Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Ultimate Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge is distinguished by its unique and striking design, featuring a dual-edge curved display that set it apart from other smartphones at the time of its release. This design innovation was not merely aesthetic, as it added functionalities accessible through the edge screen. The device is constructed with a combination of Corning Gorilla Glass 4 on both the front and back and an aluminum frame, which ensures durability while maintaining a sleek, modern look. The phone’s dimensions are 142.1 x 70.1 x 7 mm, and it weighs only 132 grams, making it a lightweight yet solid device.

Display

The 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display of the Galaxy S6 edge is a highlight, known for its vibrant colors and deep contrasts. It boasts a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels resulting in a pixel density of approximately 577 ppi, which translates to sharp and crisp visuals. The curved edges of the display are more than just aesthetic; they provide a unique user experience with edge functionalities for notifications, alerts, and more. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, ensuring endurance against scratches and impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge is powered by the Exynos 7420 Octa chipset, built on 14nm process technology. It includes an Octa-core CPU, consisting of 4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A57 cores and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, which offers a blend of power efficiency and performance. The Mali-T760MP8 GPU ensures smooth graphic performance, making the device capable of handling demanding applications and games. With 3GB of RAM, multitasking is efficient, allowing for seamless switching between apps.

Storage Options

The device comes with multiple internal storage options: 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB. It's important to note that the Galaxy S6 edge does not support expandable storage, so users need to choose their storage capacity wisely. The absence of a microSD card slot was a significant change from its predecessors, reflecting Samsung’s shift towards pushing users to internal storage usage.

Camera Capabilities

The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge is equipped with a 16 MP main camera featuring f/1.9 aperture, 28mm wide lens, autofocus, and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This setup ensures high-quality photo capturing even in low-light conditions. The camera supports features like LED flash, auto-HDR, and panorama. It is also capable of recording videos at 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, and even slow-motion videos at 720p@120fps.

The front camera is a 5 MP shooter with f/1.9 aperture and 22mm wide lens, suitable for selfies and video calls, offering auto-HDR and 1440p@30fps video capture.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 2600 mAh battery. While it may not compete with current standards in terms of capacity, it offers reliable battery life. Users can expect up to 18 hours of talk time on 3G and up to 50 hours of music play. The device supports fast charging with a 15W charger, and wireless charging is also available, which was a cutting-edge feature at the time.

Software and User Interface

Out of the box, the Galaxy S6 edge ran on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI, which was upgradeable to Android 7.0 Nougat. TouchWiz has been a subject of both praise and critique, known for its extensive customization options alongside some bloatware. Samsung included several edge-specific features, making use of the curved display for notifications and quick access to apps and contacts.

Network and Connectivity

The phone supports a wide range of network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, making it suitable for global use. For connectivity, it includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS with GLONASS and BDS, NFC for contactless transactions, and an infrared port. While it does not feature a radio, it includes a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support for easy connection of peripherals.

Sensors and Additional Features

Samsung has packed the Galaxy S6 edge with various sensors: a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, heart rate monitor, and SpO2 sensor. These provide enhanced security and health monitoring capabilities, making the device not just a communication tool but a part of a fitness and wellness lifestyle.

Color Variants and Models

The Galaxy S6 edge was available in four elegant colors: White Pearl, Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum, and Green Emerald. The variety of colors gave consumers the opportunity to choose a device that best suits their style. Additionally, multiple model numbers were released, each specific to different regions and network compatibilities, such as SM-G9250, SM-G925A, among others.

Price and Availability

At the time of its release, the Galaxy S6 edge was priced at around 280 EUR, targeting the premium smartphone market. As of now, the device has been discontinued, but it remains available in secondary markets or through refurbished device sellers.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge stands as a landmark in smartphone design and innovation. Its introduction of the dual-edge screen paved the way for further innovations in screen technology. Despite the shift to non-expandable storage and a smaller battery capacity compared to newer models, this device remains significant due to its unique design and comprehensive features. For those who value aesthetics paired with functionality, the Galaxy S6 edge still holds appeal as a stylish and functional device.