After the 2016 versions of the Galaxy J1 and J3, J7 here the Galaxy, the largest model of the family, but also the most modern as it combines the design of the Galaxy J5 (2016) with a more current chipset than the old Snapdragon 410. And that’s all? Of course not.
Samsung, there is always an abundance of choices and options to find the smartphone that suits everyone , or almost. Whether on the high-end, mid-range or even more economic segments, each consumer can choose the screen size, budget (within reason) and some ergonomic options. Metal ? Polycarbonate? A removable battery? A PHABLET? A small smartphone? Etc. The proof is with the range Jx (2016). It consists of four elements whose design is similar, but the screen size, chipset, materials and prices differ. We have already mentioned in our columns the case of the 2016 versions of J1 and J3 (and soon that of J5). The one we speak today is the greatest: J7
This is the biggest but also the most efficient and certainly the most expensive: 299 euros in the official store, against 279 euros for the J5, J3 for 189 euros and 159 euros for the J1. And it is clear that it is much more pleasant than his little brothers. Especially since the price difference between J5 and J7 (twenty euros only) is fully justified (much more so than the difference of 90 euros between J3 and J5, for example). The first evidence of this with the data sheet:
- Dimensions: 151.7 x 76 x 7.8 mm
- Weight: 170 grams
- Screen / size ratio: 72.3%
- Super AMOLED 720p screen of 5.5 inches (resolution of 267 pixels per inch)
- Samsung Exynos Octa 7870 chipset with eight Cortex-A53 cores running up to 1.6 GHz
- GPU ARM Mali-T830 MP2
- 2 GB RAM
- 16 GB of internal storage (expandable by microSDXC)
- Battery 3300 mAh (removable)
- supports LTE Category 4, WiFi n, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS (GLONASS), FM radio, NFC
- Photo 13 megapixel sensor with 28mm lens opens to f / 1.9, LED flash and autofocus, Full HD video compatibility
- 5 megapixel webcam, with goal opening to f / 1.9 and frontal flash, supports 720p video
- Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with Touchwiz overlay
Compared to the first Galaxy J7, Samsung has improved the chipset, RAM and battery, which earns 10% of capacity surcharge. Which is always nice. The European version of D7 is not animated by the Snapdragon 617, but the Exynos 7870, an octo-core you can also find the latest Galaxy Tab A. The photographic equipment has not moved a year on year, except the webcam that has a brighter lens. The screen also remains the same: same size and resolution unchanged. This is perhaps the only truly astonishing.
A frame inspired by premium ranges
However, Samsung has not remained inactive a year. For one of the most blatant enhancements between the two generations of J7 is not technical, but ergonomic. Just like the series A 2016, which is upgrading through the work of the firm on the S-series, J series adopts some features of the Galaxy Alpha or first Galaxy A. First sign: aluminum. J5 like the Galaxy (2016), but unlike the Galaxy J3 (2016) and J1 (2016), the J7 (2016) features a metal chassis, a premium material that also covers edges. It encompasses not only the touch screen of the display, but also part of the hood, which is slightly curved, as on other Galaxy in 2016.
These brackets reflect sure upmarket and the generalization of the metal in the Samsung catalog. But they also show, as in the last Galaxy A few design touches to their more expensive big brothers: the bevelled edges, polished effect of aluminum, flat cutting the center of the metal piece and rounded on the sides , separations for visible antennas, as if they were a blatant proof of the nature of the material. All this is not unusual at Samsung, since the brand is based on these same features for almost two years (with the arrival of the Galaxy Alpha). But these details show that Samsung does not wish to neglect as much as before the most economical products, although it also requires higher prices.
for removable batteries fans
“Entry Level” obliges, this cover is removable and provides access to the various components usually hidden behind: the removable battery and SIM and microSD ports. The construction is quite simple, even classical, but removable battery fans finally have rarely the opportunity to combine this with a metal frame. Otherwise, the mobile ergonomics is quite agreed: photo sensor protruding rear, flanked by a dorsal mono speaker and a flash, hardware button on the front pointing a touch screen to the edges enough wide (although, thanks to the size of the screen, they are less impressive) and accompanied by two sensitive keys.
