Samsung Galaxy Note 7 vs Galaxy S7 Edge First Look

Samsung took the wraps off of the latest addition to their Galaxy Note series, and while the launch is as exciting as always, there aren't a lot of surprises, given the flurry of leaks that preceded the announcement.

As expected, the Galaxy Note 7 shares a lot of features with the Galaxy S7 Edge, but is there enough of a difference to really distinguish between the two? We find out, as we take a quick look at the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 vs Galaxy S7 Edge!

While the Galaxy Note series and the Galaxy S line have typically featured some separation in the past, things have been a lot more similar in terms of design and build quality since Samsung introduced their new direction in this regard. Like its predecessor and corresponding Galaxy S smartphones, the Note 7 comes with a metal and glass unibody construction, with glass on the front and rear panels, and a metal frame with rounded corners and tapered edges.

Both the Galaxy Note 7 and S7 Edge feel extremely solid, and are very comfortable hold. They are both also huge fingerprint magnets, but that is no longer surprising, and has become a predictable characteristic of any smartphone that is made predominantly of glass.

While Samsung introduced a separate Galaxy S6 Edge Plus last year – which brought the curved edge setup to a larger device – Samsung has decided to introduce this feature to the Galaxy Note series itself, with the Galaxy Note 7 featuring a display with curved edges on both sides. It's not quite as drastic as what is seen with the Galaxy S7 Edge, but you can definitely tell that it is there. However, the metal rails are thicker on the Galaxy Note 7, so issues with accidental presses with your palm or fingers that you may faced with the thinner Galaxy S7 Edge shouldn't be as much of a problem this time around.

Speaking of the display, both smartphones feature standard Super AMOLED screens with Quad HD resolutions, with the Galaxy S7 Edge featuring a slightly smaller 5.5-inch display, compared to the 5.7-inch one of the Galaxy Note 7. Both displays are extremely sharp, bright, with a lot of contrast, and vivid, and offer everything that we've come to expect from Samsung.

With the Galaxy Note 7 offering a larger display, it is obviously also going to be the larger of the two smartphones, but not by a large margin, with the device still feeling extremely manageable in one hand. In fact, while the phone and its predecessor feature the same display size, the Note 7 is actually a couple of millimeters narrower, which may not seem significant, but does help make the handling experience that much better.

The buttons and ports are all in the same positions, with the headphone jack and single speaker unit found at the bottom, but with the Galaxy Note 7, Samsung has finally made the jump to USB Type-C, while the Galaxy S7 Edge comes with a microUSB port. Of course, the Note device also comes with the signature S-Pen that is found nestled into its slot next to the speaker.

The USB Type-C port also allows for fast charging capabilities, but the Galaxy S7 Edge does feature it as well. As far as the batteries are concerned, despite being the larger of the two, the Galaxy Note 7 comes with a slightly smaller 3,500 mAh battery, compared to the 3,600 mAh unit of the S7 Edge. The difference is small enough that it shouldn't make too much of a difference between the battery life available with both, but more testing will obviously be required before we can draw any conclusions.

Related: Samsung Galaxy S7 battery life review102

The rest of the hardware is where both these smartphones are extremely similar. You get fingerprint sensors up front, and both smartphones are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, backed by the Adreno 530 GPU and 4 GB of RAM. Those who were hoping for a bump in the RAM to 6 GB with the Galaxy Note 7 may be disappointed, but regardless, both smartphones are plenty, and equally, powerful. With Vulkan-supported games being released alongside the launch of the Galaxy Note 7, that is something you will be able to take advantage of right out of the box.

Samsung re-introduced staples like microSD expansion and dust and water resistance with the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, and its great to see these features make their way over the Galaxy Note 7 as well. In the case of the Note 7, the protection from the elements extends not only to the phone itself, but the S-Pen too, which means that if you were so inclined, you could use the S-Pen to take notes under water.

The S-Pen has also been improved, and now comes with a smaller tip that mimics that of a ballpoint pen, and comes with more layers of pressure sensitivity, allowing for a more precise and accurate writing experience.

