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5 reasons not to buy the Galaxy S7

AndroidPIT Samsung galaxy s7 edge 1
© nextpit

Investing in a new Samsung Galaxy S7 is, well, an investment. The 32 GB version will run you around US$650, a lot of money to pay even for a flagship device. If you value good value, you could find an even better deal out there. So here are five reasons not to buy a Galaxy S7. 

AndroidPIT Samsung galaxy s7 5
Here are some reasons to not get the Galaxy S7. / © ANDROIDPIT

1. You have a Galaxy S6

If you have a Galaxy S6, pay attention, it could save you a bundle. Yes, the S7 is a better device, better designed and gives you an improved smartphone experience. Samsung did a great job of addressing concerns put forth by S6 buyers. There is an improvement in battery size, a more ergonomical design, better weatherproofing and a microSD card slot. But do these really warrant an expensive upgrade? I think not. 

The Galaxy S6 already has great specs, they are so good that you wouldn't notice much of a difference if you upgraded to an S7. You can get Marshmallow on the S6 now. You have 3 GB of RAM, close to the 4 GB of RAM in the S7. Your S6 has an incredible display. In fact, it's practically the same at the S7 - both have a pixel density of 577 ppi, for example. 

But if you already have the comparable S6 then you should just be patient. You already have an excellent Samsung Galaxy device that is leaps ahead of its predecessor, the S5. If you own an S5 that is another story, the S7 might be worth if for you. But you should hold your horses and wait for the S8 if you are intent on upgrading your S6 to another Galaxy device. 

androidpit samsung galaxy s6 vs samsung galaxy s7 1 new
The Galaxy S6 is similar enough to the S7 that you should not upgrade. / © ANDROIDPIT

2. Chinese smartphones are cheaper

Unless you've been living under a rock, you should know that some Chinese smartphone manufacturers are pumping out top-of-the-line flagship devices at almost half the price of Korean manufacturers. These devices compare quite well with the Galaxy S7 and there are more and more popping up, giving you a large selection of alternatives. 

Here's a great suggestion, if you're OK with buying a Chinese smartphone online: pre-order a Xiaomi Mi 5 Pro for US$549.99. This baby is top-notch and a lot of the specs match the S7. The Mi 5 Pro has the same size screen, battery and RAM. But it also has up to double the internal storage and comes with 4-axis optical image stabilization for clearer pictures. The ceramic back of the Mi 5 Pro is probably its most interesting feature. You can see a video of how it's almost indestructible here. 

The problem with Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi is you can't just go to a carrier and buy one. But if you are OK with jumping through a few more hoops to get the right device then you should do it. The pre-order price of the Mi 5 Pro is around US$150 less than the Galaxy S7's. 

For further comparisons of the Mi 5 Pro and the Galaxy S7, check out our comparison page:

AndroidPIT Xiaomi MI 5 PRO 1
The Mi 5 Pro is comparable to the Galaxy S7's specs but at a lower price. / © ANDROIDPIT

3. Specs are more important than design

If you need all of the specs of the Galaxy S7 but don't really care about the design of your device, then you should avoid the Galaxy S7. Part of what makes the device so alluring is its design, which is also what gives it a higher ticket price than its competitors. If you don't care about this slick look and feel then there are other devices out there that give you comparable, even better performance while lacking a bit in design. 

Man-oh-mighty the LG G5 looks like it's going to be a powerhouse high-performance smartphone. You have a bigger display than the Galaxy S7 with similar hardware and software to boot. The LG G5 also features the Magic Slot, which allows you to remove the battery or connect external gadgets like VR headsets, external keyboards, speakers and cameras. 

But what the LG G5 lacks is the sleek design of the Galaxy S7. While the LG G5 sports a metal case, our initial test indicated that it's less ergonomic. Because of this, pre-ordering the device will cost you US$100 less than the Galaxy S7 pre-order price. That's a big saving, if you don't mind the lesser design quality. 

androidpit lg g5 18
The LG G5 has similar specs as the Galaxy S7 but with a lesser design and lower pre-order price. / © ANDROIDPIT

4. You're an update junkie

To our chagrin, Google's Android updates just don't come in fast enough for Samsung devices. We just got Marshmallow for the Galaxy S6 around the time when the Galaxy S7 was unveiled. And now there are rumors about Android N hitting the streets soon enough. 

