Which Samsung Smartphone Should You Opt For: S7 Edge or S8?
When it comes to deciding between the Samsung S7 Edge and S8, the choice can be quite significant, especially given the budget and specific needs you’re pursuing. The Samsung S8, being the more recent model, boasts of newer hardware and a superior screen, although it comes with a higher price tag. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly, yet still powerful phone, the Samsung S7 Edge remains a solid choice with its excellent features and battery life. Below, we provide an in-depth comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Introduction
Samsung has always been at the forefront of smartphone technology, producing flagship devices that continuously push the boundaries. The S8 is the direct successor to the S7 Edge, which was introduced in 2016 and quickly became a favorite among tech enthusiasts. Here, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of both devices, highlighting critical features that can influence your purchase decision.
Advantages of the Samsung S8
The Samsung S8 is a great step forward for Samsung, offering several improvements over the S7 Edge:
Better and More Efficient CPU: The S8’s CPU is significantly faster and more efficient, providing a smoother and more enhanced user experience. Larger Screen with Minimum Bezels: The S8 features a larger screen with minimal bezels, making it an immersive viewing experience. HDR Enabled: High Dynamic Range (HDR) support ensures that the screen can display a wider range of colors and contrast, making photos and videos look more vivid. USB C-type: The inclusion of USB-C improves the charging process and makes it easier to connect various accessories. 8 MP AF Front Camera: The front camera supports auto-focus and is generally considered one of the best among its contemporaries. Gorilla Glass 5: This ensures that the phone is resistant to scratches and cracks from everyday wear and tear. Iris Scanner: This biometric technology provides an extra layer of security by scanning your iris for authentication. New Gear VR Support: The S8 supports Gear VR, enabling a more immersive virtual reality experience. Active Fingerprint Scanner Always Running: This ensures that the phone remains secure, even when you are not actively using it. 64GB Base Variant: The S8 offers a decent amount of storage out of the box, although users can expand this via SD cards.Advantages of the Samsung S7 Edge
The Samsung S7 Edge, despite being older, still holds its own, especially for those on a tighter budget:
Slightly Better Battery Life: The S7 Edge has a slightly longer battery life, providing an additional hour of usage compared to the S8. Camera Hardware is the Same: While the hardware remains the same, the software has undergone significant improvements, leading to better performance. Physical Home Button: If you are more comfortable with a physical home button, the S7 Edge offers that option. Android Nougat Update: The Android Nougat update has made the S7 Edge and S8 interface nearly identical, providing a seamless upgrade path. No Bixby: The absence of Samsung’s Bixby voice assistant can be an advantage, especially if you prefer a simpler experience. Cheaper Price Tag: The S7 Edge is more budget-friendly, making it a viable option for many. 128GB Model Available: Some international markets offer the S7 Edge in a 128GB configuration, providing more storage options. Front Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: This biometric feature provides easy and secure access to your phone. Still a Good Buy in 2017: Even in 2017, the S7 Edge was a solid choice, with most known issues having been addressed.Conclusion
Ultimately, if you have the financial means, the Samsung S8 is the better choice with its advanced features and superior performance. However, if budget constraints are a factor, the Samsung S7 Edge is still a reliable and powerful option, offering excellent battery life and a proven track record. The S8 is a great upgrade but comes with a caveat: the introduction of Bluetooth 5.0 is yet to be fully supported by Android, rendering the S8 as a Bluetooth 4.2 device until Android O releases this feature in mid-2018. This can be a significant drawback for some users. In summary, the S8 offers a more modern and powerful experience with several upgrades and advanced features, while the S7 Edge remains a strong choice for those looking for a budget-friendly, yet capable, device.