Galaxy S7 Guides

Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge were officially announced on February 21 during MWC2016. Both phones will be available on brick and mortar shops from March 11 in many regions as expected. If you want to get it a few days earlier, you can pre-order it in most regions. Traditionally, the carriers and distributors may ship the order a few days earlier.

Before we examine the top features of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, let’s check Galaxy S7 specs and Galaxy S7 edge specs.

This post tries to summarize the hardware and software specifications of Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge to help you decide whether you should get Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge, or other Android phones.

Please don’t solely rely on Galaxy S7 specs or Galaxy S7 edge specs to make decisions. You should try them physically in the shop to help you make a better decision.

Galaxy S7 specs vs Galaxy S7 edge specs: what are the differences?

As in Galaxy S6, Samsung introduced two variants of Galaxy S7:  Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. But very likely there will be no Galaxy S7 edge+ model.

The differences between Galaxy S7 specs and Galaxy S7 edge specs include:

• Bigger screen size for Galaxy S7 edge, but identical screen resolution. Galaxy S7 has a  5.1″ screen with QHD super AMOLED display. This is identical to Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge. Galaxy S7 edge has a larger screen of 5.5″. But the resolution is identical to Galaxy S7.  The 5.5″ screen of Galaxy S7 edge lies somewhere between Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S6 edge+ (or Galaxy Note 5, both have a 5.7″ QHD screen).
• Bigger battery for Galaxy S7 edge. Galaxy S7 edge has a 3600mAh battery, which is 20% larger than Galaxy S7’s battey (3000mAh). Due to bigger screen size of Galaxy S7 edge, the battery life of S7 and S7 edge should be similar.
• Galaxy S7 edge is slightly heavier. Galaxy S7 edge is 157g (5.54oz), which is only 5g heavier than Galaxy S7.
• Curved edge screen for Galaxy S7 edge. Of course, only Galaxy S7 edge has edge screen features. The edge screen in Galaxy S7 edge is significantly improved compared to edge screen on Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge+.
• Galaxy S7 edge will be $50-$100 more expensive in most regions for the same storage (32GB or 64GB) configuration.

… Read the rest

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Why micro SD card support is still relevant and important?

Most flagship smartphones like Samsung Galaxy S7 has quite large internal storage. Most 2015 flagship Android phones started with 32GB internal storage.  This trend will continue in 2016.

Android system and the essential apps take about 4-5GB storage. Vendors may pre-install their own apps and some bloatware. These apps usually consume about 1-4 GB storage.

So, among the 32GB storage, owners can use about 23-27 GB depending on your region and your carrier. This is actually sufficient for at least 80% smartphone users.

But consumers always want more.

This doe not necessarily means consumers actually need more internal storage.

It is more or less a psychological demand, not a real (physical) demand.

But do not overlook such a psychological need. This can be one of the decisive factors when purchasing smartphones.

Apple successfully exploits such psychological demands with iPhone 6 and 6s storage configurations. They managed to sell more 64GB iPhones to buyers who initially may only budget for a 16GB iPhone.

But for Samsung Galaxy S6, the 32GB model is still the most popular model. Actually, some distributors even do not renew the 64GB inventory at all because of the weak demands.

Samsung is not Apple.

If you are a iPhone user, you have no choice: get it or forget it.

However, for Samsung smrtphone users, if you want a SD card slot (although you may never use it), you have many other alternatives: LG, Motorola, Huaiwei and may other vendors are waving their Android phones with a micro SD card slot.

Why did Samsung remove micro SD card support in Galaxy S6?

Samsung does have a valid reason for removing micro SD card support in Galaxy S6 (and Galaxy Note 5):  performance.

When you transfer files or update Google apps, you will find out that Galaxy S6 is significantly faster than any other Android phones if your network connection is good.

For file transfer, Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5  are both significantly faster than any iPhones.

In addition, you may notice many new phones were fast when you bought them. But it becomes slower and slower gradually. This did NOT happen to Galaxy S6 or Galaxy Note 5.

Why?

Samsung is the first smartphone vendor  who adopted Universal Flash Storage (UFS 2.0) memory and ditched the old eMMC storage since Galaxy S6.

UFS 2.0… Read the rest

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Update: it is official that Samsung will announce Galaxy S7 on February 21, 2016, through the event before MWC 2016.

The Galaxy S7  release date will very likely be in the second week of March.

The important dates before Galaxy S7 release date

We all know Samsung Galaxy S7 release date is near. Galaxy S7 will be one of the flagship Android phones in 2016, not only for Samsung but also for Android.

But when can you buy a Samsung Galaxy S7? When can you put your hands on Samsung Galaxy S7?

This is still a top secret of Samsung.

But before Galaxy S7 release date, Samsung must announce it first.

This is due to legal and logistic reasons.

All smartphones to be sold in a country must get the approval from the authority.  For example, in the US, FCC will approve all phones to be sold in the US.  Government agencies, unlike suppliers and distributors, are not bound by the non-disclosure requirements set by Samsung.

