Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 13, 1969 in Suwon, South Korea |
| Headquarters | Suwon , South Korea |
| Products | Smartphones, consumer electronics, semiconductors |
| Website | www |
The Samsung Galaxy S6, developed and marketed by Samsung Electronics, is a series of smartphones running on the Android platform. Following the release of the Samsung Galaxy S5, Samsung introduced the S6 not as a single device but through two models launched simultaneously—the standard Galaxy S6, alongside the Galaxy S6 Edge, which is primarily distinguished by its curved display edges wrapping around the sides of the handset.
Compared to its predecessor, the device features an internal battery with faster charging capabilities but a smaller capacity overall, incorporates an optically stabilized camera system, supports audio capture in slow-motion video mode, and utilizes a glass back panel for its exterior design. Notably, it omits user-removable batteries, expandable storage via memory cards, water resistance features, as well as MHL-to-HDMI support for outputting content to external screens.
The initial unveiling of both the Galaxy S6 and the S6 Edge took place on March 1, 2015 at Samsung’s Unpacked event during MWC Barcelona, followed by their official release on April 10 of the same year—signaling a shift towards a more premium-focused aesthetic within the Samsung Galaxy S series. Later that year on August 13 at another Unpacked event coinciding with the launch of the Galaxy Note 5, Samsung revealed a third variant called the Galaxy S6 Edge+. This model offers a larger display size of approximately five-point-seven inches compared to five-point-one inches on its predecessors and upgrades RAM to four gigabytes from three gigabytes but does not include an infrared transmitter for remote control functions.
While retaining design elements reminiscent of earlier models, the Galaxy S series’ sixth generation marked a significant redesign featuring a metal unibody chassis paired with glass panels instead of plastic materials used previously. Samsung emphasized enhancements such as an improved camera system, a refined user interface experience, compatibility with popular wireless charging standards, and integration of mobile payment technology that emulates magnetic stripe card transactions.
Critics generally responded favorably to the Galaxy S series’ sixth generation devices due to their refined build quality relative to earlier iterations along with advancements in display clarity, overall performance metrics, camera functionality, and other upgrades implemented in this lineup. Nonetheless, some backlash arose from Samsung’s removal of expandable storage options through microSD slots and elimination of removable batteries—factors considered inconvenient by power users—and the absence of water resistance was also criticized as a drawback for durability-conscious consumers. Additionally, initial reviews for the curved-screened model noted that its premium pricing was not entirely justified by software or hardware utilization of the curved display features at launch.
The successor to this lineup was introduced in March 2016 with the release of the Galaxy S7.
Rumors
Speculation about the successor to the Galaxy S5 emerged in January 2015, with reports indicating that Samsung intended to utilize its own Exynos system-on-chip instead of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 for the S6, primarily due to overheating concerns.[1][2] Later that same month, Qualcomm confirmed in an earnings statement that its components would be excluded from "[a] large customer's flagship device".[1] Meanwhile, competitor LG Electronics challenged these claims regarding the Snapdragon 810; although demonstration units of the 810-powered LG G Flex 2 shown at the Consumer Electronics Show exhibited potential overheating issues, LG stressed that these were early prototype models.[1][2]
In early February 2015, Bloomberg News revealed that the S6 would feature a metal chassis and would be available in two variants: a standard model and another with a display curved along both the left and right edges, akin to the Galaxy Note Edge.[3] The design of the S6 was officially hinted at through a promotional page launched by T-Mobile US on 22 February 2015, showcasing a curved form factor alongside the slogan "Six Appeal".[4]
Keynote
Samsung introduced the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge at the inaugural Samsung Unpacked 2015 presentation held during Mobile World Congress on 1 March 2015, with a scheduled launch date of 10 April 2015 across 20 nations. In the Japanese market, both models are promoted exclusively under the Galaxy name, with most Samsung branding removed. This strategy responds to the impact of historical tensions between Japan and South Korea on Samsung's sales, while a company representative noted that the Galaxy brand already enjoys strong recognition in Japan.
Design changes
The Galaxy S6 series was engineered to address critiques and user feedback from earlier versions, aiming to appeal to a broad audience. During its launch, Samsung emphasized improvements in design, camera quality, and wireless charging capabilities. To meet these objectives, several features present in the Galaxy S5 were eliminated, including waterproofing, the USB 3.0 port, expandable storage via MicroSD, and Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) support.
Moreover, the Galaxy S6 features a non-removable battery, marking a shift for Samsung, which had previously resisted moving away from replaceable batteries. The company justified this change by highlighting the device's rapid AC charging and compatibility with both primary wireless charging standards, reducing the necessity for user-replaceable batteries.
