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nviz22

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Jun 24, 2013
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So for those who are interested in the GS 7, what are you expecting? Rumors are next month they will discuss it at CES, which is early Jan. How about the GS6 Plus and the Galaxy Note 5? Will those phones factor into your decision too?
 

Michael Goff

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Jul 5, 2012
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I don't think it will be anything special hardware wise. The processor will be faster, there might be 4gb of RAM, and I suspect the battery will be roughly the same size. I'm interested in what the software is going to be like, since that's pretty much the only problem I had with the S6. Software was not quite as good as it could have been, so the battery life suffered for it.

I'm hoping they'll let the West have the Exynos instead of the Snapdragon. I'm not too sure about the 820, given the continued reports about overheating.
 

Andres Cantu

macrumors 68040
May 31, 2015
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This doesn't look too promising in terms of design change: http://www.techtimes.com/articles/1...-size-and-design-shown-off-on-video-video.htm

In terms of hardware, it doesn't seem like they will add an SD card slot or the ability to remove the battery (Galaxy users can comment on whether or not those are wise choices). Also, it doesn't seem like they will add USB-C, which is a very odd decision. Of course, these are just rumors, but I know I would have rather seen leaks with it rather than without it (same goes for the true-tone flash, which they are already more than 2 years behind). Finally, I would bet towards it having the Snapdragon 820 for the U.S. version, which will likely not be as powerful as the Exynos 8890. They will probably make up for it by having 4GB of RAM in that version and only 3GB of RAM in the international version (Galaxy S3 all over again).

As for the rumored four different versions (regular, edge, plus, edge plus), I think that's too many choices. It will just confuse the average customer.
 

jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
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I don't think they need to change the design. It is a winner for them. I hope they concentrate on the software side this time out. I have also heard rumors of a very improved camera as well.
I heard they were going to release these models. I would get Galaxy S7 Plus (5.7 inch screen) on release day if true.
Galaxy S7
Galaxy S7 edge
Galaxy S7 Plus (5.7 inch screen)
Galaxy S7 edge plus (5.7 inch screen)
 

Michael Goff

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Jul 5, 2012
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I don't think they need to change the design. It is a winner for them. I hope they concentrate on the software side this time out. I have also heard rumors of a very improved camera as well.
I heard they were going to release these models. I would get Galaxy S7 Plus (5.7 inch screen) on release day if true.
Galaxy S7
Galaxy S7 edge
Galaxy S7 Plus (5.7 inch screen)
Galaxy S7 edge plus (5.7 inch screen)

I'll definitely be looking into the S7 Plus. Maybe not day of release, finances being what they are and all, but it will definitely be something that upright pull me back from iOS if they fix their damn software.
 

tbayrgs

macrumors 604
Jul 5, 2009
7,467
5,097
I don't think they need to change the design. It is a winner for them. I hope they concentrate on the software side this time out. I have also heard rumors of a very improved camera as well.
I heard they were going to release these models. I would get Galaxy S7 Plus (5.7 inch screen) on release day if true.
Galaxy S7
Galaxy S7 edge
Galaxy S7 Plus (5.7 inch screen)
Galaxy S7 edge plus (5.7 inch screen)

Agreed...as the old saying goes, 'if it ain't broke...' ;) Whatever criticisms have been levied against the S6 models, physical design certainly isn't one of them. And why add the extra cost of a redesign if it's not necessary? My only suggestion would be to ditch the two separate designs and just go with the edge version.

I also don't see them using two different CPUs. They didn't this year and unless I missed it, don't recall reading of any Exynos CPU related issues, either in performance or production. And considering the lackluster performance of the 810, I see no viable reason why Samsung would turn away from their own in-house CPU. If they didn't need two different CPUs this year, why would they need it on the S7?
 
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epicrayban

macrumors 604
Nov 7, 2014
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A lot of potential for the s7 to be another run away hit in 2016.

I am completely on board with them focusing on software this year. The hardware should be upgraded where obvious (usb-c, processor, etc). I have zero issue with the design remaining relatively - it not entirely - the same.

They took a big step in the right direction with software in 2015. Now it's time to finish the job and quell the few remaining nagging issues that are left with touchwiz.

I have to say again, a big part of my unlikelihood to keep the 6p is because the s7 is right around the corner. If it really pans out to be what we hope it'll be, my $600 is better spent on the s7.

Let's see...
 

epicrayban

macrumors 604
Nov 7, 2014
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PS. Please make finger print reader faster. I've always complained it was too slow (especially when opening into certain apps like hangouts. Maybe that's more touchwiz than the fingerprint reader). But either way, it needs to get better. The 6S is faster. The 6P is faster. The s7 damn well better be too.

And for goodness sake, dial back the constant warnings and software tips. They drive me crazy. Stop babying us like Apple babies iPhone users.
 

spriter

macrumors 65816
May 13, 2004
1,460
586
I'm interested but kinda think if the MM S6 update is good I'll be less-inclined to upgrade. That dumb 3-day app optimisation notice needs to go.

No issues with the design and I'd go with Exynos over SD.