So, Samsung will surely announce (unveil) the details of Galaxy S7 before they send the device for regulatory approval.

This means it is NOT expected that Galaxy S7 will be suddenly available in all stores. For flagship phones, all vendors want to build hype before making it available in the market.

Due to logistic reasons, Galaxy S7 release date will be a few weeks after Galaxy S7 is announced.

So, before thinking about Galaxy S7 release date, you have to guess the possible Galaxy S7 announcement date.

What’s the difference between the announcement date and Galaxy S7 release date?

As mentioned, most flagship smartphones are announced before you can buy them.

In other words, you can buy Samsung Galaxy S7 on or after Galaxy S7 release date, which is later than the time when Galaxy S7 is announced (unveiled).

Let’s look back Samsung’s track record of Galaxy S series announced date and release date.

As a tradition, Galaxy S phones are always announced in the first half  (usually in Q1 except S3), and Galaxy Note series are announced in the second half (usually Q3). Keeping this release schedule makes it possible to release two flagship models each year.

Most other smartphone vendors can only release one flagship model each year normally. This contributes to Samsung’s success in crowded smartphone market significantly.

Due to lower-than-expected sales of Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S5, Samsung made some radical changes in Galaxy S6.… Read the rest

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As shown in the post of Galaxy S7 specs and Galaxy S7 edge specs, Galaxy S7 is not a revolutionary product. Rather, it offers incremental updates for Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5.

But this doesn’t mean Galaxy S7 and S7 edge are not exciting smartphones in 2016. Actually, they are.

There are no perfect phone, but there are several exciting new features in Galaxy S7 you may enjoy.

This post tries to explain the top 7 new features in Galaxy S7 to help you have a better understanding of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

1. Micro SD card support

For Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+ and Galaxy Note 5 owners, micro SD card support is one of the most exciting new features in Galaxy S7, although some users do not care about it at all.

As explained in this post, SD card support still matters:

• It is a psychological demand for many users. They actually do not need extra storage.  Some may never put SD card inside. But “the feature” can be an important factor when choosing phones.
• Some on-the-move users may need some media files to enjoy. 32 GB may be too limited for them. 64GB model usually is overpriced (to promote 32GB model). In many regions, only 32GB model of Galaxy S7 will be available.
• Some advanced users may like to backup and damp app data to SD card.
• Android Marshmallow has better SD card support. But please note adoptable storage option is not available in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. In other words, Samsung disabled the option to use SD card to expand internal storage in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

Even for owners who do not care about storage, this new feature in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge does not hurt.  It does not affect your other features.

For buyers who want a Galaxy S7 dual SIM model,  SD card support will use one SIM card slot. This means  if you use two SIM cards, there will be no space for micro SD card.

2. Water and dust resistant

From Galaxy S to Galaxy S6, only Galaxy S5 offered dust and water resistant (IP67). When Galaxy S6 was released, Samsung cited new design as the cause of removing that feature.

Now, Galaxy S7 and S7 edge offer even better water protection. Both phones are rated as IP68.… Read the rest

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What’s new in Galaxy S7 camera app with Android Nougat update in S7 and S7 edge?

With Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge,   Samsung also updated their camera app.

Again, this update brought some confusions among many owners. It seems Samsung lacks a clear roadmap for their apps.

This page was prepared to help owners of Galaxy S7 and S7 edge who have questions on using Galaxy S7 camera app with Android Nougat update. If your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge is still running Android Marshmallow, please check this guide.

First, here is the list of major changes in Galaxy S7 camera app with Android Nougat update:

• New Galaxy S7 camera preview screen.
• 2 New gestures to switch front/rear camera. This is an additional way to switch camera in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.
• You can only use the gesture to access Galaxy S7 camera modes. The button was removed in this Android Nougat update.
• New gesture to access Galaxy S7 camera effects. Again,  this is the only way to access Galaxy S7 camera effects after Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.
• Quick settings are now camera mode aware.

Please note, the changes are more or less on usability only. There are no changes in features of the Galaxy S7 camera and Galaxy S7 edge camera.

How to use the new preview screen of Galaxy S7 camera app with Android Nougat update in S7 and S7 edge?

The new preview screen of Galaxy S7 camera app with Android Nougat update looks cleaner. The old preview screen under Marshmallow can be found here.

But if you are a seasoned Samsung phone user, you may find it is confusing.

As shown below, the new preview screen of Galaxy S7 camera app with Android Nougat update have 8 functional parts (the numbers are corresponding to those shown in the screenshot below):

1. Take a photo. 

You need tap it to take the picture.

Please note, Samsung camera app does not support tap to take photos by default (you need manually enable it for front camera).  But if it is not convenient for you to tap this button, you can use many other ways to take a photo in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge including:

• use your voice to take photos in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. This works for both front and rear cameras.

