GSMA recognizes Samsung’s innovative flagship device in Best Mobile Handsets and Devices category
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., announced that the Galaxy S7 edge was recognized by the GSMA as “Best Smartphone 2016” in the Best Mobile Handsets and Devices category at the annual Global Mobile Awards at Mobile World Congress 2017.
As the world leader in mobile innovation, Samsung continues to relentlessly pursue the best in hardware, software and services, redefining what is possible for consumers across the globe. The Galaxy S7 edge was awarded for its refined design, advanced camera and outstanding performance.
“We are honored to be recognized for our craftsmanship in design and innovation with the Galaxy S7 edge,” said Junho Park, Vice President of Global Product Strategy, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “This award is a testament to our constant pursuit of excellence as we continue to exceed consumers’ expectations through revolutionary mobile technology.”
The smartphone cameras nowadays are better than ever. In fact, it’s so good that it has practically rendered the standard point-and-shoots obsolete. Yes, that is a very impressive technological milestone but that hasn’t stopped tech giant Samsung from trying to raise the bar even further.
The existing trend when it comes to judging smartphone cameras has always been very 1-dimensional. Basically, people think the higher the megapixel count, the better the quality. It does not take into consideration the other factors that make for great cameras such as aperture, shutter speed and fast auto-focus, just to name a few.
Since almost all smartphone manufacturers think the same way, seeing a real difference when comparing camera quality can be quite difficult. However, Samsung is poised to stand out by putting its camera to the ultimate test – Can it replace a professional DSLR camera?
SAMSUNG GALAXY S7 EDGE | S7 PRESENTS: DARK BLUE
Yes, it sounds extremely ambitious to say a smartphone could ever compete with a DSLR but that’s exactly what Samsung was able to do in its one-night photo gallery called “Dark Blue” at the Green Sun last Friday, May 13.
The gallery was divided into 2 exhibits placed on opposite sides of the room. The first was called Own The Night, a low-light, neon-themed shoot by BJ Pascual with Georgina Wilson-Burnand as the muse.
Taking a cue from the low-light feature it showcased, the exhibit was barely lit, making the high-fashion and colorful shots of Georgina really stand out. The second exhibit, Into The Blue, features an ethereal underwater shoot by Mark Nicdao with the beautiful Solenn Heussaff. The area was beautifully accented with a soft, blue light, creating a somewhat underwater feel.
REVOLUTIONIZING PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
More than just unveiling a photo gallery, there was a bigger, more impressive story behind each of the images. Samsung commissioned two of the country’s top fashion photographers, BJ Pascual and Mark Nicdao, to push the phone to its limits by mounting photoshoots, one in low-light and one underwater, using just the Galaxy S7 edge.
Even if the photographers and muses were absolutely excited by the concept of full shoots using just a phone, this definitely didn’t come without skepticism.
“I was both hesitant and thrilled when I was first offered the project,” said Mark. “First, I haven’t done an underwater shoot, and second, I’ve never done a fashion shoot with just a smartphone. Combining the both was a real challenge.”
Even Solenn, who is no stranger to underwater shoots and a long-time Samsung loyalist, had her doubts.
“I’m a water baby and so I was super excited upon hearing the concept. I’ve done an underwater shoot before but with just a smartphone? I honestly thought people would just take behind the scenes with it, I did not expect the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge to be used as the main camera for campaign materials because you’d always need the specs to be really high for these things,” says Solenn.
While most professionals would balk at the idea of a mobile phone replacing DSLRs, BJ Pascual and Mark Nicdao dared to go beyond all the conventional notions of their field, breaking barriers in the process.
“There’s a lot you can do with a camera phone, given the right conditions, combined with a great eye, an understanding of the basics, and knowing how to frame an image,” asserts BJ Pascual. “But I have to be honest that I was really skeptical at first because I’ve never done a professional shoot before with just a smartphone and what added to my hesitation was that the set-up had to be dark and photos can get really grainy. But I’m really happy I took on this project. It’s a source of pride for a first-time feat.”
Mark Nicdao was similarly impressed by the phone, saying, “There’s this unprecedented shift that’s happening in photography that’s driven by more people having access to the tools that allow them to find their voice. If smartphone brands, such as Samsung are able to help them find their passion and tap into their talent, it’s at least worth putting their claim to the test.”
RETHINKING WHAT A PHONE CAN DO
As the photographers and models saw the shots they were able to take using the Galaxy S7 edge, all the initial hesitation they felt quickly dissipated, turning into pure amazement and disbelief.
