Galaxy S7

[Surf Donkey]

I'm glad reviewers, like the Verge, are starting to call Samsung out for not standing their ground against carrier bloat. Verizon and ATT (neither are surprises) seem to be the biggest offenders here. Verizon even removed the Samsung Pay app.

While I don't care much about bloatware because all phones come with their own variations of bloat, including Nexus and iPhones, I care more about less carrier tampering and delaying of software updates. It's not always Samsung's fault carriers are pushing updates out slow/late nor is it really Samsung's fault that the carriers load up all the bloat that we are hating on, but it's time they take some of the blame.

Samsung should begin exercising their weight and muscle on these carriers. There was a time when it was understandable why they couldn't and shouldn't step on the carriers' toes because as we all know, for better or worse, the carriers do basically control the gateways to the US market, but Samsung is a growing brand and the biggest Android player in the game. It's time to take another page out of Apple's book and start forging better deals and rules with these carriers.

Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any indication that Samsung will do this in the near future. They've said they refuse to risk the relationships they have in place right now.

But, the S6 and especially the S7 prove that Samsung can and will listen to the general consensus and tech journalists. So who knows.

And I do think the pressure will build, hopefully by the consumers, to choose carriers with "cleaner" versions of the OS. The illusion of the subsidy is gone. People are shelling out full retail price for these things. They should demand to get native apps, quick updates and less 3rd party and carrier bloatware.
[doublepost=1457540192][/doublepost]

Really? They removed Samsung pay. That's terrible, I love Samsung pay. I wish Samsung would bring back a developer option, I have no issue paying full price. Although Samsung seems to be close to rolling out a payment plan, so that might also be a good option. A developer edition seems like a good way for Samsung to make the hardcore happy.

According to the article on a page back, it will be available to download March 11th. But really shady the way it went down. And you just know Verizon didn't get their cut, so they want to push Android Pay.

 

[jamezr]

Why is everyone pointing out that the phone lags during initial set up of re-installing old apps and restoring stuff, etc.?

Don't all Android phones do this? I remember when my partner was setting up the Nexus 5X, inital installs and etc. lagged the phone too. This is just normal. Seems like a weird thing to point out by everybody.

Yeah it's because the restore is from the play store. So the temptation isbtonteybtobusebthebphone while that is being done. When restoring my iPhone it is not usable. Android should look at doing that as well.

 

[epicrayban]

Really? They removed Samsung pay. That's terrible, I love Samsung pay. I wish Samsung would bring back a developer option, I have no issue paying full price. Although Samsung seems to be close to rolling out a payment plan, so that might also be a good option. A developer edition seems like a good way for Samsung to make the hardcore happy.

Yeah, it's still perplexing to me why Samsung won't sell unlocked versions in the US. Especially because they have Samsung stores around here.

 

[Lava Lamp Freak]

According to sammobile, all US variants have the option removed. Not a big deal at this point, unless Samsung adds more options in Galaxy Labs in the future.

Thanks for letting me know. I just canceled my T-Mobile order. Coming from an iPhone I had actually planned on using that feature. It makes me livid that carriers have that kind of control over devices.

 

[BlueGoldAce]

Thanks for letting me know. I just canceled my T-Mobile order. Coming from an iPhone I had actually planned on using that feature. It makes me livid that carriers have that kind of control over devices.

Why not just use an alternative launcher? I never use stock launchers.

 

[Lava Lamp Freak]

Why not just use an alternative launcher? I never use stock launchers.

It's the premise. I don't want a phone that is controlled by the carrier in that manner. I don't currently have to deal with that on my iPhone. I'd rather get an unlocked phone and not deal with it.

 

[andy2141]

Success!

 

[Surf Donkey]

Also, wouldn't installing a customer launcher mess with the Edge features? Seems like that missing a major selling point of the phone.

 

[epicrayban]

Also, wouldn't installing a customer launcher mess with the Edge features? Seems like that missing a major selling point of the phone.

Wait, really? I intend to use the Google Now Launcher. I won't be able to use Edge features if I do???

Can anyone confirm?

EDIT: Thankfully not true!

 

[AppleRobert]

Does a screen grab reveal green lines? If not, reflection I guess. Which color Edge do you have?

Gold Edge. Believe me I am not trying to scrutinize the device and it really does not bother me but the green lines running along the edges on either side were quite noticeable to me. And to the Samsung rep at BB on his S7 Edge as well.

I don't recall seeing that on my S6 Edge +.
[doublepost=1457542660][/doublepost]

Also, wouldn't installing a customer launcher mess with the Edge features? Seems like that missing a major selling point of the phone.

I haven't tried it yet because I'm happy with the default launcher and using Material Dark theme.

And believe me it crossed my mind that changing the default may cause issues with your Edge preferences.

 

[HiDEF]

Also, wouldn't installing a customer launcher mess with the Edge features? Seems like that missing a major selling point of the phone.

Does not affect it, I'm currently using Action Launcher 3.

 

[BlueGoldAce]

Does not affect it, I'm currently using Action Launcher 3.

Same here. The edge features set on top of the system. It's independent of the launcher.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Gold Edge. Believe me I am not trying to scrutinize the device and it really does not bother me but the green lines running along the edges on either side were quite noticeable to me. And to the Samsung rep at BB on his S7 Edge as well.

I don't recall seeing that on my S6 Edge +.

It is noticeable when on white or light tan backgrounds.

It's very hard to notice outdoors though. Easier to notice indoors.

But I haven't really noticed anything until you said something.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

It's pretty amazing how small the S7 Edge feels compared to the 6S+. I am keeping both but hope Apple reduce the size of the 7 plus, but rumors point to similar dimensions unfortunately.
[doublepost=1457544393][/doublepost]

It is noticeable when on white or light tan backgrounds.

