Samsung Galaxy S6 seems to be water-resistant, but not water proof
Yesterday we saw the new Samsung Galaxy S6 receive a beating that it handled surprisingly well. Following that, we have another test that shows what the phone can handle when water is involved. If you were hoping to take your Galaxy S6 SCUBA diving with you, this news will be disappointing to you (though, you really shouldn’t take any phone SCUBA diving…).
A YouTuber by the name of TechSmartt did a water test on Samsung’s newest flagship to see if the phone was up to snuff of its younger brother, the S5. However, the results show that the S6 is only water-resistant, though it is worth noting that even that wasn’t announced by Samsung. See the mentioned video below.
As you can see, water is still not best friend’s with the S6. The good news though is an accidental spill while at a restaurant won’t be the end-all be-all of your fancy new S6.
The post Samsung Galaxy S6 seems to be water-resistant, but not water proof appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Samsung starts April Fool’s early with the Galaxy Blade Edge ‘smart knife’
April Fools might still be a day away for most of us, but that’s not stopping companies from celebrating a bit early with their own little pranks. For Samsung, their April Fools announcement is yet another edge-display variant of the Galaxy S6, the Galaxy BLADE Edge. Samsung Tomorrow bills the new (and completely made-up) device as the world’s first smart knife, containing the same internals as the Galaxy S6 and even running Android with Touchwiz, but a super sharp edge that’s perfect for cutting.
Samsung’s says its knife-phone has a diamond-cut ceramic body that’s razor-sharp and “tougher than stainless steel yet lighter than plastic”. There’s also the ability to chop/cut/slice/dice 50% faster than before, “sensors and algorithms that analyze your grip, dexterity, and strength to set the weight in optimal proportion to create the perfect rhythm and inertia.”
Things get even crazier when Samsung goes into Knox Security and how finger detection prevents you from getting cut, specialized software features, and there’s also mention of several customizable handles made of ceramic, steel, olivewood, or mammoth tusk. A very detailed prank indeed. We certainly recommend checking out the full post on Samsung Tomorrow.
What do you think of Samsung’s April Fools smart knife? Personally, I have to admit I think it looks awesome, even if such a product would be absolutely pointless in real life.
Over the Edge: Why I’m Getting the Galaxy S6 over its curved brother
Instead of the “waterfall” approach the Note Edge took, the S6 Edge looks more like a beverage can.
To say that I was smitten with the Galaxy Note Edge might be an understatement. My very first post on Android Authority was a mini-expose on the (then) Japan-exclusive product. I defended it against the harsh criticisms that people lobbed at it. I used it with love. Funny then, that not only am I disinterested in the Galaxy S6 Edge, but I actually plan to get the standard S6 instead. As for what could cause such a shift, there are two main reasons: the software and the pricing. After discussing both, I will move onto the third (overarching) problem: the concept.
Note-worthy for what it’s missing
Despite the fact that I loved the Galaxy Note Edge, I will accept that most people didn’t get it, in both the literal and figurative sense. The product cost at least a few hundred more than the standard Note 4 and made use of a curved display that critics immediately labeled as a gimmick.
Having used the Note Edge for some time, I (and many other owners) don’t feel ‘novelty-approach’ is a suitable conclusion. The Edge Display SDK has provided a small trove of interesting panels for the device, and basically all for free. Even if you were to buy the pricey product and not use a single optional side panel, the fact that icons and messages will appear there by default means that you’re bound to use it in some context or another.
Take a look at some sample pictures from the Galaxy Note Edge:
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In the top left, you can see various icons along the right side of the display, these were instant shortcuts and served as an “always present” way of multitasking without any superfluous pop-ups. The center picture shows the various Edge panels that can be selected and cycled through at any given time. On the right, you can see how Samsung mapped the camera function to the Edge display, something that bothered me personally but did make perfect sense. Finally, on the bottom left you can see how the Edge panel could be used to display a customized message, along with the various notifications that would run like a stock ticker.
Now compare this to the functionality of the S6 Edge:
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The Galaxy S6 Edge annoys me, for the simple fact that it’s basically useless in my opinion. Let’s put aside the logistics for a second here and just take the smartphone at face value: Samsung has created a product that has a display with two curved edges and essentially stripped away their very functionality and purpose. The Note Edge SDK can not be used with the S6 Edge, and as such all of the existing content panels are useless. To make matters worse, you can’t do anything beyond the 4-core functions present in the S6 Edge and thus there is no potential to tweak or tinker. Edge Lighting, People Edge, Information Stream, and Night Clock: all of these could technically be done on a normal “flat” phone, just with slightly less comfort.
Why did Samsung strip away the real functionality of the Edge Display?
Edge Lighting has the side of the screen light up when you get a phone call or receive a notification. People Edge allows you to color-coordinate the lights with up to 5 contacts. Information Stream is similar to the ticker feature mentioned earlier on the Note Edge, and Night Clock is also related to lights. That’s it. Nothing impressive whatsoever, if you ask me, at least nothing that justifies making use of such a new piece of display technology.
Why did Samsung strip away the real functionality of the Edge Display? Simple: the S6 variant is much thinner than its Note sibling and, therefore, the curves are much less subtle. This in turn means that there is simply no place to put icons and the like. Unlike the Note Edge, the S6 Edge’s display is one single screen as opposed to “two”.
A Problem of Pricing
Another large issue I have here is the pricing structure. The Galaxy S6 Edge is significantly more expensive than the standard S6 and yet the only thing it brings to the table is the curved display. Granted that will cost more to create, but when you think about all the Note Edge could do, and all the S6 Edge can’t, how is the exorbitant pricing justified? Especially because you’re getting less phone for the money than you would with the Note Edge. By this I mean the Note Edge is a significantly larger product with a larger battery and SPen, and so forth.
