The year 2016 was a pivotal one for smartphones. Innovation was hitting its stride, and manufacturers were pushing boundaries in design, performance, and features. The market was fiercely competitive, with each brand vying for the title of the “best phone.” But which device truly stood out from the crowd and earned the crown? This article delves deep into the key contenders, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to determine the ultimate smartphone champion of 2016.
The Contenders: A Battle of Titans
Several flagship phones emerged as strong contenders in 2016, each boasting unique selling points and impressive specifications. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key players.
Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Refining a Classic
Apple’s iPhone 7 and 7 Plus were highly anticipated releases, building upon the success of their predecessors. They introduced several notable improvements, including a faster processor, improved cameras, and water resistance. The iPhone 7 Plus also featured a dual-camera system, offering enhanced zoom capabilities and a portrait mode with a bokeh effect.
The design remained largely similar to the iPhone 6s, but the removal of the headphone jack sparked considerable controversy. Despite this, the iPhones continued to be a popular choice, thanks to their user-friendly iOS operating system, strong app ecosystem, and reliable performance.
Key Strengths: Excellent performance, improved cameras (especially on the 7 Plus), water resistance, strong ecosystem.
Key Weaknesses: Controversial headphone jack removal, incremental design changes.
Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge: A Return to Form
After facing criticism for the design choices in the Galaxy S6, Samsung redeemed itself with the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. These phones featured a sleek and refined design, along with improved performance, camera capabilities, and battery life. The return of microSD card support and water resistance were also welcome additions.
The Galaxy S7 Edge, with its curved display, was particularly eye-catching and offered unique software features that utilized the curved edges. Both phones were praised for their excellent displays, powerful processors, and impressive cameras.
Key Strengths: Stunning display, powerful performance, excellent camera, water resistance, microSD card support.
Key Weaknesses: Software bloat (although improved), fingerprint magnet design.
Google Pixel and Pixel XL: The Pure Android Experience
Google entered the hardware arena with the Pixel and Pixel XL, aiming to showcase the best of Android. These phones offered a clean and bloatware-free Android experience, along with guaranteed software updates directly from Google.
The Pixel phones were also renowned for their exceptional camera performance, thanks to Google’s advanced image processing algorithms. They quickly became a favorite among Android enthusiasts who valued a smooth and responsive user experience.
Key Strengths: Pure Android experience, guaranteed software updates, exceptional camera, Google Assistant integration.
Key Weaknesses: Bland design, limited availability, relatively high price.
OnePlus 3 and 3T: The Flagship Killer
OnePlus continued its strategy of offering high-end specifications at a competitive price with the OnePlus 3 and later the 3T. These phones featured powerful processors, ample RAM, and fast charging capabilities.
The OnePlus 3T addressed some of the shortcomings of the 3, with an improved front-facing camera and a larger battery. Both phones offered a smooth and responsive user experience thanks to OnePlus’s OxygenOS, which was based on Android but with added customization options.
Key Strengths: Excellent performance, competitive price, fast charging, clean software.
Key Weaknesses: Camera not as good as the competition, design not as premium.
Comparing the Key Features
To determine the best phone of 2016, it’s crucial to compare the key features of each contender.
Performance and Processing Power
All of the flagship phones of 2016 offered excellent performance, thanks to their powerful processors and ample RAM. The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus featured Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, while the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge used either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or Samsung’s Exynos 8890, depending on the region. The Pixel and Pixel XL were powered by the Snapdragon 821, and the OnePlus 3 and 3T used the Snapdragon 820 and 821, respectively. In terms of raw processing power, all these phones were capable of handling demanding tasks and running the latest apps without any issues.
The Verdict: A close tie, with all phones offering excellent performance.
Camera Quality
Camera performance was a major battleground in 2016, with each manufacturer striving to deliver the best image quality. The iPhone 7 Plus offered a dual-camera system with enhanced zoom capabilities and a portrait mode, while the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge excelled in low-light photography. The Pixel and Pixel XL stood out for their exceptional image processing, which produced stunning photos even in challenging lighting conditions. The OnePlus 3 and 3T offered decent camera performance but fell slightly behind the competition.