From the leaks and renders so far it seems the home button is shorter in height and there were rumours about the device being a bit thicker due to a 3D Touch-like screen. Not sure that's a necessity.
 

Lloydbm41

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Oct 17, 2013
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Central California
Agreed...as the old saying goes, 'if it ain't broke...' ;) Whatever criticisms have been levied against the S6 models, physical design certainly isn't one of them. And why add the extra cost of a redesign if it's not necessary? My only suggestion would be to ditch the two separate designs and just go with the edge version.

I also don't see them using two different CPUs. They didn't this year and unless I missed it, don't recall reading of any Exynos CPU related issues, either in performance or production. And considering the lackluster performance of the 810, I see no viable reason why Samsung would turn away from their own in-house CPU. If they didn't need two different CPUs this year, why would they need it on the S7?
They didn't use the 810 because of overheating. That's why there was only one CPU for this year's models. Next gen will go back to two, unless the 820 exhibits problems of overheating.

And I would expect an SD card for expanded memory. Android 6.0 now has SD card support baked into the OS, so apps can now be loaded to external storage. I would also expect usb-c to be added.
 

ozaz

macrumors 68000
Feb 27, 2011
1,615
577
I suspect the battery will be roughly the same size

Given they've just put a 2900 mAh battery in the Galaxy A5 (which has a lower res screen), I really hope Samsung up the capacity on the S7 to at least this size.

In terms of hardware, it doesn't seem like they will add an SD card slot or the ability to remove the battery (Galaxy users can comment on whether or not those are wise choices)

I think its unlikely they will go back to removable battery on the flagship S series given they have gotten a lot of praise for the looks and build of the S6. But I do wish they would introduce a separate series which continues the values of the old S series - in particular the removable battery.
 

nj-morris

macrumors 68000
Nov 30, 2014
1,897
804
UK
Here are my thoughts from an S6 Edge+ owner. I'm mostly content with my phone, but I wouldn't mind to have some other things included. Most of the things which people complain about with this phone aren't really a problem with me. I like TouchWiz and the features that come with it, although I wouldn't mind less random freezing. Battery life isn't a problem, but I would like the charging to be a bit quicker. With Quick Charge technology advancing, that shouldn't be a problem.
 

Zwhaler

macrumors 604
Jun 10, 2006
7,267
1,965
Here are my thoughts from an S6 Edge+ owner. I'm mostly content with my phone, but I wouldn't mind to have some other things included. Most of the things which people complain about with this phone aren't really a problem with me. I like TouchWiz and the features that come with it, although I wouldn't mind less random freezing. Battery life isn't a problem, but I would like the charging to be a bit quicker. With Quick Charge technology advancing, that shouldn't be a problem.

What other things would you like included? The quick charging is one of the fastest out there. It is faster on the S6 but that's because it has a smaller battery. I'm very happy with mine the only problem I experienced was a defective touch screen (sometimes wouldn't register touches) that led to a warranty replacement. The screen is bomb though and the speed is very good, as well as the camera.
 

nj-morris

macrumors 68000
Nov 30, 2014
1,897
804
UK
What other things would you like included? The quick charging is one of the fastest out there. It is faster on the S6 but that's because it has a smaller battery. I'm very happy with mine the only problem I experienced was a defective touch screen (sometimes wouldn't register touches) that led to a warranty replacement. The screen is bomb though and the speed is very good, as well as the camera.

Theoretically it would charge quicker, but it's only 15% smaller. And yes, it does charge quickly, but it's not quite the quickest out there. The newest Moto phones charge insanely quick, and Quick Charge 3 looks very impressive.
As for what else I want, a more accurate fingerprint scanner is high on my list. It seldom works first time for me. I'm also waiting for more edge functionality. How about an always on mode for the information stream, albeit not too bright in darkness; although dim, the night clock is still in your face. Or a more functional edge pull screen, like BlackBerry is doing.
And while they're at it, why not add the curved back from the Note 5 to the S7? It doesn't appear to be on the renders.
 

MRU

macrumors Penryn
Aug 23, 2005
25,370
8,952
a better place
I'm always skeptical when I hear 'we are focusing on software' every time we have the build up to a new Samsung device. So far there has been an improvement but were still quite a far away from where it could be optimisation wise.

IF and i think in this instance all caps isn't strong enough emphasis, so I will have to bold and big text it;
IF they do go back to the bare bones and optimise to the ninth degree - whilst retaining core features that make touchwiz what it is launcher wise, Samsung could finally ship/sell the numbers of flagship devices that has eluded them since the Galaxy S3.

We all know competition in the android space is getting tougher EVERY year and I have no doubt at all 2016 will be just as tough.

Sticking to same hardware design as the S6 is a wise choice from a manufacturing and research cost recapitalisation point of view, but that does mean that software will be in prime focus by the reviewers and critics this coming year. If it turns out to be empty promises, as sadly software wise has often been the case, Samsung are unlikely to recapture their magic highs despite the S7 undoubtably being a very solid handset.



I'll make one prediction for 2016 and samsung phones. If they release a S7 Plus & S7 Edge Plus alongside the regular size S7 / S7 Edge then I predict the Note 5 will be the final Note device and there will not be a Note 6. They have already proven they are not adverse to cancelling the device.




