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Samsung Galaxy S6

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Samsung Electronics
IndustryConsumer electronics
FoundedJanuary 13, 1969; 57 years ago (1969-01-13) in Suwon, South Korea
Headquarters
Suwon
,
South Korea
ProductsSmartphones, consumer electronics, semiconductors
Websitewww.samsung.com


Not to be confused with Samsung Galaxy Tab S6.

Template:Infobox mobile phone

The Samsung Galaxy S6, developed by Samsung Electronics, represents a series of smartphones operating on the Android platform. As the successor to the Samsung Galaxy S5, this generation launched not as a single device but introduced two models simultaneously—the standard Galaxy S6, alongside the distinctive Galaxy S6 Edge, which features a display that curves around both edges of the handset.

Compared to its predecessor, this series features an internal battery that charges more rapidly despite having a smaller capacity, an optically stabilized camera system, and support for slow-motion audio recording during video capture. Its design incorporates a glass back panel but omits user-accessible battery replacement, microSD card expansion slots, water resistance capabilities, and lacks support for MHL-to-HDMI output for external displays.

The initial unveiling occurred on March 1, 2015 at the Samsung Unpacked event held during MWC Barcelona, followed by an official release on April 10 of the same year—signaling a shift toward a more fashion-forward approach within the Samsung Galaxy S series. Later that year on August 13, alongside the launch of the Galaxy Note 5, Samsung introduced a third variant named the Galaxy S6 Edge+. This model offers a larger phablet-class screen measuring 5.7 inches compared to the original's smaller display and increases RAM capacity from three to four gigabytes but does not include an infrared transmitter for remote control functionality.

While maintaining some design elements from earlier models, the Galaxy S series' sixth generation underwent significant construction changes by adopting a metal unibody chassis paired with glass panels instead of plastic materials used previously. Samsung emphasized enhancements such as an upgraded camera module, a simplified user interface experience, compatibility with multiple wireless charging standards, and integration with mobile payment technologies capable of emulating magnetic stripe credit cards.

Critical reception was largely favorable due to improved build quality relative to earlier versions along with advancements in display technology, system performance, camera improvements, and other refinements overall. Nevertheless, criticism arose over Samsung’s removal of expandable storage options via microSD cards and non-removable batteries—features valued by advanced users—and the absence of water resistance drew some negative feedback as well. Additionally, some reviewers felt that the curved screen on the S Edge model did not sufficiently justify its higher price point at launch compared to the standard edition.

The line was succeeded by the introduction of the Galaxy S7 in March 201৬.

Rumors

Speculation about the successor to the Galaxy S5 emerged in January 2015, with reports indicating that Samsung planned to utilize its own Exynos system-on-chip instead of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 for the S6, primarily due to overheating concerns. Shortly thereafter, Qualcomm confirmed in a financial statement that one of its major clients would exclude its products from their flagship device. Meanwhile, competitor LG Electronics challenged the claims regarding the Snapdragon 810; despite demonstration units of the 810-powered LG G Flex 2 displayed at the Consumer Electronics Show showing potential overheating, LG clarified these were pre-production models.

By early February 2015, Bloomberg News revealed that the S6 would feature a metal chassis and be available in two variants: a standard model and another with a display curved along both left and right edges, akin to the Galaxy Note Edge. The design of the S6 was officially hinted at through a promotional webpage launched by T-Mobile US on 22 February 2015, which highlighted a curved form factor accompanied by the slogan "Six Appeal".

Keynote

Samsung introduced the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge at the inaugural Samsung Unpacked 2015 event held during Mobile World Congress on 1 March 2015, with the official launch scheduled for 10 April 2015 across 20 countries. In the Japanese market, both the S6 and S6 Edge are promoted exclusively under the Galaxy name, omitting most Samsung branding. This approach was influenced by the historical tensions between Japan and South Korea, which have affected Samsung's phone sales there. A Samsung representative explained that the Galaxy brand already holds strong recognition within Japan.

Design changes

The Galaxy S6 series was crafted to respond to previous criticisms and user input, aiming to appeal to a broad audience. At its launch, Samsung emphasized improvements in design, camera quality, and wireless charging capabilities. To achieve these objectives, several features present in the Galaxy S5 were eliminated, including waterproofing, the USB 3.0 port, MicroSD card support for expandable storage, and Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL).

Moreover, the Galaxy S6 features a sealed battery that users cannot replace themselves. Samsung, which had been one of the last manufacturers to maintain removable batteries, justified this change by highlighting the device’s rapid AC charging and compatibility with both leading wireless charging standards, reducing the necessity for battery replacement.

The removal of user-replaceable batteries was a decision deferred throughout the Samsung Galaxy S series until users could "feel confident about charging their phones," as stated by Justin Denison, then Samsung’s vice president of product strategy, during the Unpacked 2015 Episode 1 keynote. Notably, a previous advertising campaign for the Galaxy S5 mocked iPhone users for their non-removable batteries by branding them as "wall huggers," referencing their constant reliance on wall chargers.

On the software front, Samsung streamlined its interface significantly; a company spokesperson noted that approximately 40% of TouchWiz features were either removed or simplified compared to those on the S5.

Galaxy S6 Active

File:Samsung Galaxy S6 active logo.svg
S6 active logo
File:Samsung Galaxy S6 Active gray bootscreen.jpg
S6 Active gray bootscreen

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Active (stylized as SΛMSUNG Galaxy S6 active) is a ruggedized edition of the Galaxy S6, sharing much of the same hardware but enhanced with waterproofing, shock resistance, and dust protection conforming to the IP68 standard. It distinguishes itself through a more durable exterior and physical navigation keys replacing the capacitive touch buttons. This model became available on 12 June 2015 and was exclusively offered in the United States via the AT&T carrier.

Initially launched by AT&T in the U.S. on 12 June 2015, the S6 Active came in three color variants: gray, camo-blue, and camo-white. Its designated model number is SM–G890A.

Design

File:Galaxy S6 Edge.jpg
The Galaxy S6 Edge concept resembles the Galaxy Note Edge, though with a subtler curved display.
File:Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Back Side.jpg
Rear view of a Blue Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge
File:Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+.jpg
The Galaxy S6 Edge+

The design language of the Galaxy S6 series continues to echo its predecessors but adopts a unibody construction crafted from aluminium alloy 6013, complemented by a glass back panel. The frame features chamfered edges that enhance grip comfort, while the speaker grille and the 3.5mm headphone jack have been repositioned to the bottom edge alongside the charging port, which uses a MicroUSB USB 2.0 type B connector—a first for the Samsung Galaxy S series.

Color options for these devices include "White Pearl," "Black Sapphire," and "Gold Platinum." Exclusive finishes such as "Blue Topaz" for the S6 and "Emerald Green" for the S6 Edge were also offered.

Additionally, Samsung released a limited-edition Iron Man variant of the Galaxy S6 to coincide with Avengers: Age of Ultron, featuring six unique color schemes.

Compared to its predecessor, the S5, the Galaxy S6 series exhibits some design drawbacks: it eliminates the MicroSD card slot and downgrades from USB 3.0 to MicroUSB 2.0 charging ports. Neither model offers water resistance, and both utilize non-removable batteries with reduced capacity.

Battery

The Galaxy S6 is equipped with a 2550 mAh battery, whereas the S6 Edge comes with a slightly larger 2600 mAh battery; neither battery is designed for user replacement.

