How does autofocus work on a smartphone? Updated Edge interface. Limited unlimited Google Photo storage
Canon EOS 70D DSLR First Look: Revolution Disguised as Evolution?
Three years later, Canon fans began to associate the chance to regain the EOS x0D's place in the hierarchy with the release of the Canon EOS 70D. At the same time, everyone understood that such a “return” could only happen if the device came out before the “successor” Canon EOS 7D ...
Canon EOS 70D
Until mid-summer 2013, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II did not appear. But the presentation of the Canon EOS 70D happened in early July.
Surprisingly, immediately after the announcement of the camera, the issue of confrontation between the Canon EOS 7D and the Canon x0D line ceased to interest everyone. The fact is that in the face of the Canon EOS 70D, the manufacturing company presented a fairly innovative product, the position of which in a series of Canon SLRs goes far beyond a simple update.
Canon EOS 70D design
However, the revolutionary features of the Canon EOS 70D are not easy to see behind the familiar corporate design. The device took too much from the previous EOS 60D, and the main innovations of the model lie not at all in the appearance of the camera.
Nevertheless, there is something interesting in the ergonomics of the new model. So once again redesigned the relative position of the control buttons on the back side. For example, the keys for erasing the frame and viewing the footage have moved to the control dial - which has a positive effect on convenience. The EOS 60D's INFO and MENU keys, which were located in this zone, have been moved to the upper left corner - the decision is also correct, taking into account the frequency of use of these buttons.
Front view. Everything is familiar
Other notable rear panel upgrades include the return of a control dial-locking switch instead of a button. The button for turning on the video recording has undergone the same metamorphosis - now it is combined with the mode switch (video / view on the display), which prevents accidental operation.
As for the optical viewfinder and information display located right there, outwardly they in the Canon EOS 70D do not differ from their counterparts in the EOS 60D. However, the imaginary similarity still hides the nuances: the Canon EOS 70D viewfinder is slightly larger (98% coverage versus 96 in the EOS 60D), and the display, with the same size, resolution and type of attachment to the body (three degrees of freedom), uses touch input technology.
Top face
Changes in the controls located on the top edge of the Canon EOS 70D are also noticeable (compared to the EOS 60D), however, they cannot be called striking. For example, the dial for switching shooting modes was reorganized - automatic modes similar in functionality are collected under one general icon. In addition, the remaining icons are distributed evenly, without spaces - this symbolizes changes in the rotation mechanism of the dial: now it can rotate 360 degrees in any direction. In the center of the dial is a lock button, which appeared in the EOS 60D and, from the point of view of ergonomics, has proven itself to be a very useful control element.
Between the second control dial (located on the horizontal grip handle) and the shutter button, there is a new miniature key. She is responsible for switching the modes of operation of the autofocus system - cycling either a single central focus point, or groups of peripheral focusing sensors. Finally, you can pay attention to the appearance of two mini-grids on the upper edge of the device, under which a pair of microphones is hidden for sound recording in video mode. They replace the EOS 60D mono microphone found on the front of the previous model.
Back view
The side faces of the Canon EOS 70D have traditionally become the location of communication ports and a slot for installing a flash card. It can be noted here that the new camera did not return to the use of CompactFlash cards, which was once familiar to the EOS x0D line, continuing the “tradition” of recording footage on SD / SDHC / SDXC media started by the EOS 60D. But to the supported communication technologies (HDMI, USB), Canon EOS 70D added a wireless option via the built-in Wi-Fi module. This allows the camera to remotely stream footage as well as connect to tablets, smartphones and new TVs.
It looks like the EOS x0D line finally said goodbye to CompactFlash cards
The dimensions of the Canon EOS 70D body compared to the EOS 60D have decreased a little more. And we remember that one of the points of criticism in 2010 was the size of the camera compared to the previous devices of the EOS x0D line. One way or another, modern photographers will have to finally come to terms with the idea that miniaturization has become a leading trend even for medium-sized amateur SLR cameras. In specific figures, the size of the Canon EOS 70D looks like this: height - 10.4 centimeters, length - 13.9 centimeters, width - 7.9 centimeters (including the horizontal grip handle). The weight of the new camera is 755 grams.
Left edge. Communication ports and connectors
As was the case with Canon DSLRs before (with the release of the EOS 5D Mark II and EOS 7D), the manufacturer compares the water and dust protection of the Canon EOS 70D body with that of the Canon EOS-1N film camera. This means that the battery door, the location of the control buttons and the manipulator inside the first disk, the perimeters of both information displays and the location of the stereo microphones are made waterproof. The joints of the body parts and rubberized pads and inserts are made with the degree of accuracy that allows you to exclude dust and damage from splashing water.
