In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphones, choosing the right device can be a daunting task. We’re pitting two formidable contenders against each other: the rugged Droid Turbo 2 and the sleek Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. Both offered unique selling points in their prime, catering to different user needs and preferences.
The Droid Turbo 2 was renowned for its unparalleled durability, boasting a shatterproof screen that promised peace of mind for the accident-prone. On the other hand, the S7 Edge captured hearts with its stunning edge-to-edge display, premium build, and a suite of advanced features that defined flagship excellence.
So, how do these two titans stack up when you look beyond their initial release hype? This comparison dives deep into their specifications, performance, and overall user experience to help you understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Turbo 2 | S7 Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.4 inches | 5.5 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels | 1440 x 2560 pixels |
| Display Type | AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 810 | Snapdragon 820 / Exynos 8890 |
| RAM | 3 GB | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Expandable Storage | No | Yes (microSD) |
| Rear Camera | 21 MP | 12 MP |
| Front Camera | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Battery Capacity | 2900 mAh | 3600 mAh |
| Water Resistance | No | Yes (IP68) |
| Biometrics | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Turbo 2: Features a 5.4-inch AMOLED display with a 2560 x 1440 resolution. Its ShatterShield technology offers enhanced durability, making it resistant to drops. However, the display can appear slightly oversaturated to some users.
- S7 Edge: Boasts a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 2560 x 1440 resolution and an always-on function. The curved edges provide a sleek aesthetic and allow for edge-specific features. Its color reproduction is generally considered more balanced and natural.
- Winner: s7 edge
Performance
- Turbo 2: Powered by a Snapdragon 810 processor and 3GB of RAM. This configuration offers strong performance for most tasks and gaming. However, the Snapdragon 810 was known to have some thermal throttling issues under heavy load.
- S7 Edge: Equipped with either a Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890 processor and 4GB of RAM. This combination delivers exceptionally smooth and fast performance, handling demanding applications and multitasking with ease. It also exhibits better thermal management.
- Winner: s7 edge
Camera
- Turbo 2: Features a 21MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a fast f/2.0 aperture. It captures detailed images in good lighting conditions and offers decent low-light performance. However, post-processing can sometimes be aggressive.
- S7 Edge: Equipped with a 12MP dual-pixel rear camera with OIS and a very wide f/1.7 aperture. This setup excels in low-light photography, producing brighter and sharper images than many competitors. Its autofocus is also incredibly fast and accurate.
- Winner: s7 edge
Battery Life
- Turbo 2: Comes with a 3500 mAh battery, which provides good all-day usage for most users. It supports Turbo Charging for quick top-ups. Battery life can be inconsistent depending on usage and network conditions.
- S7 Edge: Features a 3600 mAh battery, offering excellent endurance that can easily last a full day, even with heavy use. It supports fast wired and wireless charging, adding to its convenience. The always-on display can impact battery life if heavily utilized.
- Winner: s7 edge
Durability
- Turbo 2: Its standout feature is the ShatterShield display, which is designed to be virtually shatterproof. This makes it incredibly resilient to accidental drops, a significant advantage for accident-prone users. However, the rest of the phone’s build is standard.
- S7 Edge: Features a premium glass and metal construction with IP68 water and dust resistance. While it offers a sleek and premium feel, the glass back is susceptible to scratches and cracks from drops. The water resistance is a notable advantage.
- Winner: turbo 2
Software & Updates
- Turbo 2: Launched with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and has received updates to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Motorola’s software is generally clean and close to stock Android. Update frequency and longevity might be a concern compared to newer devices.
- S7 Edge: Shipped with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and received updates to Android 7.0 Nougat and eventually Android 8.0 Oreo. Samsung’s software, while feature-rich, can be perceived as heavier. Samsung has a good track record for software support on its flagship devices.
- Winner: s7 edge
Design & Build Quality
- Turbo 2: Features a utilitarian design with a textured back for grip, emphasizing its durability. The build is solid but lacks the premium feel of its competitor. It’s a practical design over aesthetic appeal.
- S7 Edge: Exhibits a sleek and premium design with curved edges, a glass front and back, and a metal frame. It feels comfortable and looks sophisticated in hand. The curved display adds to its modern aesthetic.
- Winner: s7 edge
Unique Features
- Turbo 2: The primary unique feature is its ShatterShield display, offering unparalleled drop protection. It also includes Moto Actions for gesture-based controls.
- S7 Edge: Its defining unique feature is the curved edge display, enabling features like edge panels for quick app access, news feeds, and contacts. It also boasts IP68 water resistance.
- Winner: s7 edge
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Durability | Turbo 2 |
| Display Quality | S7 Edge |
| Performance | S7 Edge |
| Camera | S7 Edge |
| Battery Life | S7 Edge |
| Features | S7 Edge |
| Value (at launch) | S7 Edge |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones utilize AMOLED display technology, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks for an excellent viewing experience.
- Processing Power: While the specific chipsets differ, both devices were flagship models of their time and offered powerful performance for demanding applications and multitasking.
- Internal Storage: Both the Turbo 2 and S7 Edge came with a respectable 32 GB of internal storage, providing ample space for apps and media.