 
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Andres Cantu

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May 31, 2015
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I'm always skeptical when I hear 'we are focusing on software' every time we have the build up to a new Samsung device. So far there has been an improvement but were still quite a far away from where it could be optimisation wise.

IF and i think in this instance all caps isn't strong enough emphasis, so I will have to bold and big text it;
IF they do go back to the bare bones and optimise to the ninth degree - whilst retaining core features that make touchwiz what it is launcher wise, Samsung could finally ship/sell the numbers of flagship devices that has eluded them since the Galaxy S3.

We all know competition in the android space is getting tougher EVERY year and I have no doubt at all 2016 will be just as tough.

Sticking to same hardware design as the S6 is a wise choice from a manufacturing and research cost recapitalisation point of view, but that does mean that software will be in prime focus by the reviewers and critics this coming year. If it turns out to be empty promises, as sadly software wise has often been the case, Samsung are unlikely to recapture their magic highs despite the S7 undoubtably being a very solid handset.



I'll make one prediction for 2016 and samsung phones. If they release a S7 Plus & S7 Edge Plus alongside the regular size S7 / S7 Edge then I predict the Note 5 will be the final Note device and there will not be a Note 6. They have already proven they are not adverse to cancelling the device.



That's a bold prediction, but not necessarily an impossible one to come true. The Note 5 was the first Note device that, besides the extra gig of RAM, had nothing different from its "S" counterpart (I'm unsure how much customers noticed those lack of changes).

On top of that, phones that are released in the last quarter have to compete with the iPhone, so perhaps that will be the case.
 

MRU

macrumors Penryn
Aug 23, 2005
25,370
8,952
a better place
That's a bold prediction, but not necessarily an impossible one to come true. The Note 5 was the first Note device that, besides the extra gig of RAM, had nothing different from its "S" counterpart (I'm unsure how much customers noticed those lack of changes).

On top of that, phones that are released in the last quarter have to compete with the iPhone, so perhaps that will be the case.

Add they already set the precedent of deciding no release/cancelling it, in one of Samsung's major territories. If sales have not been stellar in those remaining, it wouldn't take a huge leap to just cancel it altogether, replaced with the larger S7 Plus
 

MRU

macrumors Penryn
Aug 23, 2005
25,370
8,952
a better place
S-Pen ????

Yes, but the reason they gave for cancelling it in Europe was that market research showed most folks weren't using the pen. The pen alone might not be enough to sustain another device if they already release a S7 Plus.
 

Andres Cantu

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May 31, 2015
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Add they already set the precedent of deciding no release/cancelling it, in one of Samsung's major territories. If sales have not been stellar in those remaining, it wouldn't take a huge leap to just cancel it altogether, replaced with the larger S7 Plus
That's a very good point, though part of me thinks that they won't cancel it because they like to brag in their events about how they pioneered the phablet and the S-Pen.

S-Pen ????
The S-Pen will always be the the factor that sets the Note Series apart, but I was referring to the Note 5 having the same SoC and cameras as the S6.
 
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epicrayban

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Nov 7, 2014
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Touchwiz is really not that bad folks. I'm equally excited by their focus on software, but it's not like they have to turn the ship completely around. They've been doing exactly what has been asked of them by reviewers and journalists. It's not like touchwiz has that much work to do.
 
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AustinIllini

macrumors G5
Oct 20, 2011
12,699
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If I had to guess, it's an iterative version of the S6. The camera ought to be spectacular.

Touchwiz is really not that bad folks. I'm equally excited by their focus on software, but it's not like they have to turn the ship completely around. They've been doing exactly what has been asked of them by reviewers and journalists. It's not like touchwiz has that much work to do.

No, what's horrible is how the Samsung implementation of Touchwiz causes severe delays in future releases of Android on Samsung devices.
 
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epicrayban

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If I had to guess, it's an iterative version of the S6. The camera ought to be spectacular.



No, what's horrible is how the Samsung implementation of Touchwiz causes severe delays in future releases of Android on Samsung devices.

Yup. That's the worst part about touchwiz.
 

jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
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Touchwiz is really not that bad folks. I'm equally excited by their focus on software, but it's not like they have to turn the ship completely around. They've been doing exactly what has been asked of them by reviewers and journalists. It's not like touchwiz has that much work to do.
exactly...It is not that bad. Those that complain about ram management...well it only affects a very small portion of the total users. I like what Samsung has to offer. I haven't found another Android OEM that can match it so far and I have had a LOT of phones.
 
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Lloydbm41

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exactly...It is not that bad. Those that complain about ram management...well it only affects a very small portion of the total users. I like what Samsung has to offer. I haven't found another Android OEM that can match it so far and I have had a LOT of phones.
Touchwiz isn't bad. I don't mind using it on my Tab S2 or Edge+, but I have also disabled a lot of Samsung apps that eat RAM for no apparent reason? If Samsung, left their core apps that are required for things like the S-Pen, Samsung Pay, and Samsung+ and then made the b.s. apps like Flipboard, Facebook, Milk, and S-Voice/Translate/etc optional, it would be a much better experience.
 
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