Ever since Samsung unveiled the Samsung Galaxy S7 edgesmartphone, their flagship S and Note smartphones have all been IP68-certified to be dust- and water-resistant.
Let’s take a look at the engineering behind the Samsung’s IP68 rating, and clarify its limitations, so you can enjoy your Samsung smartphones for many years to come!
What Samsung introduced in their flagship smartphones from the Galaxy S7 edge onwards was IP68 dust- and water-resistance without prior preparation.
Unlike prior water-resistant smartphones, you don’t need to prepare it in any way before you dunk it into water. There is no need to cap the earphone and USB ports. It is dust- and water-resistant 24/7.
To achieve this feat, Samsung introduced a number of engineering improvements :
An unspecified “new type of water resistance technology” was used to seal the unit internally against the ingress of water,
An “exclusive type of water protective tape” was added to the back of the front and rear glass, as well as other internal parts,
Rubber linings were used on parts like the USB port, the earphone port, and the SIM card tray to prevent the ingress of water
Anti-corrosive materials like nickel and platinum and corrosive-resistant coating were used for all external metal parts and connectors like the earphone and USB ports,
The USB port has a short circuit sensor to cut-off power when it detects a short circuit due to water contact
Portable electronic vents were used to ensure a good flow of air and outflow of water and humidity
As you can see, a lot of engineering went into ensuring that Samsung smartphones are dust- and water-resistant, while remaining ultra-slim.
Teardowns by iFixit also showed considerable use of adhesive in subsequent models, all the way to the latest Samsung Galaxy Note 10+, to maintain this IP68-rated dust and water-resistance.
Is The Samsung S Pen IP68 Rated Too?
The S Pen of IP68-rated Galaxy Note devices are also IP68-rated against dust and water. However, the S Pen requires slightly different techniques to achieve such water-resistance :
its printed circuit board (PCB) is covered with a special epoxy material
rubber seals are used to seal off vulnerable passageways
important components like the pen pressure switch are also covered by rubber seals
This allows the pen tip to move as needed, while preventing the ingress of water that will damage the internal components of the S Pen.
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Samsung IP68 Rating Clarified
All Samsung smartphones that are IP68-rated can withstand complete immersion in water up to 1.5 m in depth, for up to 30 minutes.
This means you can take it for jogs in the rain, or reading in the bathtub. However, we must point out that IP68 is a rating for water immersion.
IP68-rated devices are NOT designed to withstand water pressure. We therefore do not recommend you take it into the shower or while you swim.
The IP68 certification is based on a specific set of test conditions :
Temperature Range : 15-35 °C
Pressure Range : 86-106 kPa
Maximum Water Depth : 1.5 metre
Maximum Time of Immersion : 30 minutes
If you exceed those conditions, Samsung’s IP68 measures may not prevent the ingress of water.
In fact, if you check your User Guide, you will see that Samsung warns against exposing their IP68 smartphones to “water moving with force“.
This means you should not place them under running water from a tap or a waterfall. Even ocean waves may exert enough force to drive water into their chassis.
Summary : IP68 = Water-Resistance, NOT Waterproofing
The takeaway message is this – Samsung IP68 smartphones are water-resistant, not waterproof. You need to be gentle with them when they are exposed to water.
The biggest problem is water pressure, not depth. You can leave it at the bottom of a swimming pool without worry, but the force of water from a tap can exceed the IP68 pressure rating.
Do NOT do this!!! Never pour water on your device, because it exerts pressure!
Let’s consider a real-world scenario – taking photos and videos while snorkelling.
You won’t reach a depth of 1.5 m when you snorkel. But swinging your device underwater could literally force water into the chassis!
That doesn’t mean you cannot use your device underwater. You can, but you must make sure not to exert too much force. Take it in and out of the water gently, and if you have to move, do so gently.
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Samsung announced in June 2017 that they were killing off My Knox, replacing it with Samsung Secure Folder that ships with the Samsung Galaxy S8 / S8 Plus and Galaxy Note8 smartphones.
Secure Folder is compatible with the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge smartphones that have been upgraded to Android 7.0 Nougat.
Updated @ 2017-12-22 : Revamped the article, adding a migration guide, and a final email from Samsung.
Updated @ 2017-11-16 : Added a new email from Samsung with a confirmed end-of-service date for My Knox.
Originally posted @ 2017-06-07
Samsung Kills My Knox
In early June 2017, Samsung announced that they’re killing My Knox, and replacing it with Secure Folder. The end-of-life date was set for 19 December 2017.
Beginning 20 December 2017, the My Knox app would no longer be available to download from the Google Play Store. The My Knox portal will also be disabled – you won’t be able to login.
Samsung replaced My Knox with their new Secure Folder solution. They promise that it is a superior solution.
Samsung Secure Folder
Samsung Secure Folder is a new security solution that leverages the defense-grade Samsung Knox security platform to create a private, encrypted space on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone running on Android 7.0 Nougat or better.
It is available in the Samsung Galaxy S8 / S8 Plus and Galaxy Note8 smartphones, but can be downloaded and installed in the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge smartphones that have been upgraded to Android 7.0 Nougat.
As no Mobile Device Management (MDM) is required, it is suitable for both personal and business usage. Here are additional details :
Apps and data can be installed or created within Secure Folder, or moved there from outside.
Apps and data moved to Secure Folder are kept separate, leveraging SE for Android – preventing unauthorized communication between apps inside and outside.
Application data and files are encrypted with defense-grade Sensitive Data Protection (SDP) technology – using 256-bit AES cipher algorithm to secure data.
Data remains encrypted even after the user has exited Secure Folder or has turned off the device, and is decrypted when a user successfully authenticates himself / herself.
It can also be used alongside Knox Workspace, enabling two Knox container solutions at the same time.
This allows users to have access to both a dedicated work environment (Knox Workspace), as well as a secure personal area (Secure Folder).
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How To Migrate From My Knox To Secure Folder
Fortunately, Samsung made it easy to migrate your private data from My Knox to Secure Folder. Here are the steps :
Log into the My Knox app
Go to My Knox Settings, and select Backup and restore.
Backup your My Knox data (you’ll need a Samsung account to do this).
Install and setup Secure Folder, if you have not already done so.
Log into Secure Folder.
Go to Secure Folder Settings, and select Backup and restore.
Select Restore (using the same Samsung account), and you’re done!
if you are worried about the dangers of backing up your encrypted data to the cloud (it is encrypted!), you can use this alternative method :
Log into the My Knox app.
Copy the data out into the Samsung smartphone, or a secure computer
Install and setup Secure Folder, if you have not already done so.
Move the data into Secure Folder.
Samsung My Knox Termination Chronology
In early June 2017, Samsung sent out this email to all registered Samsung users :
First Samsung warning about terminating My Knox
My Knox will no longer be available on new Samsung devices in 2017. You may continue your secure space experience by setting up Secure Folder, available now from Galaxy Apps.
Secure Folder runs on Android N OS or higher versions only. It leverages the defence-grade Samsung Knox security platform to create a private, encrypted space on your Samsung Galaxy phone. Applications and data moved to Secure Folder are partitioned separately on the device and gain an additional layer of security and privacy.
To seamlessly transfer your private content between solutions, please back up your My Knox data and restore it to Secure Folder. To back up your My Knox data, go to My Knox settings > Backup and restore. Remember, a Samsung account is required to use this feature.
You can restore the backup data after setting up Secure Folder. Go to Secure Folder settings > Backup and restore > Restore.
You may use My Knox until its end-of-service date (which will be announced soon). However, be aware that we will not be actively maintaining the service or adding new features.
This was followed by this email on 15 November 2017, revealing its end-of-service date as 19 December 2017.
Samsung confirms end-of-life date for the My Knox service
Dear customers,
Thank you for using My Knox.
As previously announced, we will end support for My Knox on 19th December 2017. You will not be able to download My Knox from any app store after the end-of-service date.
You may use My Knox on your mobile device until you uninstall the application. However, you will be unable to log in to the My Knox portal to remotely manage your device (e.g. to reset your My Knox password or unlock My Knox).
If you have a phone that runs the Android N OS, we recommend transferring your private data in My Knox to Secure Folder, available at Google Play or Galaxy Apps, and on new Samsung phones such as the Galaxy Note 8. We also recommend backing up your My Knox data first, and restoring the data after you set up Secure Folder.
To back up My Knox data, go to My Knox Settings > Backup and restore > Back up My Knox data. Please note that a Samsung account is required to use the My Knox backup and restore feature.
If your phone does not support Secure Folder, then please back up the content to outside My Knox (e.g. using the Move to Personal mode feature).
For more information regarding My Knox termination, please visit My Knox FAQ .
We hope you have enjoyed your experience with My Knox. Samsung is committed to continuous innovation to provide you with the highest-quality products and services.
This final email was sent on 20 December 2017, noting that My Knox is now terminated :
The final Samsung email on the termination of the My Knox service
Dear customers,
Thank you for using My Knox.
As previously announced, we will terminate the My Knox service on 19th December 2017. You will not be able to download My Knox from any app store from then on. You will also be unable to log in to the My Knox portal to remotely manage your device.
You may use My Knox on your mobile device until you uninstall the application. However we highly recommend you to back up your data or move it to outside My Knox.
If your phone supports Secure Folder, we recommend transferring your private data in My Knox to Secure Folder, available at Google Play or Galaxy Apps, and on new Samsung phones such as the Galaxy Note 8. We also recommend backing up your My Knox data first, and restoring the data after you set up Secure Folder.
To back up My Knox data, go to My Knox Settings > Backup and restore > Back up My Knox data. Please note that a Samsung account is required to use the My Knox backup and restore feature.
However, if your phone does not support Secure Folder, then please back up the content to outside My Knox (e.g. using the Move to Personal mode feature).
We hope you have enjoyed your experience with My Knox. Thank you for using our service.
If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!
Samsung has done it again – creating a smartphone with features that make people go oooh and ahhh. Two of them actually. But they didn’t start from scratch. The new Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ smartphones had their genesis in their two highly-acclaimed predecessors – the Galaxy S7 edge and the Galaxy S6 edge. Let’s take a look at the evolution of the Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphone!
The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge
The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge is famous for being the first smartphone to feature a display that curved at the two edges. But it also marked Samsung’s first foray into an all metal-and-glass design with a non-removable battery. It had an aluminium unibody chassis with Gorilla Glass 4 protection on both front and back aspects.
You may not recall it, but it was also the first Samsung smartphone to support wireless charging and Samsung Pay. Needless to say, the Galaxy S6 edge was very sexy, and impressed us greatly. The only things we didn’t like about it – the lack of a microSD slot, and the bottom location of the 3.5 mm audio port.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
The popularity of the Galaxy S6 edge ensured that Samsung would retain the curved edge display for the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge. They also retained the magnificent Quad HD Super AMOLED display. Why fix something that’s not broken?
Samsung fixed the biggest gripe users had with the Galaxy S6 edge, restoring the microSD slot in the form of a Hybrid SIM tray. They also renewed their emphasis on the main camera by using a new 12 MP Dual Pixel camera with f/1.7 lens. It was arguably the best smartphone camera of 2016.
But what the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge is probably best known for is its IP68 design. It is the first non-ruggerdised smartphone to be IP68 dust- and water-resistant all the time. That means you can immerse it in water without prior preparation, and it does not look like a brick!
What we didn’t really fancy – the limited internal storage (it had just 32 GB of storage initially), and the 5 MP front camera, which was so 2015.
The Samsung Galaxy S8
Samsung built upon their highly-successful Galaxy S7 edge to create the new Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. It maintained the same curved screen and IP68 protection, albeit with a higher resolution WQHD+ display and Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
The removal of the edge moniker suggests that Samsung has decided to only use the trademark curved AMOLED displays in their Galaxy S family going forward. Samsung also removed the Home button completely, creating an incredible Infinity Display.
Samsung maintained the same highly-acclaimed 12 MP Dual Pixel camera from the Galaxy S7 edge, but gave the front camera a new 8 MP sensor with autofocus capability. The Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ also boast the iris scanner that was first introduced with the Galaxy Note7.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ smartphones have a dedicated button that activates the new Bixby artificial intelligence assistant. They can also be connected to the Samsung DeX dock, which provides you with a desktop-like computing experience.
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The Evolution Of The Samsung Galaxy S8
To better illustrate the evolution of the Samsung Galaxy S8, we prepared this detailed specification comparison of the new Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ smartphones, with their predecessors.
