Samsung Galaxy NX vs Sony A7 II: A Deep Dive Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

Selecting the right mirrorless camera can often be a balance between sensor capability, autofocus performance, ergonomic comfort, and specialized features tailored to your photography style. Today, we bring into focus two distinctive mirrorless systems from Samsung and Sony that, while released close in time, occupy very different segments and cater to differing photographic needs. Our detailed hands-on comparison between the Samsung Galaxy NX - an innovative early mirrorless system with mobile connectivity - and the highly respected Sony Alpha A7 II, a full-frame pro-grade camera, unpacks their strengths, shortcomings, and suitability across photography genres.

With over 15 years of rigorous testing and field experience, I’ll guide you through a technical and practical evaluation informed by both lab metrics and real-world shooting scenarios, helping clarify which camera fits your creative ambitions and budget.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Handling

Before digging into sensor resolutions or AF algorithms, it’s critical to assess how a camera feels and operates in hand over prolonged periods - this contextualises every other technical facet with ergonomics.

The Samsung Galaxy NX embraces an SLR-style mirrorless body but with a distinctly slabby profile, influenced by its large touchscreen interface reminiscent of smartphones, a natural outcome of Samsung’s background in mobile tech. Measuring 137x101x26 mm and weighing 495 grams, it is relatively slim yet comparatively elongated front-to-back. The aggressive touchscreen integration (4.8-inch HD TFT LCD) favors users comfortable interacting via touch but may seem bulky for traditional camera grip lovers.

In contrast, the Sony A7 II is more compact at 127x96x60 mm but denser, tipping the scales at 599 grams. Its balanced magnesium alloy chassis is finely tuned for professional work, with a pronounced grip and robust button layout distributed intelligently for swift access. The tilting 3-inch LCD (1230k dots) is smaller but supported by a high-resolution electronic viewfinder boasting 100% coverage and 0.71x magnification - vital for critical manual focusing and outdoor framing.

Sony’s control placement is markedly more refined, featuring dedicated dials and customizable function buttons, contrasting Samsung’s minimalist approach that leans heavily on the touchscreen and lacks illuminated buttons. For users seeking tactile feedback and precision control, particularly in rapid shooting disciplines, the A7 II’s ergonomic format is superior. Meanwhile, the Galaxy NX’s hefty screen may appeal to users prioritizing quick menus and app-style controls but may induce fatigue in extended handling.

Summary: Ergonomically, the Sony A7 II provides an optimized balance for serious photographers demanding rapid manual operation, whereas the Samsung Galaxy NX offers a familiar, touchscreen-centric interface ideal for casual shooters or mobile integration enthusiasts.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Still image fidelity remains a cornerstone in camera evaluation, tightly linked to sensor design, resolution, and image processing.

Samsung Galaxy NX harnesses a 20MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.7mm), delivering a modest 5472 x 3648 maximum resolution and incorporating an antialias filter to reduce moiré. Despite a relatively high maximum native ISO of 25600, the sensor tech dates from the early 2010s and lacks depth in dynamic range and low-light performance due to older CIS design and absence of in-body stabilization.

Conversely, the Sony A7 II advances with a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor (35.8 x 23.9mm) providing a larger 855.62 mm² light-gathering area. This augmented sensor size fundamentally enriches image quality by enhancing dynamic range, improving SNR (signal-to-noise ratio), and suppressing high ISO noise. The inclusion of an antialias filter preserves image sharpness with minimal interference patterns, while an enhanced Bionz X processor adeptly manages detail and color fidelity.

Empirically, DxOMark rates the A7 II’s sensor with a stellar overall score of 90, including superior Color Depth (24.9 bits), Dynamic Range (13.6 EV), and Low Light ISO (2449), far surpassing the Galaxy NX whose sensor remains untested due to its niche status but falls visibly short in benchmark comparisons.

Real-World Impact on Photography Genres

• Portraits: The A7 II’s full-frame sensor offers exquisite skin tone rendering and superior shallow depth of field control, facilitating smooth, creamy bokeh - a crucial aspect in flattering portraiture. The APS-C sensor of the Galaxy NX, while capable, inherently produces more depth-of-field at identical apertures and with fewer megapixels, limiting creative background separation.

• Landscapes: The enhanced dynamic range on the Sony allows for better preservation of delicate highlights and deep shadows, critical in high contrast scenes. The Galaxy NX’s dynamic range and lower resolution may struggle with extreme contrast but still deliver usable clarity in well-lit conditions.

• Low Light & Night: Sony’s sensor architecture shines at elevated ISOs with clearer images and reduced noise, enabling shooting at ISO 3200+ with confidence. The Galaxy NX remains more constrained, suitable largely for daytime and well-lit environments.

