It was a pretty lit journey, however, the blazing mess that is the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 (AKA: Samsung Galaxy Sizzle) is now over. But what alternatives do customers have? Fear not! Here are five great alternatives that don’t require a bedside fire extinguisher:
LG V20
At number five is the LG V20. This phone is a powerhouse: 5.7-inch Quad HD display, 16-megapixel camera, Snapdragon 820 processor, fingerprint sensor, and Android 7.0 (Nougat) straight out of the box. Much like Samsung, LG is known for throwing their own custom Android skin, which consumers seem to either really love or just not love at all. This is one of the most highly anticipated phones of the year, and early reviews praise the device. If it lives up to the hype, this may give LG the market boost they've been working so hard for during the past few years.
Google Pixel XL
At number four is the new Google Pixel XL. A brand new (and now serious) contender on the market. Google takes direct aim at Apple as the first Android device manufacturer to streamline hardware and software together, and that’s really all that has to be said about this gadget. Integrating the use of hardware and software gives it a giant leg up over most other android handsets, and leads to an overall better user experience. 5.5-inch display, Snapdragon 821 processor, fingerprint scanner, and a better camera than the baseline iPhone 7, this phone packs power in its punches. As the first Daydream-ready phone, users will have the opportunity to experience the Goog's new vision for VR. With the new Google Assistant built right in, unlimited Google Photos storage, and a pure Android experience, users are guaranteed to always get the latest features and security updates directly from Google.
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Reigning in at number three is the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. Nope, not the Note 7.
With features including a Quad HD display, water resistance, and a curved screen on both sides, this is a phone any Android or Samsung fan is sure to love. Released earlier this year, the Galaxy S7 is one of the top phones on the market today. It contains much of what the Note 7 has. So what can make an already great phone greater? A FREE VR headset! For a limited time, if you buy an S7, you get a free Gear VR headset This makes for great entertainment when watching 360° video, playing games, or watching the Presidential debates debacles.
iPhone 7 Plus
At number two, our runner-up is the iPhone 7 Plus. For those who have completely lost faith in Samsung, this is (currently) the next best phone. The iPhone has long been known for its ease of use, reliability, and security, with this iteration being no outlier. The iPhone 7 Plus comes in with a 5.5-inch display (similar to the Note 7), has a dual-speaker setup, and is splash resistant. However, the main selling point is its camera. The 12-megapixel, dual-lens system allows for photography typically limited to most DSLR cameras. Capable of recording in 4K, with Optical Image Stabilization built right in, this handset is the perfect setup for any photo-loving, video-blogging amateur or professional. Although early production units of the phone were plagued with hissing issues, Apple appears to have fixed the problem with their current stock.
It may hiss but it definitely won’t explode.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
For the best alternative to the Galaxy Note 7, who better than its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Note 5? Let’s face it, it doesn’t have the latest version of Android, but if you wanted a Note 7, you wanted it for the Note experience (minus the hot takes [ba-dum-tss]). The S Pen is what makes the Note a Note. Being able to draw or take notes while the device is locked is one of its most convenient features. It's SUPER AMOLD, Quad HD display is simply gorgeous. Its octa-core processor is designed to handle heavy workloads, even by today's standards. This is a device designed for work and play. It’s for the unexpected business moments, the entertainment moments, or the little moments you just wanna capture forever. Oh! And it doesn't explode.
The blow to the Galaxy Note 7 was devastating, considering that it was one of (if not) the hottest smartphones on the market. Although these are great alternative devices, the only thing that is going to actually make the Note line amazing is the release of a Samsung Galaxy Healer (AKA: Galaxy Note 8). The Note brand is tarnished and Samsung needs to re-instill faith into consumers that the widespread issues that plagued the Note 7 will not to happen again with its successor, whatever it is named.