Specifications
Samsung Galaxy S8+
Samsung Galaxy S8
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
Samsung Galaxy S6 edge
Display
6.2" Super AMOLED dual-edge display
- 1440 x 2960 pixels (529 ppi)
5.8" Super AMOLED dual-edge display
- 1440 x 2960 pixels (570 ppi)
5.5" Super AMOLED dual-edge display
- 1440 x 2560 pixels (534 ppi)
5.1" Super AMOLED dual-edge display
- 1440 x 2560 pixels (577 ppi)
Protection
Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (front & back panels)
Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (front & back panels)
Corning Gorilla Glass 4 (front & back panels)
Operating System (At Launch)
Android 7.0 Nougat
Android 7.0 Nougat
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Android 5.0 Lollipop
System Platform
Samsung Exynos 8895
or
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
Samsung Exynos 8895
or
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
Samsung Exynos 8890 Octa
or
Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
Samsung Exynos 7420
Memory
4 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM
4 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM
4 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM
3 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM
Storage Options
64 GB internal flash storage
One microSD slot (shared with SIM 2) - supports up to 256 GB
64 GB internal flash storage
One microSD slot (shared with SIM 2) - supports up to 256 GB
32 GB / 64 GB internal flash storage
One microSD slot (shared with SIM 2) - supports up to 200 GB
Network : LTE Cat. 16 (1 Gbps / 150 Mbps)
WiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), MIMO (2 x 2)
Bluetooth : Version 5.0 LE, ANT+
Others : USB 3.1, NFC, GPS
Network : LTE Cat. 16 (1 Gbps / 150 Mbps)
WiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), MIMO (2 x 2)
Bluetooth : Version 5.0 LE, ANT+
Others : USB 3.1, NFC, GPS
Network : LTE Cat. 8 (450 / 50 Mbps)
WiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), MIMO (2 x 2)
Bluetooth : Version 4.2 LE, ANT+
Others : USB 2.0, NFC, GPS
Network : LTE Cat. 6 (300 / 50 Mbps)
WiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), MIMO (2 x 2)
Bluetooth : Version 4.1 LE, ANT+
Others : USB 2.0, NFC, IR Remote, GPS
3,500 mAh lithium-ion battery (non-removable)
- fast charging capability (wired & wireless)
- wireless charging (WPC and PMA)
3,000 mAh lithium-ion battery (non-removable)
- fast charging capability (wired & wireless)
- wireless charging (WPC and PMA)
3,600 mAh lithium-ion battery (non-removable)
- fast charging capability (wired & wireless)
- wireless charging (Qi and PMA)
2,600 mAh lithium-ion battery (non-removable)
- fast charging capability (wired only)
- wireless charging (Qi and PMA)
Dimensions
159.5 mm tall
73.4 mm wide
8.1 mm thick
148.9 mm tall
68.1 mm wide
8.0 mm thick
150.9 mm tall
72.6 mm wide
7.7 mm thick
142.1 mm tall
70.1 mm wide
7.0 mm thick
Weight
173 g
152 g
157 g
132 g
Colour Options
Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver, Coral Blue, Maple Gold
Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver, Coral Blue, Maple Gold
Black Onyx, Silver Titanium, Gold Platinum
White Pearl, Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum, Green Emerald
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Every year, we are told that the smartphone market is saturated, and that it’s harder for the next smartphone model to offer consumers any real reason to upgrade. After all, how much more innovation can you pack into a device the size of a notepad?
Yet, the prognosticators of doom are proven wrong every single year. Not only are established brands like Apple and Samsung still churning out new smartphone models year after year, new smartphones brands like Neffos and Infinix are being established all the time.
That does not mean that consumers are just lapping up whatever they produce though. Many smartphones do poorly, selling only at great discounts.
What We Want In Our Next Smartphone
Now, we don’t know the secret formula to a successful smartphone, but we can tell you the 5 features we want in our next smartphone. Let’s see if they are also what you want in your next smartphone.
Water-resistant smartphones also allow for greater creativity and flexibility. You can’t use them underwater, but you can use them near water without fear. Check out this video I took with the 2017 Samsung Galaxy A7 during a recent trip to Krabi.
A Better Front Camera
Top-of-the-line smartphones like the HTC 10, the iPhone 6S and the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge boast truly excellent main cameras, but their front cameras have long been neglected. They are only adequate for Instagram and Facebook selfies. They really need a much better front camera that can take higher resolution photos and better videos.
A better front camera is also important if you are using a gimbal like the DJI Osmo Mobile. Such gimbals use the smartphone’s front camera to record selfie videos. So it is important to use a smartphone with a good front camera.
OPPO identified and targeted that unfulfilled need in the market with their Selfie Expert smartphones. Their OPPO F1s smartphone, for example, has 16 MP front and rear cameras. Perhaps their success was the reason why the 2017 Samsung Galaxy A7 also has 16 MP front and rear cameras!
We don’t think you need a 16 MP front camera for videos. Even the 5 MP sensor on the Galaxy S7 edge is already capable of recording 4K videos. But a higher resolution sensor paired with a bright, fast lens would allow for better selfies and selfie videos.
Better Audio Recording & Playback
One thing we really liked about the HTC 10 was its Hi-Res Audio recording and playback capability. Audio fidelity is an oft-overlooked feature, which is a shame because it makes a HUGE difference to the videos you record.
Once you have tried recording videos in Hi-Res Audio, you will wonder how you ever made do with the flat audio recording of other smartphones. The Hi-Res Audio recording and playback capability is definitely something we are looking for in our next smartphone.
No Limit Video Recording
Many smartphones are so good at recording videos that they have virtually decimated the consumer camcorder market. The only thing holding them back are the 30-minute recording limit and the 4 GB file size limit.
The 30-minute limit is used to avoid duties imposed on video cameras, while the 4 GB file size limit is due to the use of, or support for, the FAT32 file system.
The 4 GB limit is particularly problematic for smartphones that can record in 4K (like the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge and the HTC 10), because it limits them to just 10-11 minutes of footage.
We record a lot of long videos, and sometimes in 4K. So it is important that our next smartphone removes those limits by supporting the exFAT file system.
Longer Battery Life
This seems like a very obvious feature to demand, but it needs some clarification.
Smartphone manufacturers are well-aware that we want smartphones with long battery lives. That’s why some smartphones boast very large capacity batteries.
But a larger battery is not just the only way to achieve a longer battery life. What’s ultimately important to us is battery life, not battery capacity.
If they can deliver a longer battery life using more power-efficient components, even better! What matters to us is battery life, not battery capacity.
What Smartphone Are We Looking Forward To?
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As big fans of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge, we are very psyched up about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S8 launch on 29 March 2017. Rumours and leaks are rife on the Internet, but as we all know – nothing is true, until the big reveal!
But will it have a better front camera? Support for Hi-Res Audio? How about the removal of video recording limits? Can Samsung improve its battery life?
We await with bated breath… 😀
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SEOUL, Korea – 13 March 2017 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., announced that it won 49 iF Design Awards, including one Gold award, at the world-renowned International Forum Design Awards 2017. Thirty-five of the awards were given for superior product design, four for professional concept design, seven for communication design, and three for packaging design.
Samsung received the Gold award for the ArtPC Pulse, a premium desktop computer with advanced expandable modules. The ArtPC Pulse integrates a high-performance PC into a refined cylinder form. It can expand its function with extended modules for HDD storage and a 360-degree speaker in a detachable rotary structure. The award-winning design of the ArtPC Pulse includes minimalist styling on its fully metal body as the buttons and port are all located at the rear of the product.
Other iF Design Awards
In addition to the Gold award, Samsung won 34 other iF Design Awards in the product category:
Galaxy S7 Series, flagship smartphone designed with 3D forming glass technology to enhance grip
Gear S3, smartwatch with an innovative round bezel and spinning UI
Galaxy C9 Pro, 6.9mm thickness smartphone with full-metal unibody design, available in China and India
SUHD TV KS9500, premium TV with beautiful 360 design, including a floating screen in the front and a delicate real metal line on the back
RB38K7998S4 Smart Family Hub refrigerator features a 21.5” LCD touch screen allowing users to manage and see the food in the fridge without having to open the door
ActiveWash series touch controls located on the top back, it allows users to look inside the drum from a better viewing angle
Organized by the International Forum Design, the iF Design Awards began in Germany in 1953. Product submissions are based on a comprehensive evaluation of design, material suitability, innovativeness and seven additional categories: Product, Packaging, Communication, Interior Architecture, Professional Concept, Service Design, and Architecture.
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Samsung has been working hard to restore the truth of their customers that was sorely tested when the much-vaunted Galaxy Note7 was torched by battery issues. They started the long, hard process with an extensive recall process, followed by a serious revamp of their quality assurance program.
Samsung just shared with us the videos of the torture tests that all of their top smartphones have to survive. Can your smartphone survive the Samsung torture tests? 😀
The Samsung Torture Tests
For a quick understanding of the extensive torture tests Samsung put their top smartphones through, watch this video.
The Samsung Durability Test helps to ensure that Samsung smartphones live long and survive, even under pressure.
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The Samsung Drop Test
Samsung performs these extensive drop tests on their smartphones, because well, people drop them all the time!
The Samsung Extreme Weather Test
Finally, Samsung puts their smartphones through extreme weather tests, including extreme temperatures. Just in case you bring your Samsung smartphone to the desert or heck, even the ice planet Hoth? 😀
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Barcelona, 28 February 2017 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., announced that the Galaxy S7 edge was recognized by the GSMA as the Best Smartphone in the Best Mobile Handsets and Devices category at the annual Global Mobile Awards at Mobile World Congress 2017.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge Named Best Smartphone at MWC 2017
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As the world leader in mobile innovation, Samsung continues to relentlessly pursue the best in hardware, software and services, redefining what is possible for consumers across the globe. The Galaxy S7 edge was awarded for its refined design, advanced camera and outstanding performance.
“We are honored to be recognized for our craftsmanship in design and innovation with the Galaxy S7 edge,” said Junho Park, Vice President of Global Product Strategy, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “This award is a testament to our constant pursuit of excellence as we continue to exceed consumers’ expectations through revolutionary mobile technology.”
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Kuala Lumpur, 11 January 2017 – Start your 2017 afresh in a chic new colour. Exuding a mysterious yet enthralling vibe, the glossy new colourway of Black Pearl for Galaxy S7 edge subtly radiates quality and luxury in the palm of your hand. The latest colour variant of the highly popular Galaxy S7 edge, the Black Pearl colour also comes with 128GB internal memory, in comparison with the standard 32GB variant currently in the market, and will available in Malaysia on 12 January 2017.
Galaxy S7 edge Black Pearl
The new Galaxy S7 edge Black Pearl (Lazada, Amazon) follows the popular Blue Coral and Pink Gold editions released last year. While those were largely inspired by calming, natural hues, Black Pearl is designed to be modern and striking, perfect for those who love exploring the latest trends. The sleek black finish blankets the entire device – edges and all – and adds depth to its glass design. The result is a stylish all-black aesthetic that captures the essence of the colour in its purest form.
As if the allure of the new all-black colourway was not enough, the already massive internal memory of 128GB also receives another storage boost with an external memory support of a whopping 256GB via microSD slot. With the ultra-storage, users can store and watch movies anywhere at any time, directly out of their pocket and onto the palm of their hand.
New colour and a bigger storage aside, the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge brings a new way of thinking what a phone can do. This flagship smartphone brings with it cutting-edge features including its IP68 dust and water resistance, a professional-grade Dual Pixel Sensor + 12MP rear camera that is able to take crisp, clear photos even in the dark, and a powerful processor to get you through the day effortlessly.
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“At Samsung, we are constantly evolving to offer the best products to our customers. We listen to their demands and we give them what they want. The new Samsung Galaxy S7 edge 128GB in Black Pearl (Lazada, Amazon) is a new edition created for the modern day user who is effortlessly chic, who often stores and consumes content constantly while on-the-go. This new Black Pearl variant, like other colour editions introduced for the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge before it, captures the essence of a unique persona, much like its owner,” said Mr Lee Jui Siang, Vice President, IT & Mobile Business Unit, Samsung Malaysia Electronics.
The 128GB Galaxy S7 edge Black Pearl (Lazada, Amazon) will be available in Malaysia from 12 January 2017 onwards at a recommended retail price of RM3,399 / ~US$ 749 at participating Samsung Experience Store outlets.
