Samsung Galaxy S7 vs iPhone 6S

Battery

Battery life is a constant struggle for Apple and Samsung phone owners alike, and there's no lithium bullet that brings an end to the struggle for the Galaxy S7 and iPhone 6S.

Samsung Galaxy S7 vs iPhone 6S

Samsung was able to squeeze in a 3,000mAh battery that we usually see reserved for larger phablets, and it makes a difference. I was able to go a day on a single charge and still have 20% left by bedtime. That's with the always-on screen enabled.

More scientific lab testing occurred when I ran a 90-minute HD video and the battery dropped by from 100% to 84%, just 16% off from where it started.

Apple's iPhone battery isn't as large at 1715mAh, and it shows. I barely get through a full day with the same heavy use, and the 90 minute video test brought it down to 68%, a drain of 32%.

Moreover, charge times were noticeably faster for the Galaxy S7 when using the Fast Charging wall adapter, and the phone supports wireless charging. It took 1 hour and 29 minutes to fully charge.

iPhone 6S clocks in at just under two hours. You can charge it slightly faster with an iPad charger, but it's still slower than Samsung's included Fast Charger for the S7. Don't go looking for wireless charging either. Apple hasn't gotten onboard despite using similar pad technology for the Apple Watch.

Camera

"The best camera you have is the one with you" is the famous quote that defines smartphone photography, and you won't be disappointed with a Galaxy S7 or iPhone 6S in your pocket.

Samsung Galaxy S7 vs iPhone 6S

Samsung Galaxy S7

Samsung Galaxy S7 vs iPhone 6S

iPhone 6S

The Galaxy S7 has a 12MP camera with an incredibly fast f/1.7 aperture, and it's hands-down the best camera phone you can own. It backs away from the Galaxy S6 16MP, but it's in an effort to let in more microns, 1.4µm to be specific. The result is stunning low light photography.

Samsung Galaxy S7 vs iPhone 6S

Samsung Galaxy S7

Samsung Galaxy S7 vs iPhone 6S

iPhone 6S

The iPhone 6S snaps brilliant photos, too, and the camera app has always been simple to use. But it's 12MP is outclassed again this year with a slower f/2.2 aperture and 1.22 µm. It's a great camera, but only until you compare to the shots taken by a Galaxy S7.

Samsung Galaxy S7 vs iPhone 6S

Samsung Galaxy S7

Samsung Galaxy S7 vs iPhone 6S

iPhone 6S

Samsung's camera produces punchier colors in bright outdoor conditions and it doesn't lose as much clarity when moving indoors.

The S7 also as far more robust photo and video controls. For example while both phones have a 5MP front-facing camera, only Samsung has gesture shots to initiate this selfies, so you're not always having to awkwardly lurch forward and touch the on-screen shutter button.

Matt Swider
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