Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge: Best Smartphone Camera

[Shanghaichica]

As we can see with the S7 no Sensor is exactly the same, firstly Samsung use their own sensors aswell as Sony sensors. Secondly even with the same brand sensor there can still be some fluctuation. How about you just admit to yourself that Samsung make the best Cameras in phones and have done for a few years now.

I'm not disputing that the S7 has the best camera on the market right now. In addition I've used several Samsung phones in the past and therefore have first hand experience of the quality of their cameras. I was only questioning the reliability of that particular review site.

 

[torana355]

I'm not disputing that the S7 has the best camera on the market right now. In addition I've used several Samsung phones in the past and therefore have first hand experience of the quality of their cameras. I was only questioning the reliability of that particular review site.

In that case remember that the Note 6 and S6 edge plus could have different sensors in the test units they had.

 

[MRU]

In that case remember that the Note 6 and S6 edge plus could have different sensors in the test units they had.

They should in that instance (if that is the case) inform users which sensor their model had. But they do not, and in the instance of the Moto X Pure and Droid Turbo 2, they use exactly same sensor (they do only use one) but there is still a discrepancy in overall score.

The point we are trying to make, is that with these discrepencies and no explanation by DxO themselves, it just casts a doubt on them, which is only significant because folks like to hold them up as some definitive assessment when clearly they are not infallible.

Both myself and @Shanghaichica are not disputing the S7 edge camera is one of, or indeed the best smartphone camera at the moment. We are just pointing out their is some curiosities, which cast some doubt over DxO results or scoring methodology.

We are not interested in Samsung vs Apple bashing, we're just curious as to those anomalies. The Z5 does as an owner strike me as very anomolous.

 

[torana355]

They should in that instance (if that is the case) inform users which sensor their model had. But they do not, and in the instance of the Moto X Pure and Droid Turbo 2, they use exactly same sensor (they do only use one) but there is still a discrepancy in overall score.

The point we are trying to make, is that with these discrepencies and no explanation by DxO themselves, it just casts a doubt on them, which is only significant because folks like to hold them up as some definitive assessment when clearly they are not infallible.

As i said no two Sensors are exactly the same even if they are the same brand and model sensor. DxO is a reputable website, i think you just need to stop over thinking things. No review/testing process is ever going to be scientifically 100 percent correct due to human interpretation, but from all accounts DxO's results seem to match that of most other reviews. If im honest this whole argument seems like Apple fans trying to find a way to discount the S7's great reviews.

 

[MRU]

As i said no two Sensors are exactly the same even if they are the same brand and model sensor. DxO is a reputable website, i think you just need to stop over thinking things. No review/testing process is ever going to be scientifically 100 percent correct due to human interpretation, but from all accounts DxO's results seem to match that of most other reviews. If im honest this whole argument seems like Apple fans trying to find a way to discount the S7's great reviews.

Maybe we are over thinking. But even with blind hands on photo shootouts on the net the Z5 certainly doesn't come top .... it's very decent as I have said, but top until now ?

http://www.androidauthority.com/blind-camera-shootout-winner-650299/

Maybe it's a case that real world usage outside of a testing lab is significantly different.

And I see you edited your post to implie that we are all apple fans bashing S7, which if you read my posts in this thread I have never disputed the S7 edge or other samsung devices, nor Apple scores. My curiosities were regarding other devices (specifically the Z5) and other anomalies therein on that list.

 

[Fernandez21]

All I know, for me the S7 Edge has the best camera, followed closely by the 6S Plus and Note 5.

 

[Sevanw]

This is the bubble effect I am referring to. Apple gets way too much leeway with their products. Lets go over this again. When Apple had the upper hand for years, there was never a question of the iPhone's dominance. Nobody was putting qualifiers for labeling it "the best." But for more than at least 3 years now, competition has blown past them. But yet here we are actually debating weather they still have a camera comparable to the S7 Edge. Can you imagine, for a sec, if the iPhone was the one with the better sensor and robust camera app with pro mode, and able to shoot RAW? Wanna bet that the media would easily call it the best camera by a much bigger margin than they say the S7 Edge has the best camera? Then imagine, if the iPhone had an edge design with a 2K amoled display, water/dust proof, compact design, and a lower price. The accolades would be endless. In any other galaxy, the iPhone would be considered a mid level device. Fact.