According to Justin Denison, Samsung’s then-vice president of product strategy, the removal of removable batteries was deferred throughout the Samsung Galaxy S series until users could feel "confident about charging their phones," as explained during the Unpacked 2015 Episode 1 keynote. This contrasts with a prior marketing campaign for the Galaxy S5 that mocked iPhone users for their devices’ non-replaceable batteries by labeling them "wall huggers" due to their frequent reliance on wall charging.
In addition to hardware changes, software was streamlined significantly; a Samsung official revealed that approximately 40% of features in TouchWiz were either removed or simplified compared to those found on the S5.
Galaxy S6 Active
The Samsung Galaxy S6 Active (stylized as SΛMSUNG Galaxy S6 active) represents a ruggedized edition of the Galaxy S6, sharing much of the same hardware but enhanced with waterproofing, shock resistance, and dust protection that meet IP68 standards. It boasts a sturdier construction and replaces capacitive navigation keys with physical buttons. This model was launched on 12 June 2015 and was exclusively offered through the AT&T network in the United States.
Initially available in the U.S. via AT&T on 12 June 2015, the S6 Active came in three color options: gray, camo-blue, and camo-white. Its designated model number is SM–G890A.
Design
While maintaining design continuity with earlier models, the Galaxy S6 series features a unibody chassis crafted from aluminium alloy 6013 paired with a glass back panel. The device incorporates a gently curved bezel with chamfered edges to enhance grip. Notably, the speaker grille and the 3.5mm headphone jack have been repositioned to the bottom edge alongside the MicroUSB 2.0 type B charging port—marking a first for the Samsung Galaxy S series.
Color options for these devices include "White Pearl," "Black Sapphire," and "Gold Platinum," with "Blue Topaz" exclusive to the S6 and "Emerald Green" unique to the S6 Edge variant.
Additionally, Samsung released a limited-edition Iron Man-themed version of the Galaxy S6 in conjunction with the promotion of Avengers: Age of Ultron, featuring six distinct color schemes.
Some design compromises were introduced compared to the Galaxy S5; notably, the removal of a MicroSD card slot and a downgrade from USB 3.0 to micro-USB 2.0 connectivity. Both models lack water resistance and utilize smaller, non-removable batteries.
Battery
The Galaxy S6 is equipped with a 2550 mAh battery, whereas the S6 Edge comes with a slightly larger 2600 mAh battery. Neither of these batteries is designed to be user-replaceable.
Both the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge mark the debut of Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 technology within the Galaxy S lineup, enabling charging speeds 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][5][6]
Hardware
The Galaxy S6 series is powered by Samsung’s 64-bit ARMv8 Exynos 7 Octa 7420 system-on-chip, which integrates four Cortex-A57 cores clocked at 2.1 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores running at 1.5 GHz. The S6 and S6 Edge models include 3 GB of LPDDR4 RAM, while the S6 Edge+ features 4 GB of LPDDR4 memory. These devices are Samsung's first flagship smartphones to adopt 64-bit architecture. This chipset also represents Samsung's initial use of a 14 nm FinFET fabrication process, which the manufacturer claims enhances power efficiency.[7][8] Storage options include 32, 64, or 128 GB of non-expandable memory, utilizing Universal Flash Storage (UFS) 2.0 technology—the first in the series to switch from eMMC to UFS.[7][8]
Both the S6 and S6 Edge feature a 5.1-inch 1440p Super AMOLED display, similar in design to the Galaxy Note Edge. The S6 Edge+ offers a larger 5.7-inch 1440p Super AMOLED screen. The displays on the S6 Edge and S6 Edge+ curve gently along both lengthwise edges, though less pronounced than on the Note Edge.[9][10] These screens have a reflectance rate of 4.6% and can reach peak brightness levels of up to 784 nits.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
The Galaxy S6 series supports both the Qi and Power Matters Alliance wireless charging protocols.[7]
Notably, the series omits the Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) feature that was introduced with the Galaxy S2 back in 2011.
Certain Galaxy S6 variants, such as those intended for Verizon, include an additional Qualcomm MDM9635M modem to provide CDMA network compatibility.
Cameras
The Galaxy S6 employs 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.[11] Notably, this flagship introduces a built-in slow-motion video editor, enabling users to select specific segments of footage, adjust playback speed, and export the edited clips for sharing.