Both the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge mark the first instances in the Galaxy S lineup to incorporate Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 technology, enabling charging rates up to 15 Watts when paired with a compatible charger. It is important to note that this fast charging capability is disabled while the device is actively in use.[lower-alpha 1]

Hardware

The Galaxy S6 series operates on a 64-bit ARMv8 Exynos 7 Octa 7420 system-on-chip, which includes four Cortex-A57 cores clocked at 2.1 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores running at 1.5 GHz. The S6 and S6 Edge are furnished with 3 GB of LPDDR4 RAM, while the S6 Edge+ offers 4 GB of LPDDR4 RAM. These models represent Samsung’s initial flagship devices to feature 64-bit processing capabilities. This chipset is also Samsung’s first to be manufactured using a 14 nm FinFET process, which Samsung claims enhances energy efficiency. The phones come with storage options of 32, 64, or 128 GB, employing Universal Flash Storage (UFS) 2.0 technology instead of eMMC, marking a first for the series.

The displays on the S6 and S6 Edge measure 5.1 inches with a resolution of 1440p on a Super AMOLED panel, similar to the design seen in the Galaxy Note Edge. The S6 Edge+ features a larger 5.7-inch 1440p Super AMOLED screen. Both the S6 Edge and S6 Edge+ have screens that curve gently along their two longer edges, though less pronounced than the Note Edge’s curvature. The display boasts a reflectance rate of 4.6% and achieves a maximum brightness of 784 nits.

Wireless charging support in the Galaxy S6 lineup includes compatibility with both the Qi and Power Matters Alliance standards.

Notably, the Galaxy S6 series eliminates the Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) feature previously introduced in the Galaxy S2 back in 2011.

Certain Galaxy S6 variants, such as those distributed by Verizon, incorporate an additional Qualcomm MDM9635M modem to provide CDMA network support.

Cameras

The Galaxy S6 features the same rear camera sensor as the Galaxy Note 4, utilizing the Sony Exmor RS IMX240/Samsung ISOCELL S5K2P2 image sensor equipped with optical image stabilization.[1] Notably, this Samsung flagship introduces a built-in slow-motion video editor for the first time, enabling users to select specific segments of footage to view at varying speeds and export for sharing purposes.

On the front side, the camera has been enhanced from 2.1 megapixels to 5 megapixels and now supports 1440p video capture, marking a first for the Galaxy S series. It also boasts an aperture of f/1.9 and incorporates an HDR viewfinder—another first for Samsung’s front-facing cameras.[2] The fingerprint scanner integrated into the home button has shifted from a swipe-based system to a touch-based sensor. Additionally, pressing the Home button twice quickly now opens the camera application, replacing the previous function of launching S Voice, Samsung’s digital assistant on flagship models from 2012 to 2014.[3]

Both front and rear cameras are capable of capturing burst shot sequences at approximately eight frames per second, with each burst limited to 30 images per series.[4]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

The user interface of the camera app underwent redesigns, introducing swipe gestures to toggle between camera modes and access the gallery. The mode selector adopts a flat grid layout with two rows displaying icons alongside labels. Users can download extra camera modes as desired. Following the Android Marshmallow update, manual controls for the camera were added.[1]

The settings menu was restructured from a four-column icon-and-label grid overlaying the viewfinder to a separate page presented as a list. Customization options for setting shortcuts were removed.[1][5]

Operating system

The Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge originally launched with Android 5.0.2 "Lollipop", whereas the S6 Edge+ debuted running Android 5.1.1 "Lollipop", all featuring Samsung's proprietary TouchWiz interface. For the S6 series, TouchWiz was refined to adopt a more minimalistic aesthetic and reduced the number of pre-installed apps.[6][3][7] Additionally, Samsung introduced the ability for users to apply custom themes.[8] The devices came bundled with several Microsoft applications, such as OneDrive, OneNote, and Skype.[6][3] Samsung committed to providing two major Android OS updates (up to Android 7.0) along with four years of security patches (until 2019).