 

[gotluck]

This is the bubble effect I am referring to. Apple gets way too much leeway with their products. Lets go over this again. When Apple had the upper hand for years, there was never a question of the iPhone's dominance. Nobody was putting qualifiers for labeling it "the best." But for more than at least 3 years now, competition has blown past them. But yet here we are actually debating weather they still have a camera comparable to the S7 Edge. Can you imagine, for a sec, if the iPhone was the one with the better sensor and robust camera app with pro mode, and able to shoot RAW? Wanna bet that the media would easily call it the best camera by a much bigger margin than they say the S7 Edge has the best camera? Then imagine, if the iPhone had an edge design with a 2K amoled display, water/dust proof, compact design, and a lower price. The accolades would be endless. In any other galaxy, the iPhone would be considered a mid level device. Fact.

If the galaxy got iPhone level and term of support and updates, along with no carrier interference in the software.. I agree!

I like your point anyways though

 

[I7guy]

This is the bubble effect I am referring to. Apple gets way too much leeway with their products. Lets go over this again. When Apple had the upper hand for years, there was never a question of the iPhone's dominance. Nobody was putting qualifiers for labeling it "the best." But for more than at least 3 years now, competition has blown past them. But yet here we are actually debating weather they still have a camera comparable to the S7 Edge. Can you imagine, for a sec, if the iPhone was the one with the better sensor and robust camera app with pro mode, and able to shoot RAW? Wanna bet that the media would easily call it the best camera by a much bigger margin than they say the S7 Edge has the best camera? Then imagine, if the iPhone had an edge design with a 2K amoled display, water/dust proof, compact design, and a lower price. The accolades would be endless. In any other galaxy, the iPhone would be considered a mid level device. Fact.

The bubble effect as in the blind shootout that MRU posted above? Gotcha.

I understand things are objective and subjective at the same time. That the a9 is a killer design is proof enough the phone is not a mid-level phone and saying it enough times does not make the so.

 

[Radon87000]

The bubble effect as in the blind shootout that MRU posted above? Gotcha.

I understand things are objective and subjective at the same time. That the a9 is a killer design is proof enough the phone is not a mid-level phone and saying it enough times does not make the so.

Display?
Camera?
Design?
Ergonomics?

The A9 is not the entiretmy of the iPhone.There are other aspects where it's beaten

 

[Shanghaichica]

Display?
Camera?
Design?
Ergonomics?

The A9 is not the entiretmy of the iPhone.There are other aspects where it's beaten

Design is subjective.

The rest that you mentioned the S7 wins.

There are other places that the iPhone wins though such as software updates, customer support, availability and quality of apps.

So both devices have their advantages and disadvantages.

 

[JayIsAwesome]

Not surprised by the results. Sammy's been killing it in the camera dept, particularly in the last year. The S6 all the way to the Note 5 had phenomenal cameras, that were better than what Apple had on its phones IMO. Can't help but tip my hat to Samsung. The GS7/Edge is such a beast of a device. It is the best smartphone on the market today. Great camera, beautiful display, great battery, expandable storage, water resistance...kudos Samsung. Keep kickin ass and thanks for actually listening to your customers

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

This is the bubble effect I am referring to. Apple gets way too much leeway with their products. Lets go over this again. When Apple had the upper hand for years, there was never a question of the iPhone's dominance. Nobody was putting qualifiers for labeling it "the best." But for more than at least 3 years now, competition has blown past them. But yet here we are actually debating weather they still have a camera comparable to the S7 Edge. Can you imagine, for a sec, if the iPhone was the one with the better sensor and robust camera app with pro mode, and able to shoot RAW? Wanna bet that the media would easily call it the best camera by a much bigger margin than they say the S7 Edge has the best camera? Then imagine, if the iPhone had an edge design with a 2K amoled display, water/dust proof, compact design, and a lower price. The accolades would be endless. In any other galaxy, the iPhone would be considered a mid level device. Fact.

You make some good points there but the iPhone is still winning in some areas. It's still a smoother interface to use overall despite missing many features. Having read the comparisons it seems the new S7 still has noticeable lag which is a little annoying considering how stunning it is in most other areas.

