Galaxy S7

[epicrayban]

I've seen people say 'I'd take an inch thick phone if it gave me a week of battery'.

But would you? For one thing, imagine how heavy that would be. Having to take a phone which weighs about a kilo and won't fit comfortably in any pockets, weighing down your clothes and sticking out. And how hard is it to just plug your phone in when you go to sleep, or with the fast charging capabilities we have, when you have lunch, or other times when you might not be using a phone, providing you don't forget? I can understand a bit of heft to get you through a full day on any occasion, or to get you through a few hours without charging it, but an inch thick phone for a week? Sorry, I'm not getting it.

I think advancements in batteries won't lie in getting you through long periods of time, but in better fast charging capabilities. If my phone could charge in 10 minutes, which at the rate we're going at today, could happen within the next few years, then I would take 2 hours SOT. Not joking. Fast charging today is a bit overblown. Sure, it has improved, but waiting 90 minutes without using your phone while waiting for it to charge completely is a bit unrealistic for ideal use cases. I find that currently, the first 50% charges about as quickly as the last 10%. If they can get a consistent rate of charging throughout the whole process, that would be a huge step forward.

An inch? I don't think anyone wants an inch.

In the case of the s7, we're talking about a 1.1 millimeter of increase in thickness. That is not unreasonable considering it means you get a 3000 mah battery (up from the s6's 2550, I believe). Not to mention waterproofing, micro sd, and the potential force sensitive screen. These are worthy gains for a mere 1.1 millimeter.

As for fast charging, I agree -- I can't wait for the day fast charging is so quick you can just knock out a full charge within 10 mins. We're heading that way it would seem.

However, I don't think the current state of fast charging is "overblown" either. It's best use is not in waiting for it to charge to full in 90 mins (which is still better than devices without fast charging that takes hours), but the strength lies in juicing up a bit in a very short period of time so you can gain enough battery to go the extra mile with your phone.

I'm talking about fast charging for a good 10-15 minutes to give you maybe 40% or so more battery life. This has saved me a few times and is an incredibly helpful feature.

I would not accept a 2 hour SOT even if it meant 10 mins to full charge. What if you can't get to a plug? 2 hours SOT these days is measly.

No one wants a brick phone for sure. But in this case, the weight gain and thickness gain looks like it'll be negligible, but the features gained can be monumental for the s7.

Others may feel differently but I think samsing is making the right calls for the s7's size so far. Don't forget it's also a hair shorter and narrower. It'll make one handed use easier. The slight gain in thickness could actually aid ergonomic and grip-ability.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

An inch? I don't think anyone wants an inch.

In the case of the s7, we're talking about a 1.1 millimeter of increase in thickness. That is not unreasonable considering it means you get a 3000 mah battery (up from the s6's 2550, I believe). Not to mention waterproofing, micro sd, and the potential force sensitive screen. These are worthy gains for a mere 1.1 millimeter.

As for fast charging, I agree -- I can't wait for the day fast charging is so quick you can just knock out a full charge within 10 mins. We're heading that way it would seem.

However, I don't think the current state of fast charging is "overblown" either. It's best use is not in waiting for it to charge to full in 90 mins (which is still better than devices without fast charging that takes hours), but the strength lies in juicing up a bit in a very short period of time so you can gain enough battery to go the extra mile with your phone.

I'm talking about fast charging for a good 10-15 minutes to give you maybe 40% or so more battery life. This has saved me a few times and is an incredibly helpful feature.

I would not accept a 2 hour SOT even if it meant 10 mins to full charge. What if you can't get to a plug? 2 hours SOT these days is measly.

No one wants a brick phone for sure. But in this case, the weight gain and thickness gain looks like it'll be negligible, but the features gained can be monumental for the s7.

Others may feel differently but I think samsing is making the right calls for the s7's size so far. Don't forget it's also a hair shorter and narrower. It'll make one handed use easier. The slight gain in thickness could actually aid ergonomic and grip-ability.

It's reported the S7 Edge will be 3600 mah, which would be 1000 mah more than my S6 Edge currently has.

