When the Samsung Galaxy S7 launched, it quickly earned a reputation as one of the most complete Android
phones released up to that point. Looking back, it’s worth asking what actually made it stand out, and whether
“best Android phone ever” is a fair label or just nostalgia talking.
A Design That Balanced Style and Practicality
The Galaxy S7 refined the design language of its predecessor with a curved glass back that felt genuinely
premium in hand, while reintroducing practical features like water resistance and expandable storage, both of
which had been removed from the previous model. That combination of premium feel and everyday practicality
was a significant part of its appeal.
A Camera That Set a New Standard
The S7’s camera was widely praised for its low-light performance, thanks to a larger sensor and wider aperture
than competitors offered at the time. For many users, camera quality was the single biggest reason the S7
stood out from other Android flagships in its generation.
Strong, Reliable Performance
Powered by a capable processor and ample RAM for its time, the S7 handled multitasking and demanding apps
smoothly, without the lag issues some competitors experienced. This reliability contributed heavily to its
reputation as a dependable daily driver rather than just an impressive spec sheet.
The Return of Expandable Storage and Water Resistance
Samsung had removed microSD support and water resistance from the previous generation, and their return in
the S7 was widely seen as Samsung listening directly to user feedback. These practical features gave the S7
an edge over competitors that still lacked them.
Where the S7 Still Had Limitations
Despite its strengths, the S7 wasn’t without drawbacks. Samsung’s software skin still carried some bloatware,
and battery life, while solid, wasn’t dramatically better than competitors. Its non-removable battery was also a step away from the user-replaceable batteries some previous Samsung models still offered.
How It Compares to Later Flagship Phones
Later Android flagships surpassed the S7 in nearly every measurable spec, camera technology, processing
power, and display quality have all advanced significantly since its release. What made the S7 stand out wasn’t
that it was untouchable on paper, but that it got the fundamentals so consistently right for its time.
So, Was It Really the Best Android Phone Ever?
“Best ever” is always relative to when a phone was released and what it was being compared against. In its own
generation, the Galaxy S7 was widely regarded as one of the strongest, most well-rounded Android phones
available. A reputation it earned through consistency rather than any single standout feature.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy S7 remains a strong example of a phone that succeeded by getting the basics right.
Design, camera, performance, and practicality, rather than chasing a single headline feature. Whether it holds
the title of “best Android phone ever” is debatable, but its impact on setting expectations for later Android
flagships is hard to dispute.
FAQs
Q: What made the Samsung Galaxy S7’s camera stand out?
A: Its larger sensor and wider aperture gave it noticeably better low-light performance compared to many
competitors at the time.
Q: Did the Galaxy S7 have water resistance?
A: Yes. It reintroduced water resistance after it had been removed from the previous Galaxy model
Q: Was the Galaxy S7’s battery removable?
A: No, the S7 used a non-removable battery, a shift from some earlier Samsung models.
Q: How does the Galaxy S7 compare to modern flagship phones?
A: Modern flagships significantly outperform it in camera technology, processing power, and display quality,
though the S7 remains notable for its era.
