When it comes to smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy series has always been at the forefront of innovation. The Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active are two excellent options for those looking for the perfect combination of style and durability. Both models offer impressive features and a cutting-edge design, making it a tough choice for consumers. In this article, we will dive into the exciting world of the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active, comparing their specifications and helping you decide which one is the best fit for your needs. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast who needs a rugged phone or a tech-savvy individual looking for sleek elegance, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s strap in and explore the similarities and differences between the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active.
Inside This Article
- Design and Build
- Display
- Performance and Hardware
- Camera
- Battery Life
- Water and Dust Resistance
- Additional Features
- Price and Availability
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Design and Build
The design and build of a smartphone play a crucial role in determining its overall appeal and user experience. In comparing the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Active, we can uncover the similarities and differences in their design language.
The Galaxy S7 features a sleek and curved glass design that exudes elegance and sophistication. Its slim profile and smooth lines make it comfortable to hold and visually striking. The device is encased in a seamless blend of glass and metal, giving it a premium look and feel.
In contrast, the Galaxy S7 Active is designed with durability as its primary focus. It incorporates rugged elements such as reinforced corners, a thicker body, and a shatter-resistant display. The device is built to withstand harsh conditions, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts or individuals with a more active lifestyle.
Both the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Active feature a fingerprint sensor for added security and convenience. However, the placement differs slightly, with the sensor located on the front home button of the Galaxy S7 and on the back of the Galaxy S7 Active.
Another notable difference is the physical buttons on the Galaxy S7 Active. Unlike the capacitive buttons on the Galaxy S7, the Active variant boasts physical buttons that are easier to press, even when wearing gloves or in wet conditions.
Overall, while the Galaxy S7 focuses on a sleek and visually pleasing design, the Galaxy S7 Active prioritizes ruggedness and durability. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle.
Display
The display plays a crucial role in determining the overall visual experience of a smartphone, and both the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active deliver impressive displays that are sure to captivate users.
The Galaxy S7 features a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 577 pixels per inch. This high pixel density ensures sharp and vibrant visuals, with vivid colors and deep blacks that make images and videos come to life.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S7 Active boasts a slightly larger 5.2-inch Super AMOLED display with the same resolution and pixel density as its sibling. The size difference may not be significant, but it provides a slightly more immersive viewing experience.
Both smartphones utilize the Always-on Display technology, which allows you to view important information such as the time, date, and notifications without needing to wake up the entire screen. This feature not only saves power but also makes it convenient to quickly glance at your phone.
Additionally, both the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active feature excellent sunlight legibility. The displays have high brightness levels and adaptive display technology, which automatically adjusts the screen brightness based on the ambient lighting conditions. This ensures that you can easily read the contents on the screen even in bright outdoor environments.
Moreover, the displays of both devices are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, providing enhanced durability and resistance against scratches. This protection gives users peace of mind, knowing that their display will withstand everyday wear and tear.
Overall, whether you choose the Galaxy S7 or the Galaxy S7 Active, you can expect stunning visuals, vibrant colors, and excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. The display is undoubtedly one of the standout features of both smartphones, ensuring an immersive and enjoyable multimedia experience.
Performance and Hardware
The performance and hardware of a mobile phone play a vital role in determining its overall functionality and user experience. In the case of the comparison between the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active, both phones are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 820 processor, providing excellent speed and efficiency. Paired with 4GB of RAM, these devices are capable of handling multitasking and demanding applications with ease.
When it comes to storage options, both the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active offer 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 256GB using a microSD card. This ample storage capacity allows users to store a vast amount of photos, videos, and other files without worrying about running out of space.
In terms of graphical performance, the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active come equipped with the Adreno 530 GPU, delivering smooth and lag-free gaming experiences. Whether you’re playing graphically-intense games or streaming high-definition videos, these devices are capable of delivering stunning visuals and immersive audio.
Both phones are also equipped with a fingerprint scanner located on the home button, providing convenient and secure unlocking options. Additionally, they support NFC technology, enabling users to make contactless payments using mobile payment services like Samsung Pay.
When it comes to connectivity options, the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active support Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, and NFC. These features ensure fast and reliable connectivity, no matter where you are.
The Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active also come with a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, allowing for faster charging times and more convenient connectivity. Additionally, they both support fast charging and wireless charging, making it easier than ever to keep your device powered up.
Overall, when it comes to performance and hardware, the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active offer top-of-the-line specifications and features. Whether you’re a heavy gamer, a multimedia enthusiast, or a power user, these devices are more than capable of meeting your needs and providing a seamless and enjoyable user experience.