Yes, I know the S7 Edge will have a bigger display to power, but that's still a sweet bump in battery.

 

[Blaze4G]

I've seen people say 'I'd take an inch thick phone if it gave me a week of battery'.

But would you? For one thing, imagine how heavy that would be. Having to take a phone which weighs about a kilo and won't fit comfortably in any pockets, weighing down your clothes and sticking out. And how hard is it to just plug your phone in when you go to sleep, or with the fast charging capabilities we have, when you have lunch, or other times when you might not be using a phone, providing you don't forget? I can understand a bit of heft to get you through a full day on any occasion, or to get you through a few hours without charging it, but an inch thick phone for a week? Sorry, I'm not getting it.

I think advancements in batteries won't lie in getting you through long periods of time, but in better fast charging capabilities. If my phone could charge in 10 minutes, which at the rate we're going at today, could happen within the next few years, then I would take 2 hours SOT. Not joking. Fast charging today is a bit overblown. Sure, it has improved, but waiting 90 minutes without using your phone while waiting for it to charge completely is a bit unrealistic for ideal use cases. I find that currently, the first 50% charges about as quickly as the last 10%. If they can get a consistent rate of charging throughout the whole process, that would be a huge step forward.

Really? So when you go on vacation snapping pics and all you won't mind your 2 hr SOT? Good luck finding a plug at the beach or something.

If you have never used a phone with 2 hrs SOT you won't understand the struggles ha-ha.

EDIT: For days you left your charger / battery pack / not near a plug it would suck. I have been there too many times to be content with 2 hrs SOT. One time in particular I drove out of state to a friends house. On my way home I left my powerboank with the usb I use in the car for charging at my friends house. Battery died half way through my trip using gps (this was about 2am). Had to rely on the old school way of reading signs lol.

 

[Fernandez21]

Really? So when you go on vacation snapping pics and all you won't mind your 2 hr SOT? Good luck finding a plug at the beach or something.

If you have never used a phone with 2 hrs SOT you won't understand the struggles ha-ha.

Yeah, I remember my HTC Vivid, which while an awesome phone, only had like 2hrs screen time. By lunch I was scrambling for a charger. It was horrible. I think 4-5hrs is good enough for now. Keep it in that range while making the phones thinner, then when 5-6mm range is hit, then start banking the added battery life. And of course make some really good battery cases for those times you need more.

One good thing that has come from battery tech taking so long to advance is that it has forced electronic makers to really optimize hardware for efficiency, which we'll all benefit from in the long run.

 

[Blaze4G]

Yeah, I remember my HTC Vivid, which while an awesome phone, only had like 2hrs screen time. By lunch I was scrambling for a charger. It was horrible. I think 4-5hrs is good enough for now. Keep it in that range while making the phones thinner, then when 5-6mm range is hit, then start banking the added battery life. And of course make some really good battery cases for those times you need more.

One good thing that has come from battery tech taking so long to advance is that it has forced electronic makers to really optimize hardware for efficiency, which we'll all benefit from in the long run.

Yeah when I had my nexus 5 it sucked. I use my phone alot for work, so on a hard day I am usually around 6 hrs SOT. Had to charge my nexus 5 three times a day. I usually had a 10,000 mAh battery pack in my back pocket and the phone in my front pocket charging. I agree though, the 5 hr SOT should be good for most people across the board.

 

[nj-morris]

An inch? I don't think anyone wants an inch.

In the case of the s7, we're talking about a 1.1 millimeter of increase in thickness. That is not unreasonable considering it means you get a 3000 mah battery (up from the s6's 2550, I believe). Not to mention waterproofing, micro sd, and the potential force sensitive screen. These are worthy gains for a mere 1.1 millimeter.

As for fast charging, I agree -- I can't wait for the day fast charging is so quick you can just knock out a full charge within 10 mins. We're heading that way it would seem.

However, I don't think the current state of fast charging is "overblown" either. It's best use is not in waiting for it to charge to full in 90 mins (which is still better than devices without fast charging that takes hours), but the strength lies in juicing up a bit in a very short period of time so you can gain enough battery to go the extra mile with your phone.