Upgrades to the front-facing camera include an increase in resolution from 2.1 to 5 megapixels and support for 1440p video recording, a first for the Galaxy S series. It also features an f/1.9 aperture and incorporates HDR viewfinder functionality, marking its debut in a front camera.[12] The fingerprint scanner integrated into the home button transitioned from a swipe-based to a touch-based recognition system. Additionally, double-pressing the Home button now launches the camera application, replacing the previous function of activating S Voice, Samsung's digital assistant used on flagship models from 2012 to 2014.[10]
Both front and rear cameras offer burst shooting capabilities at approximately eight frames per second, with a limit of 30 photos per burst sequence.[13]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
The camera application underwent a redesign featuring swipe gestures to switch between camera modes and access the gallery. The mode selector was revamped into a flat, two-row grid displaying icons alongside labels. Users can download extra camera modes as needed. Following the Android Marshmallow update, manual camera controls were introduced.[11]
The settings interface was altered from a four-column icon-and-label grid overlaying the viewfinder to a separate page listing options vertically. Customization of settings shortcuts was removed.[11][14]
Operating system
At launch, the S6 and S6 Edge operated on Android 5.0.2 "Lollipop", whereas the S6 Edge+ debuted with Android 5.1.1 "Lollipop", all integrated with Samsung's TouchWiz interface. For the S6, TouchWiz was refined to feature a more minimalistic aesthetic and a reduction in pre-installed apps. Users gained the ability to install personalized themes through Samsung’s new customization options. The devices also came preloaded with several Microsoft applications, including OneDrive, OneNote, and Skype. Samsung committed to providing two major Android OS updates (up to Android 7.0) alongside four years of security patches, extending support through 2019.
Curved edge
On the S6 Edge and S6 Edge+, users can assign up to five contacts for rapid access by swiping inward from the screen’s curved edges. These contacts are visually distinguished by unique colors; when the phone is placed face down, the curved edges illuminate in the corresponding contact’s hue to indicate incoming calls. The Night Clock feature, originally introduced with the Galaxy Note Edge, was incorporated into these Edge models. Additionally, the heart rate sensor doubles as a control button to reject calls and send predefined text responses. However, carrier-specific versions from Sprint, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile omit certain functionalities found on unlocked or unbranded models, such as Smart Manager, Simple Sharing (exclusive to AT&T), and Download Booster (limited to Sprint and AT&T).
Accessibility
The single-handed operation mode, an accessibility enhancement first introduced with the 2013 Galaxy Note 3 and also featured on the Galaxy S5 and Note 4, is included in the S6 Edge Plus but absent from the S6 and S6 Edge models. When activated through the settings menu, this feature can be triggered by pressing the home button three times, replacing the previous gesture of swiping, and reduces the screen’s display area to simplify one-handed use.
In contrast to earlier versions, the viewport size is now fixed and cannot be adjusted. It is restricted to two predetermined positions located at either bottom corner of the screen, rather than allowing free movement. Additionally, on-screen navigation and volume buttons, along with certain app and contact shortcuts (exclusive to the S5), have been removed.
Samsung Pay
The S6 marked Samsung’s initial integration of Samsung Pay, a mobile payment service built upon technology acquired from LoopPay, a crowdfunded startup company purchased by Samsung in February 2015. Samsung Pay utilizes LoopPay’s proprietary "magnetic secure transmission" (MST) technology, which sends card information to payment terminals via an electromagnetic field, enabling the terminal to interpret it as a conventional card swipe. According to LoopPay’s creators, this system avoids the restrictions faced by other mobile payment methods and is compatible with approximately 90% of all point-of-sale devices across the United States. The platform also supports NFC-based transactions alongside MST. Card details are securely stored as tokens, and payments require fingerprint authentication. Although Samsung Pay was not available at the S6’s launch, it became accessible midway through 2015.
Multi-window
Although the ability to split the display and run two applications side by side has been available on flagship models since the Galaxy S III, the Galaxy S6 marks the first device in the Galaxy S series to introduce floating pop-up multi-window functionality. This multi-window interface resembles that of the Galaxy Note 4, but instead of using a floating sidebar, apps are launched from a dedicated split-screen app drawer, which can be accessed either by holding down the task key or selecting an icon within the recent apps menu. This design means that while floating pop-up windows can overlay apps that do not support multi-window, launching apps in split-screen mode requires minimizing any unsupported application first to enable access to a multi-window compatible app.
