The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge 128GB remains one of the most compelling flagship smartphones even years after its initial release. With its sleek design, powerful hardware, and innovative features, it set a benchmark for what a premium Android device should be. While newer models have since taken the spotlight, the S7 Edge still holds its own, especially for those who appreciate a balance of performance, aesthetics, and functionality.

Design and Build Quality

Samsung’s design philosophy with the Galaxy S7 Edge was all about refinement. The phone features a stunning dual-curved Super AMOLED display that seamlessly blends into the metal frame, giving it a futuristic and premium feel. The 5.5-inch screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 4 on both the front and back, making it resistant to scratches and minor drops. The device is also IP68-certified, meaning it’s dustproof and can withstand being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, though the glossy back can be a fingerprint magnet.

Display

The Galaxy S7 Edge boasts a 5.5-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. The colors are vibrant, the blacks are deep, and the contrast is exceptional, making it ideal for media consumption. The dual-edge display isn’t just for show—it adds functionality with edge panels for quick access to apps, contacts, and tools. The Always-On Display feature is a nice touch, showing notifications, time, and battery status without waking the phone. Outdoor visibility is excellent, thanks to the high brightness levels, though glare can sometimes be an issue under direct sunlight.

Performance

Under the hood, the S7 Edge is powered by either a Samsung Exynos 8890 Octa or a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset, depending on the region. Paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD up to 256GB), the phone delivers smooth performance even by today’s standards. Multitasking is a breeze, and most apps and games run without a hitch. The Adreno 530 GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks with ease, making it a great choice for mobile gamers. The only downside is that it’s no longer receiving major Android updates, though it still runs well on its last supported OS version.

Camera

The 12MP rear camera with a wide f/1.7 aperture was one of the standout features of the S7 Edge. It excels in low-light conditions, capturing detailed and well-exposed shots with minimal noise. The Dual Pixel autofocus technology ensures fast and accurate focusing, making it great for action shots. The 5MP front camera is decent for selfies and video calls, though it lacks the sharpness of newer flagship front cameras. The camera app is feature-rich, offering modes like Pro, Panorama, and Slow Motion, though some may find the interface a bit dated compared to newer Samsung devices.

Battery Life

The 3600mAh battery was impressive for its time and still holds up well today. With moderate usage, the S7 Edge can easily last a full day, and the fast-charging support means you can top up quickly when needed. Wireless charging is another convenient feature, though it’s slower than wired charging. The battery does show its age with heavy usage, such as prolonged gaming or video streaming, but it’s still reliable for everyday tasks.

Software and Features

The S7 Edge originally launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and was later updated to Android 8.0 Oreo. While it no longer receives major OS updates, Samsung’s TouchWiz UI (now evolved into One UI) offers a plethora of features, including multi-window support, a built-in theme engine, and extensive customization options. The edge panels add a layer of functionality, allowing quick access to frequently used apps and tools. The lack of recent security updates is a concern for some, but for casual users, it’s still a capable device.

Audio and Connectivity

The single bottom-firing speaker is loud but lacks depth, and the absence of stereo speakers is noticeable. The 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome feature, especially in today’s wireless-dominated market. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, and GPS. The phone also supports Samsung Pay, which works with both NFC and MST for compatibility with older card readers.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge 128GB may not be the latest and greatest, but it’s a testament to Samsung’s ability to create a device that stands the test of time. Its stunning display, capable camera, and solid performance make it a worthwhile option for those seeking a premium smartphone experience without breaking the bank. While it’s no longer the best choice for those who need the latest software and security updates, it remains a reliable and stylish device for everyday use.

Specifications:

Display: 5.5-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED (2560 x 1440), dual-curved edges

Processor: Samsung Exynos 8890 Octa / Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 (region-dependent)

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 128GB internal, expandable via microSD up to 256GB

Rear Camera: 12MP, f/1.7 aperture, Dual Pixel autofocus, OIS

Front Camera: 5MP, f/1.7 aperture

Battery: 3600mAh, fast charging, wireless charging

OS: Android 8.0 Oreo (originally launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow)

Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, GPS, 3.5mm headphone jack

Durability: IP68 water and dust resistance, Gorilla Glass 4 front and back

Dimensions: 150.9 x 72.6 x 7.7 mm, 157g