Samsung Intros Next-Gen Galaxy S7, S7 Edge

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MWC 2016 sees Samsung refine on last year's Galaxy S6 smartphones with the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge-- a pair of incremental upgrades featuring the latest Android OS and IP68-rated water-/dust-resistant glass and metal bodies.

Galaxy S7The Galaxy S7 is a regular 5.1-inch handset, while the 5.5-inch S7 Edge features a display curving at the vertical edges (thus the name). Both carry an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 CPU, 2560x1440 resolution AMOLED displays, 4GB RAM, 32/64GB storage (expandable to 200GB via microSD slot) and, in some countries, a dual-SIM option.

The S7 Edge beats the regular S7 in one detail-- battery. The larger handset gets a 3600mAh battery while the smaller option gets a 3000mAh number. Both smartphones offer fast charging capability on both wired and wireless, and are compatible with WPC and PMA wireless chargers.

However the one feature Samsung is really pushing on is the camera, one the company describes as nothing less than "revolutionary." The rear-facing 16MP camera features Dual Pixel sensor allowing for DSLR-style phase-detection autofocus, making it more effective at fast-action and low-light photography. Further boosting photography is a wide-aperture f/1.7 lens.

On the software side the two smartphones promise easier connection with the Gear S2 Classic fitness wearable and the Gear VR headset.

Gear 360Speaking of the Gear VR, MWC also sees Samsung confirm a recent rumour-- the company is indeed offering a consumer 360-degree camera. Dubed the Gear 360, the small handheld device features dual-fisheye lenses and a pair of 15MP sensors, and captures either 3840x1920 resolution 360-degree video or 30MP still images.

Users can sync the Gear 360 with Samsung smartphones for real-time previews and management of recorded content. Viewing of recorded 360-degree video requires a headset such as the Gear VR.

The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are available from mid-March 2016, while the Gear 360 his select markets on Q2 2016.

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