When Samsung announced its latest product on YouTube earlier this year, it set the tech world and consumer market abuzz with anticipation for the seventh iteration of its flagship smartphone – the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge.

The newest phones by Samsung arrived in stores earlier this month, and Samsung claims it has finally blended style and substance into perfection with these phones. But the question is, are the phones worth buying?

Personally, I see potential in the S7 devices and recommend that users buy them, the price being around $690 for the S7, and around $790 for the Edge.

First, Samsung has improved the performance of its phones. Now armed with a superior processor, the phones are able to launch apps and games, and stream videos quickly and smoothly. Compared to the iPhone 6s, the S7s include Quad HD, a higher-resolution screen that yields a sharper image.

Next, the S7 phones have designs that are beautiful, practical, and also waterproof. According to Samsung, both devices are thicker with more rounded backs, giving them a better feel in the hand.  

Enhanced features include increased brightness, color accuracy, and power efficiency. The camera and battery life were also updated. The S7 phones feature a 12-megapixel rear-facing sensor, providing the phones with 95 percent brighter photos than previous S6 models. Both devices also have a professional-grade dual pixel sensor which allows users to take clear photos in the dark. Battery life totals to 15 hours for the S7, and 18 hours for the Edge, as stated by Samsung.

Between the S7 and the S7 Edge, there are several differences that separate the two from one another. These factors include the design/shape, screen size, and battery life, to name a few.

Online technology review sites such as CNET might claim that the S7 phones have not improved in features at all and are much like Samsung’s previous phone, the S6, or a copy of Apple’s iPhone 6s. I disagree.

Even though the prices of the phones are quite hefty, I suggest that users who are looking for new phones find a plan at their local wireless carrier, and try these phones out, as these features might just appeal to you.

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are now available in stores. For more information on the phones, visit Samsung’s website or call 1-800-726-7864.