Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge review

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge review :

When the Galaxy S6 and 6S Edge debuted in the Spring of 2015, they represented a dramatic departure for Samsung. Gone was the utilitarian plastic build of every Galaxy S past; in its place, glass and aluminum alloy, and, in the case of the S6 Edge

The Galaxy S6 Edge's innovative, rounded-side display has earned a reputation as one of the best screens on a smartphone. And though the S6 and S6 Edge are close siblings with similar specs attractive aesthetics, first class components, and a few features (like wireless charging support) that cannot be found on any iPhone -- the S6 Edge certainly boasts the more premium look and feel. That noted, in the US, the S6 Edge costs $100 more than the S6 on contract, and about $100 to $130 more off-contract, with $100 bumps for each storage size. Given their nearly identical specs, the Galaxy S6 remains the better value.

In March 2016, Samsung introduced newer versions of its flagship Galaxy, the S7 and S7 Edge, at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. While it has many of the same specs as the S7 -- a 12-megapixel camera, water resistance, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, and a microSD slot -- the S7 Edge has a larger, 5.5-inch screen versus the S7's 5.1-incher. Also noteworthy is the S7 Edge's 3,600mAh battery -- rated for longer run time that the S7, the Edge 6+ and even the Galaxy Note 5, which is a real marathon runner.

If you already own an S6 Edge or even a newer S6 Edge+, the upgrade to an S7 or S7 Edge may not be worth it. That noted, the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge remain affordable, competent, full-featured Samsung phones and represent some of the best values in Samsung's lineup.

The S6 Edge: Like the S6, in a far prettier package

Releasing multiple variants of its Galaxy phones is old hat with Samsung. But 2015's Galaxy S6 line is the first time the company has announced and released two sibling models simultaneously. Make no mistake, though: the hardware differences between the two handsets are mostly skin-deep.

Where the S6 has straight sides, the S6 Edge tapers on its right and left sides, where the curved portion of the screens arc to meet the back. Though it feels slimmer, the Edge is a hair thicker in its fattest part, but also a tad lighter. The power button and nano-SIM card slot also move up top on this variant.


                                                  Galaxy S6                        Galaxy S6 Edge
                                 
Dimensions (inches)                 5.6 x 2.8 x 0.27                5.6 x 2.8 x 0.28

Dimensions (millimeters)         143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8            142.1 x 70.1 x 7.0

Weight (ounces)                        4.9                                    4.6

Weight (grams)                         138                                   132


The Edge also has a slightly higher capacity battery, presumably to work with night mode on the Edge display: 2,600mAh on the Edge versus 2,550mAh for the standard S6. The Edge gives us an average of 13.5 hours of battery run time in our looping-video tests, an hour over the S6's 12.4-hour average. Keep in mind that these tests don't take into account real-world longevity, especially if you're constantly using the Edge screen features, like night mode.

While both the S6 and S6 Edge are available in gold, black and white, Samsung throws in some color to each lineup. The Edge's portfolio gets jewel-toned emerald green, while the S6 springs for topaz blue.