If you want the fastest updates you should steer clear of the Galaxy S7. Galaxy devices get their major updates sometimes several months after they are released to other devices. The alternative is quite obvious – get a Nexus device. If you don't already know, they come equipped with the latest Android version and get them before other devices. 

The Nexus 6P is the latest premium model but, the great thing is, it's also affordable. It has some great features as well, like a cool design and a 5.7-inch AMOLED display. And it only costs US$449.99 for an unlocked version.

androidpit Nexus 6P 11
The Nexus 6P is a great choice for software geeks like me. / © ANDROIDPIT

5. The Galaxy S6 is cheaper

As you probably already know, once a new flagship device is out, the previous model decreases in value. That's because folks usually don't go for the outdated model when there is a new one with all the bells and whistles. But this is an opportunity, and luckily the S6 is still a fantastic smartphone as I previously mentioned. 

The Galaxy S6 is still competitive when you match it against 2016 flagships (including the Galaxy S7). The Galaxy S6, as you probably remember, was a major jump in quality for Android devices in general. As Samsung looked to take a bite out of Apple, it made a device that came in nearly unrivaled in 2015.

Now, if I said you could get one of these devices for US$459.99 last year, it would have nearly floored you. Well, that's what they are selling for right now. But since the S7 was released, the S6 isn't so alluring. Don't let the update to the line obscure your vision. The Galaxy S6 is a real bargain now. 

androidpit samsung galaxy s6 vs samsung galaxy s7 1
Get a Galaxy S6, it's a great bargain and pretty similar to its successor. / © ANDROIDPIT

Do you have other reasons to not buy a Galaxy S7? Let us know in the comments. 

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Cory Schmidt

Cory Schmidt
Editor

A Minnesota native, Cory's background is in writing and editing. He received his BA from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and his MA from the University of Kansas. He joined the Android community in 2009 and is excited to be contributing at AndroidPIT.

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  • hotspring21 12
    hotspring21 Apr 6, 2017 Link to comment

    I just got galaxy S7 (through my company). I also have Note 4 and LG G4. And I have to honestly say, both Note 4 and LG G4 is significantly better for me than galaxy S7. Only reason I thought S7 would be better was the camera, but after extensive testing, I found S7 camera was not a big leap that I thought it would be over LG G4 or Note 4. It's improved, but barely, if any. In broad day light photos, both LG G4 and Note 4 have much better details than S7. So I am afraid S7 is not good investment - just pickup an old Note 4 or LG G4 for much cheaper price on ebay. Newer does not necessarily mean better!


  • 1
    Steve Lash Sep 28, 2016 Link to comment

    I traded my S6E for an S7E and its the biggest mistake I could have made. The S7E is EXTREMELY slow and freezes up repeatedly. I wasnt extremely pleased with my S6E, but it was tons better than this junk S7E. This will definitely be my last samsung. I am not impressed at all. Alot of money to fork out for a paper weight.


  • Ingo V. 10
    Ingo V. Apr 9, 2016 Link to comment

    I find it shocking how many folks are promoting ANY Chinese products.


    • Cory Schmidt 19
      Cory Schmidt Apr 10, 2016 Link to comment

      Are there any smartphones that don't have components made in China?

      Andres R.Mark


    • Mark 2
      Mark Apr 22, 2016 Link to comment

      I find it shocking that you think anything made anywhere doesn't have something in it made in China... good luck finding anything that isn't.

      Andres R.


  • 4
    bj folk Mar 31, 2016 Link to comment

    Cory, Great job on actually selling the S7 tongue-in-cheek style without really saying you love it! You pulled a good April Fool's a few days early!!