A few new features and enhancements have also been added to take advantage of the improved S-Pen, including the ability to translate text or images by hovering, magnify the screen, and create GIFs. The screen-off memo adds the option to scroll to let you write longer memos, and it has also been integrated into the Always On Display feature, so that you can see a note that you wrote without having to unlock the phone.

The camera setup is also identical, with both smartphones coming with a 12 MP rear camera and a 5 MP front-facing shooter. Considering the fact that the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge feature some of the best cameras in the smartphone game right now, we can certainly expect that to be true with the Galaxy Note 7 as well.

Where things have changed is the camera software. While it still has the same features and functions that were seen with the Galaxy S7 Edge, the updated camera app has been revamped with a slightly different look, and Samsung has made it a lot easier to navigate, using swipe gestures. Now, you can swipe to the left to get to the camera effects, to the right to access all the different camera modes, and finally, swipe down to switch to the front-facing camera.

Sitting to the left of that front-facing camera is the latest addition to the Samsung smartphone feature set, an iris scanner. The scanner uses infrared to scan your eyes, and seems to work extremely well, especially for a first generation feature, and allows for an additional layer of security on top of Samsung's already reliable fingerprint sensor.

On the software side of things, you get Android 6.0 Marshmallow with TouchWiz on top with both smartphones, and for the most part, the experience is largely the same. Samsung has continued to further streamline the software package though, as is noticeable in the cleaner notification dropdown and Settings menu, and it's nice to see Samsung continue improve the TouchWiz interface. To take advantage of the curved edges, the Galaxy Note 7 also comes with the Edge UX features, so panels like Apps Edge, Tasks Edge, People Edge, Stocks, Sports Scores, and News, are all available with a swipe of your finger.

So, there you have it for this quick look at the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 vs the Galaxy S7 Edge! Both devices do share a lot of design elements and features, but the latest Galaxy Note device does have a few tricks up its sleeve, including the improved S-Pen, an easier to use camera app, more streamlined software experience, and an iris scanner.

Does the Galaxy Note 7 bring enough to the table to separate itself from Samsung's other flagship smartphones though, or is it essentially a Galaxy S7 Edge with a S-Pen? Do share your thoughts in the comments section below, and stay tuned with Android Authority as we continue to bring you more coverage of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7!

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Samsung Galaxy Note 7 vs iPhone 6s Plus first look

Considered the titans in the mobile space – due to their incredible girth and feature-packed goodness – phablets have fast become the norm amongst consumers. Manufacturers have generally reserved them for being geared towards productivity conscious users, and from the looks of it all, that's not going to stop anytime soon. In the space right now, however, there are arguably two smartphones that will be scrutinized moreover than most.

Apple's iPhone 6s Plus is still helping to diversify the company's smartphone portfolio, by filling in that space for those who love big phones, but Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Note 7 is shaping up to be the phablet to beat as we head into the fall season. While they both have their own set of specifications, and features, we've managed to spend a little of time comparing the two against one another. So with that in mind, let's dive right on in and see which is the preliminary king of the phablets.

For the most part, these two smartphones exude prime designs that don't disappoint, mainly because their respective makers have kept a keen eye on every aspect of their constructions. The iPhone 6s Plus' unibody aluminum chassis manages to keep a cleaner, more uniform look that does nicely to repel finger print smudges. At the same time, the aluminum material definitely gives the phone a stronger sense of sturdiness – something that undeniably gives some people more confidence to its resilience to scratches and minor drops.

What's most apparent about the two of them, though, is how Samsung has managed to slim down the overall size of the Note 7. It's pretty amazing to tell you the truth, since the Note 7 is narrower, shorter, and even lighter than its rival, which makes it less unwieldy to hold than the iPhone 6s Plus. Sure, the glass and metal construction makes it a bit more fragile, but Samsung has added one particular change that some will view as forward-moving – and that's the fact that it's now water resistant. That's something that few phones can say that they offer, so it's a step up from what we've been given previously.