I'm talking about fast charging for a good 10-15 minutes to give you maybe 40% or so more battery life. This has saved me a few times and is an incredibly helpful feature.

I would not accept a 2 hour SOT even if it meant 10 mins to full charge. What if you can't get to a plug? 2 hours SOT these days is measly.

No one wants a brick phone for sure. But in this case, the weight gain and thickness gain looks like it'll be negligible, but the features gained can be monumental for the s7.

Others may feel differently but I think samsing is making the right calls for the s7's size so far. Don't forget it's also a hair shorter and narrower. It'll make one handed use easier. The slight gain in thickness could actually aid ergonomic and grip-ability.

With your fast charging statement, that's my point. The first stages of charging are always over in a heartbeat, but then get snails pace in the last stages. I'm not familiar with battery technology, but if they can get the charging pace that they have at the start throughout the whole charge, it would make the world's difference.

In terms of SOT, it would be fine for me as I'm a surprisingly light phone user. If it wasn't for the awful standby time on my current phone, I could easily get 2 days out of it. No jokes.

And I'm glad that the S7 is thicker (I'm also glad that it's not an inch thick) and for the right reasons as well.

Really? So when you go on vacation snapping pics and all you won't mind your 2 hr SOT? Good luck finding a plug at the beach or something.

If you have never used a phone with 2 hrs SOT you won't understand the struggles ha-ha.

EDIT: For days you left your charger / battery pack / not near a plug it would suck. I have been there too many times to be content with 2 hrs SOT. One time in particular I drove out of state to a friends house. On my way home I left my powerboank with the usb I use in the car for charging at my friends house. Battery died half way through my trip using gps (this was about 2am). Had to rely on the old school way of reading signs lol.

Well played. Fair, when I'm out is when I use my phone the most, but I'm not the heaviest user anyway.

 

[zonazolazia]

S7 seems like a winner if all the rumors are true.

But I wouldn't pay for launch price this time and wait for price to drop in 2-3 months. That way, I can also decide between exynos and snapdragon.

 

[jamezr]

Supposedly S7 Edge color images.
I'm kinda liking the silver....

http://www.sammobile.com/2016/02/14...xy-s7-and-the-galaxy-s7-edge-show-off-colors/

 

[MRU]

Supposedly S7 Edge color images.
I'm kinda liking the silver....

http://www.sammobile.com/2016/02/14...xy-s7-and-the-galaxy-s7-edge-show-off-colors/

Why the heck do they have to put the name on the back of the device in the USA. It sullied a nice design, it's like Samsung don't believe Americans are able to know what device they've purchased without emblazoning it's name on the back like a name tag on a pair of underpants ....

 

[Sevanw]

Why the heck do they have to put the name on the back of the device in the USA. It sullied a nice design, it's like Samsung don't believe Americans are able to know what device they've purchased without emblazoning it's name on the back like a name tag on a pair of underpants ....

Don't think it's about the purchaser, I think it's more for others to see when the purchaser is using his/her phone. No different from Apple and every single iPhone. I'm ok with it, but taking the Samsung branding off the front would be the step to take in my opinion.

 

[epicrayban]

Dat silver. Wow.

 

[jamezr]

Why the heck do they have to put the name on the back of the device in the USA. It sullied a nice design, it's like Samsung don't believe Americans are able to know what device they've purchased without emblazoning it's name on the back like a name tag on a pair of underpants ....

I don't mind the name on the back. I wish they would remove the logo from the front!!

 

[MRU]

Don't think it's about the purchaser, I think it's more for others to see when the purchaser is using his/her phone. No different from Apple and every single iPhone. I'm ok with it, but taking the Samsung branding off the front would be the step to take in my opinion.

But they don't do it in the rest of the world. Here we get clean backs without that printed on it ...

 

[MRU]

I don't mind the name on the back. I wish they would remove the logo from the front!!

At least they dropped the Verizon logo from Home button, that was brutal in the past.

But here as I say on the back they don't even put carrier logos / even if you bought through your carrier.

