Samsung unloads new Galaxy S7 smartphones, 360 camera at MWC

What's old is new again. The Galaxy S7 family re-introduces water resistance and microSD card expansion to Samsung's flagship line

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Samsung just unveiled its goods at another event at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The announcements included the previously leaked Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge smartphones. The 5.1-inch Galaxy S7 and 5.5-inch Galaxy S7 edge are constructed with 3D glass and metal, feature new Dual Pixel cameras and  wider apertures that enhance low-light photography, faster auto-focus and shutter speeds.

The new Galaxy S7s have faster wireless and wired charging speeds, expandable storage via a microSD slot on the SIM card tray and an internal cooling system to manage overheating (?). Earlier rumors said the new Galaxy flagships would sport USB Type-C ports, which wasn't the case.

Continuing from where the Samsung Galaxy S5 left off, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge have water resistance. A new feature is the always-on display which is helpful for notifications and alerts as well as getting quick updates on sports scores and the weather. Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge will be available starting mid-March 2016. 

Also announced at the Samsung event was a new 360' camera called the Gear 360 which is a 360-degree camera that lets consumers easily create, view and share their favorite experiences through video and still image content. 

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge to feature wireless charging and water resistance

The above video is an Indonesian advertisement for the Next Galaxy and clearly shows a smartphone that, while looking nearly identical to the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge, also brings a certain feature that those devices do not have, namely water resistance.

The above  ad also shows that the Galaxy S7 will have wireless charging/ Even the Galaxy S7 name was all but confirmed in the accompanying product pages and text but has since been removed. Good to see that Samsung has heeded user's requests to return the water resistance feature that set the Galaxy S5 apart from the pack. It looks doubtful if we will see removable backplates and batteries come back to the Galaxy S7 though.

Another inidication of the new Galaxy's design comes from case maker Spigen which similarly showed off what the new device will look like.

Source: The Verge

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge leaked in press renders

Leaker legend @Evleaks posted new press renders of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S7 an Galaxy S7 Edge smartphones. The devices seem to continue on the look and feel dictated by the S6 family so no big surprises there. The specs and features of these new phones are expected to be announced at MWC so stay tuned for coverage from that event.