… Read the rest

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If you just switch to Galaxy S7 and  are trying to migrate old phone data to Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, this guide will show you the best way to migrate your data.

You probably even do not need to install any apps or tools when you switch to Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

The tool we are going to use to help you switch to Galaxy S7  is called Smart Switch, free software offered by Samsung.

What is Smart Switch for me to switch to Galaxy S7?

Smart Switch is Samsung’s killer tool for you to migrate old phone data to Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.  It will help you migrate to Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

There are 2 different Smart Switch software packages:

1. Samsung Smart Switch Mobile App.  The Smart Switch mobile app allows you to migrate data from your old device (Android, iOS, BlackBerry) to Galaxy S7 directly (from mobile to mobile).
2. Samsung Smart Switch for PC/Mac. The Smart Switch for PC/Mac allows you to backup phone (Galaxy phones only)  data to the PC/Mac, and to restore backup data (not limited to Galaxy phones) to Galaxy S7.

When you switch to Galaxy S7, Smart Switch mobile app can migrate old phone data to Galaxy S7 in 2 different ways:

• Wireless transfer through WiFi Direct. If your old phone is 1). an Android phone with Android ICS 4.o or later, or 2). an iPhone with iCloud backup, you can use this method. You need install Smart Switch app on the old Android phone.
• Wired transfer through USB cable. If you old phone is 1). a Galaxy phone with Android Jelly Bean 4.3 or later, or 2). an iPhone with iOS 5 or later, or  3). a BlackBerry with BlackBerry 7 OS or earlier,  you can migrate the phone data from old device to Galaxy S7 with the USB connector in your Galaxy S7 box and the USB cable.

 Why I cannot install Smart Switch on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

Smart Switch was pre-installed and enabled in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge already. You don’t need to install Smart Switch on Galaxy S7.

But you cannot find  Smart Switch app on Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge.

Then, how to launch and use Smart Switch on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge to switch to Galaxy S7?

Samsung puts Smart Switch in Settings— Backup and reset –-Open Smart Switch as shown below.  … Read the rest

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Why I cannot uninstall some apps in Galaxy S7 or S7 edge?

When you get your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, you can find there are some apps pre-installed (in both home screen and apps screen) before you start to install your own apps.

Like in other Android phones, the pre-installed apps in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge can be classified into 3 categories:

• System essential apps. These apps usually do not have icons (or user interfaces).  It is not necessary for Galaxy S7 owners to play with these apps at all.
• Pre-installed apps offering basic functions. For example, phone app and messaging app let you use Galaxy S7 immediately without installing any apps. Of course, many Google apps can fall into this category.
• Bloatware. These are apps that most Galaxy S7 owners hate. The app publisher paid Samsung or local distributor or your carrier to installed their crappy apps into Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. The bloatware in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge is usually different in different regions (or different carrier models).  For example, in most regions, a few Microsoft apps were pre-installed as bloatware. Flipboard briefing is another example of bloatware.

For any of these pre-installed apps, you cannot uninstall them without rooting Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.

If you do not want to use these apps, you may disable (turn off) some of these apps if they are not essential.

Please note, you cannot move any of the pre-installed apps to micro SD card in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

What’s the difference between uninstalling apps and disabling apps in Galaxy S7?

For apps installed by you, you can uninstall them from Galaxy S7 or S7 edge at any timewithout any issues.

But for pre-installed apps, you can only disable such apps. You cannot “uninstall” them.

The difference between “uninstall” and “disable” (turn off) is that when you disable apps in Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, these apps still occupy your internal storage.

Of course app data are removed. But the files for the app are still in the internal storage.

So, disabling apps in Galaxy S7 essentially prevent them from starting. You cannot fully claim back the storage used by such apps.

When you uninstall apps in Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, they are removed from the phone. Both app files and app data are removed and therefore you can claim back the storage.… Read the rest

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What are Galaxy S7 wallpapers?

Galaxy S7 wallpapers are just background images in Galaxy S7 home screen, apps screen and lock screen.

And it is the easiest part when you want to customize your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.  You can simply use your photo or your dog’s photo to make the phone “yours”.

But you should not overdo it.

Because app icons are overlaid on Galaxy S7 wallpapers, you may try to choose wallpapers so that it should not be difficult to see the app icons.

Some Galaxy S7 owners may prefer dark wallpapers to save battery because of the Super AMOLED display in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. But do not expect too much.

Anyway, choose Galaxy S7 wallpapers you like so that you can enjoy your phone. Don’t think too much on battery consumption: the difference is very marginal.

However, some poor designed live wallpapers may drain battery in Galaxy S7 or S7 edge noticeably.

So, you need to check battery usage by live wallpapers only.

How to set Galaxy S7 wallpapers for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

You can set Galaxy S7 wallpapers for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge by following these steps.

Step 1: Enter edit mode of Galaxy S7 home screen.

