Like most people I know, my phone has become almost an extension of myself. I use it to plan my day, keep track of upcoming events, keep in contact with my friends and family, blog, tweet, pin, stumble and share… and I’ll occasionally make a phonecall with it too!
However, the thing that is used the most on my handset is the camera. I’m obsessed with photography, and I’m always keeping a record of where I’ve been and who I’ve seen in the photographs that I take. So, when Three Mobile contacted me and asked me to test the new Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge (which was only released last month), I was ecstatic, particularly so I could try out the camera function!
I’m not tech-savvy in the slightest, but even I was impressed by what the new S7 Edge offers:
- 5.5″ dual edge display
- Wireless charging
- Expandable memory, up to 200GB with a micro SD card
- Water resistant (which I wasn’t brave enough to test!)
- Powered by the latest Android Marshmallow OS, meaning less battery drain from apps
- 12MP rear camera with dual pixel, CMOS 5MP front camera
Image taken directly from the Three Mobile website
It’s a beautiful design (available in several colours) with sleek lines and fits in the hand reasonably easily, and the curved screen is incredibly sharp, with a QHD resolution of 2,560 X 1,440.
However, it’s the camera function that I have been interested in, and for the last week, I’ve taken the phone everywhere with me.
The camera is superb. As an amateur photographer (with no real knowledge of any terminology), I like to be able to point and shoot at something within a moment, without having to spend lots of time messing about with different settings, and this camera allowed me to do just that. I live in Birmingham, which recently experienced several cloudy and dull days, and this gave me the opportunity to test out the camera’s abilities in low light. Here are just some of the hundreds of images that I took on my adventures – I have left all of them raw and unedited just so you can see the camera’s basic abilities…
What I also loved about it is that it is incredible at creating a shallow depth of field (with an aperture of 1.7,), which gives almost a professional SLR quality to the images, and is fabulous for using for low-light and portraits in particular. Samsung has a maximum aperture of f/1.7, which is fantastic as having this on a lens for a professional camera would cost a fortune.
For bloggers in particular, this is also the perfect camera for those who are a fan of the selfie. I am particularly hopeless at this, but I decided to try out the editing functions available. Its possible to change the shape of your face and add filters, and just with a few tweaks my selfies instantly became more palatable:
Throughout the week, I used the phone for my blogging and social media activities, and it was incredibly fast and efficient, indeed it was much faster than what I am used to. From a blogger’s perspective, it’s the perfect blogging tool – I could do everything that I normally would on my laptop or tablet because of the screen size, and in some instances it was far quicker to use than either of these. Indeed, it’s got me seriously thinking about my next upgrade…
Want to find out more? Hop on over to Three Mobile to check out the deals they have on this amazing piece of technology!
Disclaimer: I was given the use of the phone with pre-paid sim cards free-of-charge for a specified period of time, but was under no obligation to provide a positive review.
Suzie Speaks 
I totally agree with everthing you have to say about this amazing piece of tech, in fact since ive had mine (I left apple behind) i rarely bother to turn on my laptop, why would I? everythings so easy to do on my phone. So much more to offer than Apple and the camera is awesome đŸ™‚
I’m sort of in agreement – I currently have an iPhone 6 and have been an avid Apple enthusiast for years, and I’ve been duplicating pictures on both phones so I can do a comparison post later this week.
My photographer friends have always sworn by iphones but I have to say the pics on the S7 are better. Just my opinionn but then I’m no photographer. đŸ™‚
Neither am I – The Bloke has a Canon SLR thingamy-jig (that’s a technical term) and he was really impressed by what it could do!
This is bad…. Now I NEED to have this phone!! Not good for my financial situation, at all!!
Nihaad – Read & Seek
Haha! It isn’t cheap, but no more expensive than the current contract that I have…
I love my S7 Edge. I ugraded from an S5, seems I am always on odd number updates, but this has been my favorite phone yet. đŸ™‚
After spending some time using it, I’m very jealous!
It does look nice, and it would be my second choice when I get a new phone later this year. I’m probably going to get a Droid Turbo 2, I’ve had great success with Droids over the years, and the near-unbreakable screen is more attractive to me than the waterproofness of the Samsung.
Great review!
Thank you! Just shows my tech skills when I tell you I’ve never heard of that haha!
I wonder if Droids are US only? They are also exclusive to Verizon, at least in the US. I think that *very* similar models are sold my the manufacturer (Motorola) under different names for other carriers…
Ooh I don’t know – I’ll check it out!
I’m thinking of getting this phone with my next upgrade. well not the edge but the 7 as I’m not a fan of the curvy ness haha. I used to have a Samsung phone and I’m definitely considering going back to over after seeing your photos đŸ™‚ amazing
Totally worth checking out Amy – I’m seriously considering changing over for my next upgrade…
Great photos of you, Suzie. the Android OS has come a long way over the years. The one thing that Android has that would be great on the iPhone 6 is an actual file system. That would make the phone 100%.
Thank you John!
I just got a Note 5 a couple of months ago. Samsung makes some great phones, with great cameras especially. I can’t even remember a time I didn’t have a Samsung phone…
I’ve not used an android in years, but it’s certainly got me thinking…
Mmmmmmm,….How About With Black Berry?
Not quite sure what you mean?
I’m really interested in getting into my own photography, and considered an iPhone just for pics and its ability to take videos for my site. I ended up with my S5, and now I’m REALLY tempted to look into this. It sounds great. Love my Samsungs! (I even have a Samsung fridge!)
Haha! I have an iPhone 6 and would definitely say that the camera is better on the Samsung! I’ll be doing a comparison post soon…
Thank you for sharing. I’m looking for a new phone, so I’m tempted to check this one out. đŸ™‚
Definitely worth it Amina!
I love my SG7! He’s my best friend anymore, I thought the SG6 was the best thing ever then I met his big brother! The camera function and editing rivals no other cell phone!
After testing it out I believe you!
This was very helpful, Suzie, thanks. I’m thinking of getting a new phone and I want a decent camera in it. Must check it out.
Thanks Jean! You really should – it’s such a fantastic camera in particular!
APRIL 20, 2016 THANK YOU The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge: An Amazing Blogging Tool! and all the latest Blogging Tools.
Thanks Donna!
I have the Samsung S6 which I love and was thinking to go for the S7 Edge on my next upgrade. I know some bloggers use their phones for blogging a lot which I don’t really do yet. It seems I am missing out! The photos are great Suzie and the selfie lovely both before and after the editing!!! đŸ™‚
Thanks Judy! I’ve always been an iphone girl but I’m certainly considering switching on my next upgrade, just for the camera alone!
Ha! My daughter loves the iphone but the Samsung is becoming a very good competitor! đŸ™‚
It certainly is! I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed using it!
The camera looks amazing … The quality of the pics you have taken is awesome. Camera is always my main priority as well when buying a phone .. It’s funny how we just don’t buy phones to make calls anymore .. Hehe đŸ™‚
Haha! I remember my first phone – a Nokia 5110 and when I sent my first text I was so excited! Thank you!