined or feature-rich software experience that might be exclusive to the flagship model.
Buy s7 fe If…
- You want flagship-level performance and camera quality without the highest price tag.
- You are looking for a great all-around smartphone that excels in most areas but doesn’t necessarily need every single cutting-edge feature.
- Value for money is a significant factor in your purchasing decision, and you want a device that offers a fantastic user experience for less.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in performance between the S7 and S7 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S7 FE features a more modern and capable processor compared to the older flagship S7. This translates to smoother multitasking, better handling of demanding applications and games, and overall a more responsive user experience on the S7 FE. While the S7 is still decent for basic tasks, the S7 FE is built to handle heavier workloads more efficiently.
Which phone has a better camera?
While both phones offer functional cameras, the S7 FE generally provides a more contemporary camera experience, even if it’s not a flagship-level system. The S7’s camera was excellent for its time, but advancements in image processing and sensor technology mean the S7 FE can often produce slightly better results in a wider range of conditions, especially with its more recent software optimizations. (See Also: Galaxy Watch 6 Vs Active 2 )
Is the battery life significantly different?
Yes, the S7 FE typically comes with a much larger battery capacity than the S7. This, combined with potentially more power-efficient components, means the S7 FE will offer considerably better battery life. You can expect the S7 FE to last significantly longer on a single charge, making it a more reliable option for heavy users or those away from chargers for extended periods.
Which device is better for productivity and note-taking?
The S7 FE is unequivocally the better choice for productivity and note-taking. Its large display, combined with the included S Pen, transforms it into a powerful tool for digital note-taking, drawing, and multitasking. The S7, lacking an S Pen and featuring a much smaller screen, is not designed for these types of intensive productivity tasks.
Are software updates still a concern for these devices?
Both the S7 and S7 FE are older devices, and software update support from Samsung will be limited or nonexistent for both. You are unlikely to receive major Android version updates for either. However, the S7 FE, being a newer device, might have received security patches for a slightly longer period. For the latest software features and security, neither is the ideal choice.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S7 FE emerges as the superior device for most users seeking a modern and versatile experience. Its larger display, S Pen integration, and more robust performance make it ideal for productivity, entertainment, and everyday tasks. While the S7 was a great phone in its prime, its age shows in performance, battery life, and feature set compared to the S7 FE. The S7 FE offers a more future-proof and capable package for contemporary mobile needs.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S7 FE