In many ways Samsung have caught up and passed Apple. But customer support, updates, and running smoothly seem to be the grey areas. The iPhone is also a more desirable product based on its strong fashionable branding. This is something that will be difficult to over turn unless Apple seriously mess things up IMO.

One thing is certain here, you won't go wrong with an iPhone or Galaxy these days. Apple need to catch up with their camera next release that's for sure.

 

[torana355]

You make some good points there but the iPhone is still winning in some areas. It's still a smoother interface to use overall despite missing many features. Having read the comparisons it seems the new S7 still has noticeable lag which is a little annoying considering how stunning it is in most other areas.

In many ways Samsung have caught up and passed Apple. But customer support, updates, and running smoothly seem to be the grey areas. The iPhone is also a more desirable product based on its strong fashionable branding. This is something that will be difficult to over turn unless Apple seriously mess things up IMO.

One thing is certain here, you won't go wrong with an iPhone or Galaxy these days. Apple need to catch up with their camera next release that's for sure.

I can tell you first hand my S7 has Zero lag, and i mean ZERO. It is just as smooth as any iPhone. That being said i have the Exynos 8890 processor in my Aussie model. Also the iPhone being more desirable is totally subjective, imo the Samsung S7 is the more desirable phone. I personally think Apple have a long way to catch up to the S7. The iPhone 7 will need IP68 Water resistance, External storage options or at least raise the base model to 32gb (16gb in 2016 is a joke), a better camera, an Amoled screen and an OS that allows users to do basic settings like set default apps before it gets even close to an S7 for me. My bet is Apple will make it a bit thinner with a camera upgrade and that will be about it.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I can tell you first hand my S7 has Zero lag, and i mean ZERO. It is just as smooth as any iPhone. That being said i have the Exynos 8890 processor in my Aussie model. Also the iPhone being more desirable is totally objective, imo the Samsung S7 is the more desirable phone. I personally think Apple have a long way to catch up to the S7. The iPhone 7 will need IP68 Water resistance, External storage options or at least raise the base model to 32gb (16gb in 2016 is a joke), a better camera, an Amoled screen and an OS that allows users to do basic settings like set default apps before it gets even close to an S7 for me. My bet is Apple will make it a bit thinner with a camera upgrade and that will be about it.

I am only mentioning lag because several reviews I have read/watched have said it is still present to some degree during tests.

When I say about the iPhone being more desirable I wasn't talking about a personal level. You might feel the S7 is more desirable and to you it is, to me it might be. That wasn't my point. The iPhone certainly in Europe and America has a strong brand and is perceived as a cool product. Just like Nike is a cool sports brand, Apple is very fashionable. Samsung is popular but not in the same way here. In Asia or Australia this may be very different due to how well phones have been marketed and supplied previously.

To address your last point; I can't see Apple going against every other release they've made and just make a phone thinner with a slight camera upgrade. I don't know how you can even predict that at this stage. They will surely bring more than that as they always do. I agree they have a lot to prove this year. I however will likely stick with my iPhone 6 and get a cheaper sim only deal.

 

[Radon87000]

I can tell you first hand my S7 has Zero lag, and i mean ZERO. It is just as smooth as any iPhone. That being said i have the Exynos 8890 processor in my Aussie model. Also the iPhone being more desirable is totally objective, imo the Samsung S7 is the more desirable phone. I personally think Apple have a long way to catch up to the S7. The iPhone 7 will need IP68 Water resistance, External storage options or at least raise the base model to 32gb (16gb in 2016 is a joke), a better camera, an Amoled screen and an OS that allows users to do basic settings like set default apps before it gets even close to an S7 for me. My bet is Apple will make it a bit thinner with a camera upgrade and that will be about it.

In other words Samsung was more innovative than Apple

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

In other words Samsung was more innovative than Apple

I think are 'still' more innovative as they've always thrown lots of features into a release.

 

[Radon87000]

You actually believe the crap on youtube?

Seeing is believing.I can formulate my opinion seeing videos

Did you read the article to see their conclusions, or dismissed it because of your own biases?