    Cory Schmidt


    • Cory Schmidt 19
      Cory Schmidt Apr 4, 2016 Link to comment

      It's true I do love the S7 but it's not an April Fools joke, it might not be right for everyone :)


  • 4
    bj folk Mar 31, 2016 Link to comment

    I love my S7! I hate Verizon, butttt... $99 out-the-door at BestB_y if you can live with a 2 year contract! Just saying


    • Cory Schmidt 19
      Cory Schmidt Apr 4, 2016 Link to comment

      Butt Buy? Well, it isn't the worst. And that's a solid price, sounds like a good deal. Anything in the fine print we should know about?


  • James Thomson 5
    James Thomson Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    I just got the Samsung Galaxy Prime. Now this is probably the cheapest Samsung out there. But I still have a 17 year old Samsung fold phone which still operates flawlessly, I gave it to a charity organization. That is why I went back to Samsung, well made reliable smartphones. Period.

    Andres R.Deactivated Account


  • Rick T. 3
    Rick T. Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    My lady friend fell in love with my Droid Turbo and the ease of using and customizing Android. She saw the Galaxy S7 and immediately traded in her iPhone 6 and has been ecstatic with her new phone. It's been a couple weeks and there have been plenty of likes but nothing to dislike. And we will get VR goggles shortly for free and we can spill our champagne on it without worry.

    Ernest GarrisonGrimJimCrowleyJames Thomson


    • Cory Schmidt 19
      Cory Schmidt Apr 4, 2016 Link to comment

      Glad she made the switch Rick. So was it the design that brought her to the S7?


  • 3
    Tracy Woodley Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    I upgraded to a LG4 recently. I read articles about the curved back and thought, no way. I have small hands but wanted a larger screen. My rep put the LG 4 in my hand and I ended up taking it home. Nice size, feels good when holding, and they loaded Marshmallow for me. I do miss the predicted suggestions that I had on my old phone. I had a Samsung S4. Really like the LG. Sometimes newer isn't better just more expensive.

    Andres R.Deactivated Account


    • Andres R. 7
      Andres R. Mar 31, 2016 Link to comment

      Quite agree and the LG system is practical, very solid and intuitive so you dont really miss not having the latest Android update.
      The screen is perhaps one of the best snd i also like the curved back, i dont care if metal or plastic because phone is always protected w a silicon bumper and then goes into my belt case (am always on motorbike).
      I also now will only buy phones w removable battery AND sd or micro sd card.

      Cory Schmidt


      • Cory Schmidt 19
        Cory Schmidt Apr 4, 2016 Link to comment

        Seems to be the trend Andres. That 'Magic Slot' is quite an amazing innovation.


  • 2
    Ron Heron Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    Android devices, like my other Samsung devices: that cannot be upgraded beyond the provided Android release would prevent me from buying Samsung again! Google Nexus devices all the way regardless of the features, or lack thereof!


  • Jerry's W. 20
    Jerry's W. Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    **********************
    *Samsung S5 rules !*
    **********************

    I think that's all I need to say 😊

    GrossDadshahara turner


  • Henry Price 5
    Henry Price Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    You're going to list reasons to steer clear of Samsung without mentioning TouchWiz?

    I don't think TouchWiz is the total trash others do (or I just don't take myself as seriously as others do), but it takes up way too much of your 32GB, creates what for me is a rather cartoonish UI, and adds very little that you can't get from stock Android. Even if you're not a stock Android junkie, other skins, like LG's UX, aren't as annoying.

    Andres R.Cory Schmidt


    • Cory Schmidt 19
      Cory Schmidt Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

      Well Henry, TouchWiz is a touchy subject :)

      Deactivated Account


  • Jim Britt 6
    Jim Britt Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    You are crazy! The S5 is the BEST because it has a great camera, USB3.0 SUPER FAST support, microSD card and replaceable battery! The S6 was a giant step backward to iPhone status and the S7 didn't go far enough when it didn't have replaceable battery.

    I will keep using my great S5 until Samsung stops trying to be a horrible version of the iPhone.

    BRING BACK THE USB3.0!

    Arshdeep Singh SainiDeactivated Accountshahara turnerJerry's W.


    • shahara turner 2
      shahara turner Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

      I wish I would have been as smart as you. I upgraded from the s5 to the s6 and it has been a miserable experience. The battery is an absolute joke. I lost all of my files due to no SD slot. Then when I went to tmobile a few days later and asked for another s5 they told me they weren't selling them anymore. In my opinion the s5 was the best in the series. I've only listed a couple issues but the s6 comes with many more

      Jim BrittJerry's W.