Don't understand the need they have to do so as well as the device name in the USA ...

 

[nviz22]

I am actually impressed with the latest rumors: much bigger battery, 4GB of RAM, Google working on TW, water-resistance, SD slot, less protruding camera, retaining the body design, 3D touch/pressure sensitive display, always on display, and a bigger edge screen.

 

[MRU]

I am actually impressed with the latest rumors: much bigger battery, 4GB of RAM, Google working on TW, water-resistance, SD slot, less protruding camera, retaining the body design, 3D touch/pressure sensitive display, always on display, and a bigger edge screen.

Of all that - the only question is 'google working on touchwiz'. I still remain skeptical, I'd be very very happy if true, but at the same time not 1 bit surprised if that turns out to be untrue.

 

[nviz22]

Of all that - the only question is 'google working on touchwiz'. I still remain skeptical, I'd be very very happy if true, but at the same time not 1 bit surprised if that turns out to be untrue.

Well, you could be right on that, but imagine if Samsung actually gets it right? They were so close last year minus the RAM management and the battery life. I think the S6 Edge Plus and Note 5 are impressive though, so it's not like there aren't backups if the S7 flops. Both will be cheaper than the S7/S7 Edge too.

 

[epicrayban]

Personally, I don't believe Google is helping Samsung with the software either. At the most, I think, it'll be Google giving a small hand or taking a small part in helping. Maybe they offered some guidance or something. It won't be anything very involved if it's true.

However, I will say this again, it's not like touch wiz needs that much work. I do believe in the rumor that Samsung is focusing more on software this year (that came out of Samsung's own mouth right?), with or without Google's help.

I cannot imagine the next touch wiz unimproved. They're throwing the right hardware onto it to back it up (extra RAM, bigger battery) and will provide further improvements and focus on software.

Again, the right moves. Much like the rest of the rumors so far.

Just confirm and deliver, Samsung.

(Side note: At this point, I feel like hoping for Samsung to completely rewrite touch wiz and rebuild from ground up is as unlikely as the carriers suddenly agreeing to let OEMS update whenever they want. It's just too massive and unrealistic of a request. Besides, building ground up sounds like something for tizen to accomplish.)

 

[MRU]

Personally, I don't believe Google is helping Samsung with the software either. At the most, I think, it'll be Google giving a small hand or taking a small part in helping. Maybe they offered some guidance or something. It won't be anything very involved if it's true.

However, I will say this again, it's not like touch wiz needs that much work. I do believe in the rumor that Samsung is focusing more on software this year (that came out of Samsung's own mouth right?), with or without Google's help.

I cannot imagine the next touch wiz unimproved. They're throwing the right hardware onto it to back it up (extra RAM, bigger battery) and will provide further improvements and focus on software.

Again, the right moves. Much like the rest of the rumors so far.

Just confirm and deliver, Samsung.

(Side note: At this point, I feel like hoping for Samsung to completely rewrite touch wiz and rebuild from ground up is as unlikely as the carriers suddenly agreeing to let OEMS update whenever they want. It's just too massive and unrealistic of a request. Besides, building ground up sounds like something for tizen to accomplish.)

Sad thing is, just imagine how good it would be if they had took the time they've spent on creating 'Tizen' to redo Touchwiz's foundations and give the OS that deep spring clean it needs.

Every phone in Samsung's android range would have benefited, not just flagships. A lighter OS would massively improve their low and mid tier devices where memory and SOCs are more constrained.

That's what I find frustrating the most. There is no downside if they just did it finally. They have the resources, it's whether they have the desire...

 

[kdarling]

Why the heck do they have to put the name on the back of the device in the USA. It sullied a nice design, it's like Samsung don't believe Americans are able to know what device they've purchased without emblazoning it's name on the back like a name tag on a pair of underpants ....

It's more likely because companies selling in America have to get their lawyers' approval about design. Especially after Apple's lawsuits.

You see, one defense against claims of trade dress infringement, is if the manufacturer name is prominently displayed. In other words, it's so nobody could say they accidentally bought a Samsung phone while thinking it was made by Apple.