In addition to the Galaxy S7 edge Black Pearl (Lazada, Amazon) and the other aforementioned editions, the Galaxy S7 edge is also available in 32GB variant in distinctive colours of Black Onyx, Gold Platinum, Silver Titanium, Pink Gold and the latest Blue Coral at RM 3,099/ ~US$ 689 nationwide. All prices stated are inclusive of 6% GST.
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Kuala Lumpur, 16 December 2016 – From epoch to epoch, the variety of the most desirable gifts has changed over time. As man evolves, their curiosity for technology deepens with innovative gadgets becoming an essential part of almost everyone’s daily lives. So to enhance our day-to-day lifestyle this holiday, Samsung Malaysia Electronics is putting together the ultimate holiday gift guide – featuring devices that aren’t just great gifts, they open a galaxy of possibilities this festive season!
What’s even sweeter is that Samsung is offering these exciting devices at fantastic prices via the mySamsung app! From 19th December 2016 until 19th February 2017, Samsung fans can enjoy instant rebates of RM300 for purchase of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.
Additionally, to celebrate the official launch of the Gear S3 in Malaysia, Samsung is offering two (2) additional watch straps in different colours and a limited edition watch collector box with every purchase of the Gear S3 Frontier or Classic.
For Fitness Enthusiasts Desiring Freedom
For the fitness enthusiasts, Samsung has just the perfect on-the-go devices for you. The Gear Fit2 allows you to get the most out of your daily workout routine. An advanced fitness tracker, the sleek Gear Fit2 is embedded with a standalone GPS, heart rate monitor, gyro and barometer that provide instant feedback on workouts when paired with your smartphone.
The Gear IconX on the other hand, are cord-free earbuds that can track fitness information and provide feedback on running performance, perfect for those who wish to exercise without restrictions. Designed to fit snug in your ears in the most comfortable way, you can run, jump and carry out your usual workout routine without worrying about them falling out.
RRP: RM699 (Gear Fit2), RM699 (Gear IconX)
Colours available: Black, Blue, Pink (Gear Fit2 only) and White (Gear IconX only)
For the Wanderlusts and Virtual Travellers
For those who love travelling but can’t make the time to do so, the new Gear VR may just be the ideal device. The new Gear VR, powered by Oculus, allows the flexibility to experience a whole new world in 360° premium virtual reality, from almost anywhere when paired with the latest Samsung smartphones.
Now in Blue Black colour, the new hue not only enhances the device’s aesthetic, but it also helps to prevent light reflection to provide a more cinematic experience than the previous model. With two different device holders USB Type-C and Micro USB, the new Gear VR is compatible with even more Samsung smartphones, including the Galaxy S7, S7 edge, Note5, S6, S6 edge and S6 edge+.
RRP: RM399
Colour available: Blue Black
For Unique 360 Experiences
For those who take joy in capturing and sharing fond memories and unique experiences with loved ones and friends, the Gear 360 is a new, innovative way of doing so. With a light and compact, spherical-shaped design, the Gear 360 allows you to easily capture, edit and share snippets of your favourite experiences instantly on social media.
Leveraging on the best of the Samsung Galaxy experience, users can now become the creator of their own virtual reality content, then share with friends via platforms such as YouTube 360 and Facebook, and relive the moment with the ultra-immersive new Gear VR.
RRP: RM1,299
For The Ultimate Innovative Mobile Experience
Need we say more? Packed with great features and backed with powerful performance, the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge make consumers rethink what a phone can do. The first smartphone ever to apply Dual Pixel Sensor technology with wide f1.7 aperture, the device captures high quality images in low light environment.
This sleek, curved-designed device also includes protection against dust and water (IP68). More than just a phone, this device is complemented with a galaxy of ecosystem, enhancing the mobile experience for users.
Now with the unique Blue Coral variant, the Galaxy S7 edge is the trendiest piece of technology that allows us to indulge in life’s adventures yet experience mobile innovation at its best.
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Special promo price: RM2,399 (Galaxy S7), RM2,799 (Galaxy S7 edge)
Colours available: Black Onyx, Silver Titanium, Gold Platinum, Blue Coral (Galaxy S7 edge only) and Pink Gold (Galaxy S7 edge only);
Spending time with family and loved ones are what truly makes the holiday season special. Nevertheless, picking the best holiday gifts that opens a myriad of possibilities make a merrier festive season! Thanks to Samsung, these aren’t just gifts – they are possibilities.
Samsung wishes you a wonderful and happy holidays!
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Boasting a unique Aurora Glass finish on its back, the new honor 8 smartphone is truly a work of art that has to be seen to be appreciated. But it is not just a good-looking smartphone. The honor 8 also features a dual-lens main camera, like its brother – the Huawei P9. So join us as we take a close look at the honor 8 smartphone!
The honor 8 Smartphone Specifications
First up, we would like to point out that the honor 8 is available in 5 different models, with 3-4 colours, depending on the location. But they basically consist of two versions – a standard honor 8 model, and a premium honor 8 model. Check out their specifications :
Single nano SIM (L14)
Dual nano SIM, Dual Standby (L19)
Connectivity
4G : LTE FDD LTE Cat6 : 51 Mbps (UL), 301 Mbps (DL)
3G : WCDMA
2 G : GSM
Bluetooth : 4.2 BLE
OTG, VoLTE
4G : LTE FDD LTE Cat6 : 51 Mbps (UL), 301 Mbps (DL)
3G : WCDMA
2 G : GSM
Bluetooth : 4.2 BLE
OTG, VoLTE
WiFi Capability
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz dual-band)
Hotspot supports up to 8 devices
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz dual-band)
Hotspot supports up to 8 devices
USB Port
USB 2.0 with USB Type C interface
USB 2.0 with USB Type C interface
Fingerprint Sensor
Yes, 3D fingerprint recognition, 0.4 second unlock with Smart Key customisation
Yes, 3D fingerprint recognition, 0.4 second unlock with Smart Key customisation
Infra-Red Transmitter
Yes, with Smart Control 4.0
Yes, with Smart Control 4.0
NFC Support
Yes, tag read/write, P2P transfer, mobile payment
Yes, tag read/write, P2P transfer, mobile payment
Audio
HiSilicon Hi6402 audio DSP with Dolby DTS and HiRes Audio support
Dual-microphone noise reduction
HiSilicon Hi6402 audio DSP with Dolby DTS and HiRes Audio support
Dual-microphone noise reduction
Battery
2,900 mAh lithium-polymer battery
18 W fast-charging capability
2,900 mAh lithium-polymer battery
18 W fast-charging capability
Dimensions
71.0 mm wide x 145.5 mm tall x 7.45 mm thick
71.0 mm wide x 145.5 mm tall x 7.45 mm thick
Weight
153 g
153 g
Launch Price
RM 1,699 (~US$ 425)
RM 1,899 (~US$ 475)
The standard honor 8 models are priced at RM 1,699 / ~US$ 425 with 32 GB of storage, and is available in either Pearl White or Midnight Black. The premium honor 8 models are priced at RM 1,899 / ~US$ 475 with 64 GB of storage, and either Sapphire Blue or Sunrise Gold colours.
Unboxing The honor 8 Smartphone
The honor 8 comes in a white two-piece cardboard box with a textured surface. The tall and thin design presumably allows more units to be placed side-by-side on a counter. The inner box slides downwards and is secured by a single clear security sticker. Be careful once that sticker is cut, because the inner box will slide right out!
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Inside the honor 8 box, you will find the following items :
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The honor 8 Smartphone Up Close
The honor 8 has a large 5.2″ LTPS display that covers almost its entire front – with a 72% screen-to-body ratio. To achieve that, honor eschewed the use of physical buttons, in favour of virtual on-screen buttons. In fact, it only has two physical buttons – a Power button and a Volume rocker switch on the right side.
The honor 8 has an infra-red transmitter at the top, which can be used as a remote control in conjunction with the built-in Smart Controller app. It is also the first honor smartphone to feature the new Type C USB interface. It is still a USB 2.0 port, but the Type C interface is bidirectional – you no longer have to worry about plugging the cable in the wrong way.
Even though the honor 8 is the same size as the honor 5C, they managed to squeeze in a 2,900 mAh lithium-polymer battery while reducing its thickness to just 7.45 mm. They even fit in the 3.5mm audio port, albeit at the bottom, together with the USB port.
Hybrid SIM
The honor 8 has dual SIM, dual standby capability. However, only the FRD-L09 and FRD-L19 models come with the hybrid SIM slot that allows for a second nano SIM card. These two models are only sold in Europe and Asia. The other models only support a single nano SIM.
Of course, the hybrid SIM slot means you have to choose between using a second nano SIM card, or a microSD card. You can’t use both simultaneously.
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Fingerprint Sensor & OTG Support
The honor 8 boasts a new 3D fingerprint sensor that can actually detect the ridges of the finger. This allows for more accurate detection of your fingerprint. With an auto-learning ability, the honor 8’s fingerprint sensor can recognise your fingerprint and unlock the honor 8 in just 0.4 seconds.
On the other hand, the honor 8 (like the honor 5C) does not support USB OTG (On-The-Go) drives. If you plug any USB OTG flash drive into its USB port, it will not be detected. The honor 8 also requires you to use the Huawei HiSuite software to access its files from your computer. This also limits what you can copy out from the honor 8 smartphone.
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Cameras
The honor 8 has an 8 MP front camera with an f/2.4 lens. It will deliver a maximum photo resolution of 3264 x 2448 in the 4:3 format. Again, a wider 16:9 format will crop that to 3264 x 1840. It will record videos in 1080p quality with electronic image stabilisation.
Its killer feature is the dual-lens camera at the back. It is actually two individual cameras, each with a Sony IMX286 sensors with f/2.2 lens. One camera captures the image in monochrome, while the other captures the same image in colour. They are then combined to deliver sharper and more detailed pictures. The camera is supported by a dual LED flash, and a laser autofocus system.
The photos have a maximum resolution of 3968 x 2976 in the 4:3 format. If you prefer a wider format, the honor 8 will do that by cropping the image to 3968 x 2240 (16:9). It is capable of recording video in full HD quality (1080p) with electronic image stabilisation.
Aurora Glass
The honor 8 has a 2.5D glass body on both sides with diamond-cut aluminium alloy edges to create an ultra-narrow bezel. Its 3D grate design and 15-layer craftsmanship on the back of the device, combines with the glass/metal back to create what honor calls Aurora Glass.
The Aurora Glass back gives the honor 8 a very reflective surface at the back. The only catch – it naturally lacks the oleophobic coating of the front screen for a proper grip. However, that means its highly-reflective back is easily smudged by fingerprint smears, which detracts from its lustre.
The Initial Setup
This video will show you the initial setup process when you power up the honor 8 for the first time. If you do not need to restore a backup, the whole setup process should take about 5 minutes. Note how fast it takes to register a fingerprint.
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Available Memory & Storage
The honor 8 comes with 4 GB of LPDDR4 memory. The Android 6.0 operating system and honor-preloaded apps take up about 1.3 GB of memory, leaving you with 2.4 GB (60%) of free memory. Very good!
This is a premium honor 8 model (FRD-L19), which comes with 64 GB of internal flash memory. This is expandable via a microSD card (up to 128 GB). Fresh out of the box, the honor 8 has 53.2 GB of available space (excluding the system files), of which 51.38 GB is free to use.
In the standard honor 8 models which come with 32 GB of internal flash memory, we can estimate that they will have about 19 GB of free space.
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Camera Performance – Photos
The honor 8‘s dual-lens camera has not one, but two, 12 MP Sony IMX286 sensor with reasonably fast f/2.4 lens. The photos have a maximum resolution of 3968 x 2976 in the 4:3 format. Check out these photo samples.
The honor 8 delivered excellent resolution in these photos. If you blow them up to 100%, you can see the amount of detail that is not possible in other smartphone cameras. The edge resolution (between elements of different colour), in particular, was very impressive. The amount of noise is also very low, even in dark areas.
While the honor 8 does not have the most user-friendly camera app in the industry, the photos produced by its dual-lens camera is very, very impressive. Even without turning on HDR, the colour are very vivid and visually pop out.
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Camera Performance – Video Recording
The honor 8 can record full HD (1080p) ideos with electronic stabilisation. This is an improvement over the honor 5X, whose main camera does not support electronic stabilisation. Here is a sample video we recorded of a piano performance by Mr. Yang I-Deun.
And this is a sample video taken at a street market.