Camera
The camera is one of the most important features to consider when choosing a new smartphone. Both the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active offer impressive camera capabilities, capturing stunning photos and videos. Let’s take a closer look at what each device has to offer in terms of camera technology.
The Galaxy S7 features a 12-megapixel rear camera with a wide f/1.7 aperture, allowing for exceptional low-light performance. This means that you can capture sharp and detailed photos even in challenging lighting conditions. The camera also boasts Dual Pixel technology, which enhances the autofocus speed for quick and accurate capturing of fast-moving subjects.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S7 Active comes with the same 12-megapixel rear camera found on the Galaxy S7. It also offers the wide f/1.7 aperture and Dual Pixel technology, ensuring outstanding image quality and focus speed. Whether you’re capturing outdoor scenery or action-packed moments, the camera on the S7 Active won’t disappoint.
Both smartphones are equipped with a 5-megapixel front camera, allowing you to take high-quality selfies. The front camera on these devices also features an f/1.7 aperture, enabling better low-light performance for your self-portraits.
In terms of camera features, both the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active offer various shooting modes and effects to enhance your photography experience. These include Pro mode, which gives you greater control over settings like ISO and shutter speed, as well as HDR, Panorama, and Beauty modes for professional-looking photos.
Video enthusiasts will appreciate the ability to record 4K video on both devices. This means you can capture stunning videos with incredible detail and clarity. Additionally, the cameras on the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active have built-in optical image stabilization (OIS), which helps to reduce shaky footage for smoother video recording.
Both smartphones also support quick launching of the camera by simply double-tapping the home button. This feature ensures that you can quickly capture those spontaneous moments without missing a beat.
Overall, both the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active excel in the camera department, offering fantastic image quality, impressive low-light performance, and a range of shooting options. Whether you’re a casual photographer or a pro, both devices are more than capable of delivering stunning photos and videos.
Battery Life
The battery life of a mobile phone is a crucial factor to consider, especially for those who rely heavily on their devices throughout the day. When comparing the battery life of the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active, there are a few key differences to take into account.
The Galaxy S7 is equipped with a non-removable 3000mAh battery, while the Galaxy S7 Active boasts a larger 4000mAh battery pack. This means that the S7 Active has the potential to last longer on a single charge, making it a great option for users who need their phone to last all day without worrying about running out of power.
In terms of real-world usage, the Galaxy S7 can easily provide a full day of moderate usage, including browsing the web, checking emails, and using social media apps. However, heavy multitasking, gaming, and media consumption may drain the battery faster.
The Galaxy S7 Active, on the other hand, offers even better battery life due to its increased battery capacity. With the larger battery, it can handle intensive tasks and media playback for an extended period of time. This is especially beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts or individuals who spend long hours away from charging outlets.
Both phones also come with fast charging capabilities, allowing you to quickly recharge your device when you’re running low on battery. With just a short charging session, you can get a significant amount of power that will last you through the day.
Ultimately, if battery life is a top priority for you, the Galaxy S7 Active may be the better choice. Its higher battery capacity and robust performance make it a reliable option for users who require a longer-lasting smartphone.
Water and Dust Resistance
The water and dust resistance feature is becoming increasingly important in modern smartphones, especially for those who lead an active lifestyle or work in challenging environments. Samsung understands this requirement and has equipped both the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Active with impressive levels of water and dust resistance.
The Galaxy S7 comes with an IP68 rating, meaning it is completely dust-proof and can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes without any damage. This level of protection ensures that accidental spills, rain, and even brief dips in water won’t harm the device.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S7 Active takes ruggedness to the next level, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and those who work in challenging environments. With an IP68 rating like the Galaxy S7, it goes the extra mile by meeting the MIL-STD-810G military-grade standards. This means it can withstand extreme conditions such as high altitudes, temperature shocks, and vibrations, making it an incredibly durable and reliable device.
Both the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Active offer peace of mind when it comes to water and dust resistance. Whether you are on a beach vacation, hiking in the mountains, or working in a dusty construction site, you can confidently use your phone without worrying about potential damage from water or debris.
Moreover, the water and dust resistance feature of the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Active doesn’t compromise functionality. You can still fully enjoy the convenience of the touch screen, access all the ports and buttons, and make use of the various features offered by these smartphones without any hindrance.
It’s worth noting that while the water and dust resistance feature is an important aspect to consider, it’s always advisable to take necessary precautions to avoid exposing your device to extreme conditions. Although the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Active are designed to handle water and dust, it’s still best to prevent unnecessary exposure to ensure the longevity and performance of your phone.