“Thanks to the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge, I think it’s about time that we take smartphone cameras seriously,” says BJ Pascual as he and Mark pour over the quality and sharpness of the images.
“It’s a very different process since it was faster and simpler,” Georgina narrates. “But more importantly, I think it gives skeptics, like some of our friends, a chance to see that Samsung knows what they’re talking about.”
“It’s not something you’d consider doing with a smartphone and so I’d consider this stunt as revolutionary for Samsung, and I’m just proud to be part of it,” says Solenn.
With this awe-inspiring stunt, the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge has delivered on its claim that it would make us rethink what a phone can do.
“Quality is important, but so is enthusiasm to explore new things. This was certainly a daring move and a new experience for us, but it just highlights how technology can really be a game changer. Capturing a great picture using a smartphone is no less rewarding than if you had taken it using a DSLR,” states Chad Sotelo, Corporate Marketing Head of Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation.
The Galaxy S7 edge and S7 are designed with an intuitive feel and uniform screen that maintain Samsung’s design heritage. The new user experience (UX) includes the Always On Display, which enables users to check the time and notifications without powering the screen up, enhanced use of messaging with minimized interference of other apps, and, for the S7 edge, one-touch shortcuts that increase functionality. With the phone’s new UX features on top of improved software, the phones were definitely designed with the users’ needs in mind.
The UX designers explained the many design changes of the device and how they see these changes improving the user experience.
(from left to right) Jonghyun Han, Jieun Yang, Sangdeuk Nam, Sukjae Lee, Donggyu Lim
Q. What differentiates the UX?
Sangdeuk Nam: These phones are designed with special features that reflect the actual needs, usage patterns and experience of the users. In particular, the new UX includes refinements to the clock and weather information on the home screen, an app search within the app tray – making for a faster app search.
Hyosang Bang: As we designed, we aimed the entire process of using the phone –taking it out of one’s pocket, using it and putting it back in one’s pocket – is one effortless flow of motion and experience. Through features such as the Always On Display, improved connectivity between messages, and quick access through the edge screen, the phones are designed to provide information in an intuitive and handy way.
Q. What is the Always On Display (AOD) and how do you expect users to benefit from this feature?
Jieun Yang: Through our research, we were able to see that users repeatedly turn the phone display on and off throughout the day just to check the time. The Always On Display allows users to check important information like time without turning on the screen and we expect improved user satisfaction from this feature.
To personalize their device, we also have developed themes like space, and many more, that users can download for AOD. The favorite theme will be applied throughout the device, including the clock and image on the home screen and will be continuous on both the turned-on screen and the turned-off screen.
Q. What is the Smart Switch, and how will it benefit users?
Sang-a Eun: Some users are reluctant to change their phones because of the difficulty and inconvenience of moving data from one device to another. By using the Smart Switch, a service that allows users to easily send personal data from an old to a new device, users will have no trouble maintaining all previous experiences – even between various devices like a phone and tablet.
The users are able to transfer data from the previous device using a USB connector or by executing it in the setting menu of the device. To allow new users to easily and quickly send data themselves, we have explained the data transmission processes through image and infographic depicting the data transmission stage.
Q. What are the improvements in UX for the enhanced edge function?
Donggyu Lim: The edge UX allows more efficient access to the routine tasks that are most frequently used. The biggest improvement is that the edge can be summoned on any screen without having to press a certain button. Also, the edge domain has been expanded so that users can check the news or scores for a particular sports team, right away. We also improved the shortcut function so that the user’s most frequently contacted person, most frequently used app, or the most frequently used function can be added and summoned on any screen.
Q. Is there a possibility for the edge UX advancement in the future?
Jonghyun Han: Samsung has released its third edge model and is also continuously advancing edge UX. In addition to the edge functions that we have prepared, there are even more functions being distributed through the SDK for use by third party app developers.
In the future, we expect that there will be an increase in more diverse services and functions through the expanded scope of the edge. Opportunities for messenger services, various news providers, and O2O services are wide open as well.
Samsung Electronics, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, announced its newest 12 megapixel (MP) image sensor for smartphones, which will elevate the quality of mobile phone pictures. Already in mass production, this 1.4μm-pixel-based image sensor is equipped with Dual Pixel technology that has been reserved for DSLR cameras. The technology enables rapid auto-focus for fast photo shooting while producing premium image quality on mobile devices, even in low light situations.