It's very hard to notice outdoors though. Easier to notice indoors.

But I haven't really noticed anything until you said something.

Yep, didn't notice before, but now you can't not see on light backgrounds.

 

[epicrayban]

Gold Edge. Believe me I am not trying to scrutinize the device and it really does not bother me but the green lines running along the edges on either side were quite noticeable to me. And to the Samsung rep at BB on his S7 Edge as well.

I don't recall seeing that on my S6 Edge +.
[doublepost=1457542660][/doublepost]

I haven't tried it yet because I'm happy with the default launcher and using Material Dark theme.

And believe me it crossed my mind that changing the default may cause issues with your Edge preferences.

Strange, about the green lines. What's causing it though? Anwyay you can post some screens or pics? I'm curious about this.
[doublepost=1457544943][/doublepost]Can the rest of y'all provide pics, too?

 

[jamezr]

First Impressions.

- Feels and looks great!
- Phone did lag on initial setup (restoring backups, installing apps, etc) and it also got very warm--since then, no lag.
- I disabled some bloatware so still don’t have a clue how the battery will hold up compared to my Note 5.
- Speaking of the Note 5, I do miss the phablet. I’ve just gotten so used to that screen size so whenever I get a smaller device, it just feels… weird.

As of right now, I’m undecided whether I like it or not. TMO gives me 14 days so I have some time to test drive.

I am in the same boat HIDEF. I like the S7e a lot. But it is almost too small if that makes any sense at all. I love my N5 and 6s+ and part of that is the ergonomics of the phones feel in my hand. I like the bigger phones I guess too much. I like the big bezels on my 6s+ because it makes holding the phone easier for me. Same with the N5 and the 5.7 display size.
I might not keep the S7e or just buy my N5 from TMO outright and keep all 3

 

[Tsepz]

Others will also have to chime in. I've been using it as oppose to my 6s plus for the last few days and while it's been better than my other android endeavors (6p, Note 5), it's still not able to handle my usual use with my 6s and seems to come closer to my 6s in terms of regular usage for me. Today it shut off at just over 5h SOT around 3pm which included 30 min LTE video streaming and regular browsing and email and Twitter (my normal usage) whereas my 6s plus with the same use comfortably gets me until 9pm or even later sometimes. The reviews have been glowing re: battery and I agree it's been solid compared to other android phones I've tried but still disappointing considering what a 3600mah battery should get me

I've used package disabler to get rid of the usual bloat and the device is going into doze sometimes but as a Manhattanite and doctor the lack of doze when moving around is a bit disappointing. If I happen to be at my desk it kicks in but not while moving.

Highest uses are Android OS followed by screen.

Thank you

I will also check XDA. I am truly shocked it isn't getting +7hours SOT.

 

[AppleRobert]

It is noticeable when on white or light tan backgrounds.

It's very hard to notice outdoors though. Easier to notice indoors.

But I haven't really noticed anything until you said something.

My golf playing partners call me Hawkeye cause I can always find their balls they hit that are buried in the rough or they hit into the woods.

BUT I never can find my own.

 

[Lloydbm41]

While my tmobile reception drops down from 5 bars to zero in my hospital, my ATT phone retains at least 3-4/5 bars. That's one of the only reasons I've stayed with them.

If you are in an area of the hospital where any phone can get reception, you'll be in luck.

Of course, you'll need a phone like the S7 that has Band 12. If your phone lacks Band 12, it is pointless.

 

[Sevanw]

Just placed an order for the black S7 Edge. Get it on the 11th, and the Gear VR is getting mailed to me a few days later. Done. Now bring on the Note 6.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

Strange, about the green lines. What's causing it though? Anwyay you can post some screens or pics? I'm curious about this.
[doublepost=1457544943][/doublepost]Can the rest of y'all provide pics, too?

 

[AppleRobert]

One may conclude those green icons would be reflecting in the glass but just browsing this forum it is noticeable so that would not be the cause.

 

[spinedoc77]

Wow I never knew about Galaxy Labs, interesting. I just downloaded some of them to my Note 5.

 

[Lloydbm41]

And I do think the pressure will build, hopefully by the consumers, to choose carriers with "cleaner" versions of the OS. The illusion of the subsidy is gone. People are shelling out full retail price for these things. They should demand to get native apps, quick updates and less 3rd party and carrier bloatware.
[doublepost=1457540192][/doublepost]

According to the article on a page back, it will be available to download March 11th. But really shady the way it went down. And you just know Verizon didn't get their cut, so they want to push Android Pay.

Remember, this is one of the companies that blocked Google Wallet for 2 years while they tried unsuccessfully to create that garbage called Isis (later renamed "who the fu#$ gives a sh$&").

Par for the course for Verizon. I can't wait for the day when Verizon falls into obscurity because of how they treat customers.

 

[journeyy]

I am in the same boat HIDEF. I like the S7e a lot. But it is almost too small if that makes any sense at all. I love my N5 and 6s+ and part of that is the ergonomics of the phones feel in my hand. I like the bigger phones I guess too much. I like the big bezels on my 6s+ because it makes holding the phone easier for me. Same with the N5 and the 5.7 display size.
I might not keep the S7e or just buy my N5 from TMO outright and keep all 3

Yay, i'm not the only one who isn't in on the bezel hate train on tech forums A bit of bezel is needed for good usability IMO, especially when there is no good accidental touch rejection on the edges (-> most Android devices i think). The iPhone Plus should shrink a bit, but bezel-less is not necessarily the best solution, even if it looks great.