In Galaxy S7 home screen ,you can tap and hold (aka “long tap”) any empty area to enter edit mode of Galaxy S7 home screen (aka, access Galaxy S7 home screen options) as shown below.

You can also enter home screen edit mode through pinching to zoom in in the home screen.

In the Galaxy S7 home screen edit mode (aka home screen options), tap Wallpapers as shown below to customize Galaxy S7 wallpapers.

Step 2: Select wallpaper for home screen or lock screen or both

By default, the wallpaper setting is for Galaxy S7 home screen.

The preview of home panel of Galaxy S7 home screen is shown (marked in green box in the screenshot above).

Tap Home screen as shown above.

Now you have 3 options:

• Home screen.
• Lock screen.
• Home and lock screen.

These options let you choose which screen(s) you want to apply the wallpaper.

For example, you want to use the same wallpapers for Galaxy S7 home screen and lock screen.

Tap Home and lock screens as shown below.

The preview windows for the home panel of home screen and lock screen will be shown as illustrated in the green box below.… Read the rest

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Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge have the best camera you can find in smartphones in 2016 according to DxOMark. Period.

Although using Galaxy S7 camera is not complicated for most Galaxy S7 owners, some owners who do not use smartphone camera frequently may get confused on the camera features offered in Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

To help all owners of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge use the camera effectively, a series of Galaxy S7 camera guides are prepared.

This is a live page. New Samsung Galaxy S7 camera guides will be released once they are tested.

So, do check this page periodically if you want to read more Samsung Galaxy S7 camera guides.

If you have any questions on using Samsung Galaxy S7 camera, you can post your questions in comment section in this page or other relevant pages.

Here is the list of Samsung Galaxy S7 camera guides

1. How to launch Galaxy S7 camera app? How to use Galaxy S7 camera quick launch?

   You can launch Galaxy S7 camera app in several different ways. This Galaxy S7 camera guide shows you the following 5 methods: use Galaxy S7 camera quick launch; launch Galaxy S7 camera app from Galaxy S7 lock screen; launch Galaxy S7 camera app from Galaxy S7 Home screen; launch Galaxy S7 camera app from Galaxy S7 Apps screen and launch Galaxy S7 camera app from other apps. This Galaxy S7 camera guide also shows you hot to enable or disable Galaxy S7 camera quick launch.  Read on.…

2. Use Galaxy S7 camera preview screen

   This Galaxy S7 camera guide explains the functions of all buttons and icons in Galaxy S7 camera preview screen (Galaxy S7 camera app interface), and touch screen gestures that can be used in Galaxy S7 camera preview screen. Read on…

3. Samsung Galaxy S7 camera settings

   If the default settings for Galaxy S7 camera are not sufficient for you, you can change and tweak some Galaxy S7 camera settings on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. This Galaxy S7 camera guide gives you detailed explanations of all entries of Samsung Galaxy S7 camera settings for both rear (main) camera and front-facing camera. Read on.….

4. How to set Galaxy S7 camera picture size and video size on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

   Do you know how to decide what are the “good enough” Galaxy S7 camera picture size and video size for your needs?

… Read the rest

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Official Samsung Galaxy S7 user manual is for all Galaxy S7 owners: new or experienced.

Samsung Galaxy S7 is the 7th generation of Samsung’s flagship smartphone.

Following the drastic changes in Galaxy S6, Samsung again made more dramatic changes and update in Galaxy S7. So, even for long-time Galaxy S phone owners, some sorts of learning and experimenting are needed to use the new and modified features effectively.

The official Samsung Galaxy S7 user manual shows you how to use some features in Samsung Galaxy S7.  It can save your time to visit the service center if you can follow this official Galaxy S7 user guide.

This page is dedicated to  official Samsung Galaxy S7 User Manual in all languages!  You can find the official Samsung Galaxy S7 user guide in your own language easily in this page.

All of the Galaxy S7 user manuals in this page are in PDF format (You can get Adobe PDF Reader here). You can download it (just choose save as) to your devices (PC, smartphone, tablet) to read it later or read it online in your browser now. It is up to you.

In different regions or countries, or even for different carriers in the same country, Galaxy S7 may offer slightly different features. Some carriers may bundle some special apps. So, please try to download and use the Galaxy S7 user manual for your region and for your Galaxy S7 model, if possible.

If you want to read the Galaxy S7 online user manual, please follow this page.

For more detailed guides for Samsung Galaxy S7,  please check our Galaxy S7 how-to guides page.

If you cannot find the user manual for your Galaxy S7 in your language, please let us know in the comment box below.

1. Samsung Galaxy S7 User Manual in English language for International versions (Android Marshmallow 6.0, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Asia, SM-G930)

This English version of Galaxy S7 User Manual is for Samsung Galaxy S7 sold in Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia with Android Marshmallow 6.0. The model number of the corresponding  Galaxy S7 includes SM-G930, SM-G930F, SM-G930FD, SM-G930X.

