Our test of the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge novelties that pay – Le Figaro

VIDEO – Waterproof housing, new camera, slot to increase memory: correcting the shortcomings of its predecessor, the latest Korean manufacturer of smartphone multiplies arguments to justify its high price

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a year ago, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge was impressed us with its innovative design, its screen of 5.1 inch curved sides, its frame ultrathin metal, and its overall performance. This year, the manufacturer offers a larger and more complete version. Main features: waterproof housing in IP68 as the Sony Xperia Z5 (able to stay underwater for an hour up to a meter deep and dust resistant) and the ability to expand the memory card microSD. The device is in fact equipped with a drawer with two compartments which includes both the SIM card and the memory card.

A smartphone imposing

If he reminds his predecessor the Galaxy S7 Edge stands out for its bulkier size due to its 5.7-inch screen. The screen in question displays the same resolution of 2560 × 1440 points and the same superb contrast. But the handling is different. The slightly convex rear surface and the dimensions of the model make it less convenient to handle when it has small hands. Moreover we note an inconvenience that did not appear with the S6 Edge: holding the mobile in one hand, sometimes overflows the thumb on the side of the screen without being noticed, which blocks touch controls tempted with the other hand.

once the problem was identified, we discover a richer environment than the previous model, with the ability to customize the shortcut bar that appears at right when you slide your finger on the screen to access their favorite applications or to quickly trigger an action, such a message or note an appointment. As a bonus, an option to display on the mobile screen saver time, calendar or picture. Nothing to say about the performance of the device. Equipped with an octal-core processor, it is particularly pleasant to use, the interface reacts quickly, navigation is smooth and excellent display

A refurbished camera

Petite surprise: the camera has been completely revised and corrected. Instead of the sensor 16 megapixel Galaxy S6, Samsung has opted for a less generous model, 12 megapixels, but made larger photosites to capture more light, especially in low light. Added to this is a goal that opens to f / 1.7. Situation, the results are very good: in the dark, the Galaxy S7 is doing remarkably well, with a very balanced contrast and fairly accurate colors. Outside, the images are detailed enough in bright colors. We also note that the auto focus and trigger faster than previously. But the treatment of the image is poor. Just zoom in on a photo to discover that the noise filter tends to smooth and even delete certain details. Too bad …

Conclusion: although inspired by the success of its successor, the Galaxy S7 Edge submitted arguments justifying the new situation. And its price … 799 euros!