Additional Features
The Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Active come packed with a range of additional features that enhance the user experience and set them apart from other smartphones on the market.
One standout feature is the always-on display, which allows you to view important information like the time, date, and notifications without having to wake up the device. This feature not only saves battery life but also provides quick and easy access to key information at a glance.
Another notable addition is the fingerprint sensor, located on the home button of both devices. This provides an extra layer of security and convenience, allowing you to unlock your phone or authorize payments with a simple touch of your finger.
Both smartphones also include Samsung Pay, which enables you to securely make payments at participating merchants using your phone. This convenient mobile payment system supports both NFC (Near Field Communication) and MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) technologies, making it compatible with a wide range of payment terminals.
For those who enjoy listening to music on their smartphones, the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Active come with a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing you to connect your favorite wired headphones or earphones without the need for adapters.
Additionally, both phones have expandable storage options, with a microSD card slot that supports up to 256GB of additional storage. This means you can easily expand the device’s memory to store more photos, videos, and apps without worrying about running out of space.
Finally, both devices support fast charging and wireless charging capabilities. This means you can quickly recharge your phone using a compatible charger, or simply place it on a wireless charging pad for a hassle-free charging experience.
Price and Availability
When it comes to purchasing a new smartphone, price and availability are essential factors to consider. Let’s take a closer look at the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active in terms of their pricing and availability.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 was first released in March 2016 with a starting price of $699. However, since then, the price has significantly dropped, making it more affordable for consumers. You can now find the Galaxy S7 priced around $399, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S7 Active was released shortly after the Galaxy S7 and is marketed as a more rugged and durable version of the flagship device. The Galaxy S7 Active was initially priced at $799, but like the Galaxy S7, its price has also decreased, now available at around $499.
When it comes to availability, it’s worth noting that the Samsung Galaxy S7 is widely available in various online and physical stores. You can easily find it in popular retail outlets and carriers, as well as on e-commerce platforms.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S7 Active has a more limited availability. It is typically exclusive to certain carriers, and you might need to check with your carrier to see if they offer the Galaxy S7 Active in their lineup.
Conclusion
After comparing the specifications of the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active, it is clear that both devices offer impressive features and capabilities. Both phones sport powerful processors, stunning displays, and excellent cameras, providing a great user experience overall.
However, there are a few key differences to consider. The Galaxy S7 Active boasts a rugged design and enhanced durability, making it a perfect choice for those who lead an active lifestyle or work in challenging environments. On the other hand, the Galaxy S7 offers a sleek and stylish design that appeals to users looking for a more premium look and feel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize durability and ruggedness, the Galaxy S7 Active is the way to go. But if you want a phone that combines performance and style, the Galaxy S7 is the ideal choice.
Regardless of which device you choose, you can’t go wrong with either the Galaxy S7 or the Galaxy S7 Active. Both phones offer a fantastic smartphone experience, with powerful features, excellent performance, and the reliability that Samsung is known for.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active?
The Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active are both versions of the popular Samsung flagship phone. However, the Galaxy S7 Active is designed to be more rugged and durable compared to the standard Galaxy S7. It features a shatter-resistant screen, a larger battery, and enhanced resistance to dust and water. The Galaxy S7 Active is perfect for individuals who need a phone that can withstand more challenging environments.
2. Are the specifications of the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active identical?
In terms of core specifications, the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Active are quite similar. They both have the same processor, memory, and camera capabilities. However, as mentioned earlier, the Galaxy S7 Active has additional features like a shatter-resistant screen and a larger battery. These extra features cater to users who prioritize durability and extended phone usage.
3. Can the Galaxy S7 Active be used as a regular everyday phone?
Definitely! While the Galaxy S7 Active is designed to handle more rugged conditions, it can still be used as a regular everyday phone. It offers all the features and functionalities of a standard smartphone, including making calls, texting, browsing the internet, and running applications. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or someone who simply wants a phone that can handle rougher use, the Galaxy S7 Active is a great option.
4. Is the Galaxy S7 Active compatible with all carriers?
The Galaxy S7 Active is designed to be compatible with major carriers. However, it is always recommended to check with your specific carrier to ensure compatibility before making a purchase. Different carriers may have specific network requirements or restrictions that could affect the functionality of the phone.
5. Can the Galaxy S7 Active still take high-quality photos and videos?
Yes, the Galaxy S7 Active is equipped with a high-resolution camera that allows you to capture stunning photos and videos. It boasts a 12-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, which ensures excellent image quality. So, whether you’re capturing beautiful landscapes, taking selfies, or recording memorable moments, the Galaxy S7 Active delivers impressive results.