- Biometric Security: Both devices feature a fingerprint sensor, allowing for quick and secure unlocking of the phone and app authentication.
- Camera Capabilities: Both phones boasted capable rear cameras that could capture high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
Turbo 2 Vs S7 Edge Buying Guide
Durability and Build Quality
The Motorola Droid Turbo 2 is renowned for its shatterproof display, a significant advantage for accident-prone users. Its rugged design offers superior resilience against drops and impacts compared to the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. While the S7 Edge boasts a premium glass and metal construction, it is considerably more susceptible to damage from falls.
If your priority is a device that can withstand everyday abuse without a case, the Turbo 2 takes the lead. The S7 Edge, while beautiful, demands a protective case to maintain its pristine condition, adding to its overall cost and bulk. (See Also: Nest Cam Vs Ring )
Display Technology and Features
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge features a stunning 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a QHD resolution, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Its curved edges provide an immersive viewing experience and access to convenient edge panel shortcuts. The Turbo 2 sports a 5.4-inch AMOLED display with a QHD resolution, which is also impressive but lacks the curved aesthetic and edge functionality.
For those who value cutting-edge display technology and visual flair, the S7 Edge’s AMOLED panel and curved design are undeniable draws. The Turbo 2’s display is still top-notch, but the S7 Edge offers a more modern and feature-rich visual experience.
Camera Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is widely celebrated for its exceptional camera capabilities. Its 12MP rear camera captures incredibly detailed and vibrant photos, even in challenging low-light conditions, thanks to its dual-pixel sensor and wide aperture. The Turbo 2’s 21MP camera is also capable, producing good images, but it generally falls short of the S7 Edge in terms of low-light performance and overall image processing.
If photography is a primary concern, the S7 Edge is the clear winner. Its superior image quality, especially in varied lighting scenarios, makes it the more reliable choice for capturing memories. The Turbo 2’s camera is adequate, but it doesn’t compete at the same level. (See Also: Lose It Vs Weight Watchers )
Performance and Battery Life
Both devices offer robust performance for their time. The Droid Turbo 2, with its Snapdragon 810 processor, handles multitasking and demanding applications with ease. Its substantial 3700 mAh battery is a standout feature, often providing two full days of moderate usage. The S7 Edge, powered by a Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890, also delivers excellent speed, and its 3600 mAh battery, combined with software optimizations, offers commendable endurance, typically a full day for most users.
While both phones are performant, the Turbo 2 often edges out the S7 Edge in raw battery longevity. If extended battery life without frequent charging is paramount, the Turbo 2 holds a slight advantage, though the S7 Edge still offers respectable power management.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Turbo 2 If…
- You prioritize extreme durability and a shatterproof screen above all else.
- You are looking for a phone with a clean, near-stock Android experience.
- You need a phone with excellent call quality and a robust build.
Buy S7 Edge If…
- You want a visually stunning device with a large, immersive curved display.
- You require expandable storage for a vast media library.
- Water resistance is a crucial feature for your lifestyle.
- You desire cutting-edge features like wireless charging and a high-resolution screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone is more durable?
The Motorola Droid Turbo 2 is significantly more durable, boasting a shatterproof display that can withstand drops and impacts without cracking. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize ruggedness and are prone to accidental drops. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, while premium in build, features a glass back and front that is more susceptible to damage and typically requires a protective case.
Which phone has a better display?
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge features a slightly more advanced and visually striking display. Its 5.5-inch Super AMOLED panel offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, enhanced by its curved edges that provide an immersive viewing experience and useful edge panel features. The Droid Turbo 2 also has a high-quality AMOLED display, but it lacks the curved aesthetic and the additional functionality of the S7 Edge’s screen. (See Also: Bose Quiet Comfort Vs Airpods Pro )
Which phone has a better camera?
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is widely considered to have the superior camera system. Its 12MP rear camera excels in capturing detailed and vibrant photos, particularly in low-light conditions, due to its advanced dual-pixel sensor and wide aperture. While the Droid Turbo 2’s 21MP camera is capable, it generally cannot match the S7 Edge’s image quality and low-light performance.
Which phone offers better battery life?
The Motorola Droid Turbo 2 generally offers better battery life. Its larger 3700 mAh battery, combined with efficient software, often allows for two full days of moderate usage on a single charge. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, with its 3600 mAh battery, typically provides a full day of usage for most users, but it doesn’t quite reach the longevity of the Turbo 2, especially under heavier loads.
Which phone is a better value for money today?
Considering their age, the value proposition depends on your priorities. If extreme durability and exceptional battery life are paramount, the Droid Turbo 2 might offer better value as a workhorse phone. However, for a more premium experience with a superior camera and display, the S7 Edge, if found at a good price, still provides a compelling package for its features and aesthetics, despite its fragility.
Final Verdict
The Motorola Droid Turbo 2 excels in durability and battery life, making it a robust choice for those prioritizing resilience. However, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge offers a more refined user experience with its stunning display, superior camera performance, and premium design. For the average user seeking a balanced smartphone with top-tier features, the S7 Edge generally provides a more compelling package despite its fragility.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge