Comparing my iPhone 7 Plus to my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

[Travisimo]

Great write up and comparison. Only thing I don't quite understand is how the fact that the camera app seems to crash (even just occasionally) isn't a deal breaker in itself.
A camera crashing at the wrong time could mean a moment is totally missed that you wanted to capture and it's something I really need to trust.

Yes, this actually happened to me on more than one occasion with the Galaxy S7 Edge. When the phone got too hot, it literally told me to wait until it cooled down before I could record video again. I believe this can happen with the iPhone as well (at least I've read reports of it), but I've never had it happen with any iPhone I've ever had. And other times it wasn't as severe as having to wait for the phone to cool down, but I could tell the phone was throttling because of heat and it just wasn't as responsive. The most consistent problem on the S7 Edge was the stuttering at the beginning of 4k video recording, which happens all the time. Sometimes you can even literally see the framerate dropping (again, when the phone is hot and must be throttling). I had similar issues on previous Galaxy phones, so I somewhat expected them, but the camera was so good that I was willing to deal with them (at least for a while).

So far, the iPhone 7 Plus camera has been rock solid, though it's not as hot out now so it might not be a true comparison.

 

[vikingjunior]

Great another let's compare a 7 month old phone to a just released iPhone. Geee.

Now when they compare S8 the iPhone fanboys will yell foul as their beloved iPhone is 6 months old.

 

[5105973]

Great write up and comparison. Only thing I don't quite understand is how the fact that the camera app seems to crash (even just occasionally) isn't a deal breaker in itself.
A camera crashing at the wrong time could mean a moment is totally missed that you wanted to capture and it's something I really need to trust. The reason I use my iPhone as my primary camera over my 'better', 'real' camera is that I can literally have the phone out and camera loaded within seconds. Crucial moments are never missed.
It's basically the one reason I will never be able to move from iOS to android, no matter how much more customisable or open the OS is, I can't ever see it working as smoothly as iOS does. iOS has its bugs and annoyances for sure, but it's never let me down at a crucial moment, and neither has OS X when windows has. It's the main reason I always go for Apple products.

My iPhone 5s had a buggy camera issue and once crashed twice in a row when I was supposed to photograph something for my daughter's teacher. The teacher had brought out an art project my daughter was working on and asked me to take a picture of it and email it to her so she could use it as a reference. I had my 5s on me so I tried to take the pic but had to reboot the phone twice. It also took horribly grainy pictures. I believe now from reading another person's random comments in a different thread that I got one that was a bit of a lemon. But at the time I thought all Apple iPhones were created equally and that's just the way they all were.

A few months ago my SE got stuck in some view, I can't remember which one, and wouldn't respond for a few moments and I had to exit out of the camera and fiddle around to get it to work. I don't recall the details and fortunately it hasn't happened in awhile. I love my SE and don't think this one is a lemon but I think one of the iOS versions was buggy on it for awhile because the first few weeks I had it, it randomly did that to me.

My 6s Plus camera is prone to creating photos with too much grain that makes scenes look like watercolor paintings. My SE is less prone to doing this.

The variance does puzzle me since they are supposed to be essentially the same camera but the 6S Plus camera has OIS.
[doublepost=1474980955][/doublepost]

Yes, this actually happened to me on more than one occasion with the Galaxy S7 Edge. When the phone got too hot, it literally told me to wait until it cooled down before I could record video again. I believe this can happen with the iPhone as well (at least I've read reports of it), but I've never had it happen with any iPhone I've ever had. And other times it wasn't as severe as having to wait for the phone to cool down, but I could tell the phone was throttling because of heat and it just wasn't as responsive. The most consistent problem on the S7 Edge was the stuttering at the beginning of 4k video recording, which happens all the time. Sometimes you can even literally see the framerate dropping (again, when the phone is hot and must be throttling). I had similar issues on previous Galaxy phones, so I somewhat expected them, but the camera was so good that I was willing to deal with them (at least for a while).

So far, the iPhone 7 Plus camera has been rock solid, though it's not as hot out now so it might not be a true comparison.