If we're to glaze over the specs of their respective displays, the Note 7 would obviously raise more eyebrows than the iPhone 6s Plus, not only for the fact that it's able to cram in a larger sized screen, but also because it's a higher resolution as well. The Note 7 sports a 5.7-inch Quad-HD Super AMOLED screen while a 5.5-inch 1080p Retina Display adorns the front of the iPhone 6s Plus. Don't get us wrong, the higher resolution is nice, giving it more detail and better pixel density count, but you won't notice any difference if you're to look at both screen from a normal viewing distance.

Siding with different display technologies, the characteristics that have preceded their reputation seem to be apparent yet again. The Super AMOLED panel of the Note 7, in particular, offers exceptional viewing angles and that deep pitch black color tone we're familiar with. Meanwhile, the Retina Display continues to show strong luminance that makes it viewable in the brightest of conditions.

They even have their uniqueness as well, like the 3D Touch feature of the iPhone 6s Plus and the curved edges of the Note 7. While it's difficult to say at the moment which of the two has the superior display, we can safely say that they don't disappoint at all either.

Apple's iPhones have shown to us all that specs don't necessarily dictate performance solely, as the dual-core Apple A9 chip and 2GB combination proves that fact with its buttery smooth performance. Whether it's surfing the web, to playing some of today's demanding 3D games, Apple's phablet champion rarely exhibits stutter or sluggishness.

The Note 7 in comparison will be powered by two different chips, the Snapdragon 821 for the US and Exynos 8893 for global markets, coupled with a generous 4GB of RAM. Given the performance output of the two previous chipsets, you can expect even better results with the Note 7 compared to previous Samsung flagships. Right now, we can say that it's buttery smooth, but it'll be intriguing if it'll be able to retain the same level of intensity after months of use.

Storage-wise, most people will agree that the Note 7 has an advantage because of its expansion. That's attributed to the iPhone 6s Plus being made available in three options (16/64/128GB), but with each one, they're separated by a $100 gap. In contrast, the Note 7 offers users flexibility in the form of its microSD card slot, which helps to supplement its base internal tally of 64GB. Now that's what we'd like to call generous!

As premium smartphones, it's no shock to anyone that they each boast their own fingerprint sensors, which are incorporated into their respective home buttons. However, that's where the similarities pretty much end, since it becomes increasingly evident that Samsung has slapped a ton of other features that you won't find in Apple's plablet.

First, let's talk about the new S Pen – something that has been and continues to be a focal point for the series. Beyond being even more precise when it comes to measuring varying degrees of pressure, Samsung has added water resistance to the S Pen's design, while also throwing in a barrage of new stuff with the software; such as being able to make gifs.

Secondly, it should be noted that the Note 7 is crammed with other hardware goodies that diversify its overall portfolio. Out of the bunch, the most notable and newest addition is the iris scanner that's position above the display – allowing for yet another layer of security for the phone. It's not something you'll find in the iPhone 6s Plus, naturally. Rounding out the mix, the other goodies found with the Note 7 that aren't available with the iPhone 6s Plus include the heart rate sensor and wireless charging.

When it comes to cameras, Apple and Samsung have solid reputations with their devices to ensure that whatever they come out with next, they'll undoubtedly perform solidly to be considered top-performers for the next year. The iPhone 6s Plus' rear camera, a 12MP 1/3" sensor featuring an f/2.2 aperture lens, phase detection auto-focus, and dual tone LED flash, has proven to be significant contender with its all-around performance. In low light situations even, it has excelled in producing sharp looking images with very little quirks.

Being the newer of the two, Samsung's new phablet is retooled with a 12MP 1/2.6" sensor, which features a wide f/1.7 aperture lens, OIS, phase detection auto-focus, and dual-LED flash. The specs are solid no matter how you dissect it, but we're really itching to see its actual performance. Given Samsung's reputation and existing performance with the Galaxy S7 family, you can bet that this one will surely follow in the same path.

