The technological landscape of smartphones has evolved dramatically over recent years, with flagship devices from Apple and Samsung leading the charge. Among the most discussed models are the iPhone 7 Plus 128GB and the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, both of which offer remarkable features tailored to meet diverse user needs. This detailed comparison aims to highlight the core differences, strengths, and weaknesses of these two premium smartphones to help potential buyers make informed decisions.

Understanding their operating systems, hardware specifications, camera capabilities, battery life, display technology, and design elements provides insights into which device might suit individual preferences best. Both phones symbolize technological prowess of their respective brands, making them enduring choices despite newer releases.

Operating Systems and User Interface

The iPhone 7 Plus runs on Apple's proprietary iOS 10.1, which can be upgraded to iOS 11.2. The operating system boasts a seamless and intuitive user experience, with smooth animations, robust security features, and a vast ecosystem of applications via the Apple App Store. Apple's regular updates ensure enhanced security and new features, maintaining the device's longevity.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge operates on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which offers a high degree of customization, multitasking capabilities, and compatibility with a wide variety of applications. Samsung’s TouchWiz interface (or Samsung Experience UI) enhances user interaction with added features and adjustments tailored to Samsung devices. Android's open-source nature allows for modifications, giving tech-savvy users the flexibility to customize their experience further.

Design and Build Quality

The iPhone 7 Plus features a sleek aluminum unibody construction with precise dimensions of 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm, and it weighs approximately 188 grams. Its design exudes elegance with a smooth finish and available color options like black, gold, silver, rose gold, and jet black. The device features a front and back glass panel with a sturdy aluminum frame, ensuring durability and premium feel.

The Galaxy S7 Edge sports a distinctive curved-edge display, measuring 150.9 x 72.6 x 7.7 mm and weighing just 157 grams. Its design incorporates a combination of Gorilla Glass 4 on both sides and an aluminum frame, giving it resilience against daily wear and tear. Available in black, gold, and silver, the S7 Edge emphasizes aesthetics with its curved display design, offering an immersive viewing experience.

Display Technology and Visual Experience

The iPhone 7 Plus features a 5.5-inch Retina HD display made with ion-strengthened glass. It has a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 401 PPI. The IPS LCD panel provides accurate color reproduction and sharp visuals, complemented by the 3D Touch feature that responds to different pressure levels.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge boasts a larger 5.5-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED curvature display, with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels and a pixel density of 534 PPI. The AMOLED technology delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast ratios, making it ideal for multimedia consumption. The curved design enhances visual immersion, providing a premium viewing experience.

Hardware Specifications and Performance

The iPhone 7 Plus is equipped with Apple's A10 Fusion chip, a quad-core processor that offers impressive speed, efficiency, and performance for multitasking, gaming, and daily operations. It includes 3 GB of RAM and internal storage options of 128GB, which is non-expandable.

The Galaxy S7 Edge features a powerful Exynos 8890 Octa-core processor (or Snapdragon 820 in some regions) combined with 4 GB of RAM. Its internal storage options start at 32 GB, expandable via microSD card up to 200 GB, offering flexibility for users with large storage needs. The hardware ensures smooth multitasking, gaming, and overall responsiveness.

Camera Capabilities

The iPhone 7 Plus excels with a dual 12 MP primary camera, consisting of a wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture and a telephoto lens with an f/2.8 aperture. The setup supports 2x optical zoom, optical image stabilization, phase detection autofocus, and a quad-LED dual-tone flash. Video recording capabilities include 4K at 30 fps, 1080p at various frame rates, and slow-motion modes. Its 7 MP front camera with Retina Flash captures sharp selfies and supports high-quality video calls.

The Galaxy S7 Edge also sports a 12 MP primary camera with an f/1.7 aperture, phase detection autofocus, OIS, and LED flash. Its secondary camera is 5 MP with similar features suitable for selfies. The device supports 4K video recording, slow-motion capture, and HDR, delivering high-quality images and videos under various conditions. Dual video recording and advanced autofocus systems ensure versatility and clarity.

Battery Life and Power Management

The iPhone 7 Plus packs a 2900 mAh non-removable Li-ion battery, supporting up to 21 hours of talk time and featuring fast charging capabilities. Despite its smaller capacity compared to some competitors, Apple's optimization ensures efficient power usage, making it suitable for extended usage throughout the day.

The Galaxy S7 Edge offers a larger 3300 mAh non-removable battery, with up to 27 hours of talk time. It supports fast charging and wireless charging, providing convenience and quick replenishment of power. The device's software and hardware work together to maximize battery longevity, suitable for users with high daily usage.

Connectivity and Network Features

Both devices support a broad range of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE, ensuring broad compatibility worldwide. The iPhone 7 Plus includes VoLTE support, facilitating high-quality voice calls over LTE networks. Connectivity options also include dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth v4.2, GPS, NFC, and an array of sensors such as fingerprint scanners, accelerometers, and gyroscopes, enhancing user experience and device functionality.

Additional Features and Water Resistance

The iPhone 7 Plus is rated IP67, making it resistant to dust and water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S7 Edge boasts an IP68 rating, providing higher waterproofing standards, allowing it to withstand submersion of up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Both phones support stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jacks, and FM radio features, catering to multimedia needs.

Color and Design Options

Color choices for the iPhone 7 Plus include classic shades like black, silver, gold, rose gold, and the unique jet black option. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is available in black, gold, and silver, emphasizing a sleek and modern aesthetic with its curved screen design.

Network Compatibility and Future Proofing

Both smartphones are compatible with the latest network standards, supporting 4G LTE and VoLTE, ensuring fast data speeds and voice clarity. While they are not 5G-ready, their robust hardware specifications offer longevity and the ability to handle most app and multimedia demands for several years.

Final Thoughts: Which One to Choose?

Selecting between the iPhone 7 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge hinges on individual preferences for operating systems, design aesthetics, camera needs, and brand loyalty. The iPhone provides a seamless, secure environment with excellent software optimization, while the Galaxy offers more customizable features and expandable storage options. Price differences are also notable, with the Galaxy often being more affordable, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers. Visiting retail stores or shopping online can reveal current prices and promotions, helping you make the final purchase decision.

For those seeking a premium smartphone experience, both devices remain relevant, providing reliable performance, advanced features, and enduring appeal despite newer models entering the market.

References:

• https://www.gadgetsnow.com/compare-mobile-phones/Apple-iPhone-7-Plus-128GB-vs-Samsung-Galaxy-S7-Edge
• https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s7_edge_(usa)-7961.php
• https://gadgets.ndtv.com/apple-iphone-7-plus-3767
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPhone
• http://tech.firstpost.com/product/mobile-phones/iphone-7-plus-128gb-specification-432493.html
• https://www.apple.com/in/iphone-7/specs