I've not had the Galaxies long enough to experience that. I did have problems with my loaner s7 over heating at random a lot. And when I did a test video with it, I noticed it producing s jerky stuttering image when I panned the camera around. My Note 7 doesn't do that, but did produce odd artifacts when I aimed the camera at a wall with a large window in it. The IPhone 6S camera merely had trouble adjusting exposure so that the window wouldn't dominate the scene in the room. So I'm guessing the artifacts I was seeing on the wall were an attempt by the Note 7 camera to hold steady on the exposure. That's my guess anyway. P

I recorded a lot of video out in California at a sporting event, in bright sunlight and the IPhone 6 Plus I had at the time and the SE I had the following year both stayed cool and reliable despite recording as long as 20 minutes.

At home in a theater I frequently record school plays for up to forty five minutes at a time on 1080p. The iPhone does okay but I've had my real cameras overheat!

Edit to add: I had a hard time using that loaner S7 for anything during the hot weather. Warm to hot ambient temperatures turned the S7 into a hot potato in my hands. I think I got a lemon since only some people have that happen to them and only a handful of people report overheating on various review sites.

 

[AppleRobert]

Great another let's compare a 7 month old phone to a just released iPhone. Geee.

Now when they compare S8 the iPhone fanboys will yell foul as their beloved iPhone is 6 months old.

There may be folks contemplating a purchase between the two and have ruled out the Note 7 and not wanting to wait for the S8.

Thanks to the OP for comparisons, much appreciated. After all, it is the two you own.

 

[I7guy]

Great another let's compare a 7 month old phone to a just released iPhone. Geee.

Now when they compare S8 the iPhone fanboys will yell foul as their beloved iPhone is 6 months old.

Generalizing and ad-homs, the hallmark of a cogent, topical discussion.

 

[Travisimo]

UPDATE:

A few updated impressions from a few more days of use.

BATTERY LIFE is phenomenal except when using the camera, which drains it pretty quickly. The standby time is truly remarkable though, dropping much less than my S7 Edge. And I have all background data turned on, my Apple Watch connected at all times, Google location reporting on, and background location turned on for a number of other apps as well. I can't stress enough how nice it is using a phone that lasts me through the day without having to top it off. Now today, I spent a couple of hours taking photos and videos (including 4k video and the portrait mode) and it dropped quite a bit. But I left for work with about 50% battery life and it still had 35% left 8 hours later (and I used it with the screen on off and on throughout that time). Really impressed.

The CAMERA is very impressive with a few caveats. One thing I don't like is that the portrait mode is very restrictive with subject distance, which I guess is to be expected since it's labeled as a "portrait" mode. But there were times where I thought it would work and it kept saying get closer. That may change since it's still in beta, or they may just keep it very focused on actual portraits. Another thing I noticed that in some of my shots that had water in them seemed a little muddy. I notice this a lot with smartphone cameras, but it's a little distracting once you look at your photos blown up on the computer (you don't notice it on the phone itself). On the other hand, I am VERY impressed with the video stabilization, the exposure, color, and the panorama mode. One thing I do miss from the S7 Edge is the front "wide selfie" mode where you basically take a front-facing panorama to get several people in a shot. The camera app itself was stable, consistent, and easy to use, though I do think they could work on a couple of interface elements to make the app more intuitive. I think Samsung has the more functional camera app, but Apple's is more stable and consistent, in my opinion.

The JET BLACK color is very striking, and I have gotten a number of looks and questions from people (not that I'm looking for attention, I'd rather not actually). No noticeable scratches other than some very fine micro-abrasions that you can only see at certain angles in direct light. However, I got my Bestskinsever skin today and just finished applying it. It feels good (still grippy like the jet black finish itself) and it's pretty transparent, but it does have a bunch of little bumps and imperfections (some of which may clear up once it settles). Overall, it retains the jet black look while also protecting your finish, so I'd recommend it (though I'll reserve final judgement until after it settles). I will only be using a case for the phone when I go outside to take photos or doing something requiring a more rugged protection. In normal day to day use, I will stay naked (with just the skin on).

More later...

 

[lowendlinux]

I do believe that is the longest post I've ever seen on a forum

I makes me feel lazy that I neither composed it nor read it

 

[Technarchy]

Great another let's compare a 7 month old phone to a just released iPhone. Geee.

Now when they compare S8 the iPhone fanboys will yell foul as their beloved iPhone is 6 months old.

The S8 is packing top notch hardware. 7 months between releases is irrelevant. Samsung still has better display tech, and camera. The 820 gets the job done but still takes a backseat to the Apple A9 which has a design that is over a year old.

Not sure what you find is a disadvantage for Samsung due to the S8's release date.

 

[Hanzu Lao]

Great another let's compare a 7 month old phone to a just released iPhone. Geee.

Now when they compare S8 the iPhone fanboys will yell foul as their beloved iPhone is 6 months old.

Well maybe you can ask samsung to release the phone in the same month as Apple?

 

[I7guy]

The S8 is packing top notch hardware. 7 months between releases is irrelevant. Samsung still has better display tech, and camera. The 820 gets the job done but still takes a backseat to the Apple A9 which has a design that is over a year old.

Not sure what you find is a disadvantage for Samsung due to the S8's release date.

Samsungs camera lead is over. At the least they are even, at the best it seems a general consensus Apple renders truer colors. Of course we can hypothecate on an unreleased product.

 

[vikingjunior]

Well maybe you can ask samsung to release the phone in the same month as Apple?

Maybe you can ask Apple to release a phone in the same month as Samsung.

 

[Hanzu Lao]

Maybe you can ask Apple to release a phone in the same month as Samsung.

In a jiffy.

 

[I7guy]

In a jiffy.

Done: http://www.apple.com/feedback

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I've been using my iP7+ has my main device since I got it, and truthfully the ONLY reason for that is because of the Apple Watch series 2. I'll most likely switch back to my Note 7 as my main device in several months.

I prefer the Camera on the Note 7, mainly because of Pro Mode and the fast focus. But Cameras on both phones are excellent. I will say that the 2x optical zoom on the iP7+ is amazing. But I wish it had a smooth transition when doing so while recording video. It basically just jumps to 2x.

Stand-by Battery life is the best on the iP7+, But SOT is better on the Note 7 and my previous S7 edge. Also, Gaming on the iP7+ drains battery much quicker than the Note 7(and S7 edge). Something I noticed with previous iPhones too. I wonder why reviews don't do battery life comparisons when gaming.

I've come to really like the taptic home button on the iP7+. I hope Samsung does a static home button for the S8.

 

[msavic]

I've been using my iP7+ has my main device since I got it, and truthfully the ONLY reason for that is because of the Apple Watch series 2. I'll most likely switch back to my Note 7 as my main device in several months.

I prefer the Camera on the Note 7, mainly because of Pro Mode and the fast focus. But Cameras on both phones are excellent. I will say that the 2x optical zoom on the iP7+ is amazing. But I wish it had a smooth transition when doing so while recording video. It basically just jumps to 2x.

Stand-by Battery life is the best on the iP7+, But SOT is better on the Note 7 and my previous S7 edge. Also, Gaming on the iP7+ drains battery much quicker than the Note 7(and S7 edge). Something I noticed with previous iPhones too. I wonder why reviews don't do battery life comparisons when gaming.

I've come to really like the taptic home button on the iP7+. I hope Samsung does a static home button for the S8.

In regards to the camera zoom, I've found the best way to transition to 2X zoom is by using the zoom slider. While video recording, I will touch the 1X and drag down and this allows me to utilize digital zoom up until 2X where it finally switches to the 56mm lens. Tapping the button gives an immediate jump but utilizing the slider provides a very smooth and constant zoom all the way up to 6X.

I'm actually in the process of getting a replacement 7+ as the one I currently have has been absolutely atrocious with standby drain. I'm losing over 10% battery per night in airplane mode. It's actually draining more than my S7E over night. The only issue is trying to find an iPhone 7+ in stock to exchange with...

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

In regards to the camera zoom, I've found the best way to transition to 2X zoom is by using the zoom slider. While video recording, I will touch the 1X and drag down and this allows me to utilize digital zoom up until 2X where it finally switches to the 56mm lens. Tapping the button gives an immediate jump but utilizing the slider provides a very smooth and constant zoom all the way up to 6X.

I'm actually in the process of getting a replacement 7+ as the one I currently have has been absolutely atrocious with standby drain. I'm losing over 10% battery per night in airplane mode. It's actually draining more than my S7E over night. The only issue is trying to find an iPhone 7+ in stock to exchange with...

Thanks that works well. Don't know why I didn't think of that simple solution.

I was misinformed that it doesn't switch to the second camera when you slide to 2x. I was able to verify that it does switch by placing my finger over the second camera.

Also heard that low light 2x is digital and in some cases with indoor lighting, which is why noise is noticeable. I verified that this is absolutely true, again by placing my finger over the second camera.

