Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over, but consumers can likely get deals on the Samsung Galaxy S7 and iPhone 7 throughout the holiday season. With the Galaxy Note 7 out of the running, the Galaxy S7 and iPhone 7 are going toe-to-toe.
Both devices are considered as top of the market, both featuring stellar cameras, water resistance and premium designs, which could make it hard for consumers to choose. But never fear, we have broken down the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the iPhone 7 comparison by features, detailing the highlights for each device.
Check out the details below.
Display
Samsung Galaxy S7
The Samsung Galaxy S7 features a 5.1-inch Quad HD (1440 x 2560 resolution ) display. Consumers also have the option of the Galaxy S7 Edge, which is slightly larger with a 5.5-inch dual-edge curved display. The devices feature Gorilla Glass 4 panels, considered top of the line for smartphones. However, the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge are both prone to nasty shattering. The S7 Edge in particular has weak points on its curved sizes that can crack with even a slight drop.
iPhone 7
The iPhone 7 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD (1334×750 resolution) display. Consumers also have the options of the iPhone 7 Plus, which features a 5.5-inch Retina (1920x1080). Also featuring Gorilla Glass 4 panels, the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are prone to easy shattering too, but often outperform Galaxy smartphones in drop tests.
Verdict
For a higher and more vivid resolution, choose the S7/S7 Edge. for a slightly smaller chance of destroying your screen in a drop, choose the iPhone 7/7 Plus.
Processor
Samsung Galaxy S7
The U.S. version of the Galaxy S7/S7 Edge features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chip.The system on a chip features a 2.2GHz Kryo CPU and Adreno 530 GPU, which provide improved power and efficiency over the prior Snapdragon 819. The GPU in particular offers Vulkan API graphics support for improved mobile gaming. The Snapdragon 820 also supports some of the fastest LTE speeds on the market, up to 6GB of RAM and Quick charging 3.0.
iPhone 7
The iPhone 7/7Plus feature the Apple A10 Fusion chip. The system on a chip features a 2.34 GHz CPU and a GPU with 50 percent improved graphics over the prior A9 chip. The chip has also allowed for RAM boosts on the iPhone 7 Plus, but capacities still lag behind that of the Galaxy S7.
Verdict
For higher RAM capacities choose the Galaxy S7/S7 Edge. For faster processing and power management, choose the iPhone 7/7Plus
Design
Samsung Galaxy S7
The Galaxy S7/S7 Edge feature a metal frame with back and front glass paneling for a premium feel. The Galaxy S7 Edge in particular features a more shallow curve on its edge display to create more flat surface for usage. The devices have MicroUSB ports and IP68 water resistance.
Both devices feature slight curves on their back panels for better handling. The Galaxy S7/S7 Edge come in black, white, gold, silver and pink color options. There is also a blue model of the Galaxy S7 Edge and maybe a glossy black model of the Galaxy S7.
iPhone 7
The iPhone 7/7Plus features a metal frame and paneling with a look and feel similar to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s. Both devices have lightning ports, IP67 water resistance and no headphone jack. They come in jet black, black, silver, gold and rose gold color options.
Verdict
For a more commonly used port, a higher water resistance rating and a pretty blue color option, choose the Galaxy S7/S7 Edge. For the highly popular jet (glossy) black color option, choose the iPhone 7/7 Plus.
Battery
Samsung Galaxy S7
The Galaxy S7/S7 Edge feature a 3,000 mAh and 3,600mAh battery respectively. Both devices support Quick charge 3.0 and wireless charging. The devices support up to 28 and 36 hours of talk time.
iPhone 7
The iPhone 7/7 Plus feature a 1960 mAh and a 2900mAh battery respectively. The devices support up to 14 and 21 hours of talk time.
Verdict
For larger battery capacities and several charging options, choose the Galaxy S7/S7 Edge. For improved battery capacities from the previous iPhone, choose the iPhone 7/7 Plus.
