The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is a powerful and feature-packed smartphone that has captured the hearts of many Android enthusiasts. One of the key components that make this device tick is its operating system. But have you ever wondered, what operating system does the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge use? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of mobile operating systems and explore the OS that powers this iconic device.
The Android Advantage
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge runs on the Android operating system, specifically Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box. Android, developed by Google, is an open-source operating system that has become the most popular mobile OS in the world. Its flexibility, customizability, and vast ecosystem of apps have made it a favorite among smartphone users.
Android’s open-source nature allows device manufacturers like Samsung to customize the OS to their heart’s content. This results in a unique user experience that sets Samsung devices apart from other Android-powered smartphones. The Galaxy S7 Edge, in particular, comes with Samsung’s proprietary TouchWiz skin, which adds a layer of customization to the standard Android interface.
A Brief History of Android
Before we dive deeper into the Android OS on the Galaxy S7 Edge, let’s take a brief look at the history of Android. Android was first released in 2008, with the first Android device being the T-Mobile G1. Developed by Android Inc., which was later acquired by Google, the OS was initially designed for digital cameras. However, Google saw the potential of Android as a mobile operating system and shifted its focus towards developing it as a smartphone OS.
Over the years, Android has undergone numerous updates, with each new version introducing new features, security patches, and performance enhancements. Some notable Android versions include:
- Android 2.3 Gingerbread (Released in 2010)
- Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (Released in 2011)
- Android 5.0 Lollipop (Released in 2014)
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow (Released in 2015)
- Android 7.0 Nougat (Released in 2016)
- Android 8.0 Oreo (Released in 2017)
- Android 9.0 Pie (Released in 2018)
- Android 10.0 (Released in 2019)
- Android 11.0 (Released in 2020)
Android 6.0 Marshmallow on the Galaxy S7 Edge
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge launched in 2016, a time when Android 6.0 Marshmallow was the latest version of the OS. Marshmallow introduced several significant features, including:
- Doze mode: A power-saving feature that puts the device into a low-power state when it’s not in use, reducing battery drain.
- App permissions: Users can now control app permissions, granting or denying access to specific features and data.
- Fingerprint scanner support: Marshmallow introduced native support for fingerprint scanners, making it easier for device manufacturers to integrate this feature into their devices.
- Google Now on Tap: An enhanced version of Google Now, which provides contextual information and suggestions based on the user’s activity.
The Galaxy S7 Edge’s TouchWiz skin builds upon these Marshmallow features, adding its own set of customization options and features. Some notable TouchWiz features on the S7 Edge include:
- Edge panel: A unique feature that allows users to access frequently used apps, contacts, and features from the edge of the screen.
- Always-On Display: A feature that displays important information, such as the time, date, and notifications, on the screen even when the device is in standby mode.
- Game Launcher: A dedicated app that allows users to manage and optimize their gaming experience on the S7 Edge.
Security Features
The Galaxy S7 Edge’s Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system comes with several security features to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access. Some of these features include:
- Encryption: The device encrypts user data, making it difficult for unauthorized parties to access sensitive information.
- Secure Boot: The device ensures that only authorized firmware is loaded during the boot process, preventing malware and other malicious software from running.
- SELinux: A security framework that enforces mandatory access control policies, further restricting access to system resources.
Upgrades and Updates
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge has received several software updates since its launch, including updates to Android 7.0 Nougat and Android 8.0 Oreo. These updates brought new features, security patches, and performance enhancements to the device.
In 2017, Samsung released an update to Android 7.0 Nougat, which introduced features like:
- Multi-window mode: Users can now run multiple apps simultaneously, enhancing productivity and multitasking capabilities.
- Notification shade redesign: The notification shade was redesigned to provide a cleaner and more intuitive interface.
- Performance enhancements: Nougat introduced several performance optimizations, resulting in faster app launching and improved overall system performance.
In 2018, the Galaxy S7 Edge received an update to Android 8.0 Oreo, which brought features like:
- Picture-in-Picture mode: Users can now minimize apps into a small window, allowing them to continue watching videos or browsing the web while using other apps.
- Notification categories: Notifications are now categorized, making it easier for users to prioritize and manage notifications.
- Background limits: Oreo introduced limits on background app usage, resulting in improved battery life and performance.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, with a unique TouchWiz skin that adds a layer of customization to the standard Android interface. The device has received several software updates, including updates to Android 7.0 Nougat and Android 8.0 Oreo, which brought new features, security patches, and performance enhancements.
