Galaxy S7 Vs S7 Edge Was The Edge Really Worth It 2

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge in early 2016, they marked a pivotal moment for the company. After the lukewarm reception of the Galaxy Note 7’s predecessor, Samsung returned with refined hardware, improved software, and two distinct designs: the traditional flat-screen S7 and the curved-display S7 Edge. The question on many buyers’ minds wasn’t just about specs—it was whether the premium price of the Edge model justified its unique features. Two years after their release, with perspective from users, reviewers, and market trends, we can assess: was the Edge really worth it?

Design and Build: Form Meets Function

The most obvious difference between the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge lies in their physical design. Both phones shared the same high-end materials—glass front and back with an aluminum frame—but the Edge stood out with its dual-curved AMOLED display that swept dramatically around the sides.

This curvature wasn’t just aesthetic. It enabled functional features like the Edge panel—a customizable sidebar accessible by swiping inward from the screen’s right edge. Users could pin favorite contacts, apps, or shortcuts, making one-handed access faster in some scenarios. However, this came at a cost: the curved screen made the device more prone to accidental touches and glare in bright light.

In contrast, the standard S7 offered a flatter, more predictable interface. Its compact 5.1-inch display fit comfortably in most hands, while the Edge’s 5.5-inch screen catered to those who preferred larger displays without sacrificing portability entirely.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone one-handed, the S7’s smaller size may offer better control than the Edge’s wider footprint.

Display and Usability Comparison

Both models featured Super AMOLED displays with a Quad HD (1440 x 2560) resolution, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. Pixel density was slightly higher on the S7 (577 PPI) compared to the S7 Edge (534 PPI), but the difference was imperceptible in daily use.

The Edge’s curved screen introduced new interaction paradigms. Features like Edge Lighting notified users of incoming calls or messages with subtle glows along the curve. While visually striking, these were often seen as gimmicky unless personalized heavily. Additionally, third-party app support for edge integration remained limited, reducing long-term utility.

On the flip side, the curved design enhanced immersion when watching videos or playing games—the illusion of content spilling over the edges created a futuristic feel unmatched by flat screens at the time.

Performance and Hardware: Identical Under the Hood

Beneath the surface, both devices were nearly identical. They ran on either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 (in North America) or Samsung’s Exynos 8890 (in international markets), paired with 4GB of RAM. This meant benchmark scores, app loading times, multitasking performance, and gaming capabilities were indistinguishable between models.

Storage options started at 32GB with microSD expansion up to 200GB—another shared feature that leveled the playing field. Both phones also brought back the headphone jack and IP68 water resistance, addressing major criticisms of the previous generation.

Feature	Galaxy S7	Galaxy S7 Edge
Display Size	5.1 inches	5.5 inches
Resolution	1440 x 2560	1440 x 2560
Battery Capacity	3000 mAh	3600 mAh
Rear Camera	12 MP Dual Pixel	12 MP Dual Pixel
Water Resistance	IP68	IP68
Expandable Storage	Yes (microSD)	Yes (microSD)
Price at Launch (USD)	$570	$650

Battery Life and Real-World Endurance

One of the Edge’s strongest arguments for superiority was its larger 3600 mAh battery versus the S7’s 3000 mAh. In practice, this translated to roughly 1.5 to 2 additional hours of screen-on time under mixed usage.

A mini case study illustrates this: Sarah, a sales representative based in Chicago, used her S7 Edge throughout a full workday involving constant email, GPS navigation, and conference calls. She consistently reached 7 PM with 15–20% battery remaining. When she borrowed a colleague’s S7 for a week, she found herself scrambling for a charger by mid-afternoon.

For power users, travelers, or anyone who dislikes frequent charging, the Edge’s battery advantage was tangible. But for average users with lighter habits, the S7’s battery sufficed, especially with Samsung’s Doze mode and efficient processor management.

“Battery life is often the deciding factor in mobile satisfaction. The S7 Edge didn’t just last longer—it reduced anxiety.” — James Lin, Mobile Technology Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Value Proposition: Was the Premium Justified?

The S7 Edge launched at approximately $80 more than the standard S7. That gap represented a 14% price increase for a larger screen, extended battery, and curved display features. Whether this was “worth it” depended on individual priorities.

• For tech enthusiasts: The Edge offered novelty, prestige, and cutting-edge design.
• For productivity-focused users: Longer battery and bigger screen aided multitasking and media consumption.
• For budget-conscious buyers: The S7 delivered 90% of the experience at a lower cost, with fewer risks of screen damage.

Secondary costs also mattered. Screen replacements for the Edge were significantly more expensive due to the complex curved glass. Insurance rates followed suit. Over two years, maintenance expenses could widen the total ownership cost considerably.

Checklist: Choosing Between S7 and S7 Edge

1. Evaluate your daily screen time – do you need extra battery?
2. Consider one-handed usability – does a wider phone fit your grip?
3. Assess how much you value visual flair and innovative features.
4. Determine your tolerance for higher repair costs.
5. Compare resale values – the Edge held value slightly better initially.
6. Test both devices in person if possible before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the S7 Edge have better camera quality?

No. Both models used the exact same 12-megapixel rear sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus and f/1.7 aperture. Image quality, low-light performance, and video recording were identical across both devices.

Was the curved screen fragile?

Yes, relatively. While both phones had Gorilla Glass 4, the S7 Edge’s curved edges were more exposed and susceptible to cracks during drops, especially onto hard surfaces. Replacement costs were notably higher than for the S7.

Could you disable Edge-specific features?

Yes. Users could turn off Edge Panels, Edge Lighting, and other curvature-dependent functions through Settings. However, doing so diminished part of the phone’s unique appeal.

Final Verdict: Who Should Have Chosen the Edge?

The Galaxy S7 was an outstanding smartphone—compact, powerful, and beautifully designed. But the S7 Edge wasn’t merely a variant; it was a statement. It pushed boundaries in display technology and user interface innovation. For users who valued immersive media, all-day battery, and a standout look, the Edge was absolutely worth the premium.

However, for those prioritizing practicality, durability, and value retention, the standard S7 made more sense. It avoided the fragility concerns and still delivered flagship performance without compromise.

In hindsight, the S7 Edge played a crucial role in shaping Samsung’s future direction. It proved there was demand for curved displays and edge-centric functionality—lessons directly applied to the Galaxy S8, Note series, and eventually foldable devices.

💬 Looking back, which would you choose today? Share your thoughts on the Galaxy S7 vs S7 Edge debate—your experience might help others reflect on one of Samsung’s most influential duos.