In this picture it’s actually somewhat difficult to even tell the screen is curved. Your wallet will remember though, that’s for sure.
Samsung is charging an arm-and-a-leg for the S6 Edge because it can. This year more than ever, its products are finally being characterized as premium and precious, something that has been a characterization for Apple ever since the iPhone 4 released, and especially with the iPhone 5. Taking into consideration how expensive the Galaxy S line has always been, basically we’re saying that Samsung finally has a more legitimate claim of “value for money”.
Customers might very well be interested in the Galaxy S6 Edge, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will buy it, all the more so when they go to the store and see the price tag.
Still, given that the Galaxy S6 Edge costs almost as much as the Note Edge did, it remains to be seen just how popular the device will be. Reports have been coming in of Samsung ramping up production of the S6 Edge, but even if they are true, the numbers are based entirely on retail-side expectations, the same lofty projections which resulted in the horrendous Galaxy S5 sales situation last year. Customers might very well be interested in the Galaxy S6 Edge, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will buy it, all the more so when they go to the store and see the price tag, and perhaps compare it with the Note Edge.
While the extra cash required to obtain the S6 Edge actually doesn’t factor into my decision, the fact that the standard S6 costs less, and is basically the same phone, will make some buyers pause.
A Sad Strategy
Let’s not beat around the bush here: if the Galaxy S6 Edge was truly a unique product, it would exist as one, and probably wouldn’t be releasing simultaneously with the standard flagship. Therein lies the problem with the S6 Edge, or at least how I see it: the device is little more than a slightly modified S6. Instead of making a separate, legitimate product a la the Galaxy S Active or Zoom series, Samsung has taken the easy way out and just provided a slight cosmetic change to an existing one a la the Mini series.
At the end of the day, you’re basically getting the Galaxy S6, but with different sides.
The Galaxy S6 Edge should, in my honest opinion, be a product that stands above the S6 in every way, shape, and form. People are complaining about the lack of a removable battery and lack of microSD card support. Two things that the real Edge should have. At the very least, the rear could have been made out of metal (like the Galaxy A and E series) so that the higher price could be less prone to problems; glass just isn’t as durable as metal. If you’re going to be charging more, then why not actually offer more?
The Galaxy S6 Edge should be a product that stands above the S6 in every way, shape, and form.
Now I am well aware that the Galaxy Note Edge itself wasn’t so much a new product as it was a modified Note 4. Perhaps nowhere could this be seen as obviously as here in Japan, where the standard Note 4 wasn’t released at all. This is a fair conclusion, though given the heavy amount of optimization Samsung did with the Edge variant, there was some real work put into making it different, and that permeated throughout the entire experience.
Is the standard Galaxy S6 a bad phone? Hardly. Yet it’s significantly cheaper. Why doesn’t the S6 Edge have some real unique points to justify the price?
How is it that Samsung failed to see the true value of a product like the Edge series and instead relegated it to being a “plus” version of existing hardware, as opposed to existing as a separate brand entirely? The Galaxy Edge series should be positioned as a major step higher than the S or Note lines, and showcase some truly impressive features that not only can’t be done on a normal phone, but also take full advantage of the curved portion(s). The Note Edge did this in my opinion. The S6 Edge does not.
In short, the issue is not so much that the Galaxy S6 Edge isn’t a good phone, rather it’s actually the same phone. It’s the same as the Galaxy S6. Sadly, I don’t need two of the same phones. What do you think, do you agree with my thoughts on the Galaxy S6 Edge or do you prefer the double-edged Galaxy S6 variant over the Note Edge’s implementation?
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T-Mobile Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge ship out, with 177MB OTA update on arrival
T-Mobile has already begun shipping out pre-orders for its Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge smartphones, according to an email sent out to earlier buyers. Smartphones could arrive in consumer hands as early as today and should arrive throughout the week, well ahead of the official April 10th retail launch date in the US.
Both the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge will also arrive with a day one 177MB over the air update ready to download. The change-log for update UVU1AOCG suggests a range of bug fixes, performance improvements and a few minor feature enhancements, but doesn’t appear to make any major changes to the software, from a user’s point of view, or to the interface.
Usually we wouldn’t expect carriers to be so quick with the updates, so it’s nice to see T-Mobile and Samsung teaming up to squash bugs before users even have a chance to complain about them. T-Mobile seems determined to nail this launch, as the carrier has also thrown in a one year free subscription to Netflix when customers order the S6 or S6 Edge before April 12th.
If you haven’t pre-ordered yours yet, T-Mobile is offering the Galaxy S6 starting at $679.92 and has contracts ranging from $0 to $199.99 down with 24 monthly payments of around $27.50. The Galaxy S6 Edge is a little more expensive, starting at $779.76 for the 32GB model or upping the contract price to around £32 per month.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge review: the edge is here to stay
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The Bottom Line
- Beautiful and solid metal/glass design
- Gorgeous display
- Fantastic camera
- Revitalized software is snappier and less bloated
- Improved fingerprint scanner
- Unique curved edge glass (subjective)
- Loud single speaker
- Wireless charging
- Lacks expandable storage (subjective)
- No removable battery (subjective)
- No IP certification for dust and water resistance
- Average battery life
The edge is no longer an experiment, and with Samsung’s new and improved build quality, revitalized software, and hardware changes (for better or worse), it is very clear that Samsung is carving out a new path for itself. The Galaxy S6 Edge is the beautiful result of Samsung’s newfound identity.