The honor 8 did a great job maintaining focus and controlling exposure in the videos we took. Even bright backgrounds were not overblown. The honor 8 does not support optical image stabilisation, probably because it would prevent the dual-lens system from being in sync, but its electronic image stabilisation still did a decent job.
You should also notice that it records better audio than most smartphones. The piano music sounds richer, even through the background noise. And in the street market footage, the ambient sounds sound clearer and more authentic.
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Work Performance – PCMark
We tested the honor 8‘s performance using PCMark, which simulates work applications like web browing, playing video, writing text and editing photos.
honor 8
ASUS ZenFone 3 Ultra
HTC 10
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
Work Performance Score
(Average)
6350
6313
6105
4892
Web Browsing
8073
6257
5782
6908
Video Playback
4396
4287
3321
3218
Writing
6231
7166
7463
4629
Photo Editing
7352
8262
9694
5563
The honor 8 is powered by the top-of-the-line Kirin 950 SoC. These PCMark results show that the Kirin 950 proved to be more than a match for the Snapdragon 820 that powers the HTC 10, and the Snapdragon 652 that powers the ASUS ZenFone 3 Ultra. In fact, it was 30% faster in this benchmark than Samsung Galaxy S7 edge‘s Exynos 8890!
Battery Performance – PCMark
We then tested the honor 8‘s battery performance using PCMark. It basically ran the PCMark work tests until its battery capacity dropped to 20%.
The honor 8 lasted just over 10 hours on the PCMark stress test. This is 1.5 hours less than the honor 5C, but is excellent considering it uses a more powerful processor and graphics processor, and comes with twice the memory. The HTC 10, for example, lasted just over 5.5 hours on the same test!
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Battery Recharging Performance
The honor 8 has a large 2,900 mAh lithium-polymer battery, with Fast Charging capability. honor claims that it will recharge from 0% to 47% in just 30 minutes. Let’s see if that’s true…
Our tests showed that the honor 8 will recharge from 17% to 100% in just 146 minutes (3 hours 26 minutes). This is decent, but not exceptional quick charging performance. It fully recharges the battery about 20% faster than the honor 5C, which does not support quick charging and uses only a 5 W charger.
That said, we can see that the honor 8 recharges fastest in the first 90%, before it tapers off to a slower recharging pace for the last 10 percent. Recharging 47% (from 17% to 64%) took 36 minutes in our test.
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Overall Performance – AnTuTu Benchmark
AnTuTu is a nice benchmark for testing various performance aspects of Android devices.
It was actually 12% and 47% faster than the HTC 10 in the UX and CPU tests, but its 65% slower 3D performance pulled down its overall results.
Gaming Performance – 3DMark
We tested the honor 8‘s gaming performance using 3DMark, using the Ice Storm Unlimited test.
honor 8
ASUS ZenFone 3 Ultra
HTC 10
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
Gaming Score
18659
17719
23171
28650
Graphics
19993
21124
27512
33685
Physics
15127
11328
14925
18810
Graphics Test 1
122.5 fps
115.2 fps
136.6 fps
162.9 fps
Graphics Test 2
67.4 fps
76.3 fps
106.4 fps
133.1 fps
Physics Test
48.0 fps
36.0 fps
47.4 fps
59.7 fps
The honor 8 is roughly equal to the ASUS ZenFone 3 Ultra in gaming performance. This means the ARM Mali-T880 GPU in the Kirin 950 is about as fast as the Qualcomm Adreno 510 GPU.
Our Verdict
The honor 8 is more than just a more powerful version of the honor 5C smartphone. Yes, they are both 5.2″ smartphones powered by Kirin processors from HiSilicon, a Huawei company. But the honor 8 is really a whole different beast targeting a different market.
The honor 8 is very fast, and comes with 4 GB of RAM and up to 64 GB of internal flash storage. On top of that, its dual-lens camera produces excellent photographs and videos. It even comes with a new 3D fingerprint sensor that activates the phone in just 0.4 seconds.
The honor 8 also looks the part of a premium smartphone, thanks to its Aurora Glass finish. This is honor’s top-of-the-line smartphone for those who want nothing but the best without paying through the nose.
Now, all that extra capability comes at a price, and it comes to no surprise that the honor 8 costs twice as much as the honor 5C. Even so, it costs less than half of what their competitors charge for equivalent smartphones.
If we have any gripes, it is the lack of USB OTG support and the requirement to use the Huawei HiSuite to manage files using a computer. This unnecessarily makes it a pain to access the files in the honor 8 smartphone.
honor continues to impress us with their ability to focus on creating no-nonsense Android smartphones with practical features. Even the dual-lens camera proved to be a practical way to improve the quality of photos and videos taken using a smartphone.
We like the honor 8 enough to give it out coveted Editor’s Choice Award. Congratulations, honor!
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4 November 2016 – Add a hint of the vast ocean and limitless sky to Samsung’sGalaxy S7 edge (Lowest Prices) and you have a birth of a bold smartphone to take on life’s adventures. Yes, Samsung has officially released its latest colour variant of the Galaxy S7 edge Blue Coral.
Inspired by nature and this year’s colour trend, the mesmerizing Blue Coral edition shimmers as if it is illuminated from the inside of the phone’s glass surface. Samsung also applied a contrasting gold tone hue to the phone’s metallic frame – resulting in a two-toned combination that is bold yet sophisticated.
The Galaxy S7 edge Blue Coral
“Blue is a significant colour for us at Samsung as it is not only our corporate colour, it is a colour for the bold and the adventurous. As a global brand, we constantly create significant innovations useful for worldwide consumers, and with the Galaxy S7 edge (Lowest Prices) in Blue Coral, we are offering millennials who want to be different a bold and aspirational smartphone companion in the pursuit of their unforgettable lifetime adventures,” said Mr Lee Jui Siang, Vice President, IT & Mobile Business Unit, Samsung Malaysia Electronics.
The Galaxy S7 edge (Lowest Prices) is the perfect companion for those living the vivacious and audacious lifestyle. In Blue Coral, the phone is an even more perfect representation of confident individuals ready to explore new quests and embark on exhilarating adventures.
The ultimate expression of a worry-free, can-do attitude in life, Blue Coral is a bold colour that lets you make a statement to the world that you are ready to take on the adventures that life has to offer.
Featuring a sleek design with ergonomic curves, the Galaxy S7 edge (Lowest Prices) incorporates cutting edge mobile technologies that enhance the user experience. Included among these features are its Dual Pixel camera – the first to be implemented on a smartphone – that delivers brighter and sharper images even in low light together with f/1.7 aperture lens, as well as its IP68 dust and water resistance and microSD card slot.
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Availability & Pricing
In addition to Blue Coral, the Galaxy S7 edge (Lowest Prices) is also available in Black Onyx, Gold Platinum and Silver Titanium. The Galaxy S7 edge Blue Coral is now available in Malaysia at a recommended retail price of RM3,099 (inclusive of 6% GST) / ~US$ 775.
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19 September 2016 – Technology makes a device useful. Design, meanwhile, makes it aspirational, enjoyable and has the power to make us do incredible things, pushing us to explore new and unprecedented possibilities.
Put both fashion and technology together, and their distinctive elements combine into one perfect device that make the Galaxy S7 edge more than just a phone. The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge is most certainly more than a stunning-looking device – a crowning achievement in design and functionality, redefining the blend of style and substance.
The revolutionary smartphone made its runway appearance recently at the industry-acclaimed fashion show organised by MODA, aimed at nurturing up-and-coming Young Malaysian Designers. Inspired by Samsung Galaxy S7 edge’s motto “Rethink What A Phone Can Do”, the budding designers fused futuristic elements with fashion, narrating their creative visions into compelling creations. The result is a mesmerising collection ready for the runway.
Apart from the designers’ creations on the MODA catwalk, Galaxy S7 edge devices also made a special appearance alongside the creations. Decked in unique fashionable wear from top to toe and clutching Galaxy S7 edge ingeniously encased in see-through water clutches and glass cases, the models strutted down the runway to showcase the many designs by young talented designers from various backgrounds.
At the end of the showcase, three teams’ creations stood out, earning themselves the coveted MODA Samsung Innovative Award and a Galaxy S7 edge each.
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Created for today’s consumer lifestyle, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge lead the industry with a refined design, more advanced camera, streamlined software functionality and unparalleled connectivity to a galaxy of products, services, and experiences. Reiterating that design is dynamic and is constantly changing like innovation, the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge are flawless representations of cutting-edge design and technology.
This year’s MODA fashion show marks yet another fruitful collaboration between Samsung and MODA in support of their initiatives in the local fashion industry to turn enterprising dreams into reality. With this, Samsung continues to embrace its vision to build a better tomorrow by investing in the future and offering opportunities to talented young people to encourage and enable creativity in their profession.
To experience perfect moments captured with the Galaxy S7, Samsung Malaysia Electronics is offering RM300 savings for the Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge, exclusively available on Galaxy Life app. Just head over to any Samsung Experience Store or Samsung authorised dealers, search for the deal in the app, swipe “Redeem” and make payment on the spot.
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Earlier this year, Samsung launched the Samsung Galaxy A Series (2016) smartphones. They are now going BIGGER with a new member of the Galaxy A Series. Introducing the Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro(Amazon) with 3 BIG features – a bigger screen, bigger memory capacity and a bigger battery. Let’s take a closer look!
Bigger Screen
The Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro(Amazon) boasts a large 6″ FHD Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920. This is perfect whether you are watching movies or reading books.
Full HD videos fit perfectly to the display – no black bars, no missing pixels. And books are much easier to read on the larger display. Once you try the 6″ display, you will never go back to a smaller display.
Bigger Memory Capacity
You will never have to worry about running out of memory with the Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro(Amazon). It comes with a whopping 4 GB of memory, so you will never run out of memory even with multiple apps running at the same time.
The Galaxy A9 Pro(Amazon) also comes with 32 GB of internal flash storage, and if that’s not enough, Samsung actually bundles it with a 64 GB microSD card. With 96 GB of storage, you can store up to 16,000 photos*!
* Based on an average of 4 MB per picture
Bigger Battery
All of that capability is pointless if the Galaxy A9 Pro(Amazon) runs out of power. To make sure that doesn’t happen, the Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro(Amazon) comes with a massive 5,000 mAh battery. This is twice the battery capacity of many smartphones and phablets, allowing you to fully use the Galaxy A9 Pro without worrying about battery life.
Galaxy A9 Pro Price & Availability
The Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro(Amazon) is currently available in 3 colours (Black, White, Gold) at authorised Samsung distributors with a recommended retail price of RM 1,999 / ~US$ 499.
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Disclosure
This post was sponsored by Samsung Malaysia.
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In our Kirin 950 and Kirin 650 technology report, you will be able to watch the full technical briefing and check out the performance of the Kirin 955 compared to the Exynos 8890. We will also share with you the presentation slides for your perusal. Enjoy!
Kirin 950 & Kirin 650 Technical Briefing
We were invited to an exclusive briefing on the unique features of the Kirin 950 and Kirin 650 family of processors (more accurately, System on a Chip or SOCs). The briefing was conducted by Mr. Zhou Chen, the Director of the Kirin Chipset Solution Planning, HiSilicon Wireless Terminal BU of Huawei.
Mr. Zhou Chen and his colleague also demonstrated the performance advantage of the Kirin 955-powered Huawei P9 Plus smartphone against the Exynos 8890-powered Samsung Galaxy S7 edge smartphone. Check it out :
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Key Features Of The Kirin 950 Family Of SoCs
Manufactured on the TSMC 16 nm FinFET+ process technology
Processor : 4 x ARM Cortex-A72 cores (2.3 GHz to 2.5 GHz) + 4 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (1.8 GHz)
Graphics Processor : ARM Mali-T880 GPU (900 MHz)
Motion Co-Processor : i5 sensing co-processor
Memory Support : LPDDR3 or LPDDR4 SDRAM
Dual 14-bit ISPs (960 MP/s) with standalone DSP
HiFi audio DSP
4K video decoder (supports H.265)
5 Mode LTE Cat6 modem, with RF band of 450 MHz ~ 3.5 GHz
Key Features Of The Kirin 650 Family Of SoCs
Manufactured on the TSMC 16 nm FinFET+ process technology
Processor : 4 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (2.0 GHz) + 4 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (1.7 GHz)
Graphics Processor : ARM Mali-T830 MP2 GPU (900 MHz)
Motion Co-Processor : i5 sensing co-processor
Memory Support : LPDDR3 SDRAM
LTE Cat7 modem, with support for VoLTE and pseudo base station protection
Features SPLC intelligent voice enhancement technology
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Kirin 950 & Kirin 650 Briefing Slides
Huawei has kindly provided us with the slides for their Kirin 950 and Kirin 650 technical briefing, which we sharing with you here. They should allow you to have a clearer picture of the video presentation above.
