The New Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge – Practically Perfect in Every Way

Samsung announced its two newest additions to its popular Android cellphone handsets; Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge and they are fantastic!

The Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge represent Samsung’s sixth generation of its very popular flagship Galaxy smartphone. It is their most powerful and feature packed phone to date and it is sure to help them remain on top as the largest manufacturer and seller of handsets for the Google Android Operating System. Samsung appears to have gone out on limb by releasing two versions of its newest phone instead of using two separate release dates. This follows on their similar approach with the recent Galaxy Note 4 and Note 4 Edge.

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Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge

The S6 Edge derives it name from the unique shape of the screen of which we will go into much more detail later in this review. It also features a few other alterations on the basic S6 design. The Galaxy S6 is a big leap forward in design, functionality and performance in the smartphone industry. The brand new 64 bit, 8-core processor will bring console quality gaming to the mobile gamer. Also, the improved graphics will improve ones online streaming experience.

The Galaxy S6 Edge features nearly identical specifications with the basic Galaxy S6, but there are some performance differences that will be explained later in the review.

Design

Today’s smartphones are so much more than just a simple phone for making calls. These devices are small, compact, palm-sized computers with more computing power than some desktop computers. The Galaxy S6 Edge is the perfect example of this, it has a small, but very powerful brain consisting of two quad core processors, this gives it enough horsepower to play many of the top graphic intensive mobile games.

kv-phonesThe Quad HD screen is absolutely stunning and the unique dual curved screen goes beyond anything you will find on the market and is only available on the S6 Edge. The large screen makes much easier to view on it as compared to smaller phones.

The case itself builds on the smooth rounded contours of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 which has remained one of our favorite designs and was imitated by the venerable Apple Computers in their iPhone 6 line which also features two models in that line. Rounded corners, edges, sides and even the glass make this a premium device that is easy on the eyes and in the hand.

The new advanced rear facing camera is able to capture video and still images in much lower light as compared to earlier Galaxy phones. The extra bright LED flash can be turned into a flashlight using one of the many apps available.

The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge Edge is the most technologically advanced phones on the market that is running the latest version of the Android OS. Android 5.0 Lollipop is filled with many new features and it is able to unlock numerous powerful features built in to the Edge.

Wireless charging has been a bit of an issue for Samsung and its Galaxy line of smartphones and it is mostly because in order to use any of the wireless phone chargers one would have to by a special Qi back. That has all changed with S6 and S6 Edge. The technology is now built in and you no longer have to purchase the after market products in order to charge it wirelessly.

Samsung realized that once they pushed the size envelope to the maximum with their line of Galaxy Note phablets, they would be able to do the same thing with Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. The Edge is definitely not a diminutive phone, it is actually 70.1mm w x 142mm h x 7mm thick and yet it still remains relatively light at 132 grams.

features-cameraSpecifications

Lets talk briefly about the tech inside, after all this is what makes the S6 Edge go. Samsung left no stone unturned when it comes to power. Everything is built around the octacore CPU with a 2.1 GHz Quad core and 1.5 GHz Quad core combined to produce an unequaled amount of processing power. To improve multitasking capability there is 3GB of RAM and up to 128GB of storage (select 32GB, 64GB or 128GB). The 5.1” Quad HD 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution delivers mind blowing graphics.

Samsung poured a lot of R&D into the new high quality HD 16MP rear facing camera. You will never the miss any of the action in your life even in extremely low light thanks to the ultra-sensitive camera. The 5MP front facing camera is perfect for video chatting, no worries about screen freezes while chatting. High speed WiFi connectivity via its built in adapter is capable of connecting to all WiFi networks running a/b/g/n technology. It also has Bluetooth connectivity that works perfect with Samsung’s new wireless headphones.

The Samsung Galaxy line of smartphones are the top selling mobile devices the run on the Android OS. The S6 Edge comes with Android 5.0 Lollipop, which is the latest version of Google’s most popular OS.

Performance

Earlier this month it was announced that Samsung holds the top two spots on the list of the top smartphones for 2015. The Galaxy S6 and the S6 Edge hold spots #1 and #2 respectively, according to the industry standard AnTuTu benchmark. It also did extremely well on the a few other tests like its durability, it remained free of scratches and knicks after being dropped. In the submersion test, it was able to stay completely dry even after being underwater for 20 minutes (Samsung makes no claim of it being waterproof or even water resistant oddly enough).

OS/Apps

Samsung developed the Galaxy S6 Edge to run on the newest Google Android 5.0 Lollipop Operating System. Android 5.0 Lollipop is paired perfectly with many of the new features designed inside Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. Some of these features include improved battery charging and power saving modes that will help to extend the battery power. This power saving technology can deliver up to 90 minutes more usage with each full charge. Quick charging technology can produce enough power in the battery to deliver up to four hours of use in as little as 10 minutes on charge. Data sharing with other Samsung devices like a TV utilizing sync features in the handset and within the Android OS.

S Voice – Voice activation and launching of apps is one of top new functions found in todays smartphones. Samsung’s S Voice voice recognition feature instantly adapts to your voice and is capable of activation all functions without having to tap the screen. Unlike other phones which requires you to go through a complicated setup routine, with the Edge all you need to do is speak into the mic and the app will launch or make a call.