The distribution of technical elements is not unprecedented either: to the left , starting on the right, 3.5 mm jack, microphone and microUSB port on the bottom. The upper portion is blank. In fact, the grip is also very classic (despite fairly large, since Samsung has not optimized the chassis of J7 (2016) in the same way as the S7 Edge, for example), but effective. As with the smaller models, the quality of the production is still in the appointment. No unpleasant creaking if you exercise a slight twist. The strength is not apparent.
A bright, but pixelated
The touch screen, first truly technical element to be mentioned here is not the strong point of the Galaxy J7 (2017), or his weakness. On the negative side, we obviously regret that the displayed definition is equal at 720p. Or a lower resolution to 300 pixels per inch. The pixels, as beautiful as they are, are seen with the naked eye. On the positive side, the Super AMOLED backlight offers good visibility to the image, even in bright sunlight, with beautiful colors, deep contrast and good viewing angles.
It is also nice to see that the Super AMOLED is also widespread in the volume segments (proof that its manufacturing cost down dramatically in recent months). The screen is protected by a mineral glass, but by a polycarbonate plate. Skiing is good, but not as good as on the Galaxy Ax (2016), for example.
always more ascetic Touchwiz
Once the screen on the smartphone will display Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, dressed as always Touchwiz in a pretty close version of the Galaxy a, even if, as in previous Jx (2016) tested in our columns, wallpapers highly stylized black with the letter of the range are curiously not present. Beyond this cosmetic detail, J7 (2016) has the same architecture as the A5 (2016), for example. This can be grasped by a limited number of panels to host three. In the center, the default screen with everyday tools (photo, email, Play Store), a Google search window, the usual calendar and requires Google folder.
On the right, a second panel offers two Samsung applications (Gallery and S Planner) and the pack “Microsoft” (Office, Skype, onedrive). At the top of the screen is the only marketing access to Samsung apps missing from the terminal. The third panel is dedicated to briefing, interactive and customizable magazine operated by Flipboard on behalf of Samsung. Note that it is absent from J3 and J1, but installed by default in the J7. By opening the application menu, we note that it has only one screen, with some subfolders. Many applications of the Korean firm are no longer available by default: you have to get them in the Samsung Apps, which is in the file on behalf of the firm, the S Health sides and some customized by its developers system applications (Meteo, Web Browser, File Explorer, etc.).
a simple appearance
This apparent simplicity or frugality in software proposal of J7 (2016) is only one appearance. First, because some functions have been hidden from the eyes of the user (or integrated with other elements of the operating system). This is the case of the major social networks, security features or multimedia tools (like Samsung Video). Then because Samsung has a pretty simple access to a rich software bundle that, even if it is sometimes helpful, can quickly become invasive. The “essential Samsung” for example, are not so essential.
however, do not spoil our pleasure Touchwiz has never been clean and simple in 2016 (either here or in the S7 or Ax 2016), although some efforts are certainly still providing transparent information for users. The few changes in content but also in the menus (applications, shortcuts, settings) show that Samsung has finally realized that the “best is the enemy of the good”, the opulence of the software offer is not still appropriate and should know leave a little space to users for their own content.