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Kuala Lumpur, 24 June 2016 – When Samsung first introduced its Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge to Malaysians, one of the features that took the nation by storm is its outstanding built-in camera. Many were looking for the perfect smartphone camera to take great shots in any condition; and much to their anticipation, Samsung’s latest flagship smartphones made users rethink what they can do with it.
One such fan to appreciate this remarkable camera in a smartphone is award-winning Malaysian photographer, Yaman Ibrahim, who has since begun his journey of capturing his country’s beauty with his Galaxy S7 edge.
Stunning night shots of Malaysian sights captured by Yaman Ibrahim on the Galaxy S7 edge
Inspired by the holy month of Ramadhan and the customs that come along with it, Yaman embarked on a quest to uncover and showcase his unique perspective on how Malaysians celebrate Ramadhan as a prelude to the upcoming Raya festivities.
Yaman, who is based in Kuala Lumpur, harnessed his interest in photography since childhood. With a deep passion in all forms of photography, his new series “Colors of Ramadhan”, all shot with the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge, perfectly encapsulated the culture, practices and traditions of the Ramadhan month.
The magnificent architecture of mosque interiors as shot by Yaman Ibrahim
“As a Malaysian, my goal is to provide an accurate representation of what my country is to me – in all its charm and splendour. The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge really was an extension of my being and my vision. It showed me more than what I thought a phone was capable of doing and I too was pleasantly surprised by the unexpectedly amazing shots,” said Yaman Ibrahim.
This photography series has touched face on what the lead up to Hari Raya is all about – the Malaysian culture and lifestyle, the joy of gathering together, the crowd of the evening bazaars and the peacefulness of prayers.
The Galaxy S7 edge captures even the busiest of lights in night setting
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“When we designed the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge, we wanted to ensure that it truly serves as the perfect lifestyle companion. Taking pictures during the day is great especially with sunlight as your natural lighting; however, the night holds just as much beauty. This is where the Galaxy S7 edge’s camera comes in – its superior quality helps users take stunning images regardless of the time of day,” said Mr Lee Jui Siang, Vice President, IT and Mobile, Samsung Malaysia Electronics.
People from all walks of life going about Ramadhan as seen through Yaman’s Galaxy S7 edge
As the world’s 1st smartphone to incorporate Dual Pixel technology, the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge are capable of producing photographs of DSLR quality; perfectly retaining every detail in the contrasting shades of Malay cuisine to the brilliantly intricate architecture of the mosques. So as the kids play with fireworks and sparks, the fast auto-focus means no more blurred shots when you need to take blink-of-an-eye moments!
Both front and rear cameras are also built with f1.7 lens, allowing more light in into the photo for brighter shots that essentially capture the pure absolute beauty and rich colours even under low-light conditions, making its camera performance unrivalled and one-of-a-kind. Its outstanding low-light shooting function uncovers a whole new perspective into Malaysia’s rich culture and nightlife, and like what many have said about this the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge – this game-changing smartphone never does fail to impress.
The captivating splendour of lights dancing at night perfectly captured by Yaman Ibrahim with his Galaxy S7 edge
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Kuala Lumpur, 10 June 2016 – Genius billionaire and philanthropist by day and caped crusader by night, everyone’s favourite hero from Gotham City now comes in the form of Samsung’s Galaxy S7 edge exclusive and limited version, the special Injustice Edition. In collaboration with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment, Samsung Malaysia Electronics today announced that 500 units of Galaxy S7 edge Injustice Edition will arrive on Malaysian shores on 17 June 2016.
The Galaxy S7 edge Injustice Edition set comes equipped with a sleek deep black Galaxy S7 edge, accentuated by gold detailing and an iconic bat insignia on the back, inspired by DC Comics’ Batman. The set additionally offers a Gear VR (Black Edition), Back Cover (Injustice Edition), as well as exclusive contents and services vouchers*.
“At Samsung, we always seek to provide a unique top-of-the-line mobile experience and this time, we are excited to bring our exclusive Injustice edition of the Galaxy S7 edge to Malaysians! With the Vulcan API as one of the key features of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge, this partnership only reinforces our commitment to enhance the mobile gaming experience for consumers,” said Lee Jui Siang, Vice President of Mobile and IT Business Unit, Samsung Malaysia Electronics.
Also to commemorate the third anniversary of the popular mobile game, Injustice: Gods Among Us, the companies came together to bring Samsung’s technology and one of the game’s central characters, Batman, in a suave, high-performance smartphone.
Developed from the ground up by award-winning NetherRealm Studios, the Injustice: Gods Among Us mobile game delivers stunning graphics and a completely unique fighting gameplay experience. The game features a collectible card mechanic and engages players in 3-on-3 tag team combat that features many of DC’s most iconic characters. The Injustice: Gods Among Us game is available as a free download on Google Play.
The Galaxy S7 edge Injustice Edition set is available for online order starting from 10am, 17 June 2016 at recommended retail price of RM4,099 (inclusive of 6% GST) at http://www.samsung.com/my/gs7injustice.
Online Purchase Mechanics
1. Access http://www.samsung.com/my/gs7injustice to order online from 10am onwards on 17 June 2016.
2. Register contact details with preferred Samsung Experience Store for collection.
3. Make deposit payment of RM500 via PayPal (please contact your issuing bank to ensure the online transaction is not barred).
4. Collect your Galaxy S7 edge Injustice Edition set on the collection date provided upon completion of online order.
*Enjoy ‘Injustice’ game credit worth USD$100 and Oculus VR contents voucher worth USD$50 with each purchase of The Galaxy S7 edge Injustice Edition set.
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Kuala Lumpur, 27 May 2016 – Following its record-breaking global debut, Samsung Malaysia Electronics is proud to release the Pink Gold edition of the Galaxy S7 edge to the Malaysian market, bringing the total of available colours for the devices to five – so everyone can experience the Samsung Pink Gold Galaxy S7 edge with a touch of exclusivity.
“Samsung continuously endeavours to create products that are innovative, bold and in a class of its own. Besides the functionality and features of the phone, colour choices also play an important role in purchase decisions. With the introduction of the Galaxy S7 edge Pink Gold, we are offering a softer and more sophisticated look and feel of the Galaxy S7 edge,” said Mr Lee Jui Siang, Vice President, IT & Mobile Business Unit, Samsung Malaysia Electronics.
Samsung brings the use of pink gold in electronics full circle by making it a highly visible element of today’s mobile experience. With hues that glitter and shimmer as if illuminated from inside their glass surfaces, the blending of pink and gold is the perfect representation of elegance and luxury.
The refined Pink Gold colour scheme was chosen to soothe while incorporating a touch of gentleness, radiance and sophistication to the smartphones’ design – a minimalistic expression of premium ownership.
The new Samsung Galaxy S7 edge in Pink Gold is more than a just a new colour option, it is an expression of one’s personality and lifestyle. As mobile phones become more and more integrated into our lives, the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge in Pink Gold transforms into a luxury centrepiece that interprets a modern affluent owner.
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Samsung Pink Gold Galaxy S7 edge
The Galaxy S7 edge Pink Gold becomes available in Malaysia starting 27 May 2016 at the recommended retail price of RM3,099 (inclusive of 6% GST) / ~US$ 809. The Galaxy S7 edge is also available in Black Onyx, Gold Platinum, and Silver Titanium.
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Samsung Malaysia Electronics is pleased to inform the customer of theirr online TV pre-order promotion for their latest 2016 SUHD and UHD TV line-up. To celebrate the arrival of their 2016 SUHD TV next week at KLCC, Samsung is offering exclusive deals for its latest 65” SUHD TV (65KS9000) and its latest 55” UHD TV (55KS6000), for one day only (Friday, 27th May 2016).
Limited to only 10 units, customers who purchase the latest 65” Samsung SUHD TV (65KS9000, RRP: RM21,999 / ~US$ 5,799) during today’s online pre-order are entitled to a free Galaxy S7 edge worth RM3,099 and free RM5,000 travel vouchers.
At the same time, customers who purchase the 55” Samsung UHD TV (55KU6000, RRP: RM5,499 / ~US$ 1,449) will receive a free Galaxy S7 edge worth RM3,099 – limited to 200 units only.
This exclusive SUHD TV deal is a first ever for Samsung and it is first-come first-serve one-day only pre-order promotion, so don’t miss out! Do log on to www.samsung.com/my/tvpreorder to place your order for the new Samsung 2016 SUHD TV tomorrow (27th May) at 10am sharp. *Terms and conditions apply.
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Kuala Lumpur, 23 May 2016 – Want to celebrate this Raya with great gadgets, or better yet, a brand new set of wheels? Now you can, as Samsung Malaysia Electronics is excited to bring its fans fantastic rewards with its Great Galaxy Raya Deals! From 23rd May 2016 until 17th July 2016, fans who purchase selected Galaxy devices during this period are eligible to be in the running to drive home a brand new Honda City!
“Samsung Galaxy devices have enjoyed immense growth and popularity in the Malaysian market throughout the years and a large part of this success is attributed to the confidence and support of our loyal customers and diehard Galaxy fans. We are extremely appreciative of this encouragement and as such, we always find ways to show our gratitude to our fans and customers. As Raya comes again, we want to reward Malaysians with our latest Galaxy devices at amazing deals!” said Mr Lee Jui Siang, Vice President, IT & Mobile Business Unit, Samsung Malaysia Electronics.
Great Galaxy Raya Deals
The Great Galaxy Raya Deals introduces a special purchase-with-purchase (PWP) promotion where fans who purchase the Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge or the Galaxy Note5 at selected outlets within the promotion period is eligible to purchase Samsung’s latest wearable, the Gear VR, at 30% off the original price at RM321. To top it off, each purchase will also entitle buyers to redeem a Samsung wireless charger stand worth RM279, absolutely free!
Those in need of a set of wheels or those looking to upgrade their drive can take it a notch further by participating in the campaign’s ‘Win a Car’ contest.
To be in the running, fans simply need to purchase selected Samsung Galaxy mobile devices, tablets or wearables above RM300 from any participating Samsung authorized dealers during the promotion period and retain the original receipt as proof of purchase.
Next steps include switching on your new Samsung Galaxy device, setting up your Samsung account, and answering a simple question through SMS submission.
It’s that simple, so what are you waiting for? Head on over to the nearest Samsung authorised dealers for your chance to drive home one of the 30 brand new Honda City’s up for grabs!
*Terms and conditions apply. Promotion valid while promotional stocks last. Promotion price is inclusive of GST.
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We hope you enjoyed our extensive coverage of the new Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon), from the preview, our first opportunity to try it out with the Gear VR and the smashing launch with Korean superstar, Lee Kwang-soo. But nothing beats having the real thing at hand, and today, we will share with you our comprehensive review of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge smartphone!
Unboxing The Galaxy S7 edge
The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) comes in a very classy black cardboard box, with the storage capacity and colour printed on a gold-coloured label on the upper right corner. In this video, we open up the Galaxy S7 edge box and take a look inside.
One Samsung 15 W adaptive fast charging travel charger
One micro-USB to USB 2.0 cable
One USB OTG adaptor
One pair of Samsung earphones with spare set of earbuds
One SIM card slot extractor
One Quick Start Guide (in English and Mandarin)
One set of Warranty Cards & Regional Lock Guide
One OTG adaptor manual (in English and Mandarin)
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Specification Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) comes in two variants – the SM-G935 (US) variant powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 quad-core processor, and the SM-G935F/FD (Worldwide / SEA) variant powered by the Samsung Exynos 8890 octa-core processor. Let’s compare their specifications with their predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge.