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Over the last few years, Samsung has been heavily criticized for their build quality and heavy use of plastic, with consumers eagerly awaiting a design overhaul with every flagship release. This long awaited evolution began with the Samsung Galaxy Alpha which featured a metal frame, a design element that made its way over to the Galaxy Note 4 and the Galaxy Note Edge. The mid-range Samsung Galaxy A series also debuted around this timeframe, featuring full metal unibody designs. These experiments culminated into what we have today, the Galaxy S6, along with a version that includes Samsung’s unique edge concept. What does the Galaxy S6 Edge have to offer when compared to its flagship counterpart and the competition? We find out, as we dive into this in-depth Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge review!
Design
While Samsung may have taken some inspiration from existing products when it comes to the design language, there’s no denying that the Galaxy S6 Edge is the company’s most beautiful phone yet. Samsung has finally given us a phone befitting the flagship title, and the high price point the device commands. The Galaxy S6 Edge features a metal frame with chamfered edges that holds together two Gorilla Glass 4 panels, resulting in a very solid feel in the hand. The glass on the front and back allows for a translucent effect that is extremely eye-catching when the light hits it at just the right angles.
Although this is a welcome new direction on the design front, there is no mistaking the Galaxy S6 Edge for anything other than a Samsung device. For starters, the typical button layout returns with the power button and volume rocker on the right and left, respectively, both offering a solid tactile feel. As always, Samsung’s signature physical home button can be found up front, flanked by capacitive recent apps and back keys.
Above the display are the usual sensors, the front-facing camera, and a very bright notification LED. On top is an IR blaster and the nano-SIM card slot, with the headphone jack and speaker moving from their usual positions at the top and on the back, respectively, to the bottom, with the microUSB port placed squarely in between. At the back is the camera module, with the heart rate monitor now found next to it.
As is the case with the Galaxy S6, the camera does protrude quite a bit here, due to the thin body of the device. This is something that we’ve started to see with an increasing number of devices, mostly of the ultra-thin variety. At least in my experience, the protruding lens hasn’t been impacted negatively with the Galaxy S6 Edge, but it’s something to be careful about, as we saw in the review of the Galaxy S6.
The new design aspects are not without compromises, with expandable storage, a removable battery, and waterproofing all being cut from the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. Some may view the removal of these staple Samsung features as a step backward, some may simply not care, and some probably won’t even notice, depending on which device they’ll be making the switch from. Samsung has thus far always preferred function over form, typically piling on a slew of hardware and software features. This time around, the focus on form does result in some of these features being given a skip. This will surely be a subject of debate for many users, and it’s going to be up to you to decide as to whether the premium design is worth those sacrifices.
At 5.1-inches, the Galaxy S6 Edge is still within the realm of comfortable one-handed use for most users, but its unique design does raise questions with regards to the overall handling experience. To put any doubts to rest, holding the device isn’t any different from using a device with a flat display. Even though the glass curves into the metal frame, the actual display portion does not. As such, what you grip in the hand and hold on to is purely metal and bezel, and the device is not as prone to accidental taps or presses as you might expect. With the way Samsung has implemented the features that take advantage of these edges, it is, in fact, actually very difficult to trigger them unless you’re intentionally trying to.
Display
The star of the show really is the Galaxy S6 Edge’s display, with the device featuring a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED screen with Quad HD resolution, resulting in a pixel density of a whopping 577 ppi. The advantages of Quad HD are debatable, but it is impossible to deny that the display here is simply gorgeous. All the great characteristics of Super AMOLED can be found here including deep blacks, high contrast ratios, and saturated colors. With 600 nits worth of brightness, the screen is extremely vivid and easy to see in broad daylight, and everything from web browsing, games, and video look absolutely fantastic on it. That said, the color calibration can also be toned down from the Settings, if the default doesn’t quite suit your taste.
What sets the Galaxy S6 Edge apart however, and gives it its name, is the way the display is curved onto the sides and disappears into the metal frame. This is a concept people will be familiar with from the Galaxy Note Edge, but this time around, the edge can be found on both sides of the display. Plus, the edges are no longer visually separated from the rest of the display, like on the Note Edge. Apart from the software features that take advantage of these edges, I really liked the swiping experience, which is extremely smooth and seamless, fitting right in with the various slide out elements found in Android 5.0 Lollipop. The illusion that it creates, of the user interface rolling in from underneath the glass as you swipe inwards, and disappearing as you push outwards, gives it that extra charm.
Performance
Another big change Samsung made with its latest flagships was the decision to go all-in with its in-house processing package, entirely skipping Qualcomm this time around. Under the hood, the Galaxy S6 Edge packs an octa-core Samsung Exynos 7420 processor, clocked at 2.1 GHz, and backed by the Mali-T760 GPU and 3 GB of RAM.
With its top of the line specifications, coupled with the software optimizations made by Samsung, the Galaxy S6 Edge is blazing fast. The sluggishness that is typically associated with Samsung devices is nowhere in sight, with the Galaxy S6 Edge flying through the elements around the UI, quickly jumping in and out of applications, and comfortably handling multi-tasking and gaming without missing a beat. The animations throughout the user interface have also been cleaned up to make the phone feel just as fast as you would expect. Probably the best feature to showcase this impressive speed is the ability to launch the camera in less than a second with a simple double-tap of the home button.
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It isn’t all perfect though — there is one glaring hiccup, even though the blame may lie entirely on the software side of things. Swiping into the My Magazine second screen is now faster than ever, but swiping out forces a one-second pause before you can do anything. This makes it feel like this second screen implementation isn’t as well integrated as Google Now or Blinkfeed are. Granted, this only occurs if My Magazine is enabled, and since this is a software issue, a fix is likely on the way. Still, it’s worth mentioning, even if it doesn’t take away from the raw power that this device delivers otherwise.
