Samsung has launched new flagship smartphones the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge that European media are already describing as “The best looking smartphone ever made”.
Launched at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona,
the world’s largest mobile event Samsung has bought back waterproof protection
as well as a microSD capability.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 features a 5.1-inch QHD Super AMOLED
display. There’s also a 5.5-inch Galaxy S7 Edge variant, succeeding 2015’s
Galaxy S6 Edge.
The design is classically Samsung, although the back is now
slightly curved in the style of the Note handsets.
Powering both handsets are what appears to be larger lithium
ion cells, specifically 3,000mAh for the Galaxy S7, and 3,600mAh for the Edge.
Neither device features USB-C similar to the iPhone however
you can fast wireless charge the devices.
As tipped the new cameras have a 12-megapixel camera, with
an f1.7 apertures and 100% phase detection autofocus.
The Galaxy S7 also features the world’s first dual-pixel
smartphone image sensor, which should offer improved low light. And if that
wasn’t enough, there’s a 5-megapixel selfie cam to boot.
As processors will differ based on regions, it’s likely,
however, that Australia see Samsung’s custom-built Exynos chip featured, as
well as Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 820.
Whichever way Samsung go in OZ, the Galaxy S7 offers 30%
improved CPU performance and 64% improved GPU performance. There’s also a hefty
4GB RAM on board.
As for waterproof protection, both devices are IP68
certified, which means it can be dunked at depths of one metre for up to 30
minutes. What’s more, there aren’t any flaps or caps; the ports are waterproof
too.
Another interesting feature is the always-on screen, a move
mirrored by LG with the new LG G5. This lets users see notifications without
waking the phone. According to Samsung, this luxury will cost the user 1%
battery per hour.
There is also a new Game Launcher feature that lets you stop
notifications, share footage, and optimise battery during mobile gaming.
In Australia the device is tipped to be available in three
colours – black, silver, and gold.