Choosing between two top-tier Samsung smartphones can be a delightful dilemma. For many, the decision often comes down to the sleek design and innovative features of the Galaxy S Edge series versus the robust performance and refined experience of the Galaxy S7.
Both devices represented the pinnacle of Samsung’s engineering at their respective launches, offering powerful processors, stunning displays, and impressive cameras. However, subtle yet significant differences in their design philosophy and feature sets can sway your choice.
Are you drawn to the futuristic appeal and curved display of the Edge, or do you prioritize the balanced, all-around excellence that the Galaxy S7 is renowned for? Let’s dive deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | samsung edge | samsung s7 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.1 inches | 5.1 inches |
| Display Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 820 / Exynos 8890 | Snapdragon 820 / Exynos 8890 |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB | 32GB |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (microSD) | Yes (microSD) |
| Rear Camera | 12MP Dual Pixel | 12MP Dual Pixel |
| Front Camera | 5MP | 5MP |
| Battery | 2600 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Biometric Security | Fingerprint Scanner, Iris Scanner | Fingerprint Scanner |
| Operating System (Launch) | Android 6.0 Marshmallow | Android 6.0 Marshmallow |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung Edge: Features a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels. The curved edges offer a unique aesthetic and can display notifications and app shortcuts, but they can also lead to accidental touches and are more prone to damage.
- Samsung S7: Boasts a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with the same 1440 x 2560 pixel resolution. It offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, providing an excellent viewing experience without the complexities or potential drawbacks of curved edges.
- Winner: samsung s7
Design and Build
- Samsung Edge: Utilizes a premium metal and glass construction with distinct curved edges on the display. While visually striking and ergonomic in hand, the curved glass is more susceptible to cracks and scratches compared to a flat display.
- Samsung S7: Also features a premium metal and glass build but with a flat display. This design is more robust and less prone to accidental damage, offering a more practical and durable feel for everyday use.
- Winner: samsung s7
Camera
- Samsung Edge: Equipped with a 12MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. The rear camera offers good image quality for its time, but it lacks some of the advanced features and low-light performance found in later models.
- Samsung S7: Features a 12MP Dual Pixel rear camera with an f/1.7 aperture and a 5MP front camera. The Dual Pixel technology allows for faster autofocus and superior low-light performance, resulting in sharper and brighter photos in challenging conditions.
- Winner: samsung s7
Performance
- Samsung Edge: Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor or Exynos 7420, paired with 3GB of RAM. It offers good performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, but can sometimes experience thermal throttling under heavy load.
- Samsung S7: Comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890 processor and 4GB of RAM. This combination delivers significantly faster and smoother performance, handling demanding applications and multitasking with ease, and generally manages heat better.
- Winner: samsung s7
Battery Life
- Samsung Edge: Houses a 3000 mAh battery. Battery life is generally adequate for a full day of moderate use, but heavy users might find themselves needing a midday charge, especially with the more power-hungry curved display.
- Samsung S7: Equipped with a 3000 mAh battery. Despite the similar capacity, the S7 generally offers slightly better battery endurance due to a more efficient processor and display optimization, comfortably lasting a full day for most users.
- Winner: samsung s7
Water Resistance
- Samsung Edge: Does not officially offer any water or dust resistance rating. This makes it more vulnerable to damage from accidental spills or submersion in water.
- Samsung S7: Boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. This provides peace of mind against everyday accidents, allowing it to withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.
- Winner: samsung s7
Storage Expansion
- Samsung Edge: Offered with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage but does not support microSD card expansion. This means users are limited to the onboard storage they purchase.
- Samsung S7: Comes with 32GB of internal storage and crucially includes a microSD card slot, allowing for storage expansion up to 200GB. This offers much greater flexibility for users who store a lot of media or apps.
- Winner: samsung s7
Unique Features (Edge Functionality)
- Samsung Edge: Its defining feature is the curved edge display, which provides a unique visual experience and offers a dedicated space for edge panels for quick access to apps, contacts, and news. However, these features are often niche and not universally adopted by users.
- Samsung S7: Lacks the specific edge panel functionality. Its strength lies in its more conventional and refined user experience, focusing on core smartphone performance and usability without the added complexity or potential gimmick of edge features.
- Winner: samsung edge
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design & Ergonomics | samsung edge (for its unique curved display) |
| Display | Tie |
| Performance | Tie |
| Camera | Tie |
| Battery Life | samsung s7 (slightly larger capacity) |
| Durability | Tie |
| Biometric Security | samsung edge (iris scanner addition) |
| Value for Money | samsung s7 (often found at a lower price) |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both devices boast stunning Super AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast for an immersive viewing experience.
- Performance: Powered by top-tier processors like the Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890 and equipped with 4GB of RAM, both phones deliver smooth multitasking and handle demanding applications with ease.
- Camera Quality: The 12MP Dual Pixel rear camera on both the Samsung Edge and S7 is a standout feature, capable of capturing incredibly detailed and sharp photos, even in challenging lighting conditions, thanks to its fast autofocus.
- Durability: Both the Samsung Edge and S7 are built to withstand the elements, featuring an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, giving users peace of mind against spills and accidental submersion.
- Expandable Storage: For users who need more space for their photos, videos, and apps, both phones offer the convenience of expandable storage via a microSD card slot.
- Operating System: Launching with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, both devices provided a modern and feature-rich software experience, with the potential for future updates.
Samsung Edge Vs Samsung S7 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Edge series is renowned for its distinctive curved display, offering a sleek and futuristic aesthetic that sets it apart from traditional smartphone designs. This curved edge not only enhances visual appeal but also provides some unique functionality, such as edge lighting for notifications and quick access to apps. In contrast, the Samsung S7 features a more conventional flat display, maintaining a classic and comfortable in-hand feel. Both devices are crafted with premium materials, typically aluminum frames and glass backs, ensuring a solid and luxurious build. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference regarding aesthetics and the desire for edge-specific features. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Display Technology and Features
Both the Samsung Edge and Samsung S7 boast stunning Super AMOLED displays, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. The primary difference lies in the screen curvature. The Edge models feature dual-curved displays that seemingly melt into the sides of the phone, creating an immersive viewing experience. The S7, with its flat display, offers a consistent and glare-free viewing surface. Both devices typically offer high resolutions, ensuring sharp text and detailed images. The Edge’s curved display can also offer subtle advantages in certain gaming or media consumption scenarios, though the S7’s flat screen is universally appreciated for its practicality.
Camera Performance
Samsung has consistently delivered top-tier camera performance, and both the Edge and S7 models are excellent examples. They typically feature similar main camera sensors, offering impressive image quality in various lighting conditions. Expect sharp, detailed photos with natural color reproduction. The Edge series might sometimes incorporate slightly more advanced camera software or unique shooting modes that leverage its design, but the core photographic capabilities are often very close. Both devices excel at capturing everyday moments, portraits, and even low-light shots with commendable clarity and minimal noise, making them reliable companions for photography enthusiasts.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, both the Samsung Edge and S7 are powered by capable processors and ample RAM for their respective generations, ensuring smooth multitasking and responsive app performance. Gaming and demanding applications are handled with ease on both devices. Battery life is another crucial consideration. While specific battery capacities may vary slightly between models and generations of the Edge series, both are generally designed to offer all-day usage for the average user. Features like power-saving modes and efficient software optimization contribute to their endurance, making them reliable for extended use without constant recharging. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy samsung edge If…
- You desire a more futuristic and unique design with its signature curved display that offers some added functionality and a premium feel.
- You appreciate the convenience of an iris scanner for an alternative and potentially faster biometric unlock method.
- You want a slightly more compact feel in hand due to the way the edges curve, which can sometimes make it feel smaller than its screen size suggests.
Buy samsung s7 If…
- You prefer a more traditional and robust design without the potential for accidental touches on curved edges.
- You want a slightly larger battery capacity for potentially longer endurance between charges.
- You are looking for a proven and well-rounded flagship experience at a potentially more accessible price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Edge and S7 displays?
The most significant difference is the display shape. The Edge models feature a curved display that wraps around the sides, offering a unique aesthetic and some edge-specific functionalities. The S7, on the other hand, has a traditional flat display. Both utilize Samsung’s excellent Super AMOLED technology for vibrant visuals and deep blacks, but the Edge’s curvature provides a more immersive, though sometimes less practical, viewing experience.
Which phone has a better camera?
Generally, both phones offer very comparable camera performance for their time. While specific sensor resolutions and features might see minor variations between different Edge models and the S7, they both excel at capturing high-quality photos with excellent detail and color accuracy. Any differences are often marginal and might come down to subtle software processing or specific shooting modes.
Is the curved display on the Edge worth the extra cost?
This is subjective and depends on your priorities. The curved display on the Edge offers a striking visual appeal and unique features like edge notifications. If you value cutting-edge design and are interested in those specific functionalities, it can be worth it. However, if you prefer a more traditional, practical display without accidental touches and glare, the S7’s flat screen might be a better choice. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
How does battery life compare between the Edge and S7?
Battery life is generally comparable for both devices, designed to offer a full day of usage for most users. Specific battery capacities can vary slightly between different Edge models and the S7 generation. Both benefit from Samsung’s efficient software and power-saving features. If extreme battery longevity is your absolute top priority, it’s worth checking the specific battery capacities of the exact models you are considering.
Which phone offers better durability?
Both the Samsung Edge and S7 are built with premium materials and typically feature water and dust resistance (IP68 rating). The curved glass on the Edge models might be perceived as slightly more susceptible to damage from drops onto its edges compared to the flat display of the S7. However, both devices are generally robust. Using a protective case is always recommended for either phone to maximize their lifespan.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Edge series offers a visually striking design with its signature curved display, providing a futuristic aesthetic and unique edge functionalities. The Samsung S7, while more conventional, delivers a reliable and practical user experience with its flat display and robust performance. Both phones boast excellent cameras and premium build quality. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize cutting-edge design and edge features or a more traditional, universally practical smartphone.
Winner: Samsung Edge