Canon EOS 70D as a revolution: Dual Pixel AF in every detail
Starting a conversation about the technical characteristics and capabilities of Canon EOS 70D photography and video shooting, let's just say that they have undergone mostly evolutionary changes. However, it is in the “stuffing” of the device that the detail is hidden that allows us to call this model a big revolutionary step forward.
We are talking about a new photosensitive matrix. Already by its declared resolution - 20.2 megapixels, it becomes clear that in the Canon EOS 70D, the manufacturer finally refuses to use a reliable, but already outdated APS-C CMOS sensor with a resolution of 18 megapixels.
An illustration of how phase detection autofocus works
However, the obvious two extra megapixels is not the only, and moreover, not the main, innovation of the Canon EOS 70D sensor. More importantly, in reality, the resolution of the matrix of the device is more than 40 megapixels - and this is due to the use of the new Dual Pixel AF phase focusing technology in the sensor.
The design of Canon's Dual Pixel AF CMOS sensor is an ingenious engineering solution, where each photosensitive element located under the light-collecting microlens actually consists of two photodiodes. Thus, the resolution of the matrix indicated by Canon - 20.2 megapixels - indicates only the number of microlenses covering the sensor - 20.2 million, respectively. Calculating the resolution of the matrix in the traditional way - by the number of photosensitive elements - we get a number exceeding 40 million - after all, more than 80 percent of the chip surface consists of dual photodiodes.
Such a complex design was needed by Canon in order to separate the functions of image capture and auto focus on the matrix. In more detail it looks like this...
To fix the image, the light passing through the microlens to a pair of photodiodes is recorded by them, the brightness values are averaged and transmitted as a single digit to the device's processor for processing.
Implementation of phase autofocus on modern matrices
When focusing, the light passing through the microlens and hitting the photodiodes is recorded by each of them as a digital value. These values are compared. If they are equal, the object is in focus. If one of them is larger than the other, the focus is farther or closer to the object, which means that the processor needs to signal the lens motor to refocus.
Actually, the scheme with the calculation of equality is a classic scheme for the operation of phase detection autofocus. It was implemented using a special light-sensitive chip back in the DSLRs of the last century and continues to be actively used to this day. For its operation, the light is directed to the focusing chip by a mirror.
Phase autofocus for devices without a mirror has been implemented already in this century. For its operation, special photodiodes were introduced into certain sections of the matrix, associated with the computing unit of the processor. These photodiodes, located in adjacent places in the matrix, were exposed to light through a mask that cut off half of the flux. The technology is not perfect, but even today it is quite suitable and popular in modern mirrorless cameras. Its minus is a small focus area in relation to the frame area and poor performance with a lack of light. The luminous flux is halved due to masking - so the lack of illumination is catastrophic.
Dual Pixel AF CMOS Construction Diagram
Dual Pixel AF technology, where each photodiode receives all the light coming from the outside, is able to work in very harsh lighting conditions. According to Canon engineers, the new sensor has enough flow at EV 0, and the lens aperture can be clamped down to F / 11.
In addition, Dual Pixel AF CMOS photodiodes are closer to each other than the dedicated sensors of modern phase detection autofocus systems implemented on mirrorless arrays. This means that the accuracy of Dual Pixel AF CMOS is higher, and the efficiency is better.
Finally, we recall once again that all cells (pairs of photodiodes under one microlens) are capable of phase focusing on the Dual Pixel AF CMOS sensor - which gives the largest coverage of the frame area of 80 percent today.
How Dual Pixel AF CMOS works
However, Dual Pixel AF technology has its controversial points.
First, according to Canon engineers, it is not compatible with all current Canon EF(-S) lenses. The exact numbers look like this: out of 156 Canon EF (-S) lenses, 103 models are fully compatible. Among them are all new lenses released in the "digital era" of the EOS SLR camera line. The remaining 53 lenses can use the phase detection autofocus of the Dual Pixel AF CMOS sensor in hybrid phase contrast mode. How Dual Pixel AF will work with third-party lenses (Tamron, Tokina, Sigma ...) is unknown.