If you think that's silly, look at how Apple defaults to only four dock icons on the iPad, even though the display could handle more. I read in a law blog that it's done partly to help bolster the original iPhone icon grid design patent that is used against Samsung.

 

[Osaka23]

I love the S6 Edge and I am very interested in getting the S7 Edge variant. The one thing that's holding me back is the slow Samsung updates. I am seriously considering the LG G5 and if the rumors are correct it going to be an amazing phone.

 

[jamezr]

Here is the latest leaked image. Interesting that there is no front logo unless this is just a test model. Who knows.....anyway we will know in a week.

http://www.sammobile.com/2016/02/15/black-galaxy-s7-edge-leaks-in-the-flesh-looks-pretty-awesome/

 

[epicrayban]

It's more likely because companies selling in America have to get their lawyers' approval about design. Especially after Apple's lawsuits.

You see, one defense against claims of trade dress infringement, is if the manufacturer name is prominently displayed. In other words, it's so nobody could say they accidentally bought a Samsung phone while thinking it was made by Apple.

If you think that's silly, look at how Apple defaults to only four dock icons on the iPad, even though the display could handle more. I read in a law blog that it's done partly to help bolster the original iPhone icon grid design patent that is used against Samsung.

That's interesting.

To be perfectly honest, I don't mind the Samsung logo on the back. That is their logo, the word "Samsung". So there's no way to escape it.

On the front would be nice to get rid of it but that too I don't find overtly offensive. It's sort of tucked away near the top and is pretty subtle, at least in my gold s6. Wouldn't mind losing it upfront either, of course.

Hey, at least it's not "HTC" smack in the middle bottom of the device!
[doublepost=1455550863][/doublepost]

Sad thing is, just imagine how good it would be if they had took the time they've spent on creating 'Tizen' to redo Touchwiz's foundations and give the OS that deep spring clean it needs.

Every phone in Samsung's android range would have benefited, not just flagships. A lighter OS would massively improve their low and mid tier devices where memory and SOCs are more constrained.

That's what I find frustrating the most. There is no downside if they just did it finally. They have the resources, it's whether they have the desire...

Agree. The potential would be great.

If they could just adjust their RAM management, I think that'd go a long way. That seems to be one of the last few outstanding issues for power users. Everything I've read about says it's designed the way it is by choice, so I don't know what Samsung's line of thought there is exactly.

I guess my point is, ultimately, if touch wiz is stable, fast, and reliable, what difference does it make if it was rebuilt or not? How would anyone tell or know the difference if the optimization this year does get those final few kinks out of touch wiz? Again, I don't think there's that much to do. Year after year, they've taken touch wiz in the right direction. This year they're doubling down on that. If they succeed, will we really be able to tell the difference whether it was rebuilt or not? I'm not sure.

I don't know much about writing code and whatnot, but wouldn't it be a massive endeavor to rebuild from the ground up?

Again, I agree with you; it would be great if it ever happened, but at this stage in time I just don't foresee it happening anytime soon. And personally don't think it has to.

 

[JaySoul]

Here is the latest leaked image. Interesting that there is no front logo unless this is just a test model. Who knows.....anyway we will know in a week.

http://www.sammobile.com/2016/02/15/black-galaxy-s7-edge-leaks-in-the-flesh-looks-pretty-awesome/

The thing is Samsung might ANNOUNCE it on the 21st but that doesn't mean they will start SELLING it immediately! Hence test models etc. Ditto with the LG G5.

If I were a betting man, I'd say it will go on sale at some point between 15th to 25th March...

 

[Sevanw]

Here is the latest leaked image. Interesting that there is no front logo unless this is just a test model. Who knows.....anyway we will know in a week.

http://www.sammobile.com/2016/02/15/black-galaxy-s7-edge-leaks-in-the-flesh-looks-pretty-awesome/

Gotta love these so called "leaks." It's pretty clear that the so called leaks in the industry are for the most part calculated to build the hype train. And I'm more than happy to ride along. But there's simply no reason for a pic like this to be so blurry and low res when taken with an S6/Note 5.