Smartphones are officially more than just a phone – they’re our lifeline to the world, our pocket-sized entertainment centres, and our always-on cameras. But with so many incredible options hitting the market, how do you choose the one that’s truly the best? Fear not, fellow tech enthusiasts, because I’m here to guide you through the ultimate smartphone showdown of 2016!
What Makes a Flagship Phone in 2016?
We’re talking about the crème de la crème of smartphones, the ones that push the boundaries of technology and design. Think blazing-fast processors, stunning displays, cameras that rival DSLRs, and batteries that actually last a whole day (well, almost!). These are the phones that make heads turn and jaws drop.
In this showdown, we’ll be sizing up the heavy hitters like the Samsung Galaxy S7 with its water-resistant design and the iPhone 7 with its controversial removal of the headphone jack (gasp!). But we won’t forget about the other contenders looking to steal the spotlight.
Flagship Face-Off (2016 Edition)
Let’s meet our contenders:
- Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 Edge: Samsung’s refined flagship with a stunning display, water resistance, and expandable storage.
- Apple iPhone 7/7 Plus: Apple’s latest and greatest, boasting a dual-camera system (on the Plus model), water resistance, and a new glossy Jet Black finish.
- LG G5: A modular phone with a unique design and swappable accessories.
- HTC 10: HTC’s refined flagship with a focus on audio quality and a sleek metal unibody design.
- Sony Xperia XZ: A stylish and water-resistant phone with a focus on camera technology and a 4K display.
- OnePlus 3: A “flagship killer” offering top-tier specs at a more affordable price.
Here’s a quick rundown of each phone:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S7 | iPhone 7 | LG G5 | HTC 10 | Sony Xperia XZ | OnePlus 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | Samsung’s refined flagship with a stunning display and water resistance. | Apple’s latest with a dual-camera system and water resistance. | A modular phone with a unique design and swappable accessories. | HTC’s refined flagship with a focus on audio quality. | A stylish phone with a focus on camera technology and a 4K display. | A “flagship killer” offering top-tier specs at a competitive price. |
| Target Audience | Android users seeking a premium experience and a beautiful design. | Apple enthusiasts and those seeking a smooth, user-friendly experience. | Users who want a unique and customizable phone. | Audiophiles and those who value design and performance. | Users who prioritize a good camera and a sharp display. | Tech enthusiasts seeking value for money and top-tier specs. |
| Processor | Exynos 8890 Octa / Snapdragon 820 | Apple A10 Fusion | Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 |
| RAM | 4GB | 2GB / 3GB | 4GB | 4GB | 3GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 32GB, 64GB (expandable) | 32GB, 128GB, 256GB | 32GB (expandable) | 32GB, 64GB | 32GB, 64GB (expandable) | 64GB |
| Display | 5.1-inch Super AMOLED, 1440 x 2560 | 4.7-inch Retina HD, 750 x 1334 | 5.3-inch IPS LCD, 1440 x 2560 | 5.2-inch Super LCD5, 1440 x 2560 | 5.2-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 1920 | 5.5-inch Optic AMOLED, 1080 x 1920 |
| Camera Setup | 12MP rear, 5MP front | 12MP rear, 7MP front | 16MP rear, 8MP front | 12MP rear, 5MP front | 23MP rear, 13MP front | 16MP rear, 8MP front |
| Battery | 3000 mAh | 1960 mAh | 2800 mAh | 3000 mAh | 2900 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Standout Features | Water resistance, expandable storage, Always-on display | Dual-camera system (Plus model), water resistance, new Jet Black finish | Modular design with swappable accessories, wide-angle camera | Hi-Res audio, BoomSound speakers, sleek design | 4K display, Predictive Hybrid Autofocus, water resistance | Dash Charge (fast charging), affordable price, 6GB RAM |
| Pros | Excellent camera, water resistance, expandable storage | Improved camera, water resistance, powerful performance | Unique modular design, wide-angle camera | Great audio quality, stylish design, good performance | Sharp 4K display, good camera, water resistance | Affordable price, powerful performance, fast charging |
| Cons | Can be expensive, some bloatware | No headphone jack, relatively small battery | Average battery life, gimmicky modules | Average camera, can be expensive | Average battery life, can get hot | Average camera, limited availability |
| Price (AUD) | From $1149 | From $1079 | From $1099 | From $999 | From $999 | From $599 |
Feature Focus
Let’s delve deeper into the features that matter most:
- Camera:
- This year, camera technology takes a leap forward! The Samsung Galaxy S7 boasts a 12MP sensor with a wider f/1.7 aperture for improved low-light performance and Dual Pixel technology for faster autofocus.
