Samsung Galaxy S7 Active InDepth Specs Features & Price Analysis

Overview of Samsung Galaxy S7 Active

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Active was released in June 2016 as a rugged version of the popular Galaxy S7 series designed for those who need extra durability from their smartphones. Built to withstand rough conditions, it kept the core features of its mainstream counterpart while offering enhancements in build quality and battery life, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals working in challenging environments.

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Active measures 148.8 x 74.9 x 9.9 mm and weighs 184.8 grams. Its construction features a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, a plastic back, and an aluminum frame, making it resistant to shocks and drops. This model was specifically designed to be tougher and provides more grip due to its rugged finish. It is available in three colors: Camo Green, Titanium Gray, and Sandy Gold.

Display

The device comes with a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen. Offering a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, it delivers sharp, vibrant visuals with a pixel density of approximately 576 ppi. Protected by Gorilla Glass 4, this screen is not only vivid and clear under varying lighting conditions but also tough and resilient against scratches.

Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy S7 Active is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 processor, featuring a quad-core CPU (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) and the Adreno 530 GPU. This ensures a high level of performance, capable of handling demanding applications and multitasking with ease. The device supports 4GB of RAM and comes with 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSDXC slot.

Camera Capabilities

The primary camera of the Galaxy S7 Active is a 12 MP shooter with an f/1.7 aperture, featuring dual pixel PDAF for fast autofocus, optical image stabilization (OIS), and the ability to capture 4K video at 30fps. It also supports 1080p video at various frame rates, equipped with HDR and stereo sound recording capabilities. The selfie camera is a 5 MP sensor with an f/1.7 aperture that is capable of auto-HDR and dual-video calls.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Galaxy S7 Active is its non-removable 4000 mAh Li-Ion battery, which surpasses the standard S7 model. The phone supports fast charging (15W) and offers wireless charging options (market dependent). It promises up to 32 hours of talk time on 3G and up to 110 hours of music playback.

Network and Connectivity

This robust smartphone supports various network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, making it versatile in terms of connectivity around the globe. It includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS with GLONASS, NFC, and a microUSB 2.0 port for versatile communication options.

Software and User Interface

Originally shipped with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Active is upgradable to Android 7.0 Nougat, dressed with the Samsung TouchWiz UI. The user interface is known for its smoothness and customized features that enhance user experience, although some users may find it slightly bloatware-heavy.

Sensors and Features

The device is well-equipped with a variety of sensors including a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, heart rate monitor, and SpO2 sensor. These contribute to a comprehensive feature set appealing to fitness enthusiasts and users who appreciate additional health-related functionalities.

Audio and Multimedia

The Galaxy S7 Active incorporates a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which remains a favorable feature for many users who prefer wired audio equipment. The audio quality measurement indicates good noise and crosstalk levels, delivering a respectable multimedia experience.

Durability and Market Position

Designed to be IP68 certified for dust and water resistance (up to 1.5m for 30 minutes), the Galaxy S7 Active is distinct for its military-grade durability tests that align with MIL-STD-810G standards. Its rugged form factor enhances resistance against thermal shock, humidity, and other extremes, making it a preferred choice for users in demanding occupations or extreme environments.

Price and Availability

Upon release, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Active was priced around 360 EUR. Although discontinued, it can still be found through various second-hand marketplaces at varying price points, appealing to those looking for an affordable yet durable device.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Active represents a specific niche within the smartphone market, offering solid performance and outstanding durability. Despite newer models being available, its ruggedness and comprehensive feature set continue to attract users who prioritize reliability and longevity in challenging conditions.