Summary: The Sony A7 II’s full-frame sensor edge fundamentally elevates all photographic disciplines, while the Samsung Galaxy NX’s APS-C sensor is a capable budget sensor but more limited in image quality potential at high ISOs and challenging lighting.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Reliable, fast autofocus performance can make or break the ability to capture fast-moving subjects or fleeting expressions.

The Samsung Galaxy NX utilizes a hybrid contrast and phase detection autofocus system with face detection capability - common for entry-level mirrorless cameras of its era. However, it only supports single AF mode, with no continuous or tracking autofocus functionality. The system lacks multiple AF points and cross-type sensors, leading to slower acquisition speeds and difficulties maintaining focus on moving subjects.

Conversely, the Sony A7 II boasts a sophisticated 117-point phase detection AF array augmented by a more traditional contrast detection system, providing superior single, continuous, tracking, and multi-area autofocus options. In practice, the A7 II excels at locking focus on stationary and moving subjects alike, maintains accuracy in low light, and supports eye detection AF, considerably benefiting portrait and wildlife photographers.

Practical Takeaways Across Genres

• Wildlife/Sports Photography: The A7 II’s continuous AF, tracking, and burst rate of 5 fps surpass the Galaxy NX's 9 fps burst but limited AF modes in sustaining sharp focus during action shots.

• Street Photography: Quick AF lock and face detection help the A7 II capture dichotomous street scenes rapidly. The Galaxy NX’s slower AF response can miss split-second moments.

• Macro: Precise single-point AF with magnification on the A7 II aids critical close-up focusing better than Galaxy NX, which lacks focus peaking or manual assist features.

Summary: Autofocus is an unmistakable strength of the Sony A7 II, offering reliability and versatility for dynamic shooting scenarios, whereas the Samsung Galaxy NX’s autofocus system is rudimentary, fit for static subjects and beginners.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Photographers shooting outdoors or in harsh conditions require sturdy, weather-resilient gear.

The Sony A7 II incorporates environmental sealing against light dust and moisture, sealed buttons, dials, and an overall magnesium alloy chassis that collectively provide a robust shell suitable for professional use in variable climates.

The Samsung Galaxy NX does not offer any environmental sealing and relies on polycarbonate body materials, making it more vulnerable to dust ingress and moisture damage, thus less appealing for travel or outdoor-focused photographers.

Summary: For rugged, dependable use, the Sony A7 II’s design is a clear advantage for professionals and dedicated enthusiasts operating beyond studio walls.

Display and Viewfinder: Framing and Review Experience

Clear, bright displays and quality viewfinders are paramount for compositional precision.

Samsung’s Galaxy NX offers a large but lower resolution 4.8-inch fixed touchscreen (922k dots) that dominates the rear panel, facilitating menu navigation and image review in a more smartphone-like fashion. While usable, the TFT LCD is relatively reflective and less crisp under direct sunlight.

The Sony A7 II features a smaller 3-inch tilting LCD (1230k dots) without touchscreen functionality but compensates with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) of 2.36 million dots covering 100% frame and offering 0.71x magnification. The EVF provides critical live feedback on exposure, focus peaking, and real-time previews essential for professional framing and manual focus precision.

Summary: The Galaxy NX prioritizes a large touchscreen experience but falls short of professional-grade visualization, whereas the A7 II’s EVF and quality LCD equip photographers with superior framing tools.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Optical versatility significantly amplifies a camera’s creative potential.

The Samsung NX mount system hosts a modest selection of 32 lenses, including primes and zooms. While Samsung produced some quality optics, the system has limited third-party support, constraining options, particularly for specialized lenses (macro, ultra-wide, telephoto).

In contrast, the Sony E mount on the A7 II benefits from extensive native lens offerings - over 120 lenses including a vast range of fast primes, professional zooms, and specialty optics from Sony, Zeiss, Sigma, Tamron, and others. This ecosystem breadth enables coverage from macro to super-telephoto and cine lenses for video work, enabling users to tailor their kit precisely.

Summary: Lens choice strongly favors the Sony A7 II, lending it far greater adaptability across genre needs and budget brackets.

Battery Life and Storage

Longevity and storage flexibility are vital for extended shoots and travel.

The Samsung Galaxy NX provides approximately 440 shots per charge, a respectable figure aided by the power efficiency of its sensor and processor, and supports SD/SDHC/SDXC storage in a single card slot.

The Sony A7 II’s battery life is rated at about 350 shots per charge with the NP-FW50 battery, somewhat lower but arguably offset by the higher processing demands of full-frame and IS-provided video. Storage options meanwhile extend beyond SD cards to also accept Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats, useful for legacy users.