Samsung’s new image sensor with Dual Pixel technology employs two photodiodes located on the left and right halves of a pixel, while a conventional image sensor dedicates less than five percent of its pixels, with one photodiode each that converts light particles into measurable photocurrent for phase detection. As each and every pixel of the Dual Pixel image sensor is capable of detecting phase differences of perceived light, significantly faster auto-focus has become possible. With such groundbreaking improvements, the image sensor ensures clear and sharp images especially for moving objects even in poor lighting conditions.
Just to have a clear picture on what is the benefit of Dual Pixel Image sensor on your phone, here are some videos explaining the said technology:
“With 12 million pixels working as a phase detection auto-focus (PDAF) agent, the new image sensor brings professional auto-focusing performance to a mobile device,” said Ben K. Hur, Vice President of Marketing, System LSI Business at Samsung Electronics. “Consumers will be able to capture their daily events and precious moments instantly on a smartphone as the moments unfold, regardless of lighting conditions.”
The image sensor has also adopted Samsung’s ISOCELL technology, which isolates the photodiodes in each pixel with a physical wall to further reduce color cross talk, maximizing the image sensor’s performance.
For top-of-the-line performance while keeping the size to a minimum, the new image sensor is built with cutting-edge chip-stacking technology. The Dual Pixel image sensor stacks a 65 nanometer (nm) sensor and 28nm logic chip together to deliver outstanding photo-taking experiences in today’s sleek smartphones.
Let’s get one thing straight; megapixels aren’t the be all and end all of smartphone cameras.
Sensors, aperture size, lens quality, camera speed, and features are just some factors that lend itself to the quality of a shot—quite like how DSLRs work. Thankfully, smartphone photography is quickly catching up to professional photography. From 2MP cameras just a few years ago, today’s smartphones have more advanced cameras with up to 16MP.
Of course, not all smartphones are made equal—case in point, Samsung’s latest flagship devices, the Galaxy S7 edge and S7, which basically work as ready alternatives to the bulky DSLR kit by offering the best of both professional and point-and-shoot options. How? By being the world’s first smartphones to be equipped with dual photodiode technology (2PD) originally used in DSLR cameras.
But how does this exactly work for the Samsung’s Galaxy S7 edge and S7 to deliver the professional, magazine-worthy images that you want? Check out some of the smartphones’ biggest features below—
Defeat the dark
Even in challenging light conditions, think concerts, clubs and parties, the Galaxy S7 edge and S7’s rear camera is capable of shooting premium, Instagram worthy images. With the Galaxy S7 edge and S7’s Dual Pixel camera equipped with dual photodiode technology, taking shots in the dark has never been clearer and brighter. This technology gives the smartphones’ camera a DSLR-like quality promising better shots.
Whether you’re feeling a bit lazy or like a pro, Samsung lets you shoot high-grade photos in two different modes- Pro and Auto. Just like a pro, the Pro mode allows users to shoot in RAW, a crucial feature for professional photographers which allows for stunning post-processing results. Even without editing, the Galaxy S7 edge and S7’s Pro mode also allows users to have full control over the camera's settings, such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO light sensitivity, and manual focus.
Faster Auto-Focus
Not all photo-worthy moments can be captured in one swift click. Sometimes, it’s so fleeting that you don’t have time to set your ISO to 800 or your shutter speed to 1/800. It’s a click or nothing. And because Samsung won’t let you miss your best moments, the camera is able to take stunning, vibrant photos with your subject on-point, anytime, anywhere. Again, thanks to the Galaxy S7 edge and S7’s Dual Pixel camera, the result is the Super Fast Auto Focus that lets you clearly capture your subjects without fuss. The camera is also equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS), which eliminates unwanted shakes.
Here's a video showing the potential of the auto-focus system of Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge:
Intuitive Front Facing Camera Features
After much cooing over the impressive rear camera, it’s the front-facing 5-megapixel camera’s time to shine. If there was ever a front camera made for selfies, this is it. Life the rear camera, the front camera also sports a F/1.7 aperture lens for brighter selfies.
It also comes with a wide array of customized settings and filters, which add a distinctly artistic touch to front-facing shots. Even more, it is equipped with the popular Beauty Face feature that eliminates the need for touch-ups using third-party software. In the Galaxy S7 edge and S7, the Beauty Face feature adds another effect to its selection – the Spotlight. This lets you capture selfies with the effect of natural light to highlight your face and features.