      • 46
        Deactivated Account Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

        You can still buy the S3 S4 S5 online unlocked for use with any carrier. I think you just got a lazy sales person that didn't want to do the paperwork on a return. Plus they get a bonus on the new phones if you gave it back he would have lost his money. I could still get an S5 on plan if I wanted to.

        Andres R.Cory Schmidt


      • 4
        bj folk Mar 31, 2016 Link to comment

        I had a $99 2TB hd UTG connection to backup all my files on the S5 and wife's Note 5. Storage should not be a problem regardless of no sd card.


      • Andres R. 7
        Andres R. Mar 31, 2016 Link to comment

        In the UK you can easily get a SIMfree S5. And of course the price is right! At the moment it costs in AMZ UK about £300::$430 delivered w famous excellent AMZ response.


      • Red Blazer 3
        Red Blazer Apr 1, 2016 Link to comment

        Had you purchased the 64gig S6 you would have had no problems at all... I've had the S3, S4, S5, S6 edge and S6 edge+ and every swap has been flawless


      • Juan Araya 1
        Juan Araya Apr 9, 2016 Link to comment

        You can buy the s5 online, on ebay, Amazon or swappa


    • Cory Schmidt 19
      Cory Schmidt Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

      1. I might be a little crazy, but aren't we all :)
      2. The S6 is a better device than the S5, especially the camera, I suggest you upgrade when you get a chance.
      3. The S6 is not another version of the iPhone.
      4. If you like the replaceable battery go with an LG G5.
      5. I had 5 points in the article, so it seemed natural to put one more.


      • 46
        Deactivated Account Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

        Like Jimmy Buffet said in a song " if we weren't all crazy we would go insane".
        I have to differ with you on the S6 except for processor speed and looks it was a big downgrade from the S5. The S6 lost the removable battery, IP68 rating, and the Micro SD support. Even Consumer reports rated the S5 over the S6. The S7 is and upgrade to the S6 because it brought back two of the things the they took away. I will buy the G5 when it is available or I may wait till the V-11 comes out. I will not buy a phone without a removable battery and Micro SD support.


  • 4
    Kattz Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    The Galaxy Note 5 is also a great alternative to the S7/Edge. It also has 4GB of ram and pretty good battery life. It's a little bigger and doesn't have removable storage. But, it's also very beautiful and available for a great price from most carriers right now. I was probably one of the loudest complainers about the lack of removable storage and I've found that it really isn't that much of a problem. I just attach extra storage with OTG for video.


    • 4
      bj folk Mar 31, 2016 Link to comment

      Big box S_Club outright $124, but you have to ask the rep to order it as it rarely shows up on its own anymore.


  • Jerry Sturgill 1
    Jerry Sturgill Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    No thanks, I'll stick with my Nexus Device's!


  • Andres R. 7
    Andres R. Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    Or, reason 7, for that price u could get an iPhone 6S Plus! Ohhh what blasphemy! 😉

    Deactivated AccountCory Schmidt


    • surya kumar 16
      surya kumar Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

      iphone??? Seriously?

      GT Ohh


    • Cory Schmidt 19
      Cory Schmidt Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

      Wait, did you just... no!

      Andres R.GT Ohh


    • Ian Holmes 7
      Ian Holmes Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

      Yeah you could by an iphone if you enjoy having it bricked every time they run an iOS update.

      Jim BrittAndres R.


    • Jim Britt 6
      Jim Britt Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

      THE NEWEST IPHONE IS BEHIND MY GALAXY S5!

      Deactivated Account


    • Omar Hamwi 17
      Omar Hamwi Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

      Oh my, I can't even...


      • 46
        Deactivated Account Mar 31, 2016 Link to comment

        Omar
        Oh yes you can. I think he is right specs are better on the S5. Plus it has IP68, rating removable battery, and Micro SD. Everyone talks Apple build quality when they only use Ion Strengthened glass and are one of the least dust and water proof phone on the market. Look at the FBI, they just destroyed an I phone ( the one they just hacked ) by spilling a glass of water on it. I rest my case with that.