- The iPhone 7 Plus introduces a dual-camera system with a telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom and a new Portrait mode for DSLR-like bokeh effects.
- The LG G5 offers a unique wide-angle camera, allowing you to capture more of the scene in your photos.
- Performance:
- All these phones are powered by the latest processors, with the Snapdragon 820 being a popular choice. The iPhone 7 with its A10 Fusion chip sets a new standard for performance, offering a significant boost over its predecessor.
- Display:
- Samsung continues to impress with its Super AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. The S7 Edge introduces a curved display that adds a touch of elegance.
- The LG G5 and HTC 10 also offer high-resolution displays with good colour accuracy.
- The Sony Xperia XZ boasts a 4K display, offering incredible sharpness and detail, although battery life can be a concern with such a high-resolution screen.
- Battery Life:
- Battery life is always a key concern. The Samsung Galaxy S7 and HTC 10 offer decent battery life with 3000 mAh batteries.
- The Sony Xperia Z5 also has a good battery life, helped by its power-efficient processor.
- The iPhone 7 has a smaller battery, but Apple’s iOS optimization helps it achieve respectable battery life.
- Software:
- Android: The Samsung, LG, HTC, and Sony phones all run on Android, offering a customizable experience with a wide range of apps.
- iOS: The iPhone 7 runs on iOS 10, bringing new features and improvements to the user experience.
- Design and Build:
- All these phones boast premium designs. The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge stand out with their sleek metal-and-glass construction and water resistance.
- The HTC 10 continues HTC’s tradition of beautiful all-metal designs.
- The iPhone 7 introduces a new glossy Jet Black finish that’s sure to turn heads.
Choosing Your Champion
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S7 | iPhone 7 | LG G5 | HTC 10 | Sony Xperia XZ | OnePlus 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camera | Excellent, Dual Pixel autofocus | Dual-camera (Plus), Portrait mode | Wide-angle lens, fun modules | Good, laser autofocus | Fast autofocus, good low-light | Decent, fast shutter |
| Performance | Top-notch, Snapdragon 820/Exynos | Fastest, A10 Fusion chip | Good, Snapdragon 820 | Good, Snapdragon 820 | Good, Snapdragon 820 | Excellent, Snapdragon 820, 6GB RAM |
| Display | Best in class, Super AMOLED | Good, Retina HD | Good, Quad HD LCD | Good, Super LCD5 | Sharp, 4K LCD | Good, Optic AMOLED |
| Battery Life | Good, 3000 mAh | Decent (iOS optimization) | Average | Good, 3000 mAh | Good | Good, 3000 mAh, Dash Charge |
| Special Feature | Water resistance, expandable storage | Dual-camera (Plus), no headphone jack | Modular design | Hi-Res audio | 4K display | Affordable price, 6GB RAM |
Guidance:
- If you’re a photography enthusiast: It’s a tough call between the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the iPhone 7 Plus. The S7 excels in low-light performance and autofocus speed, while the iPhone 7 Plus offers a dual-camera system with a telephoto lens and Portrait mode.
- If you want the most cutting-edge design and features: The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge with its curved display and water resistance is a strong contender.
- If you prioritize a smooth and user-friendly experience: The iPhone 7 with its new A10 Fusion chip and iOS 10 is an excellent choice.
- If you’re looking for something different: The LG G5 with its modular design and swappable accessories offers a unique experience.
- If you’re an audiophile: The HTC 10 with its BoomSound speakers and Hi-Res audio support is a great option.
- If you’re on a tighter budget: The OnePlus 3 offers flagship-level performance and features at a more competitive price.
Where to Buy
You can find these flagship phones at major Australian retailers like JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, and Telstra stores. You can also check with mobile carriers like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone for plans and deals.
Remember, the best smartphone for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider what features are most important to you, read reviews, compare specs, and try out the phones in person before making your final decision. Happy phone hunting!