Curved edge

On both the S6 Edge and S6 Edge+, users have the option to assign up to five contacts for rapid access by swiping from the screen’s curved edges. These contacts are also identified by distinct colors; when the phone is placed face down, the curved edges illuminate in the respective contact’s color to indicate incoming calls. The Night Clock functionality, originally introduced with the Galaxy Note Edge, was integrated into these Edge models.[9][10] Furthermore, the heart rate sensor doubles as a control button, enabling users to reject calls and send predefined text responses.[9] Carrier-specific models from Sprint, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have certain features disabled compared to the unlocked versions, including Smart Manager, Simple Sharing (exclusive to AT&T), and Download Booster (available only on Sprint and AT&T).[11]

Accessibility

The single-handed operation mode, an accessibility function first introduced with the 2013 Galaxy Note 3 and also found on the Galaxy S5 and Note 4, is included on the S6 Edge Plus but absent from the S6 and S6 Edge models. When activated through the device settings, this feature is triggered by pressing the home button three times, replacing the earlier swipe gesture method, and reduces the screen’s visible area to make one-handed use easier.

In contrast to earlier versions, the viewport size is now fixed and cannot be adjusted. Additionally, it can only be positioned in one of two predetermined locations at either lower corner of the screen, rather than being freely movable. The on-screen navigation and volume controls, along with certain app and contact shortcuts that were available on the S5, have been removed.

Samsung Pay

Samsung Pay made its debut on the S6 as Samsung’s proprietary mobile payment platform, built upon technology acquired from LoopPay, a crowdfunded startup company purchased by Samsung in February 2015. This payment system utilizes LoopPay’s proprietary "magnetic secure transmission" (MST) technology, which sends card information to a payment terminal’s swipe slot via an electromagnetic field, causing the terminal to recognize it as if a physical card had been swiped.

Developers from LoopPay emphasized that their technology overcomes many of the constraints faced by other mobile payment solutions, claiming compatibility with "nearly 90%" of all point-of-sale terminals across the United States. Samsung Pay supports both MST and NFC-based transactions. Credit card details are securely stored as tokens, and all payments require fingerprint authentication. Although Samsung Pay was not available at the initial launch of the S6, it was activated later in 2015.

Multi-window

Although splitting the screen to display two apps simultaneously has been supported on flagship devices since the Galaxy S III, the Galaxy S6 marks the first instance in the Galaxy S series to introduce floating pop-up multi-window functionality. Its multi-window interface resembles that of the Galaxy Note 4, but instead of accessing apps via a floating sidebar, users launch applications from a dedicated split-screen app drawer, which can be opened by holding down the task key or tapping an icon within the recent apps panel. This design means that while floating pop-up windows can overlay apps that do not support multi-window, launching a multi-window app from the split-screen drawer requires minimizing any unsupported app currently in use.

Users can also initiate multi-window mode by long-pressing an app within the recently accessed apps list, which is accessible through the task key located to the left of the home button.[12]

Software updates

In February 2016, Samsung started rolling out Android 6.0.1 "Marshmallow" for the Galaxy S6. This update introduced features such as "Google Now on Tap", enabling contextual searches based on on-screen content, and "Doze", which enhances battery efficiency when the device remains inactive.[13] For S6 Edge variants, the Edge Display received enhancements allowing wider panels and increased functionality similar to those found on the S7 Edge.[14][15][16]

By March 2017, Samsung began distributing Android 7.0 "Nougat" to the S6 lineup. Following this upgrade, the user interface was revamped to closely resemble that of the Galaxy S7, though certain features such as Video Enhancer, Screen Resolution Adjuster, Performance Mode, and simultaneous photo capture during video recording were not included.

The most recent official update for the Galaxy S6 series is based on Android 7.0 "Nougat", incorporating security patches up to January 2019.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have contentCite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content

Additionally, through unofficial means, custom ROMs enable the Galaxy S6 family to operate Android 9.0 "Pie" with Samsung's One UI interface.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content

Additional Features

The Galaxy S6 marks Samsung's first flagship to integrate a torch toggle directly within the drop-down quick settings menu, replacing the previous reliance on a home screen widget. This change allows users to activate the torch more rapidly without exiting an active application.