I stopped reading when the guy had the audacity to say

THIS (6s)

Was better than (S7)

That article even on an Apple site has gotten 34 downvotes and ridicule everywhere.Its trash

 

[Shanghaichica]

I can tell you first hand my S7 has Zero lag, and i mean ZERO. It is just as smooth as any iPhone. That being said i have the Exynos 8890 processor in my Aussie model. Also the iPhone being more desirable is totally objective, imo the Samsung S7 is the more desirable phone. I personally think Apple have a long way to catch up to the S7. The iPhone 7 will need IP68 Water resistance, External storage options or at least raise the base model to 32gb (16gb in 2016 is a joke), a better camera, an Amoled screen and an OS that allows users to do basic settings like set default apps before it gets even close to an S7 for me. My bet is Apple will make it a bit thinner with a camera upgrade and that will be about it.

I don't think the iPhone needs external storage considering that you can get it in up to 128GB. There are also rumours that the iPhone 7 may even be offered with 256GB internal storage. People need to buy the storage that they need. If 16GB is not enough then don't buy it. I'm sure that the 7 will have a better camera and it had been rumoured to be water resistant. I very much doubt that it will get an oled screen or that ios10 will allow users to set default apps.
[doublepost=1458469278][/doublepost]

Seeing is believing.I can formulate my opinion seeing videos


I stopped reading when the guy had the audacity to say

THIS (6s)

Was better than (S7)

That article even on an Apple site has gotten 34 downvotes and ridicule everywhere.Its trash

I think the point Rene was trying to make was that the iPhone was able to capture the background better whereas the S7 was able to capture the foreground better. However whilst that maybe true the 6S could never win as the main purpose of the shot should be to capture the subject (Serenity) which the S7 clearly did a lot better. It's not much good capturing the background to the extend that the main subject in the picture cannot be seen very well.

 

[I7guy]

Seeing is believing.I can formulate my opinion seeing videos


I stopped reading when the guy had the audacity to say

THIS (6s)

Was better than (S7)

That article even on an Apple site has gotten 34 downvotes and ridicule everywhere.Its trash

Now you know why I don't watch your youtube videos.
[doublepost=1458473381][/doublepost]

Display?
Camera?
Design?
Ergonomics?

The A9 is not the entiretmy of the iPhone.There are other aspects where it's beaten

Your list above is all entirely subjective.
[doublepost=1458473598][/doublepost]

I don't think the iPhone needs external storage considering that you can get it in up to 128GB. There are also rumours that the iPhone 7 may even be offered with 256GB internal storage. People need to buy the storage that they need. If 16GB is not enough then don't buy it. I'm sure that the 7 will have a better camera and it had been rumoured to be water resistant. I very much doubt that it will get an oled screen or that ios10 will allow users to set default apps.
[doublepost=1458469278][/doublepost]
I think the point Rene was trying to make was that the iPhone was able to capture the background better whereas the S7 was able to capture the foreground better. However whilst that maybe true the 6S could never win as the main purpose of the shot should be to capture the subject (Serenity) which the S7 clearly did a lot better. It's not much good capturing the background to the extend that the main subject in the picture cannot be seen very well.

He was also saying the 6s was more indicative of the actual conditions at the time the shot was taken. The s7 boosted the Iso and washed out the background.

 

[Radon87000]

Now you know why I don't watch your youtube videos.
[doublepost=1458473381][/doublepost]

All YT videos are real life videos hence trustworthy.On the other hand articles can be full of bias

Your list above is all entirely subjective.
[doublepost=1458473598][/doublepost]

Display

http://www.technobuffalo.com/2016/0...est-smartphone-display-tested-by-displaymate/

""Samsung’s new Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge have the best smartphone displays ever according to Display Mate"

Camera

http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gal...le_camera_according_to_dxomark-blog-17309.php

"Samsung Galaxy S7 edge takes the crown for best mobile camera according to DxOMark"

As far as display and ergonomics go,everyone who uses both KNOW the S7 to be superior

He was also saying the 6s was more indicative of the actual conditions at the time the shot was taken. The s7 boosted the Iso and washed out the background.

Or maybe the iPhone is just no match for the low light performance of the S7

iPhone 6S

Galaxy S7

 

[Shanghaichica]

Now you know why I don't watch your youtube videos.
[doublepost=1458473381][/doublepost]
Your list above is all entirely subjective.
[doublepost=1458473598][/doublepost]
He was also saying the 6s was more indicative of the actual conditions at the time the shot was taken. The s7 boosted the Iso and washed out the background.