Canon EOS 70D autofocus video in Live View mode
Secondly, Dual Pixel AF technology actually doubles the number of megapixels on the matrix. That is, in an area corresponding to the APS-C size, the Canon EOS 70D has 40 million elements. This means a reduction in the area of each photodiode - and, as a result, a theoretical deterioration in the signal-to-noise ratio.
Having dealt with the design of the new matrix and the operation of Dual Pixel AF technology, let's say in the end that it is designed to use phase focusing in video and photo shooting modes when looking at the information display. The classic use of a camera with an optical viewfinder is based on phase focusing using a specialized chip - as a real SLR camera should be.
Canon EOS 70D as evolution
The computing center of the Canon EOS 70D was expectedly the DiGiC 5+ processor, previously used in the top-end Canon EOS-1D X and full-frame Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Canon EOS 6D. In conjunction with Dual Pixel AF CMOS, this processor allows you to use sensitivity up to ISO 12800 when shooting with the possibility of using the ISO 25600 program mode.
The phase autofocus system (traditional, not Dual Pixel AF) of the device is taken from the EOS 7D model - it covers the frame area with a diamond-shaped zone, consisting of 19 active focus points. Each point is served by a cruciform sensor. The system has several modes of operation - from focusing on the central point to focusing within a group of active points. Finally, the Canon EOS 70D's autofocus is intelligently sensitive to camera orientation changes, automatically switching the active focus area from landscape to portrait mode and vice versa.
The class of the device can be emphasized by attaching a vertical grip handle to it
Metering Canon EOS 70D provides well-proven technology Focus Color Luminance (iFCL), dividing the frame area into 63 zones.
The Canon EOS 70D shutter system has standard parameters for the average amateur class: it is capable of working out shutter speeds from 1/8000 second in normal shooting mode and from 1/250 when shooting with built-in flash pulse synchronization.
The continuous shooting speed of the Canon EOS 70D is stated at 7 frames per second (when using cards with the appropriate data transfer rate). The buffer capacity of the device allows you to take a series of 16 frames in RAW format or 65 frames in JPG format in Fine quality.
The biggest acquisition of the Canon EOS 70D's movie mode is, of course, the Dual Pixel AF CMOS sensor. In addition to it and its accompanying fast and accurate focus, the device boasts a maximum resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels and recording at 30 frames per second. The output format is H.264. The sound is recorded either on a pair of built-in microphones (we talked about them above), or on an external microphone.
Battery Canon EOS 70D
The Canon EOS 70D uses a Canon LP-E6 rechargeable battery as the power source. The manufacturer used it before - in the EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 7D, EOS 60D, EOS 5D Mark III and EOS 6D models. According to CIPA, the battery allows the Canon EOS 70D to take 920 shots.
Canon EOS 70D should appear in stores in August-September this year. For the US, its price is declared at the level of 1200 dollars. For Europe, it will range from 1100 euros to 1080 pounds. The Sftsht did not announce the price in Russia, but presumably it will be equal to 50-55 thousand rubles.
Results. Breakthrough is still possible
Slightly late in entering the promising market for mirrorless cameras, Canon decided that the best solution was to play a double game. Based on this doctrine, the launch of the ultra-compact EOS 100D DSLR, the price cuts for the mirrorless EOS M ($300 at the legendary “B and H” store), and, along with this, the revolutionary research on phase detection autofocus in the Canon EOS 70D, seem natural. It looks like Canon has decided to either destroy the mirrorless market or enter it triumphantly.
Canon EOS 70D. In the focus of the struggle for new markets
Indeed, the creation of Dual Pixel AF CMOS cannot be overestimated. To date, this is the most promising and effective development in the field of autofocus in terms of the totality of possibilities. But until recently, it was focusing that was the weak point in the confrontation between SLRs and “system” cameras.
By and large, for the final victory of digital cameras without a mirror over the obsolete scheme of sighting and focusing, the market needs only an example of a model with an electronic viewfinder as convenient, fast and reliable as an optical one. If Canon demonstrates it in one of the next cameras, then the company's late start in the 21st century camera market will turn out to be an insignificant misunderstanding that did not prevent the once undisputed leader from regaining all the lost positions.
Google Pixel 2 (XL) has become a smartphone that was created with an emphasis on artificial intelligence. And even the Pixel 2's camera has benefited from this reimagining. For example, with the help of AI, the company managed to create a portrait mode that can process photos programmatically without using an additional camera. And the Pixel 2 is the first smartphone in the world that can do this. But how is this possible? With colleagues from phonearena, we will try to sort out this issue.
