Buzz
The Galaxy S7 utilizes the latest Snapdragon 820/Exynos 8890 processors, 4GB RAM, IP68 water resistance, and notably, a cutting-edge liquid cooling system previously introduced in Microsoft's Lumia 950XL. While these specifications are top-notch, Samsung's flagship isn't guaranteed dominance, given the considerable competition it faces.
Rival 1: LG G5
LG seems to have carefully strategized to introduce an entirely new G Series smartphone that breaks away from its previous conventions. The LG G5's comprehensive overhaul has garnered significant attention, especially in comparison to the Galaxy S7, which was introduced around the same time.
While the Galaxy S7 may appear similar to its predecessor, the S6, at first glance, the LG G5 boasts a completely fresh exterior compared to its predecessors. The G5 adopts a unique modular design, offering extensive hardware customization and upgrades unlike any other smartphone.
Enhanced Sound Quality for G5 with the Hi-Fi Plus module from B&O, or Capture Professional Photos with the Cam Plus module accompanied by a 1200mAh auxiliary battery. Other accessories launched alongside the LG G5, such as the 360 CAM camera and the 360VR virtual reality glasses, overshadow the 'toys' of the S7.
Both models have noteworthy improvements in their cameras. Samsung enhances image quality for the S7 instead of chasing higher 'megapixels.' Meanwhile, LG utilizes two cameras with different lens angles to capture better shots for various needs.
Rival 2: Xiaomi Mi 5
The Mi5 is Xiaomi's flagship introduced around the same time as the Galaxy S7. It features a back design quite similar to the curved edges of the Galaxy Note 5, using premium ceramic material.
The Xiaomi Mi5's display has a FullHD resolution, significantly lower than the 2K on the S7, yet due to its 5.15-inch screen size, the Mi5 still achieves a very high pixel density, completely eliminating the phenomenon of pixelation. The hardware configuration of the Xiaomi Mi5 is also high with the Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB RAM, promising to deliver performance on par with the Galaxy S7. The Mi 5's camera boasts a 16-megapixel resolution with 4-axis optical image stabilization, advertised to have better stabilization than the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus.
Although a detailed comparison between these two smartphones is yet to be evaluated, the Xiaomi Mi5 is still considered a worthy rival to the Samsung Galaxy S7.
Rival 3: Sony Xperia X Performance
The X Performance emerges as a completely unexpected story from Sony, as the tech world scarcely had any leaks. Leading Sony's X Series lineup, it inherits the Omni Balance design from the iconic Z Series. The most apparent difference is perhaps the unified color scheme of the X Performance on both the front and back.
The specifications of the Sony Xperia X Performance and Samsung Galaxy S7 are quite similar with the latest Snapdragon 820 chip (S7 in some markets using Samsung's Exynos 8890 chip). The S7 surpasses with 4GB RAM compared to 3GB on the X Performance. While Sony's phone features a FullHD resolution display, seemingly weaker than the S7's 2K screen, the X Performance's battery life may be slightly better than the S7's as a result.
With a 23-megapixel camera, Exmor RS sensor, f/2.0 aperture, the Sony X Performance excels in 'megapixels' compared to the Galaxy S7's 12-megapixel f/1.7. However, the image quality between these two 'beasts' remains a big question mark for us to explore.