Summary: The Galaxy NX slightly leads in battery longevity; however, the A7 II’s performance remains adequate for most professional field work with spares.

Connectivity and Extras

Both cameras offer built-in wireless communication to ease image transfer.

• The Samsung Galaxy NX integrates built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, allowing automatic geotagging and direct sharing - hallmarks for travel photographers and social media enthusiasts.

• The Sony A7 II includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC (Near Field Communication) for easy pairing with smartphones but lacks GPS. Time-lapse recording is possible through downloadable apps, an edge for experimental videographers and astro shooters.

Both cameras feature microphone and headphone ports, essential for serious videography, though neither supports 4K recording.

Video Capabilities

While neither camera targets professional 4K video workflows, understanding their video functionalities remains important.

• The Samsung Galaxy NX offers Full HD 1080p at up to 30fps with basic codecs (MPEG-4, H.264). Lacking image stabilization, videos tend to require external stabilization aids for smooth footage.

• The Sony A7 II records Full HD in multiple frame rates including 60p and 24p (cinematic), along with advanced codecs like AVCHD and XAVC S, affording better post-production versatility. Sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization markedly improves handheld video smoothness.

Summary: The A7 II’s video features deliver a clear advantage for content creators seeking stable, high-quality footage.

Photography Genre Performance Overview

With technical foundations examined, we now offer a comprehensive comparison of how these cameras perform within specific photographic genres.

Samsung Galaxy NX front Samsung Galaxy NX screen back Sony A7 II front Sony A7 II screen back

Portrait Photography

• Sony A7 II: Exceptional portrait capabilities due to full-frame’s background blur, precise AF with face detection, and superior skin tone rendering from enhanced sensor bit depth.
• Samsung Galaxy NX: Adequate for casual portraits in good lighting but less refined bokeh and AF limitations may frustrate ambitious users.

Landscape Photography

• Sony A7 II: Dominant dynamic range preserves shadow and highlight detail, ideal for HDR workflows.
• Samsung Galaxy NX: Limited by sensor dynamic range and little to no environmental sealing, better as an entry-level landscape tool in forgiving weather.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Sony A7 II: Superior AF tracking, adequate burst rate, and wide lens support make it suitable for action and wildlife.
• Samsung Galaxy NX: Lacking continuous AF and slower acquisition hampers fast action capture.

Street Photography

• Samsung Galaxy NX: Its touchscreen and mobile integration can aid social-focused street shooters needing quick sharing.
• Sony A7 II: Compact body, fast AF, and quieter shutter lend to discreet, high-quality results.

Macro Photography

• Sony A7 II: Greater lens choices with focus peaking facilitate detailed macro work.
• Samsung Galaxy NX: Limited lens support and no stabilization present challenges.

Night/Astro Photography

• Sony A7 II: Enhanced high ISO with stability and tethering apps is ideal.
• Samsung Galaxy NX: Higher noise levels diminish night performance.

Video and Travel Photography

• Sony A7 II wins on stabilization, codec options, and ruggedness.
• Samsung Galaxy NX benefits from integration of GPS and large touchscreen, offering convenience for casual travelers.

Professional Use

• Sony A7 II fits professional workflows with robust build, flexible lens options, and superior RAW file performance.
• Samsung Galaxy NX better serves entry-level users or smartphone users transitioning to interchangeable-lens cameras.

Pricing and Value Consideration

At launch, the Samsung Galaxy NX was priced around $1,300, and the Sony A7 II about $1,455, placing both in aspirational entry-to-pro categories. Today, the A7 II has aged gracefully with strong secondhand demand owing to its full-frame prowess and solid lens ecosystem, often attainable for modest investment. The Galaxy NX’s niche system offers less resale value and accessory support, limiting long-term investment security.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy NX and Sony A7 II ultimately hinges on your photography goals and budget priorities:

• If professional image quality, versatile autofocus, build durability, and a broad lens lineup are indispensable, the Sony A7 II emerges as a clear winner, well-suited for demanding portraits, landscapes, sports, wildlife, macro, and video work.

• If you prioritize a large touchscreen interface, mobile connectivity with GPS, and an entry-level experience with interchangeable lenses in a lighter, more smartphone-like package (and your shooting is mainly static or moderate casual photography), the Samsung Galaxy NX may comfortably satisfy your needs.

Photographers seeking a scalable system with long-term support and higher throughput for professional workflows should gravitate toward the Sony A7 II, while hobbyists and casual users exploring DSLR alternatives might find value in the Galaxy NX’s unique mobile hybrid features.

We hope this detailed technical and practical comparison empowers your buying decision by illuminating the tangible differences beyond specs. Feel free to review sample images, test ergonomics yourself when possible, and factor in your shooting style to select a camera that will inspire your creative journey for years to come.