Summer '16 update
It's been a dramatic year for Samsung and its Galaxy line. After introducing the Galaxy S7 to rave reviews in March -- we still love it, by the way -- along came the Galaxy S7 Active. Equipped with a beautiful display, speedy processor, microSD card slot, excellent 12-megapixel rear camera, and the largest battery Samsung ever put in a smartphone, the Galaxy S7 Active received some unwelcome attention for issues related to its most highly-touted feature: waterproofing -- or its lack thereof.
While still a very decent phone overall, the Galaxy S7 Active's inconsistent performance in the water has sapped our enthusiasm, and we can no longer recommend the phone with complete confidence. (Note that Samsung released a statement that it has identified and fixed a problem on the manufacturing line.)
Meanwhile, Samsung's Galaxy Note 7, rumored to feature a 5.7-inch curved screen, USB-C port, and iris scanner for unlocking the phone with your eyes, will be officially unveiled on August 2 in New York atSamsung's Note 7 "Unpacked" event. And of course, there's the forthcoming iPhone 7, expected to come in early September, and rumored to include three models -- an iPhone 7, an iPhone 7 Plus, and an iPhone 7 Pro -- all of which may (or may not) include a new waterproofing feature.
Editors' note: The original Samsung Galaxy S7 review, published in March 2016 and updated since then, follows.
The ultimate way to test a new phone? Travel with it. When you're seeing sights and losing yourself to the moment, there's no room to tolerate a poor camera or buggy software, slow speed or short battery life. If there's a flaw, you'll find it.
So I tested the Samsung Galaxy S7 in London and Berlin, while colleagues also took it for a spin in San Francisco and Sydney. And you know what? It did great. Better than great. In fact, the S7 was an awesome phone that never cracked under the pressure of being the only way I take pictures and navigate completely unfamiliar terrain, all while keeping battery life going during long days out.
Straight up: the Galaxy S7 is the best all-around phone out today. It's superior to the excellent Google Nexus 6P, Apple iPhone 6S, LG G5 and HTC 10. In fact, the only phone that surpasses it is its own fraternal twin, the larger, curvy-screen S7 Edge, which is technically my top pick -- but only if you're willing to splurge. Sure, there are some potentially worthy rivals out beyond the horizon -- the iPhone 7, the next Nexus model, and the Galaxy Note 6. But none of them will likely be on the market for months to come. So, for now, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge remain the best phones money can buy.
Here's what I found (along with fellow S7-testers) while using the S7 around Europe. You can also scroll to the end for a specs comparison chart.
THE GOOD Polished design. Awesome camera. Long battery life. microSD storage slot and water-resistant (again!).
THE BAD Annoyingly reflective. Smudge magnet. Plastic-looking selfies even with no filter. No removable battery, which isn't surprising, but is still a compromise compared to 2014's S5.
THE BOTTOM LINE The fast, powerful, beautiful Galaxy S7 phone is 2016's all-around phone to beat.
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