Additionally, users can initiate multi-window mode by long-pressing an app displayed in the recently accessed apps list, which is brought up via the task key located to the left of the home button.[15]
Software updates
In February 2016, Samsung commenced rolling out Android 6.0.1 "Marshmallow" for the Galaxy S6. This update introduced features such as "Google Now on Tap", which enables users to conduct searches contextualized by the content currently visible on-screen, alongside "Doze", a battery optimization feature that reduces power consumption when the device remains unused.[16] For S6 Edge variants, the Edge Display was enhanced to support broader panels and increased functionality akin to those featured on the S7 Edge.[17][18][19]
By March 2017, Samsung had begun deploying Android 7.0 "Nougat" updates for the S6 lineup. This upgrade brought a redesigned user interface resembling that of the Galaxy S7, though it excluded features such as Video Enhancer, Screen Resolution Adjuster, Performance Mode, and simultaneous photo capture during video recording.
The most recent software revision available for the Galaxy S6 series is based on Android 7.0 "Nougat", incorporating security patches up to January 2019.[20][21]
Through unofficial channels, custom ROMs enable the Galaxy S6 series to operate on Android 9.0 "Pie" featuring Samsung's One UI.[22]
Additional Features
The Galaxy S6 marked Samsung's first flagship to incorporate a torch toggle directly within the drop-down quick settings panel, replacing the traditional home screen widget. This change allows users to activate the flashlight more swiftly without exiting an active application.
Critical Response
Initial reviews of the Galaxy S6 were largely favorable, highlighting its superior build quality compared to earlier Samsung models, enhancements to the camera system, the exceptional display clarity, and a notable reduction in pre-installed "bloat" within its software. Anandtech regarded the upgraded fingerprint scanner as matching the performance level of Apple's Touch ID technology. The Verge remarked that with the S6 and S6 Edge, Samsung appeared to be seriously reconsidering what defines a smartphone on a fundamental level.
Nevertheless, some reviewers expressed apprehension about certain functional compromises relative to the Galaxy S5. These included a smaller battery capacity that was no longer user-replaceable, elimination of the microSD card slot, and absence of water resistance—features that had previously attracted power users to the Galaxy S series. Critics argued that these removals might disenchant this segment of consumers.
Wired commented that although the dual-curved display on the S6 Edge was more refined than that of the Galaxy Note Edge, its implementation represented a "significant step backward." This was due to fewer edge-specific functionalities compared to the Note Edge, as the curved screen bent into existing display 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 model, aside from its aesthetics and exclusivity appeal. The Verge echoed this sentiment, describing the extra features as "easily forgettable." Regarding performance, The Verge praised the S6 as "the fastest Android phone I've ever used," noting Samsung's approach of resolving potential Android slowdowns through sheer processing power.
Some owners reported persistent issues with their device's flash remaining dimly illuminated even when not in use or when powered off. Samsung acknowledged this problem affecting both the S6 and S6 Edge but did not provide a timeline for resolution.
Upon teardown, iFixit identified that repairs were challenging due to strong adhesives securing both the rear glass panel and battery.
In its evaluation of the S6 Active, The Verge outlined six advantages over the standard S6:
- Enhanced water resistance and shock durability.
- A battery capacity increased by 37%.
- An additional programmable button positioned above the volume controls on the left side.
- Cooler operating temperatures compared to occasional heat issues on the S6.
- A price point only $10 higher than the regular version.
- Equivalent camera quality and processing performance.
Conversely, five reasons were given favoring the original S6 over the Active:
- The Active employs a plastic chassis instead of metal.
- It lacks a fingerprint sensor.
- Available storage options are limited to 32 GB and 64 GB, whereas the S6 also offers 128 GB.
- The Active was exclusively sold through AT&T in the United States.
- Firmware and security updates for the Active are expected to be less frequent than those for the standard model.
Security concerns
In November 2015, Google's Project Zero team revealed eleven significant security flaws found 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 its initial month on the market, the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge collectively sold 6 million units, surpassing the sales figures of the Galaxy S5 over a comparable period, yet falling short of the 10 million milestone achieved by the Galaxy S4. Despite this, Samsung faced increasing competition from rival manufacturers, which contributed to a shrinking market share and reduced net profit. Anticipating challenging conditions for the latter half of the year, Samsung disclosed in its Q2 2015 earnings report that it would be implementing price adjustments for both the S6 and S6 Edge models. The company described the sales impact of these devices on overall profitability as "marginal." The S6 Edge+ experienced a similar trajectory but did not perform as strongly as the Note 5.
See also
- Comparison of Samsung Galaxy S smartphones
- Comparison of smartphones
- Samsung Galaxy S series
- Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3
- Samsung Rugby Smart
Notes
- ↑ Fast charging functionality operates only when the phone is in standby mode or switched off.
References
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External links
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