Here's how the Pixel 2's 12MP portrait mode works:
This result was obtained using three stages:
- Segmentation mask
- Depth Map
HDR+
HDR stands for high dynamic range. The HDR mode works with two images that have different exposures (a bright frame and a dark frame), combining the two frames into one. The HDR+ mode is much more complicated. He takes not two, but up to ten photographs that were taken with insufficient exposure, so that when the combination of all images is combined, the result is a picture without overexposure. This is why the HDR+ mode lasts so long.
In the case of portrait mode, the captured photo first passes through the HDR + mode, and then AI takes over.
Artificial intelligence
To choose which area should be in focus and which should not, the smartphone uses artificial intelligence. Google has trained a neural network with a million photos so that it can distinguish between people, animals, flowers, and other similar objects by giving weights to each neuron.
Depth Map
Selecting an object in an image is not enough. You need to know how much to blur objects in the background, because some can be located closer, others, on the contrary, further. That is, you need a depth map.
It was possible to get it using Dual Pixel technology. The essence of the technology lies in the fact that each pixel is divided into two sub-pixels, each of which receives information from a slightly different angle. The difference in angles allows you to determine the distance to the object. The same technology is used by Samsung in the S7 and S8 to quickly focus on the subject. And from a technical point of view, Samsung can implement portrait mode in the S7 and S8, relying on the hardware features of smartphone data cameras.
At the output we get the following result:
The lighter the area, the closer it is to the camera lens, and vice versa
The end result is pleasing to the eye. But there is one small nuance. In the case of the front camera, a depth map cannot be obtained, since it does not use Dual Pixel technology, so the result will not be as good as with the main module.
Google can be commended for being able to do this without using a second camera module, which is much more difficult than just implementing a second camera module.
According to phonearena
Increasingly, we see the Dual Pixel option in the smartphone camera specifications. But not everyone knows what this technology means. Let's find out more about her.
It's no secret that manufacturers are trying in every way to improve the quality of photos while maintaining the dimensions of existing cameras. Completely different developments are being used, starting from the second sensor and ending with software gadgets. One of the popular technologies is Dual Pixel. What it is?
dual pixel. Peculiarities.
Often, a phase autofocus consisting of photodiodes is used as part of a digital module. Previously, these sensors occupied only 10% of the sensor, since it was technically impossible to roll them over the entire matrix. Dual Pixel provides for the placement of photodiodes over the entire surface of the matrix, which in turn allows you to quickly and easily focus on an object located in any part of the frame (even at the edge).
The main advantage of Dual Pixel technology is that it now perfectly "understands" the location of the subject. This makes autofocusing quick and easy. While phase-detection autofocus suffers from a lack of "material", the Dual Pixel does its job almost instantly.
This feature is noticeable when shooting video, when the focus switches from one object to another in almost a split second. Moving through the frame, the subject will always be in focus, which will ensure proper sharpness and proper quality of the material. Advanced autofocus technology reduces the number of blurry shots.
Why have we waited so long for this technology?
Even with the technology available, producing smartphone cameras has its challenges. Since the body of the devices is quite thin, the modules themselves must be small. However, it is impossible to reduce the photocells to a minimum, as this will affect the quality of the shooting (you probably read our material about the resolution and pixel size of the camera. If not, go ahead). Previously, it was impossible to equip cameras with a photodiode, since the pixels on those matrices were tiny.
Modern matrices have a fairly wide aperture, which increases aperture ratio. Manufacturers are also actively using larger sensors. Now you can keep the old resolutions and at the same time provide each pixel with a photodiode. In addition, manufacturers stopped increasing the resolution of the camera, and relied on completely new technologies. And Dual Pixel is one of them.
Which cameras have Dual Pixel?
Traditionally, new technologies are the prerogative of top devices. Dual Pixel is used in all the latest flagship Samsung devices. Unfortunately, only the South Korean vendor is betting on the new technology.
Dual Pixel is present only in Google Pixel 2. Other manufacturers have so far ignored this development, since it is patented by Samsung and all modules should be ordered from this company. By the way, Sony is currently developing a similar technology.
Is it worth it to buy a new smartphone for Dual Pixel?
If you did not plan to buy a new top-end device, then you should not buy it solely for the Dual Pixel. A loan or installment plan for an expensive smartphone for the sake of one photo gadget is not the best solution. Another thing is if you were counting on such an amount and want to get a brand new flagship.
