7 rumored features of the Samsung Galaxy S7
Posted: 06 Nov 2015, 06:40, by Daniel P.
We've barely gotten accustomed to all novelties that the Galaxy S6 brought, especially in terms of the radical redesign, and it's already Galaxy S7 rumor mill time, indicating that Samsung might have indeed succeeded to shorten the development timeframe for its future flagship through a more robust project management techniques.
There is so much information trickling down from various places about Samsung's Project Lucky (seven is a lucky number in Samsung's homeland), that we felt the need to do a little roundup of everything that has been rumored about the Galaxy S7 so far.
Besides the usual speculation about chipset, screen and camera upgrades, which can be largely expected, there are some more interesting tidbits that are fleshing out the S7 as quite the potent warrior in the highest-end segment.
To top it all off, the rumored January/February unveiling timeframe means that all these wonders below aren't that far off, and we will sure have more info between now and then, but here's what we've heard about the Galaxy S7 so far.
1. Thinner, glass-on-magnesium body
Rumor has it that the Galaxy S7 will feature a magnesium alloy frame wrapped in glass covers, which is not a far cry from what we have on the Galaxy S6, and that's a good thing, as it would continue Samsung's shift to premium designs that is trending in the last year or so.
2. Larger display
The display size is the murkiest speculation about the Galaxy S7, and not because there is a lack of rumors, but rather because they are contradicting. If we put all tips together, though, it turns out that we may have a 5.2" Galaxy S7 with a flat display, and a 5.7" one with a side-curved display launched concurrently, but we'd just have to wait and see for some more credible info on the larger version, as this year the S6 edge+ was launched together with the Note 5, rather than the S6, for instance.
3. The fastest Exynos and Snapdragon chipsets
Both chipsets that are expected to power the S7 - the new Exynos 8890 and Snapdragon 820 - will be built with Samsung's next-gen 14nm production method.
The first 14nm chipsets, such as the Exynos 7420 in the Galaxy S6, or the Apple A9 in the iPhone 6s, are apparently using the "early" Low Power Enhanced (LPE) nodes, that are introductory for the process, while the next stage is 14nm Laser-Produced Plasma (LPP) chips. The LPP process offers higher performance within even smaller power envelope, which explains the record benchmarks we are seeing leaked about the purported S7 chipsets.
4. Bigger, better camera
The camera situation is almost as murky as the screen size, though, judging from all the rumors, the S7 shooter will either have bigger sensor, or bigger resolution than the 16 MP unit of the S6.
The first candidate to go in the S7 is Samsung's new 20MP sensor with RGBW pixels, made on a 28nm process to reduce power draw. The RWB color pattern enhances light sensitivity, and improves the signal-to-noise ratio in low-light conditions, which might be why Samsung recently trademarked the phrase BRITECELL.
Another candidate for this name, however, is a rumored 12 MP sensor that Samsung is allegedly working on, with big 1/2" sensor, which would eventually enter mass production soon. If these rumors turn out to be credible, both sensors could end up in the Galaxy S7, so we'd have to wait and see the first specs leak to know for sure.
5. Dedicated ESS audio chip
Samsung is no stranger to high-quality audio DACs in its phones, as it's been using Wolfson ones for a while now, so it's not clear what real difference an ESS-equipped Galaxy S7 would make in the audio capabilities of its phones. Perhaps, the rumors that it might partner with Jay-Z's Tidal music service, which prides itself in streaming lossless high-fidelity tunes, may have some merit, after all.
6. Pressure-sensitive screen technology
Synaptics, the makers of all things touch and controlling, has apparently enlisted Samsung as one of the core partners for its upcoming ClearForce pressure-sensitive touchscreen technology. It is similar to Apple's 3D Touch tech in the new iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, though it allows a more complete list of features to be had in future smartphones with it, such as variable speed scrolling, screen unlock, variable gaming controls, and so on.
7. USB Type-C connector
This rumor about the Galaxy S7 is really a no-brainer, as many phones to be released in 2016 are expected to adopt the faster USB Type-C tech which allows quicker file transfers, higher power throughput, and, above all, offers a side-agnostic connector, so you don't have to mind with which side the cable goes in at all times.