Specifications
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Qualcomm Variant)
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Exynos Variant)
Samsung Galaxy S6 edge
Display
5.5" Super AMOLED dual-edge display
- 1440 x 2560 pixels (534 ppi)
5.1" Super AMOLED dual-edge display
- 1440 x 2560 pixels (577 ppi)
Protection
Corning Gorilla Glass 4 (front & back panels)
Operating System (At Launch)
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Android 5.0 Lollipop
System Platform
Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 (MSM8996)
- 2.15 GHz ARM Kyro x 2
- 1.59 GHz ARM Kyro x 2
- Qualcomm Adreno 530 GPU
Samsung Exynos 8890 Octa
- 2.3 GHz Samsung Mongoose x 4
- 1.5 GHz ARM Cortex-A53 x 4
- ARM Mali T880 GPU
Samsung Exynos 7420
- 2.1 GHz ARM Cortex-A57 x 4
- 1.5 GHz ARM Cortex-A53 x 4
- ARM Mali T760 GPU
Memory
4 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM
3 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM
Storage Options
32 GB / 64 GB internal flash storage
One microSD slot (shared with SIM 2) - supports up to 200 GB
Network : LTE Cat. 12/13 (600 / 150 Mbps)
WiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), MIMO (2 x 2)
Bluetooth : Version 4.1 LE, ANT+
Others : USB 2.0, NFC, GPS
Network : LTE Cat. 8 (450 / 50 Mbps)
WiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), MIMO (2 x 2)
Bluetooth : Version 4.2 LE, ANT+
Others : USB 2.0, NFC, GPS
Network : LTE Cat. 6 (300 / 50 Mbps)
WiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), MIMO (2 x 2)
Bluetooth : Version 4.1 LE, ANT+
Others : USB 2.0, NFC, IR Remote, GPS
3,600 mAh lithium-ion battery (non-removable)
- fast charging capability (wired & wireless)
- wireless charging (Qi and PMA)
2,600 mAh lithium-ion battery (non-removable)
- fast charging capability (wired only)
- wireless charging (Qi and PMA)
Dimensions
150.9 mm tall
72.6 mm wide
7.7 mm thick
142.1 mm tall
70.1 mm wide
7.0 mm thick
Weight
157 g
132 g
Colour Options
Black Onyx, Silver Titanium, Gold Platinum
White Pearl, Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum, Green Emerald
The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge model we have is the South East Asian model – SM-G935FD. Like the SM-G935F (Worldwide) model, it is powered by the Samsung Exynos 8890. The difference is the FD model has a hybrid dual SIM slot, instead of a dedicated microSD slot in the F model. Now, let’s take a closer look!
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The Galaxy S7 edge Key Features
Before we go into the details of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon)‘s key features, here is a primer video that gives you a quick tour of those features. Take a look :
Double Curves
Superficially, the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) looks very similar to the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge (Amazon). The Galaxy S7 edge is taller and slightly wider, and has double-curved edges. Its double curved edges actually allows for a slightly more comfortable grip
.Just like its predecessor, it has the Volume buttons on the left, a Power button on the right and a Home button which doubles as a fingerprint sensor. The fingerprint sensor is more accurate and works faster than the Galaxy S6 edge‘s fingerprint sensor.
Hybrid SIM Slot
The SIM and microSD card slot is located at the top, but the earphone port is located at the bottom, near the USB 2.0 and microphone ports. This is due to extremely slim profile of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon).
This is the South East Asian model (SM-G935FD), so it has a hybrid SIM slot, instead of the standard microSD slot. The hybrid SIM slot can be used to install a second SIM card (SIM 2), or a microSD card.
This gives you some flexibility – you can choose to use either a second SIM card, or a microSD card. However, you can’t use both at the same time. This has led to some disgruntlement although practically everyone agrees that Samsung made the right decision in bringing back the microSD slot which supports microSD cards of up to 200 GB in size.
Faster Cameras
Samsung improved the front camera, giving the Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) a faster f/1.7 lens for better low-light performance. The rear camera also comes with f/1.7 lens, but drops the 16 MP sensor for a 12 MP sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus technology. That doesn’t mean the sensor is capable of delivering twice as many pixels of resolution though.
Dual Pixel technology is actually an autofocus technology that uses the dual photodiodes in every pixel on the image sensor for phase-detection autofocus. This allows for faster and more accurate focusing, because it uses many more autofocus pixels, instead of just a few dedicated pixels (usually less than 5% of the total).
Samsung uses either a Sony IMX260 sensor, or their own Samsung S5KL1 ISOCELL sensor in their Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) smartphones. Our model came with the Samsung S5KL1 sensor. Both are virtually identical in performance – 12 MP of resolution with Dual Pixel autofocus technology and 1.4 μm pixels – 25% larger than their predecessors. This means much lower noise levels, and better image quality overall.
The new 12 MP rear camera still has a bump, but it is far less pronounced than the 1.7 mm tall camera bump on the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge (Amazon). Earlier leaks claim that it is 0.8 mm, but in reality, it’s just 0.46 mm. That’s virtually imperceptible if you lay it on a flat table, and only noticeable if you slide your finger over it.
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Water Resistance
The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) is IP68-rated for dust- and water-resistance. Best of all, you don’t even have to prepare it in any way before you dunk it into water! For more information how how Samsung achieved this feat, take a look at ourSamsung Galaxy S7 IP68 Engineering Explained.
Officially, the Galaxy S7 edge can withstand complete immersion in water up to 1.5 m in depth, for up to 30 minutes. That means you can take it for jogs in the rain, reading in the shower or soaking in bath. Heck, you can even take it for a swim!
There are some caveats though. The IP68 rating applies to a specific set of test conditions : 15-35 °C, 86-106 kPa, 1.5 metre, 30 minutes. Even so, water may enter and damage the Galaxy S7 edge if it is exposed to “water moving with force“, like running water from a tap or waterfall, or ocean waves.
One of the biggest complaints about the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge (Amazon) was how hot it gets during heavy use. This is particularly pronounced when it is used to record videos.
Samsung mitigates this issue in the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) using a “liquid cooling system” to keep its internal components cool. Samsung was not forthcoming with the details, but ifixit tore it down to reveal the liquid cooling system as a small, thin copper heat pipe.
A heat pipe is used to very efficiently remove heat from a hot surface on one end, and conduct it to a colder surface on the other end. It does this using a working fluid (like water) that turns into vapour on the hot end, and condenses at the cold end.
The Galaxy S7 edge’s heat pipe can be seen to run across the 4 GB Hynix LPDDR4 (which lays over the Snapdragon 820 / Exynos 8890 processor), and 32 GB Samsung MLC flash chip, as well as several other chips before terminating on the back cover.
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Bigger Battery, Faster Charging
Samsung also corrected another major complaint by Samsung Galaxy S6 edge (Amazon) users – battery life. The Galaxy S6 edge only came with a 2,600 mAh battery. Samsung gave the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) a large 3,600 mAh battery – 1,000 mAh or 38.5% more than its predecessor!
How much more battery life can we expect from this larger battery? We tested it using PCMark and lo behold, the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) lasted almost 11 hours! That is almost double the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge (Amazon), which lasts just over 6 hours on the same test.
Officially, the Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) will fully recharge its battery (from 0% to 100%) in just 115 minutes. In our test, it took us just 86 minutes and 46 seconds to recharge the Galaxy S7 edge from 19% to 100%. If you look at the graph, you can see that its recharging performance is linear up to the 90% mark, then it tapers off. For maximum charging speed, you can charge from 19% to 90% in just under 64 minutes!
This battery recharging performance is thanks to the 15 W fast charging capability that both Samsung Galaxy S7 edge and Galaxy S6 edge support. The new Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) improves on that by adding fast wireless charging! This allows you to recharge its battery wirelessly in just 155 minutes.
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Initial Setup
When you power up the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) for the first time, it will take about 23 seconds to boot up. If you set it up as a fresh device, it will take no more than 5 minutes to complete the initial setup. Check out our video on the initial setup process, and a quick look at some of its software features.
It’s Alive!
The moment the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) starts running, you will immediately be very impressed with its bright, sharp and vivid display. That’s the beauty of its Super AMOLED display that is unmatched by IPS LCD panels. The front Gorilla Glass 4 cover has an oleophobic coating, which makes for easy swiping and a cleaner display. The back lacks the oleophobic coating for a better grip. However, this means it’s very easily smudged.
You will also notice that the Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) grips better than the Galaxy S6 edge (Amazon). Even though it’s a 5.5″ smartphone, it feels no different from the Galaxy S6 edge. This is because it’s just slightly (2.5 mm) wider but 8.8 mm taller. At 15 cm tall, it may protrude out of your pocket, especially if you are wearing jeans.
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Improved Edge
Although many Samsung fans love the dual curved edges for aesthetic reasons, Samsung put considerable effort into making the edge screen even more functional than it was with the Galaxy S6 edge (Amazon). Let’s take a look!
The first swipe takes you to the Apps edge. Here you get quick access to your 10 most frequently used apps. Samsung already pre-populated 8 of them, but you can swap them or add two more from the list of apps in your Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon).
Swiping again takes you to the Tasks edge. This is where you can create shortcuts to perform your favourite tasks, like composing an image or start a stopwatch.
The third swipe will bring you to the People edge screen. This is the default screen in the Galaxy S6 edge. Here, you can add up to 5 favourite contacts, so you can quickly call or message them.
The final swipe will take you to Yahoo! News. Of course, you can swap that out (or even any of the previous Edge panels) for new Edge panels that you can download online. As of April 2016, there are 15 free and paid Edge panels to choose from.
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Available Memory & Storage
The SamsungGalaxy S7 edge (Amazon) comes with 4 GB of LPDDR4 memory. This is great news because the Galaxy S7 edge has quite a lot of bloat. In fact, you only have 1.7 GB of free memory to use. Compare that to the ASUS ZenFone Zoom (Amazon), which also has 4 GB of RAM but 2.2 GB of free memory to use. That’s a difference of 500 MB.
The Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) also comes with 32 GB of internal flash memory. Once you deduct 7.8 GB for the Android 6.0 operating system and apps, you have 24.2 GB of free space left to use. That is pretty decent actually, allowing you to store about 5,000 photos, or record 180 minutes of 1080p video or 60 minutes of 4K video.
In some countries, a 64 GB internal storage option is also available. However, the 32 GB model is likely to be the far more popular model because the Galaxy S7 edge comes with a microSD slot that allows you to top up storage by 200 GB via a microSD card.
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Camera Options
Both the front and rear cameras use a 4:3 ratio for maximum resolution, with small crop sizes available in the settings menu. The main camera can record videos in full 4K resolution, albeit only with electronic video stabilisation, HDR, tracking AF and video effects turned off. For those features to be enabled, you must record at resolutions of 2560 x 1440 (QHD) or lower.
Surprisingly, the front 5 MP camera can also record video with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 (QHD). with electronic image stabilisation disabled. If you want EIS enabled, you need to drop it down to 19×0 x 1080. Both front and rear cameras support additional functions via the Mode button, like a Pro mode, a Wide Selfie mode, Selective focus, Panorama, etc.
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Camera Performance
The SamsungGalaxy S7 edge‘s killer feature is its improved rear camera. Its faster f/1.7 lens allows for better low-light performance, which is obvious from the indoor photos we took. It also performed well, even when the weather was overcast. Its Dual Pixel technology also allowed for faster and more accurate focusing.
We have no complaints about the Samsung S5KL1 ISOCELL sensor in this Galaxy S7 edge model. We did note that it sometimes have white balance issues (the Dala horse picture above has a yellowish tinge), but nothing a quick photo edit can’t fix.
Below, you will see examples of how much detail resolution the Samsung S5KL1 ISOCELL sensor is capable of. Note the detail on the wall, and the texture of the fabric petals, as well as the intricate patterns on the bubblegum balls below.
The pictures of the fruits above show that the colours are bright and vivid. There is no doubt hat if you are into mobile photography, the SamsungGalaxy S7 edge (Amazon) has arguably the best smartphone camera in the market right now.
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Video Recording Performance
The SamsungGalaxy S7 edge (Amazon) is capable of recording 4K UHD videos as well as 1080p videos. Other than the resolution difference, it can only record 4K UHD videos with optical image stabilisation. When set to record 1080p videos, it supports electronic image stabilisation as well as optical image stabilisation.
To test and compare both stabilisation capabilities, we recorded two examples in both 1080p and 4K modes. The first set are of Mr. Yang I-Deun’s piano performances, while the second set are of ice skaters.
The optical and electronic image stabilisation worked like a charm, reducing or even eliminating handshake and vibration. Even at 4K, the amount of shaking was very minimal. The image quality was superb and there was reasonably good control of the exposure. Only the bright background in the piano performance set was overexposed. The audio recording was also good – clear, with reasonably good background noise control. This is definitely our favourite smartphone to record videos.
