Newly-leaked Samsung Galaxy S7 renders suggest the Plus variant will be 6 inches
We’ve heard many details about the Samsung Galaxy S7 to now, and the information train won’t be slowing down now that we’re right around the corner from 2016. While we haven’t seen anything tangible in regards to the device’s existence just yet, that changes with GSM Arena’s latest leak.
These are the first known renders of the device. They’re not fancy product renders, mind you, but these CAD drawings give us a good idea of what to expect from its overall shape and look. It’s important to note that the renders originate from a case manufacturer, who are given advance access to rough dimensions ahead of the product’s unveiling. As such, some of these details may not be 100% accurate.
With that disclaimer out of the way, let’s talk about this thing as if it’s close to the real deal. As previous rumors suggested, Samsung doesn’t seem to be trying to reinvent the wheel this go around. The device seems to have a shape and design similar to the Samsung Galaxy S6.
These renders don’t show any potential build materials so there’s a chance there are subtle differences that can’t be perceived, however we’re expecting Samsung to forge on with the metal and glass combo that everyone loves. Unfortunately we can’t see a second slot for a microSD card, so unless Samsung has found a way to jam two chips inside that SIM card slot sitting on the side then it’s probably safe to assume that the Samsung Galaxy S7 won’t support expandable memory (despite rumors to the contrary).
One big (figuratively and literally) detail that this leak brings to light is device size. While the standard-sized Samsung Galaxy S7 is nearly identical in dimensions 143.37 x 70.8 x 6.94 mm) to the Samsung Galaxy S6, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Plus has dimensions (163.32 x 82.01 x 7.82mm) more along the lines of the Samsung Galaxy Mega 2 — and that device is 6 inches large.
This is a pretty significant detail, if true. Samsung typically doesn’t make any of their flagships larger than the Galaxy Note entrants, so this would be the first time we see that happen. That said, we aren’t all too surprised that Samsung is looking to offer up two different sizes for 2016’s lineup.
People like choice, for starters. Those who prefer larger devices often have to wait until the Samsung Galaxy Note arrives later in the year, and Samsung might lose sales as competitors look to fill that space. On the flip side, keeping a more pocketable option for folks who prefer those is always the right move. This should help the company fill any demand gaps they’ll have as they look to get their mobile division moving back in the right direction after a series of declines.
And, well, Apple has done it. Look, we’re not saying Apple sets the trail for everything Samsung does, but we imagine it’d be hard for them to ignore the company’s record-breaking revenue and profit achieved after launching this dual-pronged strategy. The only question will be whether 6 inches is a bit too much for folks’ taste, and that question’s answer will only become more apparent with time.