Last updated: August 2026
The S7 gave back what the S6 took away. Expandable storage returned, water resistance returned, and Samsung kept the improved build. It is the reason the S7 is remembered warmly and the S6 is not.
Why this generation is instructive
Manufacturers do reverse unpopular decisions, but only when enough buyers object. The practical conclusion for anyone choosing a phone:
- If a removal matters to you, wait a generation before assuming it is permanent
- The generation that restores a feature is often the one worth owning
- Buying the version that removed it leaves you with the least-loved model
See Galaxy S6 for the removal, and this page for the correction.
Water resistance, then and now
The S7’s return to a rated design helped normalise water resistance on flagships. Two things to remember about any such rating:
- It degrades with age. Seals and adhesives wear — a decade-old rating means nothing today.
- Water damage is usually excluded from warranty, even on rated phones.
See what an IP rating actually means.
Where the S7 stands now
It dates from 2016 and is long past software support. Do not buy or finance one.
If you own one and it still works, it makes a reasonable spare — but keep no banking apps on it, and assume the water resistance is gone.
See Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S5, Galaxy S range and Samsung contract deals.
Frequently asked questions
What did the S7 bring back?
Expandable storage and water resistance.
Does old water resistance still work?
Assume not. Seals degrade with age.
Is the S7 usable today?
Only as a spare. It is far past software support.
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This is general information, not financial advice.