How does autofocus work on a smartphone? What type of autofocus works best? Pros and cons of laser, phase and contrast AF. Why is dual-pixel so good?
How does autofocus work on a smartphone? There is no simple answer to this question. It is necessary to deal with each type of autofocus, to study the features of a particular focusing technology. Only then can any conclusions be drawn. Therefore, now we will talk about the varieties of auto focus technologies, and about the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
What is camera focus and autofocus
Everything is simple here: the lens of the lens refracts the rays and collects all the light at one point - the focus. And if the matrix sensor is located at this point, then the frame is more detailed and of high quality. Naturally, all photographers use this physical phenomenon. They bring some part of the frame into focus, adjust the lens manually and focus the viewer's attention on the foreground or background, the main subject or a minor detail. The rest of the picture will be blurry.
Well, novice photographers can use the auto focus system, when the automation captures one or more objects in the frame “in focus”, controlling both the lens and the matrix. And these objects (or object) are as sharp and detailed as possible. And no skill and sense of the frame is no longer needed here.
This is probably why digital photography has become more popular than the film-and-paper version of art. After all, autofocus in the camera of a phone or a cheap camera allows you to take a detailed picture without any extra effort. The whole process boils down to a simple rule: point and click.
Varieties of autofocus and the basic principles of their work
The camera lens focuses the rays reflected from an object located in the space in front of the lens. When focusing, the camera focuses on the distance to the object and on the intensity of the glow emanating from it. Today, there are two types of auto focus modes:
- Active option - it is based on measuring the distance using a rangefinder locator.
- Passive option - it works with a light beam, measuring its intensity.
The first (active) mode uses laser infrared or ultrasonic radiation with a known speed of wave propagation in air. The emitter module emits a directed stream, which is reflected from the object and is captured by the receiver module after a certain period of time. The autofocus calculator then multiplies this time by the known wave propagation speed and divides the result by two to get the exact distance. By directing the emitter to the desired area, the user receives optimal focus, focusing the viewer's attention on this particular area of the photo.
The second (passive) mode is arranged somewhat differently. It uses special sensors (photodiodes) that measure the intensity of the glow and a special processor that determines the focus by the value of this parameter. In practice, it looks like this: the sensors fix the intensity of the glow, then the processor shifts the focus, after which the intensity is re-measured, if the flux density has increased, then the focus is considered acceptable. If not, the focus is shifted again. And so on until the maximum intensity is found. There are up to 40-60 photodiodes in the matrices of serious cameras.
Based on these principles, the most famous focusing systems work: phase, laser, contrast and dual-pixel. And further in the text, we will evaluate each option along the way, evaluating their basic advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages and disadvantages of laser autofocus
In this case, a laser emitter and receiver are built into the phone camera model. The first generates a narrow beam, the second receives the reflected signal. As a result, the speed of focusing is reduced to thousandths of a second. Usually we are talking about 250-300 milliseconds, since the laser propagates at the speed of light.
The main advantage of the laser focus is the high reaction speed of the module, and the main disadvantage is frequent failures. A narrowly focused laser emitter sometimes "shoots" past the target, and the reflected signal is easily lost, especially in open spaces. Therefore, laser autofocus in a smartphone camera in most cases works in tandem with a phase or contrast guidance option.
Features of phase focusing
The technology is based on splitting the beam passing through the lens into two streams. This is done in order to measure the distance between streams passing through opposite edges of the lens. If this distance is within certain values specified in the data array, the picture is considered to be focused. To fix the distance, special sensors are used that react to light. Their signals are processed by the processor, which compares the read parameters with the base data array and gives a signal to shift the focus in the right direction.
The main advantage of the technology is the willingness to focus on a moving object. In addition, this option is faster than contrast autofocus. And this system can also be used to calculate such a parameter as depth of field.
The main disadvantage of phase technology is its complex implementation. The system of prisms, mirrors, lenses requires ultra-precise physical alignment and no less scrupulous program settings. In addition, the accuracy of such a focus depends on the lens aperture, and mobile phones have big problems with this parameter.
Pros and cons of contrast focus
The technology does not change either the matrix or the optical system of the smartphone camera. Either the entire photosensor or part of it is used as a sensor. The processor reads the current histogram from the sensor and evaluates the contrast of the frame. And then the lens is given a command to shift the focus, after which the histogram is read again with a reassessment of the contrast. And the whole cycle is repeated until the maximum level of contrast is reached in the selected area of the frame, which is focused.