      • Cory Schmidt 19
        Cory Schmidt Apr 4, 2016 Link to comment

        Hey Mark, I think Omar was responding to Andres and not Jim.


  • 6
    David Rudolph Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    From someone who owns BOTH an S6 edge and S7 edge, not to mention 4 S6 non edge devices and 2 S7 non edge.
    They are so different, they are not even in the same Universe! The 200 gig ultra high speed micro SD card is reason enough, but that's just the beginning. How about 16 hours of battery life vs 5-7 or the unbelievable camera in the S7. 580 pixel density vs 480, yeah you will never notice that 100ppi increase lol. Who do you work for?
    You have absolutely no clue what you're writing about and you're misleading people period.

    Andres R.


    • GT Ohh 14
      GT Ohh Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

      What?
      David Rudolph do you honestly expect anyone to believe you own EIGHT WORKING RECENT FLAGSHIP PHONES?????

      You my friend are the one misleading all of us who bothered to read your drivel.

      Pretending that you have a clue about the stats your fumbling thumbs have managed to type out here...

      lmfao

      *quote*
      "From someone who owns BOTH an S6 edge and S7 edge, not to mention 4 S6 non edge devices and 2 S7 non edge."

      Wake the F#@k up son.....

      Deactivated Account


    • Jim Britt 6
      Jim Britt Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

      you must have money to burn if you pay these highway robbery prices for the latest and greatest! I got my S5 for only $300 over a year ago

      Andres R.


  • Tectas 5
    Tectas Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    Nice reasoning, only one complaint, the lg g5 is metal not plastic...

    Deactivated Account


  • 31
    Deactivated Account Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    Reason No.4.. .
    best hardware in the world is only as good as the software it's running.


  • 6
    Mohamed Mujees Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    No SAMSUNG

    John B.surya kumar


  • Dwarfer66 25
    Dwarfer66 Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    I went from the S4 to the S6 Edge will be skipping the S7 I think as I am enjoying the S6 Edge, don't miss SD card as I got a 64GB version anyway and don't mind Touch Wiz running GO Launcher as well.

    For me to get MM I had to flash the Indian Rom as Australia STILL does not have the "I" model firmware yet. But I have rooted, put a custom MM rom on it anyway.

    Mohamed Mujees


  • 46
    Deactivated Account Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    I have only two reasons now that the Micro SD and IP68 rating are back.
    1) It has a non removable battery.
    2) The all glass construction is good looking but to fragile for me.
    I like Samsung phoned despite the slow update and Touch Whiz. They are a good phone that will out last their battery which is why it needs to be removable. My S3 is on it's 4th

    Cory SchmidtGrossDadAndres R.surya kumarMohamed Mujees


    • Andres R. 7
      Andres R. Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

      But ohh so true...

      Deactivated Account


    • Andres R. 7
      Andres R. Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

      So is my S3, now in my daughter's hands and my Nexus 5 running Android 6.0.1 faster than a bullet! So why spend your hard earned money if all your stuff is great?

      Deactivated AccountGT Ohh


  • surya kumar 16
    surya kumar Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    6th Reason:If you're a samsung hater;-)

    Deactivated AccountMohamed Mujees


  • 28
    itprolonden Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    That deal on the S6 is for an international version that won't support Samsung Pay.

    Mohamed Mujees


  • GrimJimCrowley 14
    GrimJimCrowley Mar 30, 2016 Link to comment

    Not all GS6 have Marshmallow. For us poor saps on AT&T, Android N is going to hit before the upgrade to M at this rate. Also, GS7 doesn't have the IR Blaster, a feature I had no idea my life depended on until I had it with the GS6.

    Mohamed Mujees


  • 5
    Chris Mulkey Mar 29, 2016 Link to comment

    Recommending the Xiaomi Mi 5 Pro over the S7 without mentioning what bands the Xiaomi unit has (and doesn't have) seems like a pretty big omission. The Mi 5 Pro looks AWESOME, but you'll want to make sure it supports your carrier's LTE bands before you drop $500+.

    Mohamed MujeesPaul Warner

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