In terms of video, the two can shoot in all sorts of resolutions – from 1080p, all the way up to 4K. What'll be interesting, though, is if there's any sort of improvement to its slow motion capture. Right now, the iPhone 6s Plus is excellent when it comes to this, by being able to shoot at 120FPS at 1080p resolution and even 240FPS at 720p. Where the Note 7 has an advantage right now from what we can see, is in the camera's software because there's a host of modes to choose from – whereas with the iPhone 6s Plus, it's still pretty limiting with what it offers.

Apple has taken the path of simplicity and straightforwardness with iOS, something that hasn't let up with each iteration of the platform. That, actually, is partly why people like Apple's mobile operating system so much, just because it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out. With the iPhone 6s Plus, the amount of real-estate with its display enables it to be a more appropriate productivity-centric smartphone, thanks to how there's a certain level of multi-tasking with it, but it still largely doesn't have the same completeness given off by the Note 7.

Functionally, the Note 7 is superior and paramount when it comes to this. While the foundation of TouchWiz hasn't changed dramatically over the last couple devices in the Note line, the Note 7 nonetheless looks set to be the smartphone of choice for users who are serious about getting work done on the move. From its true multi-tasking functionality, to the all the useful situations where the S Pen proves to be invaluable, the Note 7's customized Android experience is unrivaled.

These two phones really have nothing to prove, that's just the honest truth. Until the next version of Apple's phablet is revealed, the iPhone 6s Plus will continue to be a top-contender in the phablet space. Sales alone is an indication of its popularity, proving that there's still plenty of gas left in the tank for this one. And you know what? The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will certainly find itself as a top-contender as well, not because of all that's new with it, but for the fact that the Note line has always been highly-acclaimed.

To Samsung's credit, though, they've added several new things to the Note 7 that continues to widen the gap. From its new water-resistant construction, to the addition of an iris scanner, and the new S Pen functions, the Note 7 doesn't disappoint by being regarded as the Swiss Army Knife of smartphones. Like seriously, is there nothing that this phone can't do or accomplish?

What will matter the most between the two is pricing. Even though Samsung has yet to reveal its full price, we certainly hope it's not going to be  dramatically more than what the iPhone 6s Plus is selling at right now – and that's at $749 for the base model. While we would be forgiving to see the Note 7 chiming it at around the $800 to $850 mark, anything more than that might be pushing the threshold for some.

Think about it for a second, would you be willing to fork over $900+ for it? Now that's a tough decision, so we're curious to see where the Note 7 will land. In the meantime, which of these two would you pick and why? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Samsung will soon open up its Iris Scanner to 3rd party developers

The cutting-edge iris scanner is easily one of the most interesting features of the newly announced Note 7, being that the flagship largely carries over the same components we've already seen this year from Samsung with the S7 family. Some folks may dismiss it as just a fancy way to unlock your phone, but diving into the details shows a lot more promise for the biometric sensor.

Iris scanning opens up a lot of doors in regard to security while the phone is in use. Take for instance Samsung's new Secure Folder feature. You can pick and choose which documents, media, and apps require an extra level of access. The quick scan could also get you through login prompts that ask for passwords you can never remember. Even better, we have learned Samsung will soon open up  the system up to third-party app developers. 

See also: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 iris scanner: here is how it works4

Samsung says it will soon release a special API, within the Samsung Pass Program, that will allow developers to tinker with the biometric hardware for content security within their apps. A nifty use case we've heard about is online banking apps requiring a scan before jumping into your accounts. We're sure clever app developers won't take long to think up even more unique ideas like secret phone dialers and message apps, secure ways to log into your favorite services, and more. 

Are you excited about the new form of authentication or think that the fingerprint scanner was plenty sufficient? Is there any custom use of the iris sensor that you'd like to see?

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Samsung Galaxy Note 7 whistles while working in new ad campaign

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has been officially unveiled, and naturally Samsung has prepared a handful of ad spots for this flashy new phablet. A trio of commercials is now hitting the airwaves, showcasing the Note 7's gorgeous 5.7 inch QHD Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 820 processor powered by 4GB of RAM, iris scanner, and fingerprint scanner.