Critical Response

Initial reviews of the Galaxy S6 were largely favorable, with praise directed at its enhanced build quality compared to earlier Samsung models, improvements in camera technology, a superior display, and a notable reduction in software "bloat." Anandtech regarded the upgraded fingerprint sensor as being on par with Apple's Touch ID system. The Verge remarked that the S6 and S6 Edge represented "the first time I've felt like Samsung might finally be grappling with the idea of what a smartphone ought to be on an ontological level."

However, some reviewers expressed disappointment regarding certain functional regressions from the Galaxy S5, highlighting the smaller, non-removable battery, absence of a microSD card slot, and lack of water resistance. These omissions were seen as potentially alienating for power users who valued these features in prior Galaxy S series devices.

Wired critiqued the S6 Edge’s curved display for being a "dramatic step backwards" compared to the Galaxy Note Edge, citing its limited edge-specific functionalities due to the curve bending into existing screen space rather than extending it by 160 pixels. Consequently, Samsung faced criticism for offering little practical reason to choose the S6 Edge over the standard S6, aside from its aesthetic appeal and exclusivity. The Verge echoed this sentiment, describing the additional features as "very forgettable." Regarding performance, The Verge identified the S6 as "the fastest Android phone I've ever used," commending Samsung’s approach to eliminating Android slowdowns through sheer processing power.

Some users encountered issues with the camera flash remaining faintly illuminated even when not in use or when the device was powered off. Samsung acknowledged this problem affecting both the S6 and S6 Edge but has yet to announce a timeline for resolution.

According to iFixit, repairing the Galaxy S6 poses challenges due to strong adhesives securing both its rear glass panel and battery, making disassembly more difficult than previous models.

In its evaluation of the S6 Active, The Verge outlined six advantages over the standard S6:

  • Enhanced water and shock resistance.
  • A battery capacity increased by 37%.
  • A customizable button positioned above the volume rocker on the left side.
  • Cooler operating temperatures compared to occasional heat issues on the standard model.
  • A price point only $10 higher than the regular version.
  • Equivalent camera quality and performance.

Conversely, five reasons were given favoring the standard S6 over the Active:

  • The Active features a plastic casing instead of metal.
  • It lacks a fingerprint scanner.
  • Storage options are limited to 32 GB and 64 GB, unlike the S6 which also offers a 128 GB variant.
  • Availability of the Active was restricted to AT&T in the United States.
  • Firmware and security updates are expected to be less frequent for the Active model than for the standard S6.

Security concerns

In November 2015, Google's Project Zero team revealed eleven significant security flaws identified within Samsung's Android implementation on the Galaxy S6. Several of these vulnerabilities had already been addressed by the time the findings were made public.

Sales performance

During the initial month following its release, the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge collectively sold 6 million units, surpassing the sales figures of the Galaxy S5 in a comparable period but falling short of the 10 million units achieved by the Galaxy S4. Despite this, Samsung faced intensified competition from other manufacturers, which contributed to a decline in its market share and net profits. Anticipating challenging market conditions for the latter half of the year, Samsung announced in its July 2015 second-quarter earnings report that it would be implementing price adjustments for both the S6 and S6 Edge models. The company noted that sales of these devices had only a minimal impact on overall profitability. The S6 Edge+ experienced a similar outcome, although it trailed behind the performance of the Note 5.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Fast charging functions only when the device is either in standby mode or powered down.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named GSMArena-Camera
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named phonearena-lowlight
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named verge-s6unveil
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named GGO-Burst
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named PhoneDog-cam
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named anand-unveil
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named recode-s6unveil
  8. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  10. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  11. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  12. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named S6-MulWin-Guide
  13. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ars-review
  14. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named tr-edgesingle
  15. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named cnet-s6marsh
  16. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named pocketlint-6panels

External links

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