The Verdict: Google Pixel and Pixel XL edged ahead due to their exceptional image processing. The Galaxy S7 series was a close second.
Display Technology
Samsung’s Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge boasted stunning Super AMOLED displays with vibrant colors and excellent contrast ratios. The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus had Retina displays that were bright and accurate, while the Pixel and Pixel XL featured AMOLED displays that were also highly regarded. The OnePlus 3 and 3T had Optic AMOLED displays that were generally good, but not quite as impressive as the Samsung or Google offerings.
The Verdict: Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge took the crown for their superior display technology.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life varied depending on usage, but all the flagship phones of 2016 offered decent battery life. The OnePlus 3T had a slightly larger battery than the OnePlus 3, which improved its battery life. The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge also offered solid battery performance, while the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus provided adequate battery life for most users. The Pixel and Pixel XL had respectable battery life, but not quite as impressive as some of the other contenders. Fast charging was a common feature among these phones, allowing for quick top-ups.
The Verdict: A mixed bag, with the Galaxy S7 Edge and OnePlus 3T offering slightly better battery life.
Design and Build Quality
Design was a subjective matter, but the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge were widely praised for their sleek and refined design. The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus retained a similar design to their predecessors, which was starting to feel a bit dated. The Pixel and Pixel XL had a somewhat bland design, while the OnePlus 3 and 3T offered a more minimalist aesthetic. Build quality was generally excellent across all the phones, with premium materials and solid construction.
The Verdict: Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge stood out for their design, with the OnePlus phones offering a more minimalist alternative.
Software and User Experience
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus ran iOS, which was known for its user-friendliness and strong app ecosystem. The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge ran Android with Samsung’s TouchWiz (later renamed Experience UI) overlay, which had improved significantly from previous versions. The Pixel and Pixel XL offered a pure Android experience with guaranteed software updates, which was a major selling point for many users. The OnePlus 3 and 3T ran OxygenOS, which was based on Android but with added customization options.
The Verdict: Google Pixel and Pixel XL won for their pure Android experience and guaranteed updates. The iPhone’s iOS also provided a smooth and stable user experience.
The Verdict: The Champion of 2016
After carefully analyzing the key features and considering the strengths and weaknesses of each contender, the title of the best phone of 2016 is a closely contested one. While each phone had its merits, one device emerged as the overall winner, considering the combination of features, performance, and overall user experience.
Considering all factors, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL take the crown as the best phones of 2016. Their exceptional camera performance, pure Android experience, guaranteed software updates, and Google Assistant integration set them apart from the competition. While they may not have had the most stunning design or the longest battery life, their overall package was simply unmatched.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge were a close second, offering a stunning display, powerful performance, excellent camera, and water resistance. They were truly exceptional phones that were well-deserving of recognition.
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus also remained strong contenders, thanks to their powerful performance, improved cameras, and strong ecosystem. However, the controversial headphone jack removal and incremental design changes held them back from claiming the top spot.
Finally, the OnePlus 3 and 3T offered excellent value for money, with high-end specifications at a competitive price. They were a great choice for those who wanted a powerful phone without breaking the bank.
The year 2016 was a remarkable year for smartphones, with a plethora of excellent devices to choose from. Ultimately, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL stood out as the best overall phones, setting a new standard for Android devices and showcasing the power of Google’s software and hardware integration.
What were the major contenders for the best smartphone of 2016?
The year 2016 saw a fierce competition in the smartphone market with several standout devices vying for the top spot. Key contenders included the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, lauded for their impressive cameras and sleek designs; the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, marking Google’s serious entry into hardware with a focus on software integration; the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, offering incremental improvements and a dual-camera system on the Plus model; and the OnePlus 3 and 3T, known for their exceptional value proposition and fast performance.
Beyond these flagship models, other notable phones like the LG G5 with its modular design, and the HTC 10 with its focus on audio quality, also presented compelling features. Each phone catered to different user preferences, making the selection process highly subjective and dependent on individual priorities such as camera performance, battery life, software experience, and price point.
