There’s always a catch. Following brilliant revelation after revelation about the impending Galaxy S7, it seems Samsung has made one big mistake…
Attained from traditional leak goal mine Weibo (via SamMobile), new hands-on photos of the Galaxy S7 have given away perhaps the only key question that remained unanswered and it’s not good news: MicroUSB is still there.
Galaxy S7 looks set to skip USB Type-C. Image credit Weibo user Misaka
Yes, despite all the wonderful things the new USB Type-C standard can do, Samsung appears to be sticking with the unloved but ubiquitous microUSB port that has been the standard on smartphones for a number of years. The discovery also appears to backup renders released by prolific leaker @evleaks which showed microUSB but was heavily criticised by many as inaccurate.
Interestingly microUSB still has some backers. Its ubiquity is the reason most supporters will be behind its ongoing inclusion but the reality is Type-C represents the future and, while adoption of any new standard is painful, it is better to rip off the sticky plaster than peel it off bit by bit.
Furthermore with most Android handset makers and even many laptop manufacturers moving to USB Type-C this year (joining the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, OnePlus Two, Chromebook Pixel 2 and MacBook which already made the leap in 2015), Samsung is just causing unnecessary delay to its inevitable succession. As a Nexus 6P and Chromebook Pixel 2 owner, I can say being able to use a single cable to fast charge both devices is a real pleasure.
I do agree that a microUSB phone will still be easier to own during 2016, but assuming Galaxy S7 owners hold onto their phone for 2-3 years I suspect the situation will reverse in 2017/2018. When a technology standard fragments, it's generally better to be on the side which is the future not the past. It is also worth noting a bevy of affordable and reliable cables are starting to hit the market, most high profile of which is Google which is selling its own brand Type C cables on the Google Store.
Galaxy S7 press render previously showed microUSB connector, but was dismissed. Image credit:... [+]
So could the Galaxy S7 microUSB rumours still be wrong? It’s possible, but at this point it seems highly unlikely.
On the plus side, what also looks to be nailed on for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge is an early release date. TechRadar has backed up previous leaks with its own “trusted retail source” to confirm the new phone (and its Edge equivalent) will be on sale as soon as 11 March. This would give the phones a full six months ahead of
I’d argue this is a smart move and, much like the majority of Galaxy S7 changes, shows Samsung has its head screwed on in 2016. Apart from that darn connector…
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