Apple announced the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus a few days ago, and they took the internet by storm. Probably not as much as Apple would have liked since both phones were leaked weeks ahead of time.
The big question is this: how does the iPhone 7 Plus stack up to the long released Samsung Galaxy Note 7? Both are similar in specs and are targeting the same demography. One has to be better than the other, and as such, we're going to look into that now.
Apple iPhone 7 Plus
Let's not mince words here — the iPhone 7 Plus on paper is less impressive than the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, but as we've come to find out on multiple occasions, that doesn't always tell the whole story.
When it comes down to the design of the iPhone 7 Plus, there are no surprises. It's basically what one would expect from an iPhone these days, only in a larger package.
The screen size sits at 5.5 inches with 1920 x 1080 pixels. The pixel density here is 401 ppi, and if the previous iPhone devices are anything to go by, the screen on the iPhone 7 Plus should be quality.
Now, in terms of the operating system, the iPhone 7 Plus is rocking iOS 10, and it brings with it a few goodies, but nothing rather impressive to talk much about. The device also comes with dual cameras at the back, both being of the 12-megapixel variety.
One camera is telephoto, and the other is wide. The great thing about these cameras is the ability to take 4K videos. But most impressive is the 2x optical zoom feature and optical image stabilization.
As expected, the iPhone 7 Plus would come with a new processor. Apple calls this the A10 chip, and it's a 64-bit chip as well. However, the company did not talk much about the speed or even about the amount of RAM, but that's something we should learn about in the future.
There are three versions of the iPhone 7 Plus: one with 32 GB of internal memory, another with 128 GB and finally, one with 256 GB. We're glad Apple ditched the 16 GB versions seeing as this device can capture 4K videos.
In terms of pricing, the iPhone 7 Plus will cost $769 (32 GB); $869 (128 GB); $969 (256 GB).
Samsung Galaxy Note 7
Samsung is more open when it comes to the specifications of its devices. These things are expected from Android smartphone manufacturers. What we have here is a smartphone with a 5.7-inch display that can throw at us 2560 x 1440 pixels.
The pixel density sits at 518 ppi, which is more impressive than the iPhone 7 Plus. As for the operating system, the Galaxy Note 7 is rocking Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and a single 12-megapixel rear camera. Like the iPhone 7 Plus, this camera can record 4K videos. Too bad the screens for both phones cannot output 4K content.
The CPU here is quite impressive. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 comes with a 2.15GHz + 1.6GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor or Exynos, depending on where you're from.
We also like the 64 GB internal storage, and the fact that it comes with a microSD card slot for expandable memory. No need to purchase a more expensive version for more memory.
When it comes down to the RAM, it's a massive 4 GB, which is in line with most computers these days.
So what about the price? Well, it sells at AT&T: $880, at T-Mobile: $849 and at U.S. Cellular: $834.
Which Is Better?
On paper, the Galaxy Note 7 should be. However, the higher resolution screen can cause for slow navigation at times, so Apple deciding not to go that route seems to be a good idea. Furthermore, the Galaxy Note 7 is a fire hazard. This thing lit up a man's car and is not permitted to be carried on airplanes.
You decide!
Photo: TechStage | Flickr