Camera
Samsung Galaxy S7
The Galaxy S7/S7 Edge feature a 12-megapixel rear camera with f/1.7 aperture, with phase detection autofocus, OIS, LED flash. They were ranked by DXOMark as the top smartphone camera on the market at launch, ranked 88/90, but has since losts its title. The devices feature a 5-megapixel front camera with f/1.7 aperture and auto HDR.
iPhone 7
The iPhone 7 features a 12-megapixel rear camera with f/1.8 aperture, phase detection autofocus, OIS, quad-LED (dual tone) flash. The iPhone 7 Plus features a 12-megapixel dual camera system, which allows users to book in a depth of field or bokeh effect. The devices feature a 7-megapixel front camera with f/1.8 aperture, face detection, HDR, panorama. They received an 86/90 score from DXOMark.
Verdict
For an overall higher rated camera, choose the Galaxy S7/S7 Edge. For Apple’s bokeh photography, choose the iPhone 7 Plus.
Software
Samsung Galaxy S7
The Galaxy S7/S7 Edge feature Android 6.0 Marshmallow natively but is currently in a beta test for the latest Android OS, Android 7.0 Nougat. The devices feature the TouchWiz overlay, which includes Samsung design tweaks to the software, such as the Always On display, the Game launcher and Edge screen features. The Galaxy S7/S7 Edge also support Samsung Pay.
iPhone 7
The iPhone 7/7 Plus feature iOS 10, which will soon updated to iOS 10.2. New features include rich notification, app commands through Siri, multilingual typing and updated emoji, among other features. The iPhone 7/7 Plus support Apple Pay and now support web payment using the service.
Verdict
For a software experience with more custom features and design, choose the Galaxy S7/S7 Edge. For a cleaner software experience choose the iPhone 7/7 Plus.
Memory And Storage
Samsung Galaxy S7
The Galaxy S7/S7 Edge features 4GB of RAM and 32GB and 64GB internal storage options. They support MicroSD expansion up to 256GB.
iPhone 7
The iPhone 7/7 Plus feature 2GB and 3GB of RAM respectively and 32GB, 128GB and 256GB internal storage.
Verdict
For MicroSD support choose the Galaxy S7/S7 Edge. For higher storage options choose the iPhone 7/7 Plus.
Network/Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S7
The Galaxy S7/S7 Edge is compatible with 2G, 3G and 4G LTE networks and is powered by a single network nano SIM card.
Its connectivity features include the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, USB 2.0, NFC, GPS and Glonass location technology and a 3.5mm Stereo jack.
iPhone 7
The iPhone 7/7 Plus is compatible with 2G, 3G and 4G LTE networks and is powered by a single network nano SIM card.
Its connectivity features include the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, lightning connector, NFC, GPS, Glonass and iBeacon location technology.
Verdict
The Galaxy Galaxy S7/S7 Edge and iPhone 7/7 Plus have similar network and connectivity specs.
Sensors
Samsung Galaxy S7
The Galaxy S7/S7 Edge sensors include Accelerometer, Barometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, HR Sensor, Proximity Sensor and RGB Light Sensor.
iPhone 7
The iPhone 7/7 Plus sensors include Touch ID fingerprint sensor, Barometer, Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer, Proximity sensor and Ambient light sensor.
Verdict
The Galaxy Galaxy S7/S7 Edge and iPhone 7/7 Plus have similar sensors.
Price And Availability
Samsung Galaxy S7
The Galaxy S7/S7 Edge is available at carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, U.S. Cellular, Cricket, MetroPCS and Boost Mobile, among others Prices start at $669.99 and $749.99 unlocked. Consumers should be able to find sales on the Galaxy S7/S7 Edge at many carriers and retailers.
iPhone 7
The iPhone 7/7 Plus is available at carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint, among others. Prices start at $649 and $769. Consumers should be able to find sales on the Galaxy S7/S7 Edge at many carriers and retailers.
Verdict
For more overall space at the high end (64GB internal storage with 256GB MicoSD, 302GB) choose the Galaxy S7/S7 Edge. For a better price deal at the mid tier (128GB) with no added accessories choose the iPhone iPhone 7/7 Plus.