The Android operating system, with its open-source nature and vast ecosystem of apps, provides a flexible and customizable platform for device manufacturers like Samsung to build upon. The Galaxy S7 Edge, with its powerful hardware and feature-packed software, is a testament to the capabilities of the Android operating system.
Whether you’re a seasoned Android user or new to the world of smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful and feature-packed device.
What is the operating system that powers the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge?
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is powered by the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system, which is a version of the Android mobile operating system developed by Google. This operating system is designed to provide a seamless and intuitive user experience, with a range of features and capabilities that make it one of the most popular mobile operating systems in the world. The Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system is known for its security features, multitasking capabilities, and customization options, among other things.
In addition to the Android operating system, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge also comes with Samsung’s proprietary TouchWiz user interface, which provides a unique look and feel to the device. The TouchWiz interface is designed to provide easy access to various features and functions, and is highly customizable, allowing users to personalize their device to suit their needs and preferences.
What are the key features of the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system?
The Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system is packed with a range of features and capabilities that make it a powerful and versatile operating system. Some of the key features of the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system include Doze mode, which helps to extend battery life by putting the device into a low-power state when it is not in use; Google Now on Tap, which provides instant access to relevant information and functionality; and Android Pay, which allows users to make mobile payments.
In addition to these features, the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system also includes a range of security features, such as advanced encryption and secure boot, which help to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access to the device. The operating system also includes a range of multimedia features, such as support for high-resolution audio and video, and a robust gaming platform, which makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy playing games on their device.
How does the TouchWiz user interface enhance the user experience?
The TouchWiz user interface is designed to provide a unique and intuitive user experience, with a range of features and capabilities that make it easy to use and customize. One of the key benefits of the TouchWiz user interface is that it provides easy access to various features and functions, with a range of shortcuts and widgets that allow users to quickly launch their favorite apps and access important information. The TouchWiz user interface also includes a range of customization options, such as the ability to change the look and feel of the interface, and to add or remove widgets and shortcuts.
In addition to these features, the TouchWiz user interface also includes a range of productivity features, such as the ability to multitask and access multiple apps at the same time, and a robust notification system that allows users to quickly and easily manage their notifications. The TouchWiz user interface is also highly customizable, with a range of themes and customization options that allow users to personalize their device to suit their needs and preferences.
Can the operating system be upgraded or customized?
Yes, the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system can be upgraded or customized to provide additional features and capabilities. Samsung provides regular software updates for the Galaxy S7 Edge, which can add new features and improve performance. Additionally, users can also customize the operating system by installing third-party apps and widgets, or by rooting the device and installing custom ROMs.
However, it is important to note that upgrading or customizing the operating system can also have risks, such as voiding the device’s warranty or causing instability or errors. Therefore, it is recommended that users exercise caution when upgrading or customizing their device, and only use trusted sources for software updates and customizations.
What are the security features of the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system?
The Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system includes a range of security features that help to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access to the device. Some of the key security features of the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system include advanced encryption, which helps to protect user data by encrypting it when it is stored on the device or transmitted over the network.
In addition to encryption, the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system also includes a range of other security features, such as secure boot, which helps to prevent malware and other unauthorized software from running on the device; and Verify Apps, which scans apps for malware and other threats before they are installed. The operating system also includes a range of features to help users protect their device, such as the ability to remotely lock or wipe the device, and to set up a secure lock screen.
How does the operating system optimize performance?
The Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system is designed to optimize performance and provide a fast and responsive user experience. One of the key ways it does this is by using a range of technologies to manage memory and processing power more efficiently. For example, the operating system includes a range of features to help apps use memory more efficiently, such as automatic memory management and garbage collection.
In addition to these features, the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system also includes a range of optimizing technologies, such as Doze mode, which helps to extend battery life by putting the device into a low-power state when it is not in use. The operating system also includes a range of other features, such as support for hardware-accelerated graphics and video, which help to improve performance and provide a more responsive user experience.
What are the benefits of using the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge?
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is a powerful and feature-rich device that offers a range of benefits to users. One of the key benefits is its high-performance capabilities, which make it an excellent choice for users who enjoy playing games, watching videos, or using resource-intensive apps. The device is also highly customizable, with a range of features and options that allow users to personalize their device to suit their needs and preferences.
In addition to these benefits, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge also offers a range of other advantages, such as its high-quality display, which provides a bright and vibrant viewing experience; and its advanced camera capabilities, which make it an excellent choice for users who enjoy taking photos or videos. The device also includes a range of security features, such as fingerprint recognition and Samsung Knox, which help to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access to the device.