If you cannot find the Galaxy S7 User Manual for your Galaxy S7, you can try  this user guide.

Download link (in PDF): Samsung Galaxy S7 User Manual in English for International versions (Android Marshmallow 6.0,… Read the rest

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Why take screenshot on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

You may consider to take screenshot on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge (print screen) when:

• you want to  share your achievements in a game/app;
• you need share a location in Google map;
• you want to share the content of a webpage, instead of the URL;
• you want to keep a record of online payments;
• …

Anyway, it is very easy to take screenshot on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. You do not need any apps to print Galaxy S7 screen.

Actually, there are at least 3 different methods to take screenshot on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge without using any apps.

This guide also show you how to use the new screen capture feature in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, scroll capture, which allows you to take screenshot on Galaxy S7 for long webpages or app pages that need more than one screen.

3 different methods to take screenshot on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge

You can use any of the 3 methods to take screenshot on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge:

1. Home button+ Power button method
2. Palm swipe method
3. Assistant menu method

Among the 3 methods for screen capture on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge:

• Assistant menu method is the simplest. Your grandma can do it with one hand.
• Home button+ Power button method is the quickest.

Method 1: use Home button + Power button

Like in all previous Galaxy S devices, you can take screenshot on Galaxy S7 and S7 edge by pressing and holding Home button and Power button simultaneously.  You may check this page on the button layout of Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

This actually is the quickest method to take screenshot on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge if you get used to it.

Some Galaxy S7 owners may fail to get the screenshot usually because of one of the following two reasons:

1. they press the two buttons, but not hold the buttons until screenshot is taken.
2. they fail to hold the two buttons simultaneously.

In reality, you always hold one button earlier. But if you hold the button too long without holing the other button, you will get unexpected behavior:

• If you hold home button too early, you will get Google Now on tap.
• If you hold power button too early, you will get power options.

… Read the rest

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Update 2, added section: new features for Galaxy S7 always-on display. Recently updated Galaxy S7 always-on display now allows you to enable always on display on S View Window when a S View cover is snapped on Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge.  Clock face now is renamed as layout with more clock faces.

Update 1, added section:  Limitations of Galaxy S7 always-on display.

One of the best features in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is the always-on display.

This post tries to explain to you what Galaxy S7 always-on display (AOD) is  and how to configure and use Galaxy S7 always-on display in Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

Please note Galaxy S7  always-on display is available in both Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.  In the post, I will just refer them as Galaxy S7.

What is Galaxy S7 always-on display (AOD)?

Very often, we check our smartphones just for time or for notifications. In this situations, we may have no intention to unlock the phone and use it.

But to check time or notification on Galaxy S7 lock screen, we must wake up (turn on) the display by pressing power button or home button (see this page for Galaxy Sy7 layout of buttons).

Now, Galaxy S7 always-on display, if enabled, can display clock, notifications and a image all the time except when Galaxy S7 is in your pocket.

It is a cool feature for some Galaxy S7 owners.

The super AMOLED display in Galaxy S7 does not drain battery significantly if you choose black background.

The Galaxy S7 always-on display is different from Galaxy S7 lock screen.  Galaxy S7 always-on display will disappear automatically when you wake up the screen.

In other words, you get the lock screen when you wake up the phone.  Galaxy S7 always-on display is activated only after screen is timed out and phone is locked.

When will you need Galaxy S7 always-on display?

In many situations, you may find Galaxy S7 always-on display is useful, for example,

• During a meeting,  you can just glimpse on Galaxy S7 screen to know the time, the missed calls, the incoming messages…
• In your office or cubicle, you can easily check time and notifications when your hands are not free.
• In kitchen, your hands are busy with other things.
• In the bed, when you want to check time.

Anyway, although Galaxy S7 always-on display looks like another gimmick, it actually is very useful for some Galaxy S7  and Galaxy S7 edge owners.… Read the rest

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Galaxy S7 home screen is an essential part for using Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge. Nobody can skip home screen to use an Android phone.

But different Android vendors may customize the Android home screen in own ways. Samsung is not an exception: it is TouchWiz skin and launcher actually give you quite unique experience,

In this guide, you will get to know Galaxy S7 home screen, how to use app folders on Galaxy S7 home screen, how to remove apps/widgets/app folders from Galaxy S7 home screen, and how to customize Galaxy S7 home screen.

The home screen for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is identical except the edge screen handle (see below). So, this guide applies to both Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge home screen although Galaxy S7 is used in  the text.

Get to know Galaxy S7 home screen

A typical layout of Galaxy S7 home screen is shown below.

There are 8 fundamental components on Galaxy S7 home screen:

• apps

You can put any apps installed on the phone to Galaxy S7 home screen.  You can tap the icon to start the corresponding app.

Android allows you to add one app multiple times in Galaxy S7 home screen.

By default, all installed apps are listed in Galaxy S7 apps screen.