Hardware
With expandable storage now out of the picture, Samsung is hoping to alleviate this concern by offering the Galaxy S6 Edge in 32 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB variants. The heart rate monitor makes a return, but is now in a vertical orientation, and it seems to work more effectively thanks to this. The fingerprint scanner that is integrated into the home button has also been improved. The sensor is now touch-based, instead of the rather cumbersome swipe-based type found in the previous generation, making it much faster and easier to use.
As far as speaker is concerned, the newly bottom-mounted speaker is surprisingly loud, and can easily be heard even in noisy environments. It does suffer from the same issue that all speakers placed in this position are facing though, with the sideways-firing audio being easily muffled when you hold the device in the landscape orientation. The Galaxy S6 Edge may not be on par with its front-facing counterparts, but this is still one of the better sounding speakers you’ll get from a Samsung device.
Another point of contention is with regards to the battery. The battery on the S6 Edge is not only non-removable, but also, the 2,600 mAh capacity seems rather small, especially when taking the Quad HD display it has to power into consideration. The Exynos 7420 does feature a 14-nm processor that is much more energy efficient, but all in all, that only helps to keep the battery life at just above average. With that said, even if you will have to charge the device every night, getting through a full day of use should be easy, keeping in mind that the screen-on time won’t go very far beyond the 4 hour mark.
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Wireless charging is now built-in, and Samsung is utilizing a dual-mode charging technology that allows the Galaxy S6 Edge to work with both the WPC and PMA standards, which, in layman’s terms, means that this device will work with the vast majority of wireless chargers, giving you a variety of charging options.
Camera
The Galaxy S6 Edge features a 16 MP sensor with optical image stabilization and a very wide aperture at f/1.9. Samsung has decided to ditch the ISOCELL camera tech it used on the Galaxy S5, in favor of a more conventional sensor, but this change is really for the better.
The camera UI has been cleaned up and simplified, making it a lot easier to navigate. Basic camera settings like filters and HDR mode (which now features an auto mode that kicks in when needed) are all available. Camera modes are easily accessible by swiping to the right, or by tapping the mode button in the bottom right corner. The camera modes have also been slimmed down to just a few, like panorama, selective focus, and a pro mode for full manual controls, with users being given the option to download more if required. A new mode called Virtual Shot has been added, allowing you to take a full 360 degree view of an object. But, as cool as it looks on the viewfinder, it’s not something that can be easily shared on social media.
Of course, picture quality is what matters the most, and the great news is that this camera absolutely delivers. Pictures are sharp, colorful, and full of detail, and the shutter speed is extremely quick. More often that not, I got exactly the image I wanted on the first try. The tracking autofocus is a nice touch, especially for moving objects like cars or pets, and the f/1.9 aperture gives off a “natural” bokeh effect, that just can’t be beaten by fancy software tricks that try to emulate it. HDR also works well on this camera, bringing out some extra detail. It’s not overly aggressive though, and sometimes you’ll be hard pressed to see a difference between the standard shot and the HDR shot. 4K video recording is also possible, and even though video stabilization is disabled in this mode, the built-in OIS prevents the video from becoming too shaky.
The camera is also pretty phenomenal in low light, and what you’ll soon realize is that you can’t always trust what you see in the viewfinder. The viewfinder may show a grainy and colorless image, but once you take the photo, it’s a completely different result, which is a testament to how well the software handles post processing. The low light images may appear slightly muddy in the darker spots of the photos, but the post processing does a great job of cleaning up the excess noise, providing for an overall sharp looking image, particularly at the point of focus.
Samsung cameras have always historically been pretty good, but Samsung continues to exceed expectations with their latest offerings, and it’s going to be up to other Android manufacturers to keep up.
Software
Changes are not limited to the design and hardware of the S6 Edge, with the latest in the Galaxy S series also bringing improvements to the software. The Galaxy S6 Edge is running on Android 5.0 Lollipop with a revamped version of the TouchWiz UI on top, which is lighter, cleaner, and faster than ever before. Samsung finally got rid off all the slow animations, the Settings menu isn’t the convoluted mess it once was, and all the annoying “nature” sounds have been removed.
The general aesthetic remains largely the same though, even if things aren’t as jarring as they once were. Another welcome addition on the software side is the newly introduced Themes feature — the built-in theme engine allows you to change the user interface completely, including icons, wallpapers, sounds, native applications, and the notification shade. The theme options available as of now are somewhat limited, but should get much better once Samsung opens up the feature to theme makers.
The trimming of the TouchWiz UI continues with regards to the pre-installed applications, with only S Health and S Voice still present from Samsung’s old stable of apps. Users are given the option to disable or uninstall some of the pre-loaded apps as well. The slew of features that Samsung usually packs into its devices have also been cut down; features like air gestures and toolbox are no longer available, while more useful ones, like multi-window, Smart Stay, and palm swipe to capture have been retained.
One of the software aspects that doesn’t get talked about much is the built-in keyboard, but it’s worth a mention here, because Samsung redid its keyboard from the ground up. It’s now extremely accurate and easy to type on, and the dedicated number row is a nice touch. I haven’t felt compelled to replace this keyboard with a third-party one, something that otherwise I usually do right away. In a lot of ways, this keyboard is very comparable to the Google keyboard in terms of accuracy and word prediction, and that says a lot about the time Samsung has dedicated to revitalizing its software.
