Samsung Galaxy S7 review: a return to old ways

The Galaxy S7 is about to hit stores worldwide. With this handset, Samsung has built upon all the strengths of its past phones to deliver a new standard in mobile technology. The S7 is not perfect but it is one of the best Android phones currently on the market. Find out why in our full Samsung Galaxy S7 review. 

Samsung Galaxy S7 release date and price

The Galaxy S7 release date lands on March 11, 2016 but the device can be pre-ordered now. Those who have already placed an order should find a Galaxy S7 on their doorsteps sometime today (March 8).

The Galaxy S7 price is currently set at US$699 for the 32 GB model, and it comes in a four main color variants: black, white, gold and silver. A 64 GB version is also available in some markets (though not in the US).For comparison, the iPhone 6s 16 GB can currently be picked up unlocked for close to the same price – US$680 - US$699 – and the LG G5 will probably start at the same. 

Samsung Galaxy S7 design and build quality

Outwardly, the Galaxy S7 is a minor – but in some ways very important – update to its predecessor. From the front, you could be forgiven for confusing the two devices, with similar button and sensor placements.

Comparing the S7 to other Android phones, it’s undoubtedly more compact, featuring a 5.1-inch display, but it is also perhaps a little thicker than most at 7.9 mm (though you would never describe the device itself as thick).

Like the two-year-old Galaxy S5, the S7 is water resistant. It can survive a quick dip unscathed with IP68 certification: a feature that is also found on the Sony Xperia flagship

The Galaxy S7's dimensions come in at 142.4 x 69.6 x 7.9 mm and it houses an aluminum frame, with a scratch-resistant layer of Gorilla Glass 4 on the front and back.

It’s 1.1 mm thicker than its predecessor, but it's a facet of the design with a two-fold benefit. Firstly, the extra space allows for a 17.6 percent greater battery capacity. Secondly, the camera sensor is less prominent (more on that in a second).

The rear of the Galaxy S7 is where the most visible design changes can be seen. The S7 has laterally curved glass, like that of the Galaxy Note 5, which, combined with its petite frame, provides a sumptuously snug fit in the hand. 

Then there’s the aforementioned camera lens. The sensor protrudes by only 0.46 mm, which helps the device to remain flat when lying on its back. It’s barely noticeable, really, while the Galaxy S6 camera stuck out a distracting 1.7 mm from the device.