• app folders

It is impractical to keep 200 apps in the home screen individually. Galaxy S7 allows you to organize these apps in folders.

You can put similar apps into one app folder in Galaxy S7 home screen.

So, app folders give you a cleaner galaxy S7 home screen.

You can also add app folders from Galaxy S7 apps screen directly to home screen, just like adding an app to home screen.

• widget

Widget allows you to check specific info through the app without opening the app. For example, nobody wants to open weather app to check weather. You want weather info, not app icon, to be displayed.

Some widgets allow you to re-size them. So, you can easy fit them in Galaxy S7 home screen. Of course, it is up to individual app developer to decide whether the widget is realizable..

Please refer to this guide on how to add, use and manage widgets in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

• screen indicator

When your Galaxy S7 have multiple home screen panels (aka home screen pages),  home screen indicators (corresponding to each Galaxy S7  home screen page/panel) are very helpful for you to know where you are.… Read the rest

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What is tasks edge in edge screen of  Galaxy S7 edge?

Tasks edge in Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+ is similar to apps edge in the edge screen.

The major difference is that tasks edge is for shortcuts of individual tasks, not individual apps.

These tasks are similar to widgets: they are both special functions of some apps.  But tasks are only from apps developed by Samsung currently. In other words, you cannot simply add a widget to tasks edge currently.

Since Android Nougat 7.1, app shortcut was introduced in stock Android. Samsung supports app shortcuts on the home screen in their Android Oreo firmware. But the tasks edge does not support app shortcuts of third-party apps.

Tasks edge also supports file shortcuts. You can add a file to the home screen (pin a file to the home screen) as explained in this guide. Such file shortcuts will be available for tasks edge.

Please note, tasks edge in edge screen is identical among Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9 and S9+, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S8 and S8+, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+. So, this guide applies to all of these devices.  In this guide, we use the screenshots from the Galaxy S7 edge for the illustration.

Two ways to access settings for tasks edge in edge screen of Galaxy S7 edge

You can access tasks edge settings in Galaxy S7 edge in two ways:

• from the edge panel.
• from edge screen settings page.

As shown below, you can launch edge panels, then navigate to tasks edge, which, by default, is the second panel, next to the apps edge.

In tasks edge panel, you can tap the + button to add more tasks to this edge panel. Tap settings icon to go to edge panel settings page.

You can also access edge panels settings in Settings — edge screen –edge panel.

As shown below, you can tap the check icon (marked as 1) to turn on or turn off tasks edge.

Tap pencil icon (marked as 2 in the screenshot below) to edit (manage) tasks edge.

So, these two ways to access tasks edge settings are interlinked.

To enable/disable tasks edge, you must go to edge screen settings (edge panels settings) as mentioned above.

How to add and remove tasks for tasks edge in edge screen of Galaxy S7 edge?

… Read the rest

The post How to use tasks edge in Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+ appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

What are Galaxy S7 themes?

Galaxy S7 themes allow you to change the look and feel of the phone (mainly Galaxy S7 home screen and apps screen) in a systematic and consistent way.

Actually, this is not a new feature because Samsung introduced themes to Galaxy phones since Galaxy S6.

Although the implementation is similar, Galaxy S7 themes are NOT compatible with Galaxy S6 or Galaxy Note 7.

The compatibility is maintained only in the same generation of Galaxy S or Galaxy Note series. In other words, Galaxy S7 themes are compatible with Galaxy S7 edge only. And Galaxy S6 themes are compatible with Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+ only.  It is unclear why Samsung fails to maintain a “universal” theme for all Galaxy devices..

You can use Galaxy S7 themes to customize Galaxy S7 home screen in following aspects:

• Wallpapers for home screen and lock screen.
• App icons for native (and pre-installed) Samsung apps.
• Modifications to app icons of all other apps.
• Font size and color in Galaxy S7 home screen.
• Customization for the default (native Samsung) phone app, contacts app and message app.
• Always-on display (for some Galaxy S7 themes).

How to download and apply new Galaxy S7 themes?

You can download and apply new Galaxy S7 themes in your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge by following these steps.

Step 1: Enter Galaxy S7 home screen edit mode

If you want to customize Galaxy S7 home screen, you need to enter Galaxy S7 home screen edit mode (aka, access Galaxy S7 home screen options).

You can tap and hold (aka, log tap) any empty area in Galaxy S7 home screen (in any home screen panels), or pinch in any home screen panels, to enter Galaxy S7 home screen edit mode (or to access Galaxy S7 home screen options) as shown below.

Step 2: Enter Galaxy Theme store

In Galaxy S7 home screen edit mode, tap Themes as shown below.

In My themes page, all themes under your account are listed here.

Before you install any Galaxy S7 themes, only default theme is listed as shown below.

Step 3: Select and download new Galaxy S7 themes

Tap the More themes button in My themes page as shown above to enter the theme store.

In the Theme store, you can search and browse available themes for your Galaxy S7.