Now we come to the side of the software that takes advantage of the curved glass of the Galaxy S6 Edge. The edge features can be set to either the left or right edge, depending on which hand you mostly use when holding the device. The new features are Edge Lighting, People Edge, Information Stream, and Night Clock.
With Edge Lighting, the edge of the screen will light up when you receive calls or notifications, and can be dismissed by simply placing your finger on the heart rate monitor. If People Edge is enabled, the colors will light up according to what you have assigned for each individual contact. You can add up to five of your favorite contacts, and have them easily accessible with a swipe on the top portion of the display. From here, you can place a call or send a text message, and if you have a missed call or message from your contacts, it will place additional tabs on the edge of the display so you can easily respond.
Information Stream allows you to view various streams like Twitter, Yahoo News, sports scores, and more. Tapping on a stream will take you into its respective application if you want to see more, and additional streams are also available for download. While useful, the implementation is a little bit clunky, as you have to swipe quickly back and forth across the edge to activate it, and doesn’t feel intuitive.
The final feature is called Night Clock and it’s pretty self-explanatory. The edge can be used as a night clock, and you have the ability to set the time at which this feature is automatically activated and when it turns off again.
People Edge and Night Clock are certainly the more useful of the bunch. Not a lot of people are going to be placing their devices face down to really take advantage of Edge Lighting, and unfortunately, the implementation of the information stream isn’t the best in its current iteration. Features you don’t use can easily be turned off, but if you decide not to use any of these additions, it almost defeats the purpose of picking the Edge variant of the Galaxy S6.
Specifications
| Display | 5.1-inch Super AMOLED 2560 x 1440 resolution, 577 ppi |
| Processor | Exynos 7420 |
| RAM | 3 GB |
| Storage | 32/64/128 GB |
| Camera | 16 MP rear camera with OIS 5 MP front-facing camera with 90 degree wide angle lens |
| Connectivity | WiFi a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, GPS + GLONASS |
| Networks | LTE cat 6 300/50 |
| Battery | 2,600 mAh Fast charging WPC and PMA-compatible wireless charging |
| Software | Android 5.0 Lollipop |
| Dimensions | 142.1 x 70.1 x 7.0 mm 132 grams |
| Colors | Black, white, gold, green |
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Pricing and Final Thoughts
In regards to price, you can expect the Galaxy S6 Edge to be priced at a premium over the Galaxy S6. So far, only T-Mobile and AT&T have come forward with pricing, with T-Mobile coming in just shy of $780 for the 32GB model, and it only goes up for higher storage options. The AT&T version will be available from 815, and we can expect the remaining carriers to be priced similarly. As you may already know, the Galaxy S6 Edge will be available in four different colors, depending on carrier or region. The green option is exclusive to the Edge, just like the blue option is exclusive to the regular Galaxy S6. With all of the different storage options and colors available, users will have plenty of choices to pick from.
So there you have it – an in-depth look a the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge! The edge has grown up, and is no longer the experiment that it was on the Galaxy Note Edge. We can expect the Galaxy S6 Edge to be marketed just as heavily, if not even more so, as its flat counterpart. The edge will probably be one of the key aspects of Samsung’s new identity going forward. There isn’t a lot that sets the Galaxy S6 Edge apart from the Galaxy S6 though, except for the unique design and the still somewhat limited software features that take advantage of the edge. So it’s up to you to decide if the premium you’ll be paying for the Galaxy S6 Edge is worth it.
HTC One M9 and Galaxy S6 pre-orders kick off: which are you buying?
The time has come for many smartphone fans around the world to choose which device they’ll pick up next – the Samsung Galaxy S6 or the HTC One M9. Both devices are now up for pre-order on most U.S. carriers, so tell us, which one will you choose?
Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge
Samsung’s Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge are arguably two of the most beautiful devices the company has ever produced. Both handsets feature a dual-sided glass build with metal trim and a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED Quad HD display. The S6 has a 2550mAh non-removable battery, while the S6 Edge will give you a little more juice with its 2600mAh cell. They’re both powered by a Samsung Exynos 7420 processor, 3GB of RAM, and either 32, 64 or 128GB of on-board storage. Although Samsung has opted to give us higher storage options this time around, the omission of a microSD card slot and removable batteries may stray Samsung fans away from the company’s newest devices. To learn more about the Galaxy S6, check out our full review.
Where to buy:
Since there are multiple different storage options available on each carrier, to save some room, we’ll give you availability info for the 32GB variant of each device.
Galaxy S6
- AT&T – $199.99 with a two-year agreement/$22.84 per month with the Next 24 program
- T-Mobile – $679.91 outright/$27.50 per month over 24 months
- Sprint – $199.99 with a two-year agreement (after $50 mail-in rebate)/$20 per month over 24 months
- U.S. Cellular – $199.99 with a two-year agreement/$34 per month for 20 months
- Verizon has yet to open up pre-orders, but you can sign up on this page to get updates on the device
Galaxy S6 Edge
- AT&T – $299.99 with a two-year agreement/$27.17 per month with the Next 24 program
- T-Mobile – $779.76 outright/$32.49 per month over 24 months
- Sprint – $299.99 with a two-year agreement/$25 per month over 24 months
- U.S. Cellular – $299.99 with a two-year agreement/$39.50 per month over 20 months
- Verizon hasn’t opened up pre-orders for the S6 Edge either, but you can sign up on this page to get updates on the device
Read more:
- Samsung Galaxy S6 hands-on and first impressions
- Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge hands-on and first impressions
- Samsung Galaxy S6 officially announced: here’s what you need to know
- Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Apple iPhone 6
HTC One M9
While Samsung changed just about everything with the S6 and S6 Edge, HTC went for a more iterative approach this time around. Even so, it’s hard denying that the HTC One M9 is one beautiful smartphone. The handset features HTC’s iconic aluminum unibody design language and a 5.0-inch LCD full HD display. It’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, 3GB of RAM and comes with 32GB of on-board storage with microSD expansion up to 128GB. It also has a non-removable 2840mAh battery. HTC decided to move the UltraPixel camera around to the front of the M9, but the device’s 20.7MP rear-facing shooter just doesn’t compare to the Galaxy S6’s 16MP camera. Many HTC fans have been concerned that the One M9 isn’t a worthy upgrade from the One M8, though many would argue the company didn’t need to make drastic changes this time around. For more information on the One M9, check out our full review.