Why was the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge considered a top contender in 2016?
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge distinguished itself with its stunning curved display, which not only enhanced its aesthetics but also offered unique functionalities. Its superior camera performance, particularly in low-light conditions, made it a favorite among mobile photographers. Furthermore, the S7 Edge boasted excellent battery life, powerful performance thanks to its Snapdragon or Exynos processor (depending on the region), and water resistance, making it a durable and reliable device.
Its overall user experience was polished, featuring a refined version of Samsung’s TouchWiz interface. The combination of attractive design, top-tier performance, a class-leading camera, and robust features cemented the Galaxy S7 Edge as a strong contender for the best smartphone of 2016. While not without competition, its well-rounded approach resonated with many consumers and critics alike.
What made the Google Pixel stand out from other Android phones in 2016?
The Google Pixel and Pixel XL stood out primarily because they offered a pure Android experience, free from bloatware and with guaranteed timely software updates directly from Google. This meant users received the latest features and security patches faster than on any other Android device. The Pixel also introduced Google Assistant, a powerful AI assistant deeply integrated into the phone’s functionality.
Furthermore, the Pixel boasted an exceptional camera, often praised for its image processing capabilities, which produced stunning photos even in challenging lighting conditions. Coupled with its smooth and responsive performance, the Google Pixel provided a premium Android experience that many users found highly appealing, marking a significant shift in Google’s hardware strategy.
How did the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus compare to their competition in 2016?
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus offered incremental improvements over their predecessors, focusing on performance enhancements, camera upgrades, and water resistance. The 7 Plus introduced a dual-camera system, enabling optical zoom and improved portrait photography. Apple’s ecosystem integration and user-friendly iOS operating system remained strong selling points, attracting a loyal customer base.
While the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus faced criticism for their relatively conservative design changes and the removal of the headphone jack, their powerful A10 Fusion chip provided excellent performance, and their cameras delivered impressive results. Their appeal lay in their ease of use, strong ecosystem, and reliable performance, solidifying their position as major players in the 2016 smartphone landscape.
What was the unique selling proposition of the OnePlus 3 and 3T in 2016?
The OnePlus 3 and 3T were known for their exceptional value proposition, offering flagship-level specifications at a significantly lower price point than competing devices. They featured powerful processors, ample RAM, and fast charging capabilities, delivering smooth and responsive performance. The “Never Settle” philosophy resonated with consumers seeking high performance without breaking the bank.
Furthermore, OnePlus focused on a clean and customizable OxygenOS interface, based on Android, which provided a user-friendly experience. The combination of affordability, performance, and a near-stock Android experience made the OnePlus 3 and 3T attractive alternatives for budget-conscious consumers who didn’t want to compromise on features or performance.
What factors were considered when evaluating the best smartphone of 2016?
Evaluating the best smartphone of 2016 involved considering a multitude of factors, including performance, camera quality, battery life, display quality, design, and software experience. Performance encompassed processing power, RAM, and storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and responsiveness. Camera quality was judged on image clarity, low-light performance, and video capabilities. Battery life was crucial for all-day usage.
Furthermore, display quality was assessed based on brightness, color accuracy, and resolution. Design included aesthetics, build quality, and ergonomics. Software experience encompassed the user interface, ease of use, and the availability of updates. Ultimately, the “best” smartphone was subjective and depended on individual priorities and preferences regarding these factors.
Is there a definitive answer to which phone “reigned supreme” in 2016?
There is no definitive, universally accepted answer to which phone reigned supreme in 2016. Each of the leading contenders, such as the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Google Pixel, and iPhone 7, had their own strengths and weaknesses. The “best” phone depended heavily on individual user priorities and preferences.
Some users prioritized camera quality and software experience, favoring the Google Pixel. Others valued design and overall user experience, leaning towards the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. Still others remained loyal to the Apple ecosystem and chose the iPhone 7. Therefore, instead of a single winner, 2016 saw a diverse landscape of excellent smartphones catering to various consumer needs.