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Work Performance : PCMark
We tested the Galaxy S7 edge‘s performance using PCMark, which simulates work applications like web browing, playing video, writing text and editing photos.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
ASUS ZenFone Zoom
Samsung
Galaxy S6 edge
Work Performance Score
(Average)
4892
5829
5078
Web Browsing
6908
5751
6788
Video Playback
3218
4536
3091
Writing
4629
5270
5918
Photo Editing
5563
8400
5357
Surprisingly, the SamsungGalaxy S7 edge (Amazon) was not so hot in PCMark. It was slightly faster than its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge (Amazon) in Web Browsing, Video Playback and Photo Editing, but it was significantly slower in Writing. In fact, it was much slower than the Intel Atom-powered ASUS ZenFone Zoom (Amazon) we reviewed recently, in all but web browsing.
Overall Performance : AnTuTu Benchmark
AnTuTu is a nice benchmark for testing various performance aspects of Android devices.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
ASUS ZenFone Zoom
Samsung
Galaxy S6 edge
TOTAL SCORE
131246
65914
75222
3D SCORE
40824
16839
20579
– 3D (Garden)
17488
6976
8104
– 3D (Marooned)
23336
9863
12475
UX SCORE
42765
21371
24065
– UX Data Secure
8169
5896
5507
– UX Data Process
5966
4353
4392
– UX Strategy Games
10745
4118
6948
– UX Image Process
13878
2926
3413
– UX I/O Performance
4007
4078
3805
CPU SCORE
37882
23110
25402
– CPU Mathematics
11831
5196
7823
– CPU Common Use
10875
8699
7585
– CPU Multi-Core
15176
9215
9994
RAM
9775
4594
5176
There is no doubt that the SamsungGalaxy S7 edge (Amazon) is a gaming king. It was practically twice as fast as its predecessor, the Galaxy S6 edge (Amazon) in 3D performance and user experience (UX) scores! It was also much faster in CPU and memory performance.
Gaming Performance : 3DMark
We tested the Galaxy S7 edge’s gaming performance using 3DMark, using the Ice Storm Unlimited test.
Samsung
Galaxy S7 edge
ASUS
ZenFone Zoom
Samsung
Galaxy S6 edge
Gaming Score
28650
21372
21166
Graphics
33685
21748
23298
Physics
18810
20152
16031
Graphics Test 1
162.9 fps
112.6 fps
120.6 fps
Graphics Test 2
133.1 fps
81.5 fps
87.3 fps
Physics Test
59.7 fps
64.0 fps
50.9 fps
There is no doubt that the SamsungGalaxy S7 edge (Amazon) is an astoundingly fast smartphone for 3D games. It proved to be 35% faster than its predecessor, the Galaxy S6 edge (Amazon), which is itself a very fast smartphone for games. The Galaxy S7 edge will take any 3D game thrown at it and then some.
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Our Verdict On The Galaxy S7 edge
Superficially, the SamsungGalaxy S7 edge (Amazon) looks like an evolutionary upgrade of the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge. Like its predecessor, it is a work of art – a beautiful combination of glass and metal. It sports the characteristic curved edges in the front, which is now complemented by slightly curved edges in the back.
Users of the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge (Amazon) though will be familiar with the downsides of the curved edges – accidental triggering of the touchscreen when you hold the Galaxy S7 edge. Samsung appears to have improved this but it will still occur. The curved edges also prevent the use of the popular tempered glass screen protectors, with TPE screen protectors being your only choice. Of course, the SamsungGalaxy S7 edge (Amazon) is protected on both front and back by the latest Corning Gorilla Glass 4, so you can probably do without screen protectors.
The Galaxy S7 edge‘s Super AMOLED display is sharp, brilliant and vivid with a pixel density of 534 ppi. Even though it is no different from the slightly smaller Super AMOLED display used in the Galaxy S6 edge (Amazon), it remains the best smartphone display in the market. Even though this is a 5.5″ smartphone, it doesn’t feel that large. This is because it is taller, and only a little wider. It fits our hands very well although single-handed use is quite a stretch.
Even though the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge swapped a 16 MP sensor for a lower-resolution 12 MP sensor, it has a much better rear camera. Due to the larger pixels and a faster f/1.7 lens, it has better low-light performance. The new sensor also supports Dual Pixel technology, allowing for faster and more accurate auto-focus performance. This is arguably the best smartphone camera in the market today.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge‘s killer feature is probably its IP68 rating for dust- and water-resistance. You can dunk it into water without any preparations – it will survive depths of up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. However, it is not waterproof. You have to be careful about subjecting it to water under pressure. We have a more detailed article on its IP68 certification in our article, Samsung Galaxy S7 IP68 Engineering Explained.
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Another feature that was warmly welcomed was the reintroduction of the microSD slot. That was a misstep in the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge (Amazon) and the Samsung Galaxy Note5 (Amazon). The SamsungGalaxy S7 edge (Amazon) introduced it in the form of a hybrid SIM slot, allowing you to either use a microSD card or a second SIM card, but not both at the same time. This is not as convenient as a dedicated second SIM slot and a dedicated microSD slot, but it beats having a single SIM card slot with no microSD slot.
We are also glad to report that Samsung corrected another weakness in the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge – its short battery life. The SamsungGalaxy S7 edge (Amazon) comes with a large 3,600 mAh battery – 1,000 mAh (38.5%) extra capacity over its predecessor. That allowed it to last almost 11 hours of non-stop heavy use in our stress test!
There is no doubt that the SamsungGalaxy S7 edge (Amazon) is the best smartphone Samsung has ever made. They took the best features of the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge, corrected its weaknesses and added dust- and water-resistance. What’s not to like? We love it so much, we are awarding it our coveted Editor’s Choice Award! Congratulations, Samsung!
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Samsung throws the spotlight on three creative individuals who embody the ethos of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. Meet American cyclist Kelli Samuelson, Danish fashion designer and musician Henrik Vibskov, and Sudanese author and activist Alek Wek.
Spotlight 1: Don’t Accept Limits
For American cyclist and all-female cycling team owner Kelli Samuelson, carving new niches has become second nature. Life has thrown her plenty of curveballs, but in overcoming them, Kelli has ventured into unchartered territory for female riders and set the stage for other barrier-breaking females.
An aspiring professional with dreams of competing at the top level of the sport, a hip injury found late in life has given her some serious setbacks. The injury required reconstructive surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation that put her dreams on hold. Undaunted, however, she used her time away from the road to do something she truly believed in –finding a place for women in the traditionally male-dominated cycling world.
“To me, breaking barriers means being who you are and not accepting the limits imposed on you by daring to defy anything that stands in the way of what you want to achieve! I refuse to be defined by a single label but rather choose the freedom of following whatever inspires my passion,” said Kelli Samuelson.
She said technology enables her to go beyond boundaries because it allows her to capture and share what makes her feel limitless and can also inspire others to break through their own barriers, no matter who they are.
When asked what she especially liked about Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, she said “When you spend your day on a bike, the world rolls by quite quickly. That’s why I am especially obsessed with the super-fast autofocus on the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge’s camera. No matter my RPM, I know that it will capture me crossing the finish line in perfect clarity! Plus, it does the same even on late night rides.”
The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge are devices designed with people like Kelli in mind, individuals for whom thinking outside of the box is a way of life. So, no matter what road you race down in life, Samsung enables you to capture every memory as clearly as the moment and empowers you to live life beyond barriers.
For some artists, labels like “painter,” “musician,” and “fashion designer” are a comfortable fit. But for people like Henrik Vibskov, they are merely constraints.
He is a leading light in the fashion industry – musicians such as Björk, M.I.A., LCD Soundsystem and Franz Ferdinand have proudly sported his designs. However; Henrik is not content to simply clothe music’s biggest stars. When he is not designing new collections, Henrik keeps himself occupied as drummer with his own project Mountain Yorokobu, signed to Fake Diamond Records, and also toured with Trentemøller.
He believes that constant reinvention is at the heart of the creative process. When asked about what pushes him to create such a diverse portfolio of work, Henrik remarked, “I am always inspired by people who challenge themselves to go out there and try something new, to challenge perception and create progress. In the brave new world of multi-discipline art creation, technology can be a powerful tool. If you can make technology as mobile as you are, then the sky is the limit.”
In the Samsung’s flagship range, Henrik believes he has found a device that truly embodies what he aims to achieve and empowers his multifaceted lifestyle. “Samsung is motivated to redefine what a phone can do,” he says.
With the Galaxy S7 in hand, new-school artists like Henrik explain they can enjoy not only creative freedom, but also the flexibility needed to break down interdisciplinary boundaries. In particular, Henrik says that the Gear VR and Gear 360, compatible with the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, has opened up a new channel of ideas and creativity for him.
“It’s a completely new way of thinking, seeing and experiencing the world both near and far from home,” says Henrik. ”It allows me to fully immerse myself in an entirely sensorial experience that stirs my creative senses. I’m interested to see how I can incorporate this progressive technology into my art and design.”
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Spotlight 3: Celebrate Who You Are
Meet South Sudanese supermodel, author and activist Alek Wek. A bloody civil war led her to flee her native country at age 14 and take refuge in the United Kingdom. Four years later she got her big break when a modelling scout discovered her in a South London park.
At the time, there were no supermodels like Wek on the scene. Her distinctive looks, typical of the Dinka people – the predominant ethnic group of South Sudan – seemed to be at odds with the fashion world’s idea of beauty. But rewriting the history books is what Wek is all about.
It was not long before she was adorning the covers of fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle and designers around the world wanted her as the face of their brands.
Her ethos is clear, “Children should never think ‘I can’t do that,’ just because no one else like them is doing it,” she says. ““From my childhood in South Sudan to my unconventional ‘look’ in the fashion industry, I’ve faced many barriers to get where I am today. However, the relentless pursuit of my dreams helped me to defy these imposed limits and create meaningful progress within the fashion industry.”
When asked about her partnership with Samsung on the shoot, she says, “I appreciate Samsung’s status as a relentless innovator in their industry. They’re not afraid to be the first or to be a pioneer.”
Wek believes technology makes the world a connected and unified place. She says, “It enables us to keep moving forward and bring awareness to meaningful causes while empowering people across the globe to break their own personal barriers and defy limitations.”
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Samsung Electronics, a world leader in Internet of Things and advanced components, announced the Internet of Trousers, a new lineup of IoT-enabled smarter fashion products.
The new fashion range includes an exciting collection of pants abounding with innovative functions. And, boasting an array of unique, contemporary styles that fit just about any lifestyle, these smart wearables are just that… wearable.
The intelligent trousers, which combine the latest in high-tech with high fashion, were designed to address the pain points of everyday apparel. Samsung has made smarter fashion a reality by embedding the new garments with ARTIK Smarter Fashion chip modules, which communicate with the Smarter Fabric Care app.
Key Internet of Trousers functions include:
Wi-Fly: Gone are the days of unnoticed, unzipped trouser zippers upon exiting the restroom. Should your fly remain open for more than three minutes, the ZipARTIK module will send a series of notifications to your smartphone to save you from further embarrassment.
Get Up! Alert: Using pressure sensors, Samsung’s intelligent trousers detect prolonged periods of inactivity and send notifications to ‘get up off of that thing’ at least once an hour. Should you remain seated for more than three hours, devices embedded in each of the rear pockets send mild electrical shocks to provide extra motivation.
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Keep-Your-Pants-On Mode: Sometimes it’s easy to get carried away with the moment. The Samsung Bio-Processor in your pants checks your bio-data including your heart rate and perspiration level. If these indicators get too high, Samsung’s trousers will send you subtle notifications as a reminder of the importance of keeping your cool.
Fridge Lock: If the tension around your waist gets too high, the embedded ARTIK chip module will send signals to your refrigerator to prevent you from overeating. The fridge door lock can then only be deactivated with consent from a designated person such as your mother or significant other.
Q.U.I.L.T. (Qommon User Inclusion: League of Threads)
As with many other initiatives, Samsung will open up its Smarter Fashion ecosystem to other players as an open platform. Whether it be traditional apparel companies, top-notch designers or your grandmother knitting your next Christmas sweater, ARTIK fashion chip modules will be available for anyone and everyone.
Starting with ZipARTIK for pants, the ARTIK Smarter Fashion portfolio will expand to ARTIK S (for shirts) and ARTIK Sx (for socks, to help solve the problem of lost and/or divorced socks). These modules can run on low power while ensuring security and privacy. (Much like ARTIK 1, 5 and 10.)
