Later today Samsung will step out of the gloom of what was a terrible 2016, and so far a not so great 2017 to reveal the Galaxy S8. A handset for which there have been countless leaks, meaning we have a pretty good idea of what to expect. As such, we know it will be one of, if not the most popular smartphone on the market, probably knocking the iPhone 7 off the top spot. So, here’s our pre-launch comparison of the two based the expected specs of the S8.
Galaxy S8 Vs. iPhone 7
If you’re not a day-to-day follower of all things mobile technology, there is a slim chance you don’t know this. Samsung will today, March, 29th, 2017 announce its next S Line smartphone the Galaxy S8 in NewYork. You can catch the event live across the internet starting at 11 am. ET, 8 am. PT, 4 pm BST, 2 am AEST. So, bookmark this page and watch it via the live stream link video link below.
Now, if for whatever reason you miss it, Samsung is likely to replay the Unpacked event on its YouTube channel, probably an hour after it ends. So, there’s no way you can miss out, however, if you prefer to scan the details quickly, we will have them for you.
Here’s the comparison…
Design
Starting with what it could look like, the consensus is, that the Galaxy S8 is almost certain to have a glass back. In fact, along with this it will also feature gently curving glass sides which gently hug a metal frame. Together, these materials will present what will be a device which is comfortable in hand and perfectly symmetrical.
In comparison, the iPhone 7 does have that quality premium design and feel. However, it is one that’s been seen before on its predecessors so nothing new, except for the odd tweak. As for dimensions, the S8 is rumored to be 148 x 68 x 8mm, and the iPhone 7 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1mm. Meaning overall, if these details prove to be correct, the Galaxy S8 will be the larger device.
Will this mean the Galaxy S8 is going to be uncomfortable to use in one hand? In all honesty, it’s unlikely Samsung would design it to be so. In fact, it’s likely that the larger screen-to-body ratio which means a reduced bezel size may help in this respect.
Display
With the iPhone 7, Apple stuck with its tried and tested 4.7-inch IPS LCD technology, again offering pretty much nothing new. As for the Galaxy S8, we’re almost certain a 5.8-inch of the Super AMOLED variety will make an appearance. This feature alone will mean the S8’s display real estate is superior to the iPhones; however, there’s more.
The two technologies chosen, not only mean a difference in size but also in performance, contrast, vividness, and detail. In fact, compared to Apple’s handset the Galaxy S8 display should be infinitely sharper with rumors suggesting 1440 x 2990 is likely, that’s 568ppi. In comparison, the iPhone 7 looks almost out of focus at a lowly 750 x 1334 pixels, 326ppi.
What else? Well, the S8 could have beautiful curved edges, when the iPhone is flat. Plus the possibility of ultra high-definition could mean it capable of showing off that gorgeous screen.
Camera
Where the camera of the Galaxy S8 camera is concerned, we have to admit to being a little uncertain. Many rumors are doing the rounds; however, no consensus has been reached. Could it be a standard 12MP rear shooter capable of shooting in 4K video? Or could it feature the much-preferred front-facing 3D camera with dual lenses, capable of capturing the depth of 3D? Sadly, it could also feature the same camera we saw last year on the S7, which was a capable sensor, but, how that would compare to 2017’s would be a concern.
As for the iPhone 7’s camera, it has proven itself to be more than capable, for the first time on an Apple handset offering optical image stabilization. How the two compare will be one for scrutiny once we know the detail later today. In the meantime, it’s safe to say we don’t expect Samsung to stick with last years tech. As such, it should outperform its rivals camera significantly.
Performance
With its locked down iOS 10, A10 Fusion chipset and 2GB of RAM, the performance of the iPhone 7 was streets ahead of its predecessor. However, Samsung always features the latest and greatest in Android software and technological hardware. As such, it is expected to make the iPhone look like yesterday’s device regarding performance.
Obviously, until the handset is revealed later today, you should take the following information with a pinch of salt. However, it’s thought the device will ship with Android Nougat, out of the box. And also come with a Snapdragon 835 chipset, or depending on where you live an Exynos 8895. Both of which are expected to make this the fastest and most smooth running Android device to date. Especially considering 4GB of RAM is a minimum expectation, with some rumors pointing to 6GB.
Overall, both handsets are and will be big improvements over their predecessors, as for how they compare. Maybe the Galaxy will have the upper hand, due to its more advanced set of components? The proof will be in the testing!
Battery
Seeing as the iPhone 7 comes with a relatively small 1960mAh battery, we would expect the performance of (what’s rumored) 3000mAh battery on the Galaxy S8 to be better. However, the fact that the Samsung will have a power hungry display could seriously reduce any life span increases. Right now, there’s no way of saying, either way, however, as Samsung’s displays have grown, battery life has shrunk. So, don’t expect a return to charging once per 24-hours, instead expect to keep topping the Galaxy S8 when a power outlet is nearby.
How do the two devices compare? That’s hard to say, yes, iPhone owners have long complained about battery life. However, with the A10 Fusion and iOS 10, it has improved, so the answer is let’s wait and see.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt that the iPhone 7 is among the best available today, and there’s no doubting the Galaxy S8 will be too. The problem when comparing the two is, they are (could be) vastly different devices. Yes, both offer premium designs, have devout followers, and are at the expensive end of the market. The iPhone 7 starting at $649/£599/AU$1,079 and rumors pointing to the Galaxy S8 starting at $845/£695/AU$1,115. But, until today’s announcement is over with we won’t know for sure, you can watch the Unpacked event below.
https://youtu.be/2iNTxLXO-Iw
Image Screenshot Source: eTube Tech/YouTube
