Google Nexus 6P vs. Samsung Galaxy S7

Attribute	Google Nexus 6P	Samsung Galaxy S7
Operating System	Android	Android
Display Size	5.7 inches	5.1 inches
Resolution	1440 x 2560 pixels	1440 x 2560 pixels
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 810	Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
RAM	3 GB	4 GB
Internal Storage	32/64/128 GB	32/64 GB
Camera	12.3 MP (rear), 8 MP (front)	12 MP (rear), 5 MP (front)
Battery Capacity	3450 mAh	3000 mAh
Wireless Charging	No	Yes
Fingerprint Sensor	Yes	Yes

Design and Build Quality

The Google Nexus 6P and Samsung Galaxy S7 both feature premium designs, but with different approaches. The Nexus 6P boasts an all-metal unibody construction, giving it a sleek and sturdy feel. The device has a slightly curved back, which enhances its ergonomics and makes it comfortable to hold. On the other hand, the Galaxy S7 combines a metal frame with a glass back, providing a more elegant and glossy appearance. While the glass back of the S7 may be prone to fingerprints and smudges, it adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design.

Both devices have fingerprint sensors, but their placements differ. The Nexus 6P has its fingerprint sensor on the back, right below the camera module, allowing for easy and natural finger placement. In contrast, the Galaxy S7 integrates the fingerprint sensor into the home button on the front, which may be more familiar to users accustomed to traditional smartphone designs.

In terms of dimensions, the Nexus 6P is slightly larger and heavier than the Galaxy S7. The Nexus 6P measures 159.3 x 77.8 x 7.3 mm and weighs 178 grams, while the Galaxy S7 measures 142.4 x 69.6 x 7.9 mm and weighs 152 grams. Both devices offer a premium build quality, but the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Display

When it comes to display quality, both the Nexus 6P and Galaxy S7 excel in their own ways. The Nexus 6P features a 5.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 518 pixels per inch (ppi). The AMOLED panel delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it a joy to consume media on the device.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S7 sports a slightly smaller 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with the same resolution as the Nexus 6P. However, due to its smaller size, the Galaxy S7 achieves a higher pixel density of 577 ppi, resulting in even sharper and more detailed visuals. The Super AMOLED panel on the S7 also offers excellent color reproduction and contrast, ensuring an immersive viewing experience.

Both devices feature Corning Gorilla Glass protection to safeguard their displays against scratches and accidental drops. Whether you prefer a larger display with slightly lower pixel density or a smaller display with higher pixel density, both the Nexus 6P and Galaxy S7 offer exceptional visual experiences.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Nexus 6P and Galaxy S7 pack powerful hardware to deliver smooth and lag-free performance. The Nexus 6P is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor, coupled with 3GB of RAM. It offers snappy app launches, seamless multitasking, and handles demanding tasks with ease. The device runs on stock Android, providing a clean and bloatware-free user experience.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S7 is equipped with either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or Samsung's in-house Exynos 8890 octa-core processor, depending on the region. It also comes with 4GB of RAM, allowing for even more efficient multitasking and smoother overall performance. The S7 runs on Samsung's TouchWiz UI, which offers a feature-rich experience with various customization options.

Both devices offer fast and accurate fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking and authentication. The Nexus 6P benefits from its integration with stock Android, receiving timely software updates directly from Google. The Galaxy S7, on the other hand, offers additional software features such as Samsung Pay and a dedicated gaming mode. Ultimately, the choice between the two devices depends on whether you prefer a pure Android experience or a feature-rich UI.

Camera

The camera capabilities of the Nexus 6P and Galaxy S7 are impressive, but with different approaches. The Nexus 6P features a 12.3-megapixel rear camera with a large 1.55-micron pixel size, allowing it to capture more light and produce detailed and vibrant photos even in low-light conditions. The camera also supports 4K video recording and features laser autofocus for quick and accurate focusing.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S7 boasts a 12-megapixel rear camera with a smaller pixel size of 1.4 microns. However, it compensates for the smaller pixel size with a wider aperture of f/1.7, which enables better low-light performance and depth of field effects. The camera also supports 4K video recording and features dual pixel technology for faster autofocus.

Both devices offer excellent camera performance, but the Nexus 6P may have an edge in low-light photography, while the Galaxy S7 excels in capturing detailed shots with a shallow depth of field. Additionally, the Galaxy S7 features a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, while the Nexus 6P offers an 8-megapixel front-facing camera, ensuring high-quality selfies on both devices.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a smartphone, and both the Nexus 6P and Galaxy S7 offer respectable battery performance. The Nexus 6P houses a non-removable 3,450mAh battery, which provides all-day usage on a single charge. The device also supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.

The Galaxy S7, on the other hand, features a slightly smaller non-removable 3,000mAh battery. However, it compensates for the smaller capacity with more efficient power management, thanks to its optimized software and hardware integration. The S7 also supports fast charging and offers the convenience of wireless charging, allowing you to charge the device without the hassle of cables.

Both devices offer reliable battery life, but the Nexus 6P may have a slight advantage due to its larger battery capacity. However, the Galaxy S7's efficient power management and wireless charging capability provide added convenience for users who prioritize convenience and flexibility.

Storage and Expandability

When it comes to storage options, the Nexus 6P and Galaxy S7 offer different choices. The Nexus 6P comes in three storage variants: 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB. However, it lacks expandable storage, meaning you cannot expand the storage capacity using a microSD card.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S7 offers a base storage option of 32GB, but it also includes a microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the storage capacity by up to an additional 1TB. This flexibility is particularly useful for users who require ample storage for multimedia files, apps, and games.

While the Nexus 6P provides more internal storage options, the expandable storage feature of the Galaxy S7 gives it an advantage for users who need additional space for their growing digital content.

Conclusion

Both the Google Nexus 6P and Samsung Galaxy S7 are exceptional smartphones with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Nexus 6P offers a premium all-metal design, a large AMOLED display, stock Android experience, and excellent low-light photography. On the other hand, the Galaxy S7 boasts a sleek design, a slightly smaller but sharper Super AMOLED display, feature-rich software, and expandable storage.

Ultimately, the choice between the two devices depends on individual preferences. If you prioritize a pure Android experience, exceptional low-light photography, and a larger display, the Nexus 6P may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a more compact device with a sharper display, feature-rich software, and the convenience of expandable storage, the Galaxy S7 would be a better fit.

Both devices offer flagship-level performance, reliable battery life, and excellent camera capabilities. Whichever device you choose, you can be assured of a top-tier smartphone experience.