The main advantage of the technology is a combination of ease of implementation, low cost of construction and compact size. Such autofocus is used by all manufacturers of budget smartphones.
The key disadvantage of this option is the very slow speed. Sometimes the processor goes into the eternal “hunting for focus”, which ends in the loss of a rare frame.
Dual Pixel Technology
This focusing technology is used in expensive SLR cameras. In mobile devices, it is still used only in Samsung's flagship models, deliberately lowering the resolution of the photographic matrix while increasing its physical dimensions.
These tricks are due to the desire to attach an individual sensor to each pixel of the photographic sensor, which reacts to the intensity of the glow. Then the signals from the sensors are processed according to both the phase and contrast focusing algorithms, achieving not only a perfectly sharp, but also the most contrasting image.
If in the case of the classic phase focus, the sensors account for no more than 10% of the total number of pixels in the camera, then in the case of the Dual Pixel they are divided in a 50/50 ratio. Simply put, each pixel is a photosensitive element and a sensor at the same time. This technology provides more accurate and faster focusing.
Of the disadvantages of Dual Pixel, it should be noted that such solutions are very difficult to implement. Only flagship devices are equipped with such tricks, for example, devices from the Samsung S-series (from the seventh model and higher). There is something similar in the latest iPhones (from the sixth model and up), but Apple calls this focusing technology Focus pixels, and it is closer to conventional phase detection autofocus than to Dual Pixel.
On February 21, the MWC exhibition in Barcelona was held, where high-profile new products from Samsung were presented - the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge smartphones. Gadgets have received many technical improvements, modern developments and solutions that noticeably distinguish them from competitors.
Appearance of the device
Galaxy S7, like its Edge modification, got a metal case. Front and back covered with 2.5D glass, which can now be seen in many modern flagships.
As expected, non-separable body, which means that you will not be able to change the battery yourself. This has already become the standard for modern flagships, and despite some complaints from users, Samsung has not abandoned the chosen course, unlike the situation with the connector for MicroSD, which is provided in the models.
Protection against dust and moisture
One-piece housing has an important advantage: both new flagships received protection against dust and moisture according to the IP68 standard.
The design of the case prevents moisture from getting inside, all openings of the case are protected by waterproof membranes, which guarantees the safety of the device even when completely immersed in water.
Moreover, smartphone boards are treated with a special water-repellent agent., which allows the Galaxy S7 to "survive" even when moisture penetrates through external protection. In other words, the smartphone can withstand immersion to a depth of 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes.
This protection is achieved through the use of rubber seals.
Ergonomics
Smartphones fit comfortably in the hand thanks to the 3D glass back panel and smooth body lines. It can also be noted that the design of the phone uses new color scheme, slightly different from previous models - black diamond, silver titanium, dazzling platinum.
Dimensions
S7 and S7 Edge screen sizes are 5.1 and 5.5 inches respectively, which completely repeats S6. The dimensions of the case have been slightly increased, which is a consequence installing a larger battery. According to Samsung, devices have become even more resistant to falling.
Samsung is determined to continue to combat the fears of people who still view large smartphones as fragile and unreliable. As in the case of the previous model, when buying a Galaxy S7 at official points of sale, device owners will be able to count on obtaining a VIP guarantee, which will allow you to take advantage of a significant discount on the repair of a broken screen.
Galaxy S7 Performance
Smartphones are powered by a Snapdragon processor from Qualcomm and Exynos, which is the development of a South Korean company. But, as in the case of the Galaxy S6, there will be very few models with a "foreign" processor, and in most countries, only the model with Exynos 8890 will go on sale.
The manufacturer's refusal from third-party processor suppliers was provoked by last year's problems with the Snapdragon 810, which caused a lot of criticism due to frequent overheating and low energy efficiency.
Over the past year the company Samsung was able to prove the viability of its developments by taking the lead in synthetic tests and receiving a large number of positive reviews both from experts and from many users.
Exynos versions have quite tangible advantages:
- Firstly, they are better optimized for Samsung software and allow the smartphone to work 10% longer in standard use.
- Secondly, they work better with the latest generation of wireless data transmission, allowing you to receive up to 600 Mbps.
The Exynos 8890 model, which is installed in the Galaxy S7, is made using 14nm technology and has 8 cores. The MALI T880 MP12 co-processor is responsible for the graphics, which, according to the manufacturers, is 80% more powerful, while having increased energy efficiency. Now we can say with confidence that the graphics component is no longer a weak point of Exynos processors.