Where to buy:
- AT&T – $199.99 with a two-year agreement/$23.64 per month with the Next 24 program
- T-Mobile – $649.92 outright/$27.08 per month over 24 months
- Sprint – $199.99 with a two-year agreement/$20 per month over 24 months
- Verizon’s pre-orders begin April 1st, and you can sign up here if you’d like updates on the device
- HTC – $649 outright for the unlocked/developer editions
Read more:
- HTC One M9 hands-on and first impressions
- HTC One M9 officially announced: here’s what you need to know
- HTC One M9 vs HTC One M8 quick look
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Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Apple iPhone 6
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The intense rivalry between Samsung and Apple in the smartphone world is well documented, and comparisons are bound to be made between their latest offerings. With the sixth iterations of their respective flagships, even if only in the nomenclature when it comes to the Apple smartphones, the competition is as heated as ever.
Following the announcement at MWC 2015, we managed a quick look at the Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 6. But after picking up the device and giving the Galaxy S6 the full review treatment, we now have the opportunity dive into a more detailed comparison between the Samsung flagship and both of Apple’s latest smartphones. Here’s an in-depth look at the Samsung Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 6 and 6 Plus!
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Design
Metal is the order of the day for both Samsung and Apple, with Samsung finally taking their design language and build quality in a new direction. The metallic inclinations are more so in the case of the Apple devices though, with their full metal unibody design, while the Galaxy S6 features a metal frame that holds together two glass panels up front and at the back.
Of course, the Galaxy S6 still retains a lot of what has defined Samsung devices, especially by keeping the classic button layout, with its fingerprint reading tactile home button flanked by capacitive Recent Apps and back keys up front, along with the power button and volume rocker being placed on the right and left respectively. What is being hotly debated about this latest Galaxy S is the lack of a removable backing, which results in no access to the battery, along with the removal of expandable storage, both previously common features.
On the back there is still a heart rate monitor, and the camera sticks out quite a bit, but there is little to really clutter the form factor of this phone. Handling is as good as ever with a 5.1 inch screen, and the device has a lightness and thinness to it that keeps it really nimble for one handed usage. Despite the fact that the headphone jack, microUSB port and speaker grill have all been moved to the bottom, this still looks and feels very much a Samsung device, through and through.
When it comes to its competitor, the iPhone 6 also marked a change in Apple’s design language. A larger 4.7-inch display finally makes its way to the main model, with the iPhone 6 Plus boasting an even larger 5.5-inch screen for those who really want that extra screen realestate. Focusing mainly on the smaller model, the now Apple-esque metal construction keeps the phone looking and feeling really nice, while also retaining its own signature button layout of the home button up front and the volume rockers and silence toggles on the left side. The power button has been brought to the right side this time around though, to accommodate the larger size.
With the iPhone 6 just 0.1 mm thicker than the Galaxy S6, both of these phones are very similar in the handling experience they offer, with the iPhone getting a slight bump in ergonomics because of its comparatively smaller screen size. For any Apple veteran, it’s hard not to appreciate what the company did with their refined and now larger offerings in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
On the other hand, Samsung veterans will still be split due to the compromises that the company had to make with this new design. Users who hated the plastic construction of Galaxy devices will applaud this change to metal and glass. That said, anyone that wants to have full capabilities like replaceable batteries and expandable storage will likely find Samsung’s decisions with the GS6 to be a step in the wrong direction. Nonetheless, metal is the way to go for both of these devices, and it’s a personal choice as to which company rocks it better, but we like both, and applaud Samsung for finally making a substantial change in design.
Display
As already mentioned, the iPhone got a bump up to 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches in the 6 Plus, basically flanking the middle size of 5.1-inches of the Samsung Galaxy S6.
Adhering to their original company philosophy of pixel density, Apple keeps the resolutions of both fairly low compared to many new Android counterparts, keeping the iPhone 6 at a 1334 x 750 resolution with a pixel density of 326 ppi, though the 6 Plus does get a 1080p display with a pixel density of 401 ppi. As Android manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of specifications, Quad HD is the new flavor, with the 2560 x 1440 resolution delivering an amazing 577 ppi.
If you are looking for a great display experience, you’d be hard pressed to find flaws in many of these devices, unless you’re really spec hungry. The Galaxy S6 manages to have a high powered display without sacrificing how well it performs, and with such a high pixel density, everything from media to text looks gorgeous under the great contrast levels of a Super AMOLED display. The Apple phones don’t suffer from any sharpness issues due to their resolutions, though their IPS LCD constructions may not be as pleasing to the eyes of Super AMOLED fans.
Users who want to have a very good media experience with the iPhones would likely opt for the larger 6 Plus for its real estate, while the Galaxy S6 toes the lines of comfort and size with its 5.1-inch panel. Super AMOLED continues to really prove itself as a great display experience, and it is a feather in the cap of Samsung, but Apple’s retina displays definitely hold their ground as a display tech with a rich pedigree.
