iPhone 7 vs. Galaxy Note 7 Comparison Review: Specs, Problems, and News for Returners

Sep 19, 2016 09:17 AM EDT

Samsung really wanted to bring their new mobile device to the market with the Galaxy Note 7 before Apple this year.  They even named their device the Note 7 to associate themselves with the Apple iPhone 7.  However, once the Galaxy Note 7 started experiencing problems that have led to recalls, it seems like things are looking bad for Samsung.  In spite of the problems, this is the iPhone 7 vs. the Galaxy Note 7 with Specs, Problems (on both products), as well as what returners of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 can do. 


iPhone 7/iPhone 7 Plus vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 7: The Specs

 

So let's get the specs out of the way.  The iPhone 7 has a screen that is 4.7 inches (750 x 1334 pixel resolution), IP67 certified, 12 Megapixel rear camera, 7 Megapixel front, with 1960 mAh battery.  As for the iPhone 7 Plus, it has a 5.5-inch display (1080 x 1920 pixels), also IP67 certified, 12 Megapixel rear camera, 7 Megapixel front, with 2900 battery. 

The Galaxy Note 7 as a larger 5.7-inch display, and is IP68 certified.  The camera is 12 Megapixel with a secondary of 5 Megapixels on the front.  The battery is a 3500 mAh battery. 


iPhone 7 and Problems with Hissing and More

 

Considering that the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus hasn't been out for very long, it is strange to hear reports from tech sites like Engadget that both models are reported making hissing sounds when subjected to a heavy processor load like a game.  So far, there is no clear case on what the cause is.

There are also reports from Forbes saying that there are two problems with the iPhone 7.  One of them is that camera lens is not confirmed to be sapphire, which means that it might be subject to scratching.  The other is that the new home button only responds to capacitive touch and not pressure.  This means that if you are using gloves for it, it might not read your touch as a press. 


Galaxy Note 7 Problems and How to Return

 

As bad as iPhone 7's problems are, there is hopefully not going to be as bad as the recall that occurred with the Galaxy Note 7.  According to The Washington Post, a new report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall of the new Samsung phones, saying that the defective Note 7 batteries had been linked to 26 reports of burns and 55 reports of property damage, including fires in cars and a garage. 

In fact, U.S. safety regulators ordered a national recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 last Thursday, September 15.  CNET even reported that it is illegal to use a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 aboard an aircraft under FAA jurisdiction.  That means that any passenger with one has to have it completely powered down and not charge it, and keep in in carry-on baggage (not in checked baggage). 

Returns are underway for Samsung's phablet, with the company receiving the United States approval to restock replacement devices no later than September 21.  A separate report from CNET confirms that similar steps are taking place in the UK, Australia, Singapore, and the Philippines.  Just check with the Samsung website for more details. 


Final Evaluation of iPhone 7/iPhone 7 Plus vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 7

 

Sadly, Samsung has had a misstep that they can hopefully recover from.  It is kind of ironic as Samsung, in their Galaxy Note 7 keynote, was making fun of the iPhone 7 for their lack of headphone jack.  Apple could very easily make an ad right now that would make fun of the Note 7, and explain how the Apple iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus doesn't have a possibly flammable battery. 

This is assuming that hissing noise isn't a precursor to something worse.  For Apple, it's so far, so good.