Storage and data transfer: SIM+microSD or SIM+SIM
The loss of support for memory cards in previous models caused dissatisfaction, because this feature has always been one of the key advantages over its competitor in the form of Apple.
At the same time, buyers were unhappy not only with the loss of an important function, but also with the difficulties in acquiring devices with the desired amount of memory. Return to expandable memory solves this problem, and the very ability to quickly connect an external storage medium is an undeniable advantage.
Users will become Galaxy S7 models available with 32 GB of storage. Owners of new devices will be able to use memory cards up to 200 GB.
At the same time, it is worth noting such an innovation as the ability to use 1 slot for either a 2nd SIM card or for installing a microSD memory card.
Traditionally, a smartphone has received the latest data transfer protocols, including NFC, which allows you to make quick payments using the Samsung Pay service. In addition, a modern processor will make it possible to take advantage of LTE Cat 9 communication technologies.
RAM
The RAM manufacturing technology has remained the same, new smartphones use the same chips based on 20-nm technologies.
This allows you to achieve 3.2 Gb/s data rate limit for mobile devices. In comparison with its predecessor, the amount of memory has been increased, now it is 4 GB.
One of the arguments in favor of abandoning microSD slots in previous versions was too fast RAM, which could lead to various errors in data exchange. To solve this problem, the Galaxy S7 has developed a special algorithm that reserves a certain amount of memory in the form of a buffer, which is used to temporarily store captured photos and videos, as well as data from running applications. This slightly reduces the actual amount of RAM, but allows it to work flawlessly and ensures the full use of memory cards of any size.
The amount of reserved memory is not a fixed number. It is determined during the use of the smartphone and can always adapt to the changed operating conditions of the device.
It is worth noting and advanced RAM manager, which caused a lot of dissatisfaction with the Galaxy S6. Previously, it unloaded applications from memory, even when it was not necessary, which caused the device's multitasking to suffer. Now a new mode has been implemented that allows you to spend memory more efficiently. Applications will remain in it until it is needed to perform other, higher priority tasks. Users are now much less likely to have to restart applications as they work, and will almost always be able to pick up where they left off. A more powerful processor allows you to get data from the cache much faster. The speed of this procedure has doubled, which makes the transition between applications even faster.
Screen
The screen quality of Samsung flagships has always been on top. If earlier some manufacturers were still trying to create some competition, today almost everyone recognized the advantage of the South Korean manufacturer and are ready to install in their devices even those displays that Samsung already considers obsolete.
Even Apple has already moved on to competitor screens, while seriously considering using AMOLED technology.
Despite the 0.4 inch difference, both flagships will receive QHD screens. Brightness and contrast have been increased again even though it seemed like it couldn't get any better. The enlarged Edge panel holds even more useful information and provides quick access to various applications.
Device cameras
Samsung surprised many by releasing flagships with 12 megapixel main camera. Previously, only HTC decided on such a move, so such a move can be considered a bit risky, given the market's focus on quantitative indicators.
Dual Pixel Technology 12 MP
but downgrading to 4 megapixels hides the use of Dual Pixel professional SLR camera technology, which until then was used only on professional cameras.
The devices have improved quality lenses (F1.7 aperture), and each pixel (its size has become 1.4 nm) has 2 photodiodes (12 megapixels x 2), which means brighter pictures and faster focusing.
BRITECELL Technology
The real revolution was the adoption of BRITECELL technology and the elimination of the green filter, which significantly increases the amount of light passing through the lens glass. A significant increase in light sensitivity can already be seen in the pictures. It was also significantly reduced autofocus time, which is now almost instantaneous: Focusing speed up to 0.15 seconds (0.3 seconds for S6).
Best of all, innovations in shooting technologies are noticeable when photographing in darkened rooms and twilight. In addition to a significant improvement in detail, the amount of noise has significantly decreased and the sharpness of the picture has improved.
HDR images are also more colorful, thanks to instant focusing and a super-fast processor, they can be taken as quickly as a regular photo. Despite the fact that the cameras of the previous generation were quite good, the images taken by the new devices look more attractive, and this is noticeable to the naked eye.
Fast phase focus, as well as optical stabilization perfectly complement the ability to shoot video in 4K resolution. Today, such an opportunity is already difficult to surprise, but it is not present in every flagship. Thanks to the F1.7 aperture, on-screen flash and the same 5 megapixels as in the S6, selfies are even clearer even in low light conditions.
