Samsung Galaxy Note7 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy Note7, launched in August 2016, stood as a testament to Samsung's commitment to design and build quality. This device boasted an elegant and robust structure with dimensions of 153.5 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm and a weight of 169 g, making it comfortable to hold and use. The design incorporated a glass front and back protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, paired with an aluminum frame that gave the device both a premium look and enhanced durability. The Note7 was available in three sophisticated colors: Blue Coral, Silver Titanium, and Black Onyx, each exuding elegance to match its advanced features.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy Note7 featured a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display, one of the best screens available at the time. The screen had an impressive resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels with a pixel density of around 515 pixels per inch, making for vibrant, clear, and sharp visual experiences. The inclusion of HDR10 technology meant enhanced color accuracy and greater contrast ratios, ensuring media consumption on the device was nothing short of spectacular. Additionally, Gorilla Glass 5 protection meant the screen was resilient against scratches and most daily usage mishaps.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the Galaxy Note7 was powered by the Snapdragon 820 chipset, which included a quad-core processor setup (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) and an Adreno 530 GPU. This configuration provided ample power and smooth performance for both everyday tasks and intensive applications like gaming. It originally shipped with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, topped with Samsung's TouchWiz UI, which offered additional customization options and handy features. The Note7 was equipped with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB, providing flexibility for users with substantial storage needs.

Camera Capabilities

The camera system on the Galaxy Note7 was one of its standout features. The main camera was a 12 MP sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, dual pixel PDAF, and optical image stabilization. These features ensured that photos taken were of high quality, even in low-light conditions. The camera also supported 4K video recording at 30fps and various other modes such as 1080p at 60fps, and 720p at an impressive 240fps for slow-motion capturing. The front-facing camera comprised a 5 MP sensor, supplemented by a dedicated iris scanner camera, which was a novel and secure biometric feature at the time.

Battery and Charging

The device came with a non-removable 3500 mAh lithium-ion battery, offering a good balance between performance longevity and device weight. The Note7 supported quick charging at 15W and also included wireless charging capabilities, making it convenient for users to recharge without needing to be tethered to a cable. Despite the high performance and large display, the battery endurance was commendable, with talk time up to 38 hours on 3G and music play up to 60 hours.

Network and Connectivity

The Galaxy Note7 supported a variety of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE. This made it a versatile device suitable for use across different regions and carriers. The phone supported Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, providing robust and reliable wireless connectivity, along with features like Wi-Fi Direct. Other connectivity options included Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, and a USB Type-C 3.1 port for versatile data transfer and charging scenarios, though it lacked a radio option.

Safety Concerns and recall

Despite its promising specifications and performance, the Galaxy Note7 faced critical issues shortly after its launch. A significant number of units experienced battery failures that led to overheating and even combustion, leading to a widespread recall and eventual discontinuation of the product. This was a major incident in the technology industry and impacted Samsung's reputation, prompting them to strengthen their quality control measures in subsequent models.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Note7 was a remarkable device in terms of design, display, and performance. However, the battery issues overshadowed its achievements, leading to a costly recall and discontinuance. Despite this, it paved the way for improvements in manufacturing quality and innovation, influencing future generations of smartphones to emphasize safety and reliability alongside advanced features.