With a larger display, faster processor, extra battery capacity, and more storage, the Samsung Galaxy C7 is a beefier mid-ranger clad in all new metal design. So what does it offers over the Galaxy C5 and other mid-ranger of Samsung? Before we answer those in our full review, let’s take a brief look on the phablet thru our unboxing and hands-on.
The Samsung Galaxy C7 packaging shares some similarities to the Galaxy C5 that we’d reviewed earlier. On the box, you can find the unit in Gold with Rose Gold and Gray as other options. There’s also a fast adaptive charger, USB Data cable, and stereo headset — all splashed in white.
Going to the device, we can see a very similar exterior and form to Galaxy C5. The only differences between the two C series in terms of their build are the battery and screen sizes. The rest are intact with the fingerprint sensor embedded in the home button, volume rocker positioned on the left, and power button and hybrid microSD card and dual SIM slots both housed at the right.
The 5.7-inch display is covered with a 2.5D curved scratch-resistant glass just like its smaller sibling. You can also find an 8MP selfie camera, LED notification light, and earpiece on top.
In terms of ports, both microUSB 2.0 and 3.5mm audio jack are found at the bottom.
On the back, it’s a familiar affair as we again take a glimpse of an iPhone and OnePlus 3 resemblance though we’re leaning more on the former for the rounded sides and corners. The 16MP f1.9 camera on the back protrudes and is paired with a dual tone LED Flash.
If anything that we’re more interested checking, that is probably the hardware under the hood. The new chip is an octa-core Snapdragon 625 similar to the Asus Zenfone 3 series. This processor is paired with a 4GB RAM, 64GB expandable storage, and the satisfying 3,300 mAh non-removable battery.
Both Samsung Galaxy C5 and C7 run on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and on top is a streamlined TouchWiz UI.
Currently, the Samsung Galaxy C7 is only available in select regions like China and Hong Kong, but you can already purchase the unit here in the Philippines for P19,900 price through online stores.
Let’s know what specific areas or suggested phones you want us to put in our upcoming comparison and review.
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Skeet Guanzon says:
Uhm, hello there, Jade. I just want to know, if it’s still possible someday that the C7 will be available in the Philippines THROUGH SAMSUNG PHYSICAL STORES. Knowing that the a7 is still being sold like pancakes here, once the c7 is release, the a7 will be in bad selling condition. Afterall, the prices of the two seems close. And then a7 will lose due to its lower specs.
Jade Jardinico says:
I agree with the specs but not on camera. For the availability, earliest is October release. Worse is that Samsung PH will introduce it on November to giveway for its A and C series.
Skeet Guanzon says:
Oh, so the availability is certain. That’s good enough for me. I thought the phone will be exclusive for china only.
C7 is the perfect alternative for zenfone 3, but with better durability and bigger screen, doesn’t matter if c7 has lower camera quality since I’m a daily moderate gamer, and always play videos on my phone.
Tnx for telling me.
Omer says:
Was Google Play Store already installed or did you install it yourself?
Jade Jardinico says:
It runs on the Global ROM of Android 6.0 Marshmallow with TouchWiz UI. The Play Store is already installed (Due to ROM).
Omer says:
I didn’t know it comes with different ROMs: I thought it was a China-only device, so I assumed it only comes with one (Chinese) ROM, i.e. without Google stuff. Thanx, good to know there are different ROMs for this device.
Jade Jardinico says:
Our unit came from online store which feature this global ROM. You can try Ebay but not sure with their warranty.
Omer says:
Thanx. Found an online retailer in Arab Emirates that sells the version with the Google stuff. Perfect phone to buy for the wife, but only thing that keeps me from ordering it is the lack of 4G/800MHz support 🙁
Jade Jardinico says:
Oh, that’s bad. How about the A9 Pro instead
Omer says:
Too big and too heavy (210grams!). And furthermore: She and glass backs don’t go well together 😉