You can also search Galaxy S7 themes with always-on display (AOD) customization as shown below.… Read the rest

The post How to use Galaxy S7 themes to customize Galaxy S7 home screen? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

Update 1: if your Galaxy S7 edge has been updated to Android Nougat, you will not be able to choose the different colours for each contact in People edge. Samsung removed the colour option in People edge in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 edge.

What is People edge in edge screen of Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+?

People edge is a special edge panel in the edge screen. It allows you to assign up to 5 favourite contacts to the edge panel so that you can contact them quickly from the edge screen.

You can also immediately know who is calling or texting you by checking the colour of edge lighting.

So, People edge is somehow similar to contact shortcut widget in the home screen. Both allow you to quickly contact these contacts without starting the phone or messaging apps.

But People edge has more advanced features, for example:

• You can assign different colours to different contacts so that you can know who is contacting you based on edge lighting colours.
• You can quickly check missed calls and notifications from the 5 contacts from edge screen and take quick actions. Of course, you can still check such notifications from the notification panel.
• You can use OnCircle in People edge to share multimedia contents.

In all Galaxy devices that support edge screen feature, namely, Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9 and S9+, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S8 and S8+, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+,  People edge is almost identical.

So, this guide applies to all of these devices although the screenshots in this guide are mainly taken from Galaxy S7 edge.

How to enable and manage People edge in Galaxy S7 edge?

People edge is one of the Edge panels.

To enable or disable People edge, you need to go to Settings— edge screen — Edge panels. In Galaxy Note 7, the path is Settings– Display– edge screen–edge panels.

In edge panels page as shown below, tap the checkbox in the top (marked as 1) to enable or disable People edge.

Tap the Pencil icon (marked as 2) to edit and configure People edge.

In People edge page, you can enable OnCircle as shown below.

To manage contacts for People edge, tap My people as shown below.… Read the rest

The post How to use People edge in edge screen of Galaxy S7 edge (and Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+) appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

This page is specially for official Samsung Galaxy S7 edge user manual in all languages.

If you are looking for user manuals for Galaxy S7, please check this page.

All of the Galaxy S7 edge user manuals in this page are in PDF format (You can get Adobe PDF Reader here). You can download it (choose save as) to your devices (PC, smartphone, tablet) to read it later or read it online in your browser now. You can even print them if you really need a hard copy.

In different regions or countries, or even for different carriers in the same country, Galaxy S7 edge may offer slightly different features. Some carriers may bundle some special apps. So, please try to download and use the Galaxy S7 edge user manual for your region and for your Galaxy S7 edge model.

If you want to read the Galaxy S7 online user manual, please follow this page.

For more detailed guides for Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge,  please check our Galaxy S7 how-to guides page.

If you cannot find the Galaxy S7 edge user manual in your language, please let us know in the comment box below.

1. Samsung Galaxy S7 edge User Manual in English language for International versions (Android Marshmallow 6.0, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Asia, SM-G935)

This English version of Galaxy S7 edge User Manual is for Samsung Galaxy S7 edge sold in Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia with Android Marshmallow 6.0. The model number of the corresponding  Galaxy S7 includes SM-G935, SM-G935F, SM-G935FD, SM-G935X, SM-G935C.

If you cannot find the Galaxy S7  edge user manual for your Galaxy S7 edge, you can try  this user guide.

Download link (in PDF): Samsung Galaxy S7 edge User Manual in English language for International versions (Android Marshmallow 6.0, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Asia, SM-G935)

2. Samsung Galaxy S7 edge User Manual in German language (Deutsch) (Android Marshmallow 6.0, Germany)

This German language (Deutsch) version of Galaxy S7 edge User Manual is for Samsung Galaxy S7 edge sold in Germany with Android Marshmallow 6.0. The model number of the corresponding  Galaxy S7 edge is SM-G935F.

If your Galaxy S7 edge was not bought from Germany, this  German language (Deutsch) version of Galaxy S7 edge user manual  may be not for your phone. You may try the  English version.… Read the rest

The post Samsung Galaxy S7 edge user manual appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

Why is it important to know Galaxy S7 layout and Galaxy S7 edge layout?

When you get your new Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge, you may want to try the new and cool features as much as you can. You may forget to check Galaxy S7 layout or Galaxy S7 edge layout

This is nothing wrong.

But after initial testing, it is important to spend some time to familiarize yourself with the layout of Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge. This is extremely important if you are a new owner of a Samsung smartphone.

Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge are both designed elegantly with high build quality. The location of ports, buttons and components are arranged with careful consideration based on Samsung’s knowledge of smartphone usage habits of their customers.

Galaxy S7 layout and Galaxy S7 edge layout page will explain to you the functions of all buttons, ports and some components.

Please note, as explained in this post, the major difference between Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is the screen size (5.1″ vs 5.5″), battery capacity (3000mAh vs 3600mAh) and the curved screen.