 

[msavic]

Thanks that works well. Don't know why I didn't think of that simple solution.

I was misinformed that it doesn't switch to the second camera when you slide to 2x. I was able to verify that it does switch by placing my finger over the second camera.

Also heard that low light 2x is digital and in some cases with indoor lighting, which is why noise is noticeable. I verified that this is absolutely true, again by placing my finger over the second camera.

Also if you download an App like ProCam you can force the phone to use a specific lens. The difference is quite dramatic between the F1.8 and F2.8 in low light conditions where the F2.8 appears to be basically black compared to the F1.8.

The zoom slider is actually one of my favourite features on the 7+ as it allows you to get cinematic and smooth zoom transitions compared to the awkward zoom jumps seen while zooming with the S7E. Even when using the volume keys for zoom, it is noticeable bumpy and choppy moving up in the range.

 

[ryanwarsaw]

One observation I have about the curved edges... although Samsung did do a good job of cramming the same size screen in a smaller device typing on it isn't the same. The view is the same size on the Samsung but the surface area for typing is smaller. For me I hated typing on the S7E. Maybe I am just imagining it but surely you lose some usable keyboard real estate to the curved edges?

 

[5105973]

One observation I have about the curved edges... although Samsung did do a good job of cramming the same size screen in a smaller device typing on it isn't the same. The view is the same size on the Samsung but the surface area for typing is smaller. For me I hated typing on the S7E. Maybe I am just imagining it but surely you lose some usable keyboard real estate to the curved edges?

They definitely did a better job on curves with the Note 7. The edges are definitely weird to type on in the S7 Edge keyboard. It was all wonderfully done on the Note7. I still think as gorgeous as they are, curved edges of any kind are insanely impractical. The so-called edge software that allows you to swipe mini screens can definitely be brought to flat screens if they wanted. You don't need a curved edge for that feature.

 

[MRU]

One observation I have about the curved edges... although Samsung did do a good job of cramming the same size screen in a smaller device typing on it isn't the same. The view is the same size on the Samsung but the surface area for typing is smaller. For me I hated typing on the S7E. Maybe I am just imagining it but surely you lose some usable keyboard real estate to the curved edges?

I had problems utilising my S7e in day to day scenarios. Typing was troublesome, accidental touches or inadvertent touches where part of your had presses on the edge causing unresponsivness was another and finally just holding the device in landscape watching a movie or such was a hand gymnastic pain.

I switched from S7e to S7 and whilst the e is aesthetically better, the standard 7 is more pleasurable to actually use as I don't have any of the issues in usability that I did with the edge.

 

[ryanwarsaw]

I had problems utilising my S7e in day to day scenarios. Typing was troublesome, accidental touches or inadvertent touches where part of your had presses on the edge causing unresponsivness was another and finally just holding the device in landscape watching a movie or such was a hand gymnastic pain.

I switched from S7e to S7 and whilst the e is aesthetically better, the standard 7 is more pleasurable to actually use as I don't have any of the issues in usability that I did with the edge.

Okay I went to the 7+ but the issues you describe are exactly what I was going through. Thanks for summing that up so succinctly.

 

[sunking101]

I prefer web browsing on Android and the ability to send delayed text messages, but I prefer the battery life on iOS and the app quality . Other than that I find both platforms very similar in terms of what they do and how they work for me. I can happily use either.

 

[ryanwarsaw]

Another observation I have is I find the touchscreen on the Samsung not as good. It is more jerky for lack of a better way to say it. This could actually be a software thing, I am not sure. I just know I didn't like it as much. While I am at it the fingerprint sensor on the S7E is pretty awful. That isn't a deal breaker by itself but one slight annoyance leads to the next.

It was really the typing and the ergonomics that I began to disapprove of.
[doublepost=1477328442][/doublepost]Also I will only add this comment because people compare them over water resistance. For me it doesn't matter I am not going to dunk my phone but one thing I noticed is that the iPhone screen works much better if wet as does touch ID. It still doesn't work as well as when it is dry but it should be mentioned how it performs in heavy rains. I just thought of this because I just walked through a tropical storm.

 

[admob71]

Now I'm off to play around with the Portrait mode on the iPhone because that's a killer feature, in my opinion.

? Is his some sort of weird joke that I'm not getting..

 

[MRU]

? Is his some sort of weird joke that I'm not getting..

I think we have entered the twilight zone ...