In addition, it also has the Motion Panorama and Hyperlapse features. With Motion Panorama, not only can you take panoramic shots but you can also preserve the movement to make the shots seem alive. And with Hyperlapse, taking time-lapse videos has never been more fun or easier! The Hyperlapse will surely give you clearer and more stabilized videos than any other smartphone camera. It also compresses the file into a much smaller size without compromising the quality, making it easier to share.
Professional photographers, beginners, and those just looking for a quick shot will find something to love about the Galaxy S7 edge and S7’s camera. Those looking for the convenience of a smartphone camera and the capabilities of a DSLR camera, the Galaxy S7 edge and S7 are the perfect options for you. Go to nearest Samsung Experience Store and check them out. For more info, visit www.samsung.com/ph.
A brand set apart from others by its innovation philosophy of constantly defying barriers for consumers to achieve meaningful progress, Samsung Electronics yet again ushers in a new era for mobile technology – the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge and S7.
These smartphones bring to life the Samsung Galaxy ideal of going beyond limits in terms of experience, creativity, and performance by challenging consumers to rethink what a phone can do.
Coinciding with the global launch in Barcelona, Spain, Samsung Electronics Philippines revealed the game-changing Galaxy S7 edge and S7 at the Philippine leg of the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2016 event at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura Premier.
More than a smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge and S7 defy previously held notions of mobile phone limitations, carrying the legacy of Samsung’s premium mobile experience with its industry-leading features.
IP68 Water and Dust Resistant
Exceedingly durable and designed to function even in unfavorable conditions, the Galaxy S7 edge and S7 are cap-less, water and dust resistant with an IP68 certification to boot, ensuring that it could survive getting wet in the rain or being accidentally dropped into the pool, withstanding being submerged in 1.5 meters of water for half an hour.
It is also dust-tight, meaning it is safe from the ingress of solid foreign objects like sand, dust, or soil. With this, users can now be worry-free from spills, dust, or accidental drops in water.
Samsung Galaxy S7 & Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge: DSLR-like Real Pixel camera
Setting new benchmarks for smartphone photography, Samsung outdid itself with the Galaxy S7 edge and S7’s Dual Pixel camera that uses a dual photodiode technology, originally used in professional DSLR cameras and has now been adopted for the very first time in smartphones. This technology enables even faster Auto Focus for crisp, strikingly clear pictures. Just as a person focuses on an object with both eyes, every pixel has two photodiodes
to enable super-fast focus, while larger pixels and the brighter F1.7 lens allow bright photos to be taken even in low-light conditions. Added to this is a front camera with brighter F1.7 lens capable of turning the screen as a flash that allows selfies to be taken even in low-light conditions.
Complementing these, Samsung has taken its camera’s fun features up several notches. There is the Motion Panorama feature to capture action-packed and fun moments by bringing panoramic shots to life. Another Galaxy feature, Hyperlapse has been upgraded to make small time-compressed videos easier to create and share. Moreover, the well-loved Beauty Mode has been further enhanced with the Spotlight feature to capture faces with the effect of natural light.
Ultimate Performance
True to the Samsung legacy of superior performance, the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge and S7 have been designed to give users a worry-free experience, with a base memory of 32GB expandable up to 200GB so that precious memories on videos and photos no longer have to be deleted.
To support this amazing storage capacity, the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge and S7 come with an even increased battery capacity. The Galaxy S7 sports a 3000mAH battery while the Galaxy S7 edge has a 3600 mAH battery. Both support Ultra Fast Charging (wired), as well as built-in wireless charging, with even faster charging speed than the previous Galaxy S6 smartphones.
Refined Design with Purpose
Building on Samsung’s re-imagined design philosophy introduced in the Galaxy S6 & S6 edge, the Galaxy S7 edge and S7’s elegant yet functional design features a streamlined body of glass and metal finish, with ergonomic curves to easily fit the user’s grip. The Galaxy S7 features a 5.1” Super AMOLED Quad HD display while the Galaxy S7 edge features a bigger 5.5” dual-edge display both purposefully designed to enhance the user’s viewing experience.
Samsung gives new meaning to functional design. The Galaxy S7 edge comes with various edge panels which can be selected by simply tapping an icon. By simply swiping the edge screen, different panels will appear. The App Edge panel pops out with the user’s favorite apps, the People Edge panel appears with the user’s favorite contacts, while the new Task Edge panel appears with the task apps and features the user usually utilizes. The larger Edge panel also contains more icons and displays more information.
