Low light camera performance test: Galaxy S7 vs Galaxy S6 edge+
posted by Paul K.
/ Feb 24, 2016, 9:00 AM
The box in question has a picture set up inside it, and the luminance inside measures at 1.5 lux, according to Samsung (1 lux equals the amount of light that falls on a one-square-meter surface that is one meter away from a single candle. In other words – it's pretty dim in there). We had both a Galaxy S6 edge+ and Galaxy S7 set in Pro mode and both had their settings at identical levels — 1/6 shuter speed and ISO 640 – cookie-cutter values for dark environments. So, the difference you see between both pictures comes entirely from the different sensors and any possible changes into the post-processing algorithms, which we have no access to.
Galaxy S6 edge+
Galaxy S7
100% crop 1
Galaxy S6 edge+
Galaxy S7
100% crop 2
Galaxy S6 edge+
Galaxy S7
Admittedly, it's not a mindblowing distinction, especially when we view the images in normal zoom, as most consumers would. The Galaxy S7 produces a slightly brighter image. One could argue that it's also slightly more yellowish, but since we don't know how exactly the box looked from the inside, it could also be said that it's the Galaxy S6 edge+ that produces a more blueish image.
Zooming in for a 100% crop, we can see that the older Galaxy introduces a bit more grainy noise when compared to its successor. Again, it's not a difference that might cause one to immediately sell their Galaxy S6 and pre-order the S7, but we appreciate the upgrade to an already great camera. You can check out or even download the full images from the gallery below and inspect them up close at your leisure. What do you think?
Related phones
- Display 5.7" 1440 x 2560 pixels
- Camera 16 MP / 5 MP front
- Processor Samsung Exynos 7 Octa, Octa-core, 2100 MHz
- Memory
- Storage 64 GB
- Battery 3000 mAh(20h 3G talk time)
- Display 5.1" 1440 x 2560 pixels
- Camera 12 MP / 5 MP front
- Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, Quad-core, 2200 MHz
- Memory
- Storage 32 GB + microSDXC
- Battery 3000 mAh(28h 3G talk time)
67 Comments
1. tedkord
Posts: 17047; Member since: Jun 17, 2009
More brighter?
posted on Feb 24, 2016, 9:04 AM 7
76. NewroticSlob
Posts: 179; Member since: May 09, 2013
Much more...! :)
posted on Mar 03, 2016, 3:34 AM 0
4. DoggyDangerous
Posts: 1028; Member since: Aug 28, 2015
I cant see any big difference. S7 is marginally better than S6 Edge+
posted on Feb 24, 2016, 9:06 AM 9
18. bur60
Posts: 981; Member since: Jul 07, 2014
Let me tell you this, this is a picture of a picture, so a static object which relies on lighting directed to it. If you took the picture in reallife you would see a huge difference because the scenery really gives off light that goes into the sensor. Just wait for actual comparisons. I think it's pretty good
posted on Feb 24, 2016, 9:49 AM 0
33. Macready
Posts: 1793; Member since: Dec 08, 2014
It's hard to compare still, because the S7 has a 26mm equiv lens, while the S6 has a 28mm equiv lens, the latter thus resulting in a larger magnification. So if you compare the same object in the picture, the S6 has a head start in terms of detail when taken from the same distance
The above combined with the extra megapixels and different sensor aspect ratios, means that the S6 has 55% more pixels to cover the same subject shot from the same distance. Some of that will be lost in NR, because pixel level noise will be higher too, but in theory, more pixels allow for better NR too.
That being said, I expected a slightly larger difference in detail/noise balance, mostly because of the extra light from the larger aperture and the slightly larger sensor. Even if it only accounts for about (or slightly less than) half a stop total improvement on paper. RAW will be more enlightening.
posted on Feb 24, 2016, 11:07 AM 1
41. joevsyou
Posts: 1091; Member since: Feb 28, 2015
thats not a bad thing, Samsung is on the top when it comes to camera's on phones and the s6 packs a amazing camera already. the s7 takes it to the next level with the duel pixels for fast focusing speed and better lighting. With that test above the s7 took a picture of what it really should look light while the s6 put a tint blue across the picture
posted on Feb 24, 2016, 1:36 PM 0
48. HomerS
Posts: 419; Member since: Sep 19, 2014
This test was ment to show how much faster the S7 can autofocus on the image and that it is less grainy. Phonearena totally missed that.
Check the test out:https://youtu.be/7G-7wJM7hcc?t=8m31s
posted on Feb 24, 2016, 3:27 PM 1
55. joeytaylor
Posts: 957; Member since: Feb 28, 2015
The S7 autofocus is nuts. ..played with it today at best buy
posted on Feb 24, 2016, 5:12 PM 2
5. KillTheKardashians
Posts: 93; Member since: Feb 19, 2016
saw better comparisons on youtube
posted on Feb 24, 2016, 9:06 AM 0
6. willy.4
Posts: 71; Member since: Oct 14, 2015
I thought you gave sources for posting's ... Anyway they won't let me post the link where I saw this yesterday .... on Samsung news site .... It will explain it in greater detail.
posted on Feb 24, 2016, 9:06 AM 1
9. paul.k
Posts: 282; Member since: Jul 17, 2014
It's the official Samsung box at the Samsung booth. We are pretty sure they don't change the picture inside for every different reporter that comes by :)
posted on Feb 24, 2016, 9:14 AM 2
12. GreenMan
Posts: 2688; Member since: Nov 09, 2015
Still can't hold a candle against my 8 Year Old DSLR!
Now, don't tell me things I already know... I'm well aware that I'm trolling...
posted on Feb 24, 2016, 9:25 AM 2
15. Supraman21
Posts: 467; Member since: Jun 09, 2010
No s**t, Sherlock.
posted on Feb 24, 2016, 9:44 AM 3
16. TyrionLannister unregistered
Can your 8 year old DSLR record in 4k?
posted on Feb 24, 2016, 9:44 AM 14
24. TyrionLannister unregistered
You stop at 5 min. Start again 0.1 sec later and stitch them together later.
When there's a will, there's a way ;)
posted on Feb 24, 2016, 10:21 AM 6
19. bur60
Posts: 981; Member since: Jul 07, 2014
Can you stick your dslr into ur front pocket?
posted on Feb 24, 2016, 9:50 AM 2
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