The difference in Galaxy S7 layout and Galaxy S7 edge layout is only on edge screen. All other parts in layout are similar.

Front view of Galaxy S7 layout and Galaxy S7 edge layout

The front view of Galaxy S7 layout and Galaxy S7 edge layout is shown below.

in the front of Galaxy S7, you can find

• LED indicator. When you charge your phone, the LED will turns red. When there are any notifications, the LED will flash in green.
• Proximity/light sensor. You should never block the proximity/light sensor if you use a screen protector.  The light sensor provides info to the system to adjust brightness and other display settings.  When you are in a call, and when you move the phone close to your ear, the proximity sensor can detect it and turns off the screen to avoid inadvertent touch.
• Receiver.
• Front camera. It is NOT recommended to use screen protector for the camera. If the screen protector has no cutout for front camera, you probably should not buy it.
• Touch screen.
• Home key with fingerprint sensor. Tap home key (button) to wake up the screen if the screen is currently off. If you are using any apps, tapping home key once will bring you to the home screen.

… Read the rest

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Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge also enabled Galaxy S7 blue light filter, which makes night reading more comfortable.

Actually, the recalled and now deceased Galaxy Note 7 actually already got blue light filter.  Google also introduced a similar feature in Pixel and Pixel XL phones.

What’s blue light filter in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update?

Blue light is not a new thing. It is part of the visible light from day one.

But in recent years, there are growing concerns on the impact of blue night on our eyes due to the prolonged use of LED devices, which usually are considered as a major source of blue light in modern age.

Although it is still arguable whether blue light from smartphones and other LED devices may cause any eye health issues, we all can feel it is more comfortable in night reading if blue light is partially filtered.

Galaxy S7 blue light filter allows you to filter some blue light to reduce the strain of your eyes, especially in dark or low-night environment.

Of course, you should never consider blue light filter as an excuse to use the phone excessively. It is more or less for comfort.

How to turn on and turn off Galaxy S7 blue light filter in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update?

You can quickly turn on and turn off Galaxy S7 blue light filter at any time with one tap.

In Galaxy S7 quick setting buttons,  you can find blue light filter button as shown below.

You can tap the button to turn on it immediately if the filter is off now; turn off the filter if it is currently one

If you need to use blue light filter frequently, you may relocate the button to one of the first 6 spots as explained in this guide if your Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge was updated to Android Nougat 7.0.

If your phone is still on Android Marshmallow 6.0, you may check this guide on how to customize the quick setting buttons.

Similar to other Galaxy S7 quick setting buttons in Android Nougat 7.0, if you tap and hold (i.e, long tap) the blue light filter button, you will be directed to the corresponding settings page as discussed later.

Another way to enable or disable blue light filter in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is from phone settings.… Read the rest

The post How to use Galaxy S7 blue light filter in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

What is Galaxy S7 screen grid in Galaxy S7 home screen and apps screen?

In Galaxy S7 and S7 edge home screen (actually, all Android devices), all app icons are arranged in rows and columns.  You are not allowed to put your app icon in arbitrary locations.

In other words, Galaxy S7 screen grid keeps your app icons aligned in both Galaxy S7 home screen and Galaxy S7 apps screen.

When you change the size of Galaxy S7 screen grid, the size of app icons in all grids (cells) will also be resized to match the change. In this way,  it is possible to slightly resize app icon size in Galaxy S7 home screen and apps screen.

Of course, there are many other ways to customize Galaxy S7 home screen for Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, for example, using Galaxy S7 themes.

Please note, the Galaxy S7 screen grid settings apply to both Galaxy S7 home screen and apps screen.  So, there are no separate screen grid settings for home screen and apps screen.

In Galaxy S7 home screen, there is a favorite tray (as shown below)in the bottom of all home screen panels except the Flipboard Briefing panel. This tray is NOT counted in the screen grid.

In other words, Galaxy S7 screen grid applies to the space above the favorite tray excluding the tray itself.  But the number of available (maximum) slots in the favorite tray is determined by number of columns in Galaxy S7 screen grid settings.

How to change Galaxy S7 screen grid to customize app icon size in home screen and apps screen?

To change  Galaxy S7 screen grid settings, you may follow these steps.

Step 1: Enter Galaxy S7 home screen edit mode (home screen options)

In Galaxy S7 home screen as shown below, tap and hold (aka “long tap”)any empty area to enter edit mode of Galaxy S7 home screen (aka, access Galaxy S7 home screen options) as shown below.

The other way to enter home screen mode is to pinch in the home screen.

Please note, you can enter Galaxy S7 home screen edit mode in any home screen panels. It is not necessary to be from the home of home screen panels.

Step 2: Set and preview Galaxy S7 screen grid settings

In the edit mode of Galaxy S7 home screen as shown above, you can tap the Screen grid as shown above.… Read the rest

The post How to use Galaxy S7 screen grid to customize app icon size in home screen and apps screen? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.