a platform that has underfoot
in fact, with a technical platform rather correct, one screen at a fairly low resolution (for its size) and a light system, the Galaxy J7 (2016) performs well in purely technical tests, even better than his predecessor. Which is a pretty good surprise after testing J1 and J3. The smartphone behaves so that it exceeds the Gaalxy A5 (2016), one of our favorites from the beginning of the year. The latter is based on a Exynos 7580 with 2GB of RAM and a 1080p display, while the D7 (2016) is equipped with an Exynos 7870, 2GB of RAM and a 720p screen. And, of course, the performance of J5 (2016), with a Snapdragon 410 and 2GB of RAM should be below
Let’s get to the subject. V6 on AnTuTu, the Galaxy J7 (2016) had a slightly higher score 50 000 points (almost as much as the Diamond 2 More Archos and Helio P10 with 4 GB of RAM). On Basemark OS II, over a thousand points, proving once again that Samsung optimizes relatively well integrated in its Android mobile. On Geekbench, these results are from 745 points in single-core and 4152 points by multi-core. ARM Mali-T830 MP2 forces, graphics scores are less positive. 8521 points Ice Storm Unlimited, 480 points Slingshot 1080p, 299 points on Slingshot 2K 11267 points Basemark X (average quality graphics)
A multimedia platform more than correct
However, low scores on graphics tests is sufficiently offset by good marks overall tests to deceive the vigilance of our witness game, Dead Trigger 2. While the latter does not hesitate not to position itself on the quality of display average (or low), even on premium smartphones, the SPF Madfingers opted by default for the best possible quality on the Galaxy J7 (2016). A good surprise assumed, moreover, by the smartphone, since the game is revealed relatively punchy in this configuration, despite minor delays and some pretty long loads. Similarly, the protection of the touch screen reveals here the modest mechanical properties. We would regret about the lack of Full HD. But it would certainly have had the effect of slowing the system. Which would be counterproductive.
in the video, no surprises from Samsung. The embedded video player to Touchwiz continues to be one of the best of the genre. Few formats resist it, whether MKV or DivX up to 1080p, with or without encapsulated subtitle. The Samsung video player includes only very few options, but it is more than enough. J7 (2016) is not the best mobile for the showcase. The display is 720p, an acceptable definition on a screen of 5 inches or less. The chipset will not accept to decode files with bit-rate is a bit higher than average (Blu-Ray for example). And the mono speaker invites users to be equipped with a good headset.
bright photos and balanced
Let’s finish this test with photo . Here multimedia use where the results are much better than expected. After conducting tests of J1 (2016) and J3 (2016), we find here a sensor / lens couple almost the opposite of those of smaller models in the range J. This is theoretically the same objective photo in the J7, the A5 (2016) and J5 (2015), ie a 13 megapixel sensor with 28mm lens opens to f / 1.9. Is a bright promise. And the promise is held instead, judging by the cliche that we present below. Clouds are well drawn. The sky is blue. The buildings are clear. And sunken lanes are clearly visible. There’s sharpness and balance. By zooming in, the photo naturally growing in grain, but very gradually. Only gripe: it lacks a bit of contrast and tone in color
Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy J7 (2016)
Fortunately, in automatic mode the result obtained by the sensor, its purpose and image processor included in the Exynos are relatively good. And fortunately, because the mode “Pro” of Touchwiz photo app was here somewhat lightened of some functions. The white balance control of the sensitivity and exposure compensation are the only options available. The Galaxy S7 offers more. And it certainly is not conditioned by the nature of the sensor …
An entry level less economical
in conclusion, J7 (2016) is a very balanced economic PHABLET. It is therefore technically a fairly good proposal from Samsung, much better than the editions 2016 J1 (despite the good news), J3 or J5. J7 is certainly the best evidence of a rise in technological and ergonomic range Samsung, which was made into high-end, mid-range and now the more volume segment. Metal, photo sensor and performance demonstrate.
But this obviously has a price. The mobile is sold 299 euros before subsidies retail price and promotion (and up to 250 euros at select stores). What makes flirting dangerously with one hand the Galaxy A, including the very good A5 (2016), beautiful and very generous, and also with experts from the amount money, like Meizu and OnePlus others: a score m3 (aluminum chassis, 1080p display and MediaTek P10) is proposed to below 200 euros, while the OnePlus 2 (Snapdragon 810, Full HD screen, metal frame, etc.) to buy today 319 euros on the official store. J1 and J3 are available below the 200 euros, which is already more consistent with the positioning of this range.
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