I didn't agree on that shot but most of the others shots I prefered on the iPhone in his comparison. However other shoot outs have produced shots that favour the S7. I think both cameras take different approaches, the iPhone like to produce more realistic shots with true to light colours and the the S7 likes to produce shots that pop, which is achieved by over saturating. It depends on your preference. Sometimes I think Samsung over does it but many of the shots produced by Samsung phones are stunning and eye catching even if they are not realistic.

 

[I7guy]

All YT videos are real life videos hence trustworthy.On the other hand articles can be full of bias


Display

http://www.technobuffalo.com/2016/0...est-smartphone-display-tested-by-displaymate/

""Samsung’s new Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge have the best smartphone displays ever according to Display Mate"

Camera

http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gal...le_camera_according_to_dxomark-blog-17309.php

"Samsung Galaxy S7 edge takes the crown for best mobile camera according to DxOMark"

As far as display and ergonomics go,everyone who uses both KNOW the S7 to be superior




Or maybe the iPhone is just no match for the low light performance of the S7

iPhone 6S

Galaxy S7

Videos can be manipulated quite easily. To think all videos are trustworthy is plain naive.

Here's the verdict from the android authority of the blind camera survey. Note this is subjective.

http://www.androidauthority.com/blind-camera-shootout-winner-650299/
[doublepost=1458479924][/doublepost]

I didn't agree on that shot but most of the others shots I prefered on the iPhone in his comparison. However other shoot outs have produced shots that favour the S7. I think both cameras take different approaches, the iPhone like to produce more realistic shots with true to light colours and the the S7 likes to produce shots that pop, which is achieved by over saturating. It depends on your preference. Sometimes I think Samsung over does it but many of the shots produced by Samsung phones are stunning and eye catching even if they are not realistic.

What started this thread was the dxo results, which have their place. Sure it's nice to know about noise and distortion and color shift and detail preservation and other things that get's measured but they don't touch every use case, which is why the blind study by android authority was interesting.

None of these mobile cameras does everything well and they are all a compromise in one area or another.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Videos can be manipulated quite easily. To think all videos are trustworthy is plain naive.

Here's the verdict from the android authority of the blind camera survey. Note this is subjective.

http://www.androidauthority.com/blind-camera-shootout-winner-650299/
[doublepost=1458479924][/doublepost]
What started this thread was the dxo results, which have their place. Sure it's nice to know about noise and distortion and color shift and detail preservation and other things that get's measured but they don't touch every use case, which is why the blind study by android authority was interesting.

None of these mobile cameras does everything well and they are all a compromise in one area or another.

The issue is Android Authority probably shot all those in auto mode, which IMO the iPhone had the best point n shoot on auto mode until the S7. The DXO results probably went through every variable setting.

I never experienced the Note 5, S6 edge Plus, or the Sony Z5. But on my previous S6 edge, it would take better pictures than the iPhone 6S and 6S plus when custom manual settings are applied. To be fair, the iPhone doesn't have much custom settings to do a legit match up. But on auto mode iPhone is probably the best point n shoot out of the all that's listed.

The S7 however blows the iPhone away on Auto Mode point n shoot. Interested to see how well the iPhone 7 does. IMO, if it doesn't come close or surpass the S7's focus speed and detail when cropped, then the iPhone 7 will not take the S7's camera title.

 

[torana355]

I didn't agree on that shot but most of the others shots I prefered on the iPhone in his comparison. However other shoot outs have produced shots that favour the S7. I think both cameras take different approaches, the iPhone like to produce more realistic shots with true to light colours and the the S7 likes to produce shots that pop, which is achieved by over saturating. It depends on your preference. Sometimes I think Samsung over does it but many of the shots produced by Samsung phones are stunning and eye catching even if they are not realistic.

Wow, you are kidding right, the S7 takes the more realistic pics imo. I cant even believe there are people in this thread still trying to say the iPhone is the better camera in any way. The iPhone shots lack contrast and are clearly not letting enough light though in the low light shots. Also when you have a pro mode you can control exactly how you want the picture to look, something the iPhone just cant do.