Performance
It may sound like an excuse nowadays, but these two ecosystems bring with very different processing packages and associated performance experiences, no matter how you look at it. Though this has always been the general line for comparing Android and iOS, this new crop of flagship devices out of the Android camp seem to be getting the speed upgrade that some believe it has been in need of.
With the Galaxy S6, Samsung opted for a different processing package from the otherwise expected latest Snapdragon from Qualcomm, instead favoring their in-house 2 GHz octa-core Exynos 7420 processor as a replacement, backed by the Mali-T760 GPU and 3GB of RAM. Android 5.0 Lollipop can take quite a bit of the credit here as well, and the Touchwiz UI has been furthered optimized by Samsung. The end result is one of the most fluid experiences that the company has ever put out. Stutters are nearly non-existent, and movements through the interface, and even among different apps, in either the recent apps screen or through the multi-window feature, are as smooth as ever.
In the latest iterations of their smartphone, the 1.4 GHz dual-core Apple A8 with 1 GB of RAM is able to sufficiently power Apple’s operating system with few problems. This disparity in processing packages is the main reason why it’s clear Android and iOS are completely different beasts.
As an operating system catered to just one platform of devices, it makes sense that Apple would optimize iOS fully, and the result is an experience that has thus far stood the test of time for Apple veterans. But Android seems to be in a bit of a renaissance, led by the different OEMs who we feel are starting to step up their game in the performance department, and Samsung deserves quite a bit of credit for closing the gap between its version of Android and iOS.
Hardware
Hardware takes on a similar story for these phones, especially considering Samsung’s new compromises. Both phones come without expandable storage, so paying for 32, 64, or 128 GB options are up to the user.
Both devices sport fingerprint readers integrated into their respective home button, and this time around Samsung made it a press type rather than swipe, which is definitely the better implementation, and something that Apple has used for a couple generations now. As such, turning on either phone is a simple matter of hitting the home button and leaving the finger there to be read.
Speakers on both of these devices are on the bottom now, which was the headline design similarity between these two, but the truth remains that Samsung finally brought the speaker away from the back and put it in a better space. In our testing, the Galaxy S6 speaker sounded a bit louder, though in either case, we’d prefer to have headphones in much noisier environments.
Finally, when it comes to the battery, Samsung might have lost its edge a little bit by encasing the battery, but its longevity is about where Android veterans can expect it to be. A day and a half could be had if power saving modes are taken advantage of, but fast charging is probably the tool most users will benefit from with this 2,550 mAh unit. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus haven’t gotten too many high notes on battery, and that’s something Apple users are used to in their respective camp as well. Respectable numbers of around 12 hours of battery life with moderate daily usage are observed in both of these phones.
The lack of certain features for both of these phones have displeased plenty of users in either camp, and perhaps in this section, it’s a bit clearer how neck and neck these phones are slowly becoming in their current iterations.
Camera
When it comes to the camera, features that are found in the Samsung Galaxy S6 are split in the two versions of the iPhone, mainly with regards to OIS, that is only available with the iPhone 6 Plus. To even out the playing field a little bit, all the sample pictures are all from from the 6 Plus. After all, if you want OIS between the Galaxy S6 and the iPhone 6, the Samsung smartphone is the obvious choice.
That said, while OIS will help with stabilization in both photos and videos, both iPhone models deliver quality photo and video taking experiences. The camera application is pretty minimalistic though, with swipes controlling the mode, with there being few extra settings aside from filters and automatic HDR. Slow motion and time-lapse are fun additions to the camera experience, and I have seen some really nice examples from both effects.
The Samsung Galaxy S6, on the other hand, has plenty of options to enhance photos, though the main story is the inclusion of f/1.9 apertures and auto-HDR that is available with both cameras. Indeed, selfies from both phones are pretty good, and this is evidenced in the Apple camp by just how many iPhone self portraits are all over social media. The Galaxy S6 brings a lot of customization to pictures, including the option to change picture and video sizes, and a Pro mode even brings the ability to manually focus the shot, along with all other options typical of a manual mode. Panorama and slow motion video are available with the Galaxy S6 as well.
Samsung Galaxy S6 camera samples
Picture quality might be as neck and neck as they have ever been, with Samsung bringing their A-game to contend with the historically well regarded Apple picture quality. Images captures with either camera have great color reproduction, and details in all but the dimmest of situations remain well captured. Sharpness is at its best in these newest versions of their respective lines, and it seems Samsung has opted to keep noise reduction to a minimum, so pictures are more accurately depicted, rather than smudged out by bad post processing.
iPhone 6 Plus camera samples
Low light performance favors the Samsung Galaxy S6, as it manages to get good detail without too much noise in plenty of darker situations, though some fiddling with the exposure compensation will be needed to keep things from going uneven. As Samsung further closes the gap in camera quality since the great performer of the Galaxy Note 4, it seems the only real problem the iPhone has here is a smaller sensor at 8 MP, as the Galaxy S6 demonstrates that its larger 16 megapixels sensor captures a bit more detail for its better post processing to work on.
You won’t have a bad time with either of these cameras when it comes to quality. For shooting options, both provide some compelling versions of their own creative modes, but if what you want is more freedom in catering your shot, the Galaxy S6 is definitely the better choice.
Software
In software, we get some key enhancements in both versions of these respective interfaces, with one updating its look a bit, and the other finally getting the speed boost we’ve been waiting for.