New shooting modes
New devices bring panorama shots to life with Motion Panorama mode.
Hyperlapse Mode- this is a unique opportunity to shoot accelerated video in professional time-lapse mode. Hand shake is compensated for with new vDIS (Digital Video Stabilization) technology.
motion snapshot- allows you to capture three seconds before the shutter is released and take "live" photos.
Updated Edge UI
The Edge interface is only available on the Galaxy S7 Edge version.
Improved and customizable Edge curved screen interface includes up to 9 panels, and thanks to Apps edge, for example, you can create up to 10 app shortcuts and folders.
Fast access: Favorite phone numbers, apps, reminders, and other icons you customize are available with a single tap on the edge bar.
Quick Tools: all useful tools such as flashlight, ruler, compass and others are also available with one touch.
Always active screen(for all S7 models): on the locked screen, you can display useful information - a clock with missed calls with sms, a calendar, or selected pictures with a clock and calls.
At the same time, if the smartphone is in a bag, pocket, lies with the screen down or when the battery is almost empty, then this function is turned off automatically.
Battery
The battery capacity has been slightly increased, which was one of the reasons for a slight change in the dimensions of the device. In the standard version, the battery capacity is 3000 mAh, and the curved version has 600 mAh more - 3600 mAh.
Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge suggest multiple applications running in the background at the same time, as well as browsing the Internet and much more. In devices all wireless interfaces available- WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.
In order to meet the minimum requirements, a smartphone must cope with all user tasks with an acceptable screen backlight throughout the working day. Previous flagships from Samsung already fit well into this framework, while many users were able to do without charging for up to three days (with not very active use).
The difference of 600 milliamps perfectly compensates for the difference in screen diagonals. As the first tests show, smartphones are able to play HD video at maximum screen brightness for 17 hours, which is an excellent indicator. Progress has been achieved through an updated system, improved AMOLED technology, as well as 14nm processor technology.
As for normal use, the device lasts for 2 days with a total of four hours of daily screen activity (active use of 4G/Wi-Fi and Bluetooth). For such a battery capacity, this is an excellent indicator, because. most analogues require 2 times more energy to achieve the same results. Here the user gets a long battery life without sacrificing the dimensions of the device.
Samsung has done some really serious work, increasing the battery life without recharging. Other manufacturers have recognized this, for example, Meizu flagships use a combination of key components from Samsung.
Charging technologies
The South Korean manufacturer decided not to force things by giving preference for the standard MicroUSB connector before USB Type C. This may upset some enthusiasts, but Samsung's decision can be called correct. It makes no sense to impose the latest technology if it only makes life difficult for future buyers. Choosing a familiar connector avoids the many inconveniences associated with a huge number of incompatible accessories. In addition, today MicroUSB charging can be found in almost every home or office, and if your USB Type C device runs out of power, then most likely you will have to charge it at home.
New smartphones support two of the most popular wireless charging standards. Available fast wireless charging function, which in terms of speed is no longer inferior to the traditional one. At the same time implemented fastest wired charging technology, which allows you to fully charge the device in 95 minutes (S7 Edge requires 115 minutes).
At 50%, the smartphone is charged in 30 minutes, and a three-minute recharging in the morning is enough for several hours in standby mode with a working Internet.
OS and software suite of the smartphone
Galaxy S7 runs on Android 6.0.1. As expected, the proprietary TouchWiz interface has also been updated, which is increasingly shedding its reputation as a drag shell.
No freezes are observed anymore, even if the phone is heavily loaded with other processes.
Smartphones are characterized by high performance, low power consumption and support for next-generation games with Vulkan API (responsible for data processing and graphics), Game Launcher & Game Tools, compatible with Gear VR glasses and Gear S2 smart watches.
You can easily transfer data from your old device using the Smart Switch program.
Price and start of sales
From year to year, the capabilities of flagships are growing, and their starting price remains practically unchanged (if we are talking about the cost in dollars). At official points of sale in Russia, the price of the Galaxy S7 will be 49,990 rubles. The version with a curved display will cost a little more - 59,990 rubles.
The date of receipt of new flagships in retail networks has also been announced. In Russia, you can officially buy smartphones in our online store on March 18, but you can already pre-order.
Expect short-term shortages on the S7 Edge as it will likely be released in limited quantities first to test the market reaction. According to preliminary data, Russian cost for new flagships from Samsung will be the lowest in the world in dollar terms.
