Choosing a new smartphone can feel like navigating a minefield of features and specs. You’ve narrowed down your choices to two compelling contenders, but which one truly fits your needs? We’re pitting the sleek Samsung Galaxy S6 against the rugged Motorola Droid Turbo 2 in a head-to-head battle.
The Galaxy S6 brought a premium design and top-tier performance to the table, often praised for its stunning display and camera capabilities. On the other hand, the Droid Turbo 2 boasted incredible durability and a battery life that could outlast the competition, all while offering solid performance.
This comparison will dive deep into what each device offers, from their core specifications to their unique selling points. Whether you prioritize style, resilience, or raw power, we’re here to help you decide which of these popular smartphones is the right pick for you.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | galaxy s6 | turbo 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.1 inches | 5.4 inches |
| Display Type | Super AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels | 1440 x 2560 pixels |
| Processor | Exynos 7420 | Snapdragon 810 |
| RAM | 3 GB | 3 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32/64 GB | 64 GB |
| Expandable Storage | No | Yes (microSD) |
| Rear Camera | 16 MP | 21 MP |
| Front Camera | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Battery Capacity | 2550 mAh | 3760 mAh |
| Water Resistance | Yes (IP68) | No |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Galaxy S6: 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels (QHD). This offers excellent color reproduction, deep blacks, and sharp visuals. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4.
- Turbo 2: 5.4-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels (QHD). Its standout feature is the shatterproof Moto ShatterShield technology, making it incredibly durable. Color accuracy is good, though perhaps not as vibrant as the S6’s AMOLED.
- Winner: Galaxy S6
Processor & Performance
- Galaxy S6: Exynos 7420 (international) or Snapdragon 810 (US variant) octa-core processors, paired with 3GB of RAM. This configuration provided flagship-level performance at its release, handling most apps and multitasking with ease. However, the Snapdragon 810 could experience some throttling.
- Turbo 2: Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor with 3GB of RAM. Similar to the S6’s US variant, it offers strong performance for its time. The 810’s thermal management was a known issue, which could lead to occasional slowdowns under heavy load.
- Winner: Galaxy S6
Camera
- Galaxy S6: 16MP rear camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a 5MP front camera. The S6 produced excellent photos with vibrant colors and good detail, especially in well-lit conditions. OIS helped with low-light shots and video stability.
- Turbo 2: 21MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus and a 5MP front camera. The Turbo 2’s camera is capable of taking good photos, particularly in daylight, with sharp details. However, low-light performance and color saturation often lagged behind the S6.
- Winner: Galaxy S6
Battery Life & Charging
- Galaxy S6: 2550 mAh non-removable battery. Battery life was a common criticism of the S6, often struggling to last a full day for heavy users. It supported fast wired charging and wireless charging.
- Turbo 2: 3760 mAh non-removable battery. The Turbo 2 boasts significantly better battery life than the S6, easily lasting a full day and often into a second for moderate users, thanks to its larger capacity. It also supported fast charging.
- Winner: Turbo 2
Build Quality & Durability
- Galaxy S6: Premium metal frame and glass back. The S6 felt exceptionally well-built and looked sleek. However, the glass back made it susceptible to drops and scratches.
- Turbo 2: Features the revolutionary Moto ShatterShield display, making it virtually shatterproof. The rest of the phone is constructed with durable materials. This focus on durability is its main selling point.
- Winner: Turbo 2
Storage
- Galaxy S6: Available in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB internal storage options. It notably lacked a microSD card slot, meaning storage was fixed at purchase.
- Turbo 2: Available in 32GB and 64GB internal storage options. Crucially, it included a microSD card slot, allowing for expandable storage up to 2TB.
- Winner: Turbo 2
Software & User Experience
- Galaxy S6: Ran Android Lollipop with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI. TouchWiz was known for its extensive features but also for being resource-heavy and sometimes cluttered. Updates could also be slower.
- Turbo 2: Ran a near-stock Android experience with some useful Moto additions. This offered a cleaner, faster, and more fluid user interface. Motorola was also generally quicker with Android updates.
- Winner: Turbo 2
Biometric Security
- Galaxy S6: Featured a front-mounted fingerprint scanner. While an improvement over previous generations, it required a swipe gesture and wasn’t always the most reliable.
- Turbo 2: Did not include a fingerprint scanner. This was a notable omission for a flagship device at the time, relying on PINs, patterns, or voice commands for security.
- Winner: Galaxy S6
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design | Galaxy S6 |
| Durability | Turbo 2 |
| Battery Life | Turbo 2 |
| Camera | Galaxy S6 |
| Performance | Tie |
| Display | Tie |
| Storage Flexibility | Turbo 2 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Quality: Both phones boast vibrant AMOLED displays with sharp resolutions, offering excellent color reproduction and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience.
