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Samsung's gleaming Galaxy S7 is all win (pictures)

Pocket size and pretty much perfect, the smaller of Samsung's two headliner phones for 2016 brings up two features we love.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
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Awesome camera, sculpted design, waterproof coating. This Samsung Galaxy S7 has got it going on.

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With a 5.1-inch screen, the S7 (left) is more pocket size than the 5.5-inch S7 Edge.

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Don't be jealous of the S7 Edge's curving screen. The S7 carries its curving shoulders on the back.

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The always-on display tells you how much battery life you have, and the time, calendar or a favorite image of yours without you having to constantly turn on the phone.

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All hail the return of the microSD card slot!

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The 12-megapixel camera may sound like it should be worse than last year's 16-megapixel version, but it takes way better photos.

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Metal and glass take the S7 upscale.

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The phone tops Android 6.0 Marshmallow with a more restrained version of its custom software than we've seen in years past.

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Wireless charging is a nice touch.

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Battery life went on and on and on...let's hope it stays that way as the months pass.

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Samsung Pay isn't new, but it's the only mobile payment system you can use at any register even if NFC payments don't work.

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The built-in fingerprint reader in the home button: It authorizes payments! It unlocks the phone!

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The S7 uses a Micro-USB charger rather than the next-generation USB Type-C plug.

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From little to big: Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, iPhone 6S Plus, Google Nexus 6P.

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When traveling in London and Berlin, I kept two time zones on the S7 to see what time it was at home.

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The camera is the strongest Samsung has ever made.

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Low light shots were brighter and more colorful than on other phones, including the iPhone.

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Autofocus was bonkers-fast.

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Hyperlapse is a new video mode that's a lot of fun.

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There are selfie filters galore, but images seemed a tad off -- easy enough for Samsung to fix with a software tweak.

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In dark scenes, the screen will turn white before taking the photo, a makeshift flash.

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New gaming tools float a tiny orange button (bottom left) on the screen.

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Tap it to pull up controls that let you record your game or take a screengrab, or minimize the game so you can do something else for a minute.

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Upside: Pretty. Downside: Too many fingerprints!

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This is what you'll be doing all the time if smudges gross you out.

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The microSD card slot and SIM card share a tray.

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You can get the S7 in platinum gold or black onyx shades.

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The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge both take home CNET Editor's Choice awards. Find out all the reasons here.

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