Samsung Pay- With all the reports of identity theft, data breaches putting your personal information and financial well-being at risk every time you swipe credit or debit card to make a purchase, Samsung developed its own convenient way to pay without having to swipe your card ever again. It is ultra secure by using Samsung’s fingerprint sensor technology. No worry about someone stealing your phone and using it to make fraudulent purchases. It is already compatable with a wide range of credit/debit card readers and NFC. No need for merchants to buy new and expensive equipment in order for its customers to utilize Samsung Pay in their store.

Samsung’s Knox Workspace Apps – Samsung designed its Knox system to work together with Lollipop’s new Verified Boot, Verified VPN for secure connections within an enterprise environment and Google’s Safe Browsing to prevent phishing and malware intrusions. Samsung packs a ton of additional productivity and utility apps for into Knox which means you won’t need to hunt for additional apps. Knox security system uses Samsung’s fingerprint sensor as well to lock your phone and it will only unlock it when you place your finger on the screen.

S Health – No need to buy a fancy wearable fitness monitor and search through the tons of fitness apps available on the Internet when you have everything you need with Edge. Samsung’s new, improved S Health fitness app makes it where you can track every aspect of your health and exercise routines. It will count your step and keep track of your calories burned, set goals, monitor your activities, chart your calorie intake and burning throughout your day. The simple and easy use dashboard puts all of the information in one place with simple to understand charts and tables.

22 Bonus Apps – As a special bonus to its users, Samsung added a special bonus package of software apps. The 22 bonus apps include several fun games like PacMan Friends, The Hobbit; Kingdoms, Dragons of Atlantis; Heirs , Kindle Reader for Samsung, Access to a free cloud storage site, Uber, workout trainer, Evernote, NYTimes, several different free productivity apps and several other entertainment type applications. Some of these can be uninstalled and others can be hidden if you desire.

features-chargingBattery Life

As with any mobile device the Galaxy S6 Edge relies on its built-in rechargeable lithium-ion 2600 mAh battery to produce all of its needed power. With so much draining power from the battery like its WiFi and AMOLED backlit screen it is still capable of keeping it running for an amazing 13 hours in heavy use.

One of the enhancement of the next-generation Galaxy handset and the Android 5.0 Lollipop OS is the faster charging capability. While a fully charged battery will provide 13 hours of use (depending on your usage) you can take advantage of its rapid charging technology. This will provide 4 hours of use in as little as 10 minutes. No need to wait hours with it plugged into the wall or your computer to charge, just plug it in for 10 minutes and go.

Built in Wireless Charging – Wireless battery charging pads are available which makes charging many mobile devices like smartphones and tablets more convenient. Up until now many of Samsung phones and tablets required you to purchase a separate Qi adapter in order to use the wireless charging pads. That all changed with the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, wireless charging no longer requires any special adapters or cases, just place on the charging pad. Edge is compatible with two wireless charging technology; WPC and PMA.

Specially Designed Accessories

Samsung designed several unique accessories to go along with their latest, industry leading smartphone.

It begins with a smart case that works perfectly with the curved screen of the Edge. No more worries about searching all over the Internet for a case to fit it. The unique transparent screen fits the curved screen like a glove while allowing the date, time and other stuff shine through.

The Samsung Wireless charger is designed especially for the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. The unique round shape of the charger is sure to fit in with any room decor. No need for any phone cords that can get tangled, just plug the charger in and you’re ready to go. All you have to do is place the phone on top of the charger and it does the rest.

Conclusion

The Galaxy S6 Edge comes with one of the most unique screens available on any current smartphone of the market. The high resolution screen features a curved shape on both sides, which can only be found currently on Samsung’s S6 Edge. Combine this with Samsung’s class leading power comes from its dual quad core processors and plenty of system memory and three different storage configurations and that makes the S6 Edge this year’s must have gadget for people who want to stand out from the crowd.

It high resolution dual cameras, 16 MP rear facing camera and 5MP front facing cameras are capable of recording HD video and fabulous still images which can be share directly to social media and/or sent through email directly from it. On top of all of its smartphone features Samsung S6 Edge delivers exceptional sound and talk clarity and depending on the service you select will less drop calls or other service interruptions.

All in all the Galaxy S6 Edge is fantastic smartphone and while the Galaxy S6 Edge boasts several new innovations, it is limited by its lack of storage expandability and inability to allow battery swapping. We think Samsung has a real winner on its hands and it should be easy to keep the rest of its Android competitors at bay. We would give it a strong 9.5 out of 10.

Tech Stuff

Fast Charging
Wireless Charging
Battery – 2,550mAh / 2,600mAh on S6 Edge
Cameras – 16MP + 5MP LED Flash F1.9, OIS, HDR
Screen Size – 5.1″
Screen Type – QHD sAMOLED /QHD sAMOLED Dual Curve on S6 Edge
Memory – 32/64/128GB (ROM) + 3GB (RAM) / 64/128GB (ROM) + 3GB (RAM) on S6 Edge
CPU – Exynos 14nm 64-bit Octa Core
Connectivity – WiFi a/b/g/n/ac, BT 4.0, nfc
Network – Cat 6 LTE