Samsung Galaxy S7 edge vs. Google Pixel XL: Which 2016 Flagship Still Holds Up?

Released months apart in 2016, the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge and Google Pixel XL represented distinct philosophies in the Android space. The S7 edge continued Samsung’s refinement of hardware prowess, while the Pixel XL marked Google’s first full foray into hardware design, prioritizing software integration and camera performance. Today, we revisit these devices to determine which offers a better experience, considering their age and current market value.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user in 2024, the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge emerges as the slightly better choice. Its superior battery endurance (87h vs 78h) and established feature set, including wireless charging, outweigh the Pixel XL’s marginally faster processor and software advantages, especially given both devices are now several generations old.

PHONES
Phone Names	Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (USA)	Google Pixel XL

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - G935A, G935P, G935R	-
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41 - G935A	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41
EDGE	-	Yes
GPRS	-	Yes
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat9 450/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat9 450/50 Mbps or LTE (3CA) Cat11 600/75 Mbps
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	-	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100

Launch
Announced	2016, February. Released 2016, March	2016, October 04. Released 2016, October 20
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), glass back (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum frame	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum/glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	150.9 x 72.6 x 7.7 mm (5.94 x 2.86 x 0.30 in)	154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.09 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM
Weight	157 g (5.54 oz)	168 g (5.93 oz)
	-	Water-repellent coating

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 4	Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Resolution	1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~534 ppi density)	1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~534 ppi density)
Size	5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~76.1% screen-to-body ratio)	5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Super AMOLED	AMOLED

Platform
CPU	Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo)	Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo)
Chipset	Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm)	Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm)
GPU	Adreno 530	Adreno 530
OS	Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo), TouchWiz UI	Android 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 10

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	No
Internal	32GB 4GB RAM	32GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
	-	UFS 2.0

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama	Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	12 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS	12.3 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.3", 1.55µm, PDAF
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 1080p@60fps, 720p@240fps, HDR, stereo sound rec., OIS	4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@240fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	-
Single	5 MP, f/1.7, 22mm (wide), 1/4.1", 1.34µm	8 MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2", 1.4µm
Video	-	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	-	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX	4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS	GPS, GLONASS
Radio	FM radio (after SW update; operator dependent)	No
USB	microUSB 2.0, OTG	USB Type-C 3.0
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer

Battery
Charging	15W wired, QC2 Wireless	18W wired, PD
Music play	-	Up to 130 h
Stand-by	-	Up to 552 h (3G)
Talk time	-	Up to 32 h (3G)
Type	Li-Ion 3600 mAh, non-removable	Li-Ion 3450 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Black Onyx, Silver Titanium, Gold Platinum, Coral Blue	Quite Black, Very Silver, Really Blue
Models	SM-G935A, SM-G935P, SM-G935V, SM-G935T, SM-G935R, SM-G935U, SM-G935L, SAMSUNG-SM-G935A	-
Price	About 350 EUR	About 400 EUR
SAR	0.64 W/kg (head) 1.59 W/kg (body)	0.89 W/kg (head) 0.56 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	-	0.25 W/kg (head) 0.44 W/kg (body)

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 78h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.164 (sunlight)
Performance	-	Basemark OS II 2.0: 2281Basemark X: 30861

Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (USA)

Superior battery life (87h endurance)
Curved edge display for immersive viewing
Wireless charging support
Established feature set and ecosystem

Samsung’s TouchWiz UI (though improved over previous versions)
Potential for accidental touches on curved screen

Google Pixel XL

Clean and fast software experience
Excellent camera with HDR+ processing
Faster charging with Power Delivery
Guaranteed software updates (at launch)

Shorter battery life (78h endurance)
No wireless charging support
Larger bezels compared to S7 edge

Display Comparison

Both the S7 edge and Pixel XL feature displays with an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio and a 4.164 sunlight contrast ratio, suggesting similar outdoor visibility. However, the S7 edge’s defining feature is its dual-edge curved screen, offering a more immersive visual experience, though potentially prone to accidental touches. While both displays likely utilize AMOLED technology, Samsung’s in-house expertise in display manufacturing likely results in slightly more vibrant colors and potentially better color accuracy on the S7 edge. The Pixel XL’s display focuses on color accuracy and clarity, prioritizing a natural look.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel XL’s camera was lauded for its computational photography prowess, leveraging Google’s HDR+ algorithm to produce stunning images with excellent dynamic range. While sensor sizes aren’t specified, the Pixel XL’s image processing is the key differentiator. The S7 edge, while capable, relies more on hardware and traditional image processing techniques. The Pixel XL’s focus on software allows it to excel in low-light conditions, producing brighter and more detailed images. Both phones offer video recording capabilities, but the Pixel XL’s stabilization and dynamic range likely provide a superior video experience.

Performance

Both devices utilize Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 820/821 chipsets, fabricated on a 14nm process. The Pixel XL boasts the Snapdragon 821, a minor revision of the 820 found in the S7 edge, offering a slight clock speed bump. While benchmarks would show a marginal performance increase for the Pixel XL, the real-world difference is likely negligible for most tasks. Both phones feature the same quad-core CPU configuration (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo). Thermal management is a key consideration; the S7 edge’s larger chassis might offer slightly better heat dissipation, potentially mitigating throttling during sustained workloads. However, Google’s software optimization on the Pixel XL could also contribute to efficient performance.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge holds a significant advantage in battery endurance with an 87-hour rating compared to the Pixel XL’s 78 hours. This translates to a noticeable difference in real-world usage. While the Pixel XL supports 18W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD), offering potentially faster charging speeds, the S7 edge supports 15W Quick Charge 2.0 and adds the convenience of wireless charging. The S7 edge’s larger battery capacity and efficient power management give it a clear edge in longevity.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (USA) if you prioritize all-day battery life, a visually striking curved display, and established features like wireless charging. Buy the Google Pixel XL if you value a cleaner software experience, faster software updates (though now limited), and a camera known for its excellent dynamic range and image processing, even by today's standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 820 in the S7 edge still capable of handling modern apps?

While not the latest and greatest, the Snapdragon 820 remains capable of running most modern apps and games, albeit with potentially reduced graphics settings or occasional slowdowns. It's sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and streaming.

❓ Does the S7 edge's battery still hold a charge well after all these years?

Battery degradation is a significant concern with older devices. The S7 edge's original 3000mAh battery will likely have reduced capacity. Expect shorter battery life than the original 87-hour endurance rating, and consider a battery replacement if performance is unsatisfactory.

❓ How does the Pixel XL's camera compare to modern smartphone cameras?

While the Pixel XL's camera was groundbreaking in 2016, modern smartphone cameras have surpassed it in terms of resolution, zoom capabilities, and video features. However, the Pixel XL's HDR+ processing still produces excellent images, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.

❓ Are software updates still available for either of these phones?

Official software updates have ceased for both the S7 edge and Pixel XL. However, custom ROMs are available for both devices, allowing users to install newer versions of Android and benefit from security patches. This requires technical expertise and voids the warranty.