See also: Galaxy Note 7 vs the competition28

However, perhaps what's most important about showcasing the Galaxy Note 7 is its sense of style. Samsung is pitching this device as the ideal tool for the savvy, hardworking underdog. It's a device for people on the go with things to do. People who need to get work done in a timely, efficient manner. People who are willing to go the extra mile for their idea or small business.

It's a work over play emphasis, which is fairly interesting since the device's large display and powerful processing capabilities make it a dream for entertainment or gaming. Nevertheless, Samsung is marketing the Note 7 as a tool, not a toy.

See also: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 availability: what we know so far4

It's clear to see why. The S-Pen functionality makes this device perfect for taking notes on the go or sketching out plans on the spur of the moment. These ads throw the spotlight on the smartphone's utility, not its luxury.

What are your thoughts so far on the Galaxy Note 7 and the way Samsung is marketing it? Give these videos a watch, then let us know your take in the comments below!

Next: This is the Samsung Galaxy Note 7122

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Chrome just snagged less demanding video, better data saving

Do you still find yourself frustrated with Chrome on Android's performance and power consumption? Well, Version 52 is promising improvements on both fronts, and this update to the popular mobile browser is available now.

Most importantly, Google has diminished Chrome's video load lag so that your video will start playing up to five times faster than before. Furthermore, you should see less hardware related skips and pauses during playback.

You'll likely have an easier time recognizing the improvements when playing short videos in Chrome 52, because brief clips ask less of your device's RAM and processing power.

See also: Say bye to the Chrome app launcher34

The Chrome update also adds more support for Data Saver Mode, a feature introduced last fall to preserve power and data by serving up lightweight versions of videos. You can save up to 50 percent on data by using Data Saver Mode.

It's been more than two years now since mobile overtook fixed internet, including as desktop and laptop PCs. Google's latest work with the Chrome browser continues to make browsing from your smartphone smoother and more intuitive.

So what are you thoughts on the new update for this popular browser on Android? Will this encourage you to turn to the app for video more often, or will you is video streaming not particularly a concern of yours? Click the button below to download the latest version of the app from the Google Play Store, and let us know what you think of the improvements in the comments!

Get it in the Play Store Next: Best Android browsers of 201699

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Samsung admits it disappointed Note fans in Europe last year

Last year saw Samsung announce the Galaxy Note 5, only to then omit it from sale in Europe and despite months of rumors, coupled with a petition to launch the Note 5 in Europe that reached 10,000 signatures, the company held fast. Well, one year on the company has fittingly decided to address the elephant in the room and rather fittingly, it did so during the European launch of the new Galaxy Note 7.

At an event in London, Samsung Europe CMO David Lowes took to the stage acknowledge that the company left its loyal Note customers disappointed with its decision not to launch the Note 5 here last year. During his presentation on the new Note 7, Lowes referenced last year's decision by saying

At Samsung we listen to our customers and we disappointed our Note fans by not offering (the Note 5) in Europe.

He then continued by referencing the petition last year – "I can't think of any phone that's supported a campaign around its return" – and saying that the petition, showed that Europeans do in fact want the latest Note smartphone.

With that, Lowes continued by digging further into the new Note 7 and if you're a European Note fan, you'll be glad to know that the Note 7 is launching in Europe on September 2, with pre-orders launching August 16 and early pre-orders being delivered three days before the official release.

• Samsung Galaxy Note 7 officially announced: everything you need to know
• Hands on: this is the Samsung Galaxy Note 7
• Galaxy Note 7 vs the competition
• Poll: What would you change about the Samsung Galaxy Note 7?
• Galaxy Note 7 vs Galaxy Note 5 first look: the difference a year makes
• Samsung Galaxy Note 7 iris scanner: here is how it works
• Galaxy Note 7 color comparison: gold, silver, black & blue
• Note-worthy: Taking a closer look at the new S Pen

Are you going to buy the Note 7 and did you pine for the Galaxy Note 5 last year? Let us know your views in the comments below and check out our awesome Note 7 content above.

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