[MWC 2016] Samsung Electronics Showcases Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, and Gear 360 at Its Unpacked Event

On the 21st local time, Samsung Electronics held the “Samsung Galaxy Unpack 2016” at Centre de Convencions Internacional de Barcelona (CCIB) and showcased its “Galaxy S7”, “Galaxy S7 Edge”, and “Gear 360”, a camera that can shoot in 360 degrees.

Under the slogan “Beyond Barriers”, the event received much attention from people all around the world with its new displays that transcend space and time, and real-time 360-degree videos. At the event, 5,000 attendees wore “Gear VR” simultaneously and enjoyed product introductions through VR.

The metal and glass design of “Galaxy S7” and “Galaxy S7 Edge” has been upgraded, and they showed softer and more luxurious designs.

In particular, curved glass is applied to the front and back of “Galaxy S7 Edge”, which emphasizes curvature beauty. It has a 5.5-inch screen, but its bezels become thinner with a more compact design.

“Galaxy S7” and “Galaxy S7 Edge” are rated with IP68 dust and water resistance. The entire smartphone can be submerged even without a USB cover as other parts, including a USB port and earphones, which are also waterproof.

“Gear 360” enables regular people to shoot 360-degree videos and photos, which were only for professionals. It is round and equipped with two 180-degree fisheye lenses.

Koh Dong-jin, president of Samsung's mobile business, said: “Today is an inflection point in the mobile business world. We will provide our consumers with comprehensive experience and value through not only smartphones but also various products, contents, and services.” He added: “We will keep on listening carefully to consumers’ voices and challenge new technologies and fields to lead the mobile market.”

◇ The DSLR dual pixel image sensor being used for the first time in the world

By using the DSLR dual pixel image sensor, “Galaxy S7” and “Galaxy S7 Edge” can quickly shoot clear photos even in dark conditions.

The “Dual Pixel” is a new AF system that measures images and phase differences simultaneously. It splits every single pixel into two photodiodes for on-chip phase detection, ensuring autofocus performance even in dark conditions. Samsung Electronics applied this technology to a smartphone for the first time in the world.

The front camera of “Galaxy S7” and “Galaxy S7 Edge” is the same as the rear camera with F1.7. It enables users to take clear photos of themselves even in dark conditions.

Furthermore, it has a “Selfie Flash” function, which uses the large 5.1-inch and 5.5-inch displays of the two smartphones as light source. This function enables users to take much brighter selfies.

“Galaxy S7” and “Galaxy S7 Edge” are also equipped with the Panorama Shot mode, which can record the movements of objects while a photo is being taken. Users can capture amazing vividness with this function.

In addition, they include “Hyperlapse” technology, which allows users to compress hours of recordings into seconds.

“Hyperlapse” automatically adjusts the shooting speed based on the subject’s movements. It enables regular people to easily shoot time-lapse videos.

◇ Upgraded performance

“Galaxy S7” has a 3,000mAh battery, which has been increased 18% from its predecessor, and “Galaxy S7 Edge” has a 3,600mAh battery, which has been increased 38% from the “S6 Edge”. Both batteries are capable of high speed charging with or without wires.

Both smartphones have the hybrid SIM card tray, which allows users to insert a SIM card and a micro SD card for up to 200GB of additional storage.

As the mobile game market is growing quickly, and the high quality game content market is expanding, Samsung Electronics optimized its hardware and software of “Galaxy S7” and “Galaxy S7 Edge” for games, providing the best game performance to customers.

First, the two products are equipped with “Game Launcher” and “Game Tools”, which provide various convenient functions and services for games.

“Game Launcher” automatically sorts game apps that users have installed on their phones into a folder. It allows users to start an app quickly and save on battery. It also provides various convenient functions, including the “do not disturb” mode and the touch key lock function. It can capture and record a smartphone screen in real time and minimize game apps.

In addition, the two products support Vulkan API (Application Programming Interface), which can be used for mobile phones, PCs, and consoles. This is the first time for a smartphone. By using this, graphic performance and efficiency are improved, and they can run high quality games smoothly and consume less energy.

They also provide the AOD (Always On Display) function, which always displays on a screen various information, including your watch, a calendar, and theme images -- anything that the user selected.

◇ ‘Samsung Gear 360’, which is capable of shooting 360-degree videos and pictures

“Gear 360” has two 180-degree fisheye lenses that cover a 195-degree view angle. Users can create 360-degree contents by combining the images of the two lenses.

With its dual mode, which uses both lenses, it can capture 3840x1920 360-degree videos and 30-megapixel still images. On the single mode, it can capture 180-degree videos and photos. Furthermore, it can generate bright images even in dark conditions via its F2.0 lens.

“Gear 360” is a ball-shaped compact camera and comes with its own mini tripod. As there is a standard tripod mount on the bottom, people can use other camera accessories on the market as well.

It is convenient and easy to use, and users can record their lives in a new way while sharing them with others. By using “Gear VR”, users also can enjoy their own contents in virtual reality.

This product can be connected to Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, S6 Edge+, Note 5, S6 Edge, and S6. Furthermore, users can preview contents while they record and share them on social media channels and Google Street View. The company provides PC software to those who want more advanced editing functions.

“Galaxy S7” and “Galaxy S7 Edge” are available in Black Onyx, Gold Platinum, White Pearl, and Silver Titanium. “Gear 360” is scheduled to be launched with a white color option in the first half of this year.