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At Samsung Forum 2016, Samsung revealed details of the mySamsung homebase app. Nicholas Wodtke (Vice-President) and Karen Peck (Marketing Director), of Samsung SEA & Oceania’s Media Solutions Centre, showed off the new mySamsung app in an in-depth session, which we have recorded for you.
The app is an extension of the regional mySamsung ownership program. It lets both new and current Samsung customers manage their devices, get easy and direct access to customer service representatives as well as obtain ownership privileges to get the most out of their Samsung devices.
What Is The mySamsung App All About?
The mySamsung app is designed to be a homebase app – a one-stop app that every Samsung customer can use to access customer service, device information, and ownership privileges.
In this video, Nicholas Wodtke and Karen Peck explain the idea behind mySamsung, and demonstrate how it works. Check it out :
[adrotate banner=”4″]The mySamsung app is compatible with Samsung smartphones from Samsung Galaxy S4 and above, and phablets from Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and above. However, the mySamsung ownership program is currently only offered to owners of :
The mySamsung app and ownership program are already available in Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines, but will soon roll-out for Samsung customers in New Zealand and Taiwan. If you haven’t installed it yet, go and give it a try!
Screenshots
Here are screenshots of the mySamsung app, showing you the setup process, as well as the options available in the app.
The app will come pre-installed in new Samsung models, but users of older models can download the app for free from the Google Play Store.
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Kuala Lumpur, March 25, 2015 – Samsung Malaysia Electronics displayed a whole new level of innovation through their latest state-of-the-art technology, the Gear VR, at the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge consumer launch roadshow recently. Galaxy fans and members of the public were invited to experience the boundary-breaking Samsung Gear VR theatre in 4D which was paired with the brand’s latest and newly-introduced flagship model, the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge.
“At Samsung, we are proud to showcase the latest technology of mobile ecosystem to our fans and supporters. This includes our newly launched Samsung Galaxy S7 edge and the complementary consumer edition Gear VR. This remarkable line-up of device together creates a seamless ecosystem that promises to enhance consumers’ everyday lives,” said Mr Lee Jui Siang, Vice President, IT & Mobile Business Unit, Samsung Malaysia Electronics.
Inviting viewers to explore the most exciting places on earth virtually, the theatre received hundreds of participants throughout the four-day roadshow in Suria KLCC shopping mall. The positive feedback received from the public showed increasing popularity of virtual reality and its role for the future of mobile entertainment in Malaysia and globally.
“I’m really glad to have had the opportunity to try the Samsung Gear VR together with the new Galaxy S7 edge. Wearing the Gear VR makes everything in front of your eyes looks so real, especially during the 360° immersive rollercoaster ride! The experience is nothing short of amazing!” shared Malaysian actress Adeline Tsen, who was one of the guests at the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge consumer launch roadshow.
Celebrity Nabil Mahir was also impressed with Samsung’s virtual reality device and posted on his Instagram: “Ever said to yourself, “Ey boring la, nothing to do.”? Well then you need to get yourself this super awesome Samsung Gear VR that takes you to an ultimate 360 virtual reality experience.”
Echoing Nabil Mahir, Samsung made the imaginable a reality for 2,000 fans to experience virtual reality, anytime, anywhere. As part of the brand’s initiative to redefine what a phone can do and how users can experience an enhanced and connected ecosystem, Samsung Malaysia Electronics offered a complimentary Gear VR to the first 2,000 buyers who purchased the brand’s all new Galaxy S7 edge.
The advanced consumer version of the Gear VR is an improved and more ergonomic version of the Innovator Edition for S6 that was launched last year. Leveraging on the super AMOLED display of its complementing devices, the new Gear VR gives a whole new meaning to immersive video experience and virtual gaming reality – providing sharp colours, supreme clarity and unrivalled performance for an amazing virtual reality experience.
The new Samsung Gear VR is 19 percent lighter than the previous Innovator Edition, has new foam cushioning for added comfort, and is fitted with an improved touchpad that provides greater control while enjoying the robust selection of film, gaming, and 360 degree video. The Gear VR is also compatible with Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+ and the Note5, making it the best mobile entertainment device with family and friends. Offered in Frost White, the Gear VR retails at an affordable recommended retail price of RM459 (including 6% GST) at 28 selected Samsung Electronics Stores (SES) nationwide.
For those who did not get a chance to experience virtual reality with the Gear VR and the new Galaxy S7 edge during the consumer launch roadshow in KLCC, don’t fret as Samsung is bringing its Galaxy S7 edge roadshow to Mid Valley Megamall (East Atrium). From 28 March to 4 April 2016, members of the public will get the opportunity to have a go at the roadshow’s Gear VR 4D Theatre and experience virtual reality at its best!
There is also good news for members of the public who are interested in purchasing the new Galaxy S7 edge. Samsung is giving out a free 32GB microSD card for every purchase of the Galaxy S7 edge throughout the week-long roadshow, so do stop by to get yours today!
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We hope you enjoyed our extensive coverage of the new Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon), from the preview, our first opportunity to try it out with the Gear VR and the smashing launch with Korean superstar, Lee Kwang-soo. But nothing beats having the real thing at hand, and today, we will share with you the unboxing of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge, and our first impressions!
The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) comes in a very classy black cardboard box, with the storage capacity and colour printed on a gold-coloured label on the upper right corner. In this video, we open up the Galaxy S7 edge box and take a look inside.
Inside, you will find the following items :
One Samsung Galaxy S7 edge smartphone
One Samsung 15 W adaptive fast charging travel charger
One micro-USB to USB 2.0 cable
One USB OTG adaptor
One pair of Samsung earphones with spare set of earbuds
One SIM card slot extractor
One Quick Start Guide (in English and Mandarin)
One set of Warranty Cards & Regional Lock Guide
One OTG adaptor manual (in English and Mandarin)
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Specification Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) comes in two variants – one powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 quad-core processor, and another variant powered by the Samsung Exynos 8890 octa-core processor. Let’s compare their specifications with their predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge.
Specifications
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Qualcomm Variant)
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Exynos Variant)
Samsung Galaxy S6 edge
Display
5.5" Super AMOLED dual-edge display
- 1440 x 2560 pixels (534 ppi)
5.1" Super AMOLED dual-edge display
- 1440 x 2560 pixels (577 ppi)
Protection
Corning Gorilla Glass 4 (front & back panels)
Operating System (At Launch)
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Android 5.0 Lollipop
System Platform
Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 (MSM8996)
- 2.15 GHz ARM Kyro x 2
- 1.59 GHz ARM Kyro x 2
- Qualcomm Adreno 530 GPU
Samsung Exynos 8890 Octa
- 2.3 GHz Samsung Mongoose x 4
- 1.5 GHz ARM Cortex-A53 x 4
- ARM Mali T880 GPU
Samsung Exynos 7420
- 2.1 GHz ARM Cortex-A57 x 4
- 1.5 GHz ARM Cortex-A53 x 4
- ARM Mali T760 GPU
Memory
4 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM
3 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM
Storage Options
32 GB / 64 GB internal flash storage
One microSD slot (shared with SIM 2) - supports up to 200 GB
Network : LTE Cat. 12/13 (600 / 150 Mbps)
WiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), MIMO (2 x 2)
Bluetooth : Version 4.1 LE, ANT+
Others : USB 2.0, NFC, GPS
Network : LTE Cat. 8 (450 / 50 Mbps)
WiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), MIMO (2 x 2)
Bluetooth : Version 4.2 LE, ANT+
Others : USB 2.0, NFC, GPS
Network : LTE Cat. 6 (300 / 50 Mbps)
WiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), MIMO (2 x 2)
Bluetooth : Version 4.1 LE, ANT+
Others : USB 2.0, NFC, IR Remote, GPS
3,600 mAh lithium-ion battery (non-removable)
- fast charging capability (wired & wireless)
- wireless charging (Qi and PMA)
2,600 mAh lithium-ion battery (non-removable)
- fast charging capability (wired only)
- wireless charging (Qi and PMA)
Dimensions
150.9 mm tall
72.6 mm wide
7.7 mm thick
142.1 mm tall
70.1 mm wide
7.0 mm thick
Weight
157 g
132 g
Colour Options
Black Onyx, Silver Titanium, Gold Platinum
White Pearl, Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum, Green Emerald
The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge model we have is the South East Asian model, that is powered by the Samsung Exynos 8890 and has a hybrid dual SIM slot. Now, let’s take a closer look!
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Close Look At The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
Superficially, the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) looks very similar to the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge. The Galaxy S7 edge is taller and slightly wider, and has double-curved edges. Just like its predecessor, it has the Volume buttons on the left, a Power button on the right and a Home button which doubles as a fingerprint sensor.
The SIM and microSD card slot is located at the top. This is a hybrid slot, in which SIM 2 doubles as a microSD card slot. You can choose to either use a second SIM card, or a microSD card; but not both at the same time. The earphone port is located at the bottom, near the USB 2.0 and microphone ports.
Samsung improved the front camera slightly, giving it a faster f/1.7 lens, giving it better low-light performance. The rear camera also comes with f/1.7 lens, but drops the 16 MP sensor for a 12 MP sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus technology. This allows for faster and more accurate focusing by using every effective pixel on the sensor for phase-detection autofocus.
This video gives you a quick tour of the various aspects of the new Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) smartphone. Take a look :
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Initial Setup
When you power up the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon) for the first time, it will take about 23 seconds to boot up. If you set it up as a fresh device, it will take no more than 5 minutes to complete the initial setup. Check out our video on the initial setup process, and a quick look at some of its software features.
We are working on the full review of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon), which will be out shortly. In the meantime, enjoy some pictures we took of the Galaxy S7 edge powered up!
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Kuala Lumpur, March 18, 2016 – Samsung Malaysia Electronics is proud to launch its latest flagship model – The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge in Malaysia! Only after a day of its unveiling to the media, the Galaxy S7 edge nationwide launch and roadshow locations saw thousands of visitors, both local and foreign, hoping to get their hands on the stunning new device.
With consumer roadshows in four (4) locations, and offers in three (3) Samsung Experience Stores nationwide, fans and supporters of Samsung were given a chance to personally experience the smartphone before many others. Crowds were gathering in all locations since the early hours of the morning and there was no doubt that many were eagerly waiting months for this very day.
Samsung Galaxy fans arrived at their respective launch locations hours in advance to qualify for one of Samsung’s exclusive deals. The first lucky 2,000 customers across seven locations nationwide who purchased the Galaxy S7 edge received a complimentary Samsung Gear VR. The rewards did not stop there as Samsung also offered a trade-up promotion for existing S series owners.
“At Samsung Malaysia Electronics, we work very hard to give Malaysians a chance to experience the phone, which brings us to our purpose of this nationwide launch. These roadshows are a chance for Samsung to bring the brand and consumers closer together, and we are very grateful for the continuous support and constant positive feedback Malaysians have given us. The turnout for the Galaxy S7 edge is beyond our expectations and we aim to continue providing everyone quality service and do our best to ensure a favourable experience for everyone.” said Lee Jui Siang, Vice President, IT and Mobile, Samsung Malaysia Electronics.
[adrotate banner=”4″]Nicklas Hystad, a building engineer from Norway, was first in line at the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge roadshow in KLCC. During his backpacking travel across Southeast Asia, this 22-year old heard about Samsung’s new flagship device buzzing around in the news, “I fell in love with the features of the Galaxy S7 edge and I knew that I must have it! I heard that Kuala Lumpur would be launching it the same time I would be visiting the country so I thought, this is it! As a frequent traveller, I absolutely love the advance camera and water and dust resistant feature – it is the perfect phone to take with me on all my travelling adventures. I can’t wait to take beautiful pictures of Malaysia with my new Galaxy S7 edge!” exclaimed a really excited Hystad.
The Galaxy S7 Edge, is offered at the recommended retail price of RM3,099 (inclusive of 6% GST), and is available in three colours: Black Onyx, Silver Titanium and Gold Platinum. The roadshow continues on until 22nd March 2016, from 10am to 10pm at the following locations:
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South Korean superstar, Lee Kwang-soo, flew into Malaysia to help launch the new Samsung Galaxy S7 edge smartphone to great fanfare. His fans started lining up for the best spots by 3 AM, and hundreds of them thronged the Suria KLCC Concourse by 10 AM.
