The Samsung Galaxy Note7 (S820) Review
by Joshua Ho on August 16, 2016 9:00 AM ESTVideo Performance
For this portion of the review we can take a look at video performance, which provides an extra test of encode block performance in addition to ISP, sensor, and optic performance. In the interest of not wasting time on retreading topics that are basically unchanged relative to the Galaxy S7, I would redirect readers interested in an in-depth exploration of this subject and comparisons to other devices to the Galaxy S7 Part 2 review as this part of the review will be almost entirely focused on just comparing the Note7 to the Galaxy S7 to see what’s changed.
| Samsung Galaxy Note7 Video Encode Settings | ||||
| Video | Audio | |||
| 1080p30 | 17 Mbps H.264 High Profile | 256 Kbps, 48 KHz AAC | ||
| 1080p60 | 28 Mbps H.264 High Profile | 256 Kbps, 48 KHz AAC | ||
| 4K30 | 48 Mbps H.264 High Profile | 256 Kbps, 48 KHz AAC | ||
| 720p240 | 76 Mbps H.264 Baseline | 256 Kbps, 48 KHz AAC | ||
Starting with encode settings, we can see that the Note7 retains the same exact encode settings as the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, which probably isn’t a surprise given that we’re probably seeing the limits of what the Snapdragon 820’s encode blocks can handle in cases like slow motion video, although 1080p30 is likely not encode-limited at this point.
Galaxy Note7
Galaxy S7
In 1080p30 video the Galaxy Note7 and Galaxy S7 look basically identical save for some slight differences in color rendition. The Note7 seems to be slightly more accurate here as the sky is closer to the color of blue that it should be but detail and most other colors look fairly comparable and both still have some jerky OIS reset behavior.
Galaxy Note7
Galaxy S7
In slow motion video the Galaxy Note7 again seems to have slightly improved color rendition but detail and pretty much everything else is identical. I don’t think this is a reason to go out and buy the Note7, but hopefully these improvements to color rendition come to future OTAs for the Galaxy S7.
Overall I don’t think video results appreciably change the Galaxy Note7’s results here. The camera is great from a speed perspective and it’s good for video but in a lot of cases HTC really does have them beat with the camera on the HTC 10. I think the major win for the Note7 continues to be speed and consistency as the one major weakness of the HTC 10’s camera relative to the Note7 is somewhat unreliable contrast AF in low light, although in better conditions PDAF has no issues achieving perfect focus.
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polbit - Wednesday, August 17, 2016 - link
So it's an honest review because they criticize the phone? That's an interesting honesty test.Pdajah - Wednesday, August 17, 2016 - link
Like many other reviewers, i don't think you really appreciate whu the Note devices are so popular. It not about comparing hardware or size or software features etc. It is about the complete package and no other device offers this package and therefore your comparators and not helpful nor relevant to the millions and millions of Note users who need a highly productivity focused device. I can easily justify $200 as I'll achieve that in productivity in 2 weeks of using the Note 7 over the S7 Edge.vidal6x6 - Wednesday, August 17, 2016 - link
Why not compare xiaomi redmi note 3 pro i have one and play 7 8 hours to drain the batery samsung biased review! f&^&^anandtech!Ian Cutress - Wednesday, August 17, 2016 - link
You mean the review we posted a couple of weeks ago?http://www.anandtech.com/show/10463/xiaomi-redmi-n...
HollyDOL - Wednesday, August 17, 2016 - link
But but, can in serve as an emergency oar?BrokenCrayons - Wednesday, August 17, 2016 - link
With a 5.7 inch screen? Yes, you can tape it to the end of a stick and row your boat with it. :)winjay - Wednesday, August 17, 2016 - link
I expected a section on PenTile subpixel image rendering, considering how DisplayMate was gushing about it. Apparently there are algorithms which convert RGB subpixel rendering to RGBG. Oculus rift aparently uses subpixel rendering for VR on its Pentile dislay, though I'm not sure about that fact.Also, no attempt at covering HDR and the (possibly gimicky) app-agnostic "video enhancer" option?
Tylanner - Wednesday, August 17, 2016 - link
Bravo on the opening pictures. They plainly shows the appeal of this device without a single word.I want one
polbit - Wednesday, August 17, 2016 - link
Your reviews are usually what I anticipate the most, as they tend to be well done. I have to say however that I am shocked at your 'merely acceptable' comment about design, because as a 6S Plus owner, after playing with Note 7 at a Verizon store, I find it to be the best looking phone I've ever touched. It is truly beautiful, and makes my 6S Plus look pedestrian by comparison.I think pretty much every other review supports the design aspect of Note 7, Anandtech being the lone wolf in talking it down. Maybe it's time for someone else at Anandtech to evaluate the aesthetics from now on? I have to say that this review has definitely soured my trust of future commentary here...
henrybravo - Wednesday, August 17, 2016 - link
Agreed. The Note 7 and S7 Edge are the best designed phones out there by far. Even The Verge who many claimed to have an Apple bias said so. To read the comment, "Overall, the design of the phone is acceptable, but honestly at this point it’s nothing really special." is pretty funny."We can argue about how Apple uses a plastic liner or whatever minute detail in the design is 'better' ” - LOL no one is arguing that.