Starting with the iPhones, the Apple OS got a pretty significant upgrade in iOS 7, continuing to bring its control center for easy access to settings, a notification dropdown for stocks, scheduling, and general happenings, and a more holo-like look all around that has helped keep the long standing operating system from looking too long in the tooth. Granted, there have been updates to iOS 8 recently, but these updates focus mainly on the Apple Watch and a new suite of health applications that we have yet to really put through its paces. All in all, iOS veterans remain satisfied with their flavor of smartphone operating system, even with its lack of an app drawer, a mainstay of Android.
On the back of the newest version of Android, Touchwiz has finally received the update that we’ve been waiting for. Coupled with the in-house processing package in the Exynos 7420, this version of the Samsung interface is both smoother and slimmer. Many of the different features that cluttered the operating system in the past are no longer here, like the air gestures. Some of the special features like the MultiWindow and the S Window do remain, albeit without the annoying tutorials all over the place that used to push these capabilities in the user’s face.
Samsung’s UI does get some aesthetic changes as well, including a few new transitions and effects that are somewhat akin to the ones found originally in iOS, but they also suit this version of Touchwiz very well. S Health itself has been updated, though how it stacks up against the medical suite in iOS remains to be seen. Ultimately, the Galaxy S6 is a phone that takes the Lollipop enhancements and puts its own flavor on it. With the Galaxy S6 and the latest Touchwiz you finally get a proper, reliable experience from Samsung’s UI, which of course, can be bolstered by extra features if you want them, by digging a little deeper.
Ultimately you will already know which of these operating system suits you. Apps and capabilities between them are largely the same, unless you’re looking to multitask the Samsung way, but in the end the main story here is how Samsung has really done something great with their UI
Specs Comparison
| iPhone 6/Plus | Samsung Galaxy S6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 4.7-inch IPS LCD 1334 x 750 resolution, 326 ppi 5.5-inch IPS LCD |
5.1-inch Super AMOLED 2560 x 1440 resolution, 577 ppi |
| Processor | 1.4 GHz dual-core Apple A8 | Exynos 7420 |
| RAM | 1 GB | 3 GB |
| Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 32/64/128 GB |
| Camera | 8 MP rear camera 1.2 MP front-facing camera with OIS for iPhone 6 Plus |
16 MP rear camera with OIS 5 MP front-facing camera with 90 degree wide angle lens |
| Connectivity | WiFi a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 4.0, NFC (Apple Pay only), GPS+GLONASS |
WiFi a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, GPS+GLONASS |
| Networks | 3G/4G LTE | LTE cat 6 300/50 |
| Battery | 1,810 mAh 2,915 mAh – iPhone 6 Plus |
2,550 mAh Fast charging WPC and PMA-compatible wireless charging |
| Software | iOS 8 | Android 5.0 Lollipop |
| Dimensions | 138.1 x 67 x 6.9 mm 129 grams 158.1 x 77.8 x 7.1 mm |
143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8 mm 138 grams |
| Colors | Space gray, silver, gold | Black, white, gold, blue |
Gallery
Final Thoughts
And so, there you have it – the Samsung Galaxy S6 vs the Apple iPhone 6 and 6 Plus! Both of these phones bring their bang for huge buck, as flagships like these do run a very pretty penny. You’ll be paying a lot for either of these phones off contract, and even more so if you opt for the larger storage options.
Some users will lament the changes Samsung made because a couple key features, the replaceable battery and expandable storage, are what got cut to trim down the overall experience of the Galaxy S6 into one that we’re actually happy to recommend to users new and old. These changes aren’t exactly seen as compromises in the eyes of Apple users though, who have had to contend with embedded batteries and fixed storage for years now. What has seemed to work for iPhone users will have to work for Galaxy users going forward, and that’s what will continue Samsung’s polarizing nature.
The best way of looking at these two phones is how the race between them has gotten much closer, perhaps neck and neck. So, if you want either a smaller or bigger screen with the proven power of iOS, the iPhone is for you. For a more powerful screen and more robust camera experience powered by a renaissance in design and software, Samsung has done some great things to start off the flagship season of 2015. And we’re certainly very excited to see where these two flagship lines go next.
Samsung Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge pre-orders begin March 27
Samsung on Thursday announced that its Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge will be available for pre-order starting tomorrow, March 27. The full retail availability is still slated for April 10; all five major carriers are expected to offer the two smartphones. Anxious customers will be able to get a look at the devices start March 27 at participating retail stores for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon. Additionally, there will be demo models at Samsung Experience Shops at Best Buy.
We’ve set up list of when and where to buy the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge.
The post Samsung Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge pre-orders begin March 27 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Sprint bundles Galaxy S6 in $80 all-in monthly rate plan
Sprint is doing something a little bit different for its Galaxy S6 sales, hoping it might attract customers looking to purchase the upcoming flagship smartphone.
The wireless provider will bundle the handset with unlimited talk, text, and data in one monthly rate plan. The 32GB Galaxy S6 can be leased for 24 months at a rate of $80 per month; customers receive a $20 credit toward the device itself. The 64GB model will be $85 per month while the 128GB model will run $90 per month. The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is $85 per month – $5 per month after the same $20 lease credit.
Customers interested in multiple lines can grab four Galaxy S6’s with unlimited talk, text, and 20GB shared data for $200 per month. Again, this option is considered a lease and not an equipment installation cost.
The post Sprint bundles Galaxy S6 in $80 all-in monthly rate plan appeared first on AndroidGuys.
T-Mobile Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge go on pre-order March 27th with 1-year of Netflix
The competition between carriers to get your business is a cut throat one. AT&T announced this morning that they will be putting both the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge up for Pre-Order on March 27th. Along with their announcement they are also tossing in $50 off a set of Samsung Gear Circle Bluetooth […]
The post T-Mobile Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge go on pre-order March 27th with 1-year of Netflix appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
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