February 21 will be a busy day for the mobile industry as several smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S7 and LG G5 are set to be unveiled. The Galaxy S7 and LG G5 are expected to go head-to-head when they release this spring, with both Samsung and LG hoping to stand out among highly commoditized smartphones. Samsung is expected to focus on improving hardware on the Galaxy S7, while LG is expected to unveil a new smartphone design for the LG G5.
While much about these smartphones remains unconfirmed, countless rumors have circulated for months. Here’s a rundown of what we know about the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the LG G5.
Display
Samsung Galaxy S7
The Samsung Galaxy S7 is expected to retain the Quad HD (2,560 x 1440 resolution) display featured on the Galaxy S6. However, there has been much speculation as to what display size the Galaxy S7 will have. Some reports have suggested a 5.1-inch or 5.2-inch display for the Galaxy S7. Reports have also suggested the Galaxy S7 Edge could be the same size as it’s flat display counterpart or it could be a larger device with a 5.7-inch display. There have also been rumors about Samsung launching a Galaxy S7 Edge + alongside the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge; however, new reports suggest Samsung has decided against that move.
LG G5
The LG G5 is expected to feature a 5.3-inch Quad HD (2,560 x 1440 resolution) display . Rumors suggest the G5 may have second smaller screen, similar to the LG V10. The smaller display is on top of the main screen and serves as a ticker for notifications and shortcuts.
Design
Samsung Galaxy S7
The Samsung Galaxy S7 is expected to feature a glass and metal unibody design similar to the Galaxy S6. Several recent leaks support this; however, the device could have several small differentiating features . One such feature the Galaxy S7 may have is a curved back panel, similar to the Galaxy Note 5.
Rumored dimensions for the Galaxy S7 are 143 x 70.5 x 6.94 mm, while the Galaxy S7 Edge may be 151 x 73. The Samsung Galaxy S7 may sell in Pink Gold and Titanium Silver color options, as well as standard black and white models.
LG G5
In addition to the dual-display rumored for the LG G5, the device is expected to feature a modular design, where the bottom is detachable. This feature would allow users to remove certain components and insert others, such as a microSD card or a new battery. Recent leaks suggest the LG G5 may feature a fingerprint scanner and dual-lens camera on its back panel, while the volume rocker will be placed on its side. Older devices like the LG G4 have their volume rocker in the back. Rumored dimensions for the LG G5 are 149.4 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm.
Specifications
Samsung Galaxy S7
The Samsung Galaxy S7 is expected to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or an Exynos 8890 chip, depending on the market. Most reports have suggested 4GB of RAM of the Galaxy S7; however, there are others that claim the device will have 3G of RAM, similar to the Galaxy S6. The device may have 32GB, 64GB and 128GB internal storage options and may also support microSD expansion. The Galaxy S7 may have a 3,000mAh battery, but there are reports that claim the device will have a 2,500mAh battery .
LG G5
The LG G5 is expected to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, 3GB of RAM and a battery with at least 3,000mAh capacity. Most other hardware specifications for the LG G5 remain unknown.
Software
Samsung Galaxy S7
The Samsung Galaxy S7 is expected run the Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system. Recently a Samsung developer page surfaced, which detailed features of the Galaxy S7 Edge. The device is expected to have a wide edge screen feature which displays more shortcut options at once. The feature displays information like Samsung’s Smart Manager, sports and stocks when prompted from the curved side of the Galaxy S7 Edge screen. There are no other known software features for the flat-screened Galaxy S7.
LG G5
The LG G5 is expected run the Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system with the latest version of LG’s Optimus user interface. There are no other known software features for the device.
Camera
Samsung Galaxy S7
The Samsung Galaxy S7 is expected to feature a 12.3-megapixel camera with f/1.7 aperture and a 5-megapixel front camera. Samsung’s recently trademarked BRITECELL technology, may also be included on the Galaxy S7 camera, which would simplify the capturing of brighter photos, according to Slash Gear .
LG G5
The LG G5 is expected to feature a dual-lens camera, with one 16-megapixel lens and one 8-megapixel lens as well as an 8-megapixel front camera. The camera will likely feature dual-LED flash and laser autofocus, which Androidpit suggest means the shooter is more powerful in detecting images and capturing them quickly than focusing on color accuracy.
Special Features
Samsung Galaxy S7
The Samsung Galaxy S7 is expected to feature two biometric security options - a fingerprint scanner and an iris scanner that can recognize a user’s eye. The Galaxy S7 is also expected to have a ForceTouch component similar to the 3D Touch feature on the iPhone 6s. The feature, which Samsung may call Clear Force, would allow users to apply different levels of pressure the device’s display to prompt different actions.
LG G5
The LG G5 is expected to feature a fingerprint scanner on its back panel. The rumored modular design for the LG G5 would also be a special feature, considering it would be a first for the high-end smartphone market.
Price
Samsung Galaxy S7
There are no definitive price details for the LG G5; however, as a flagship, the device definitely won’t be cheap. Slash Gear suggests the Galaxy S7 may sell for between $650 and $700, while the Galaxy S7 Edge may sell for between $750 and $800. These prices are on par with prices of the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge in 2015.
LG G5
There are no definitive price details for the LG G5; however, as a flagship, the device definitely won’t be cheap. Some rumors suggest the LG G5 could sell for as much as $900 in the U.S; however, the source making these claims is not well known.
Release Date
Samsung Galaxy S7
Samsung has confirmed it will host an Unpacked event Feb. 21 in Barcelona. Samsung typically unveils new Galaxy smartphones at Unpacked events. Current rumors suggest the Galaxy S7 will be available for sale in March . Known leakster Shai Mizrachi reported in January that the Galaxy S7 may hit stores in Europe March 11.
LG G5
LG has confirmed that it will unveil the LG G5 Feb. 21 in Barcelona. At this time there is no word on when the device will hit the market; however, it is likely the device will release soon after its announcement. One likely release date is March 28 , which was suggested by an Amazon listing selling LG G5 cases prior to launch.