- Performance: Equipped with powerful processors and ample RAM, both the Galaxy S6 and the Turbo 2 deliver smooth multitasking and can handle demanding applications and games with ease.
- Storage Options: While the Turbo 2 offers a generous 64GB out of the box, the Galaxy S6 provides flexibility with 32GB and 64GB internal storage variants, catering to different user needs for media and apps.
- Wireless Charging: Both devices support wireless charging, providing a convenient way to power up without the hassle of cables, adding to their modern feature set.
- Premium Build: The Galaxy S6 features a sleek glass and metal design, while the Turbo 2 sports a durable ballistic nylon back, both offering a premium feel in the hand.
Galaxy S6 Vs Turbo 2 Buying Guide
Choosing Your Processor Power
The Galaxy S6 boasts a powerful Exynos 7420 octa-core processor, offering excellent performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. Its efficiency also contributes to better battery management. The Turbo 2, on the other hand, features the Snapdragon 810, a capable chip that delivers strong multitasking and gaming capabilities. For raw processing power and efficient battery usage, the S6 often has a slight edge in benchmarks and real-world feel. (See Also: Clarity Skin Care Vs Dermalogica )
Display Quality and Durability
The Galaxy S6 sports a stunning 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with vibrant colors and deep blacks, perfect for media consumption. Its resolution is sharp, making text crisp and images pop. The Turbo 2 counters with a shatterproof 5.4-inch AMOLED display, prioritizing durability above all else. While the S6’s display is aesthetically superior, the Turbo 2’s resilience makes it ideal for accident-prone users or those in rugged environments.
Camera Capabilities and Features
Samsung’s Galaxy S6 is renowned for its exceptional 16MP rear camera, producing bright, detailed photos with excellent color accuracy, especially in good lighting. Its optical image stabilization ensures steady shots. The Turbo 2’s 21MP camera is also a strong contender, offering good detail and fast autofocus. While both are competent, the S6 often edges out the Turbo 2 in terms of natural color reproduction and low-light performance.
Battery Life and Charging Options
Battery life is a crucial consideration, and here the Turbo 2 generally holds an advantage. With its larger battery and efficient processor, it can often last a full day or more under moderate usage. The Galaxy S6, while capable, may require more frequent charging for heavy users. Both devices offer fast charging, but the Turbo 2’s overall longevity makes it a more reliable choice for extended use without a charger. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Nintendo Lite )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy galaxy s6 If…
- You prioritize a sleek, premium design with a compact form factor.
- You need excellent camera performance for everyday photos and videos.
- You value fast charging and wireless charging capabilities.
- You don’t require expandable storage.
Buy turbo 2 If…
- You need a rugged and durable phone built to withstand drops.
- You require a massive battery for extended usage.
- Expandable storage is a must-have for your media library.
- You prefer a larger display for content consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone is better for gaming?
For gaming, both phones offer strong performance. The Galaxy S6’s Exynos 7420 is highly capable, while the Turbo 2’s Snapdragon 810 is also a powerhouse. The S6 might offer slightly smoother performance in some graphically intensive titles due to its efficient architecture. However, the Turbo 2’s larger, more durable screen can also be a plus for extended gaming sessions.
Is the Turbo 2’s shatterproof screen worth it?
The Turbo 2’s shatterproof display is a significant advantage for users who are prone to dropping their phones or work in demanding environments. It offers peace of mind and can save on costly screen repairs. If durability is your top priority, this feature alone could make the Turbo 2 the clear winner for you.
How do the cameras compare in low light?
In low-light conditions, the Galaxy S6 generally performs better. Its larger sensor and advanced image processing allow it to capture more detail and produce brighter, less noisy images compared to the Turbo 2. While the Turbo 2’s camera is decent, the S6 often produces more usable and aesthetically pleasing shots when the lights are low. (See Also: Wingstop Tenders Vs Boneless Wings )
Which phone has better build quality?
The Galaxy S6 features a premium build with a metal frame and glass back, giving it a more sophisticated feel. The Turbo 2, while robust, has a more utilitarian design focused on durability, often featuring plastic construction and a textured back for grip. The choice here depends on whether you prioritize aesthetic luxury or rugged resilience.
Is the Turbo 2’s battery life noticeably better?
Yes, the Turbo 2 generally offers superior battery life. Its larger battery capacity, combined with the efficient Snapdragon 810 processor, allows it to outlast the Galaxy S6 in most real-world usage scenarios. If you need a phone that can reliably get you through a long day without needing a charge, the Turbo 2 is the stronger option.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S6 excels with its stunning display, premium build, and exceptional camera performance, particularly in low light. However, the Motorola Droid Turbo 2 shines with its unparalleled durability, shatterproof screen, and generally superior battery life. For the average user prioritizing a balance of features and a great camera, the S6 is a strong choice. But for those who demand ruggedness and extended uptime, the Turbo 2 is the clear victor.
Winner: Droid Turbo 2