Choosing between two flagship Samsung devices can be a delightful dilemma, especially when they share a common lineage but offer distinct experiences. The Samsung Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus represent a pivotal moment in smartphone design, pushing the boundaries of what a premium handset could be.
Both devices boast stunning aesthetics and powerful performance, but subtle differences can significantly impact your daily usage and overall satisfaction. Whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance or the futuristic allure of a curved display, understanding these nuances is key to making the right choice.
This comparison delves deep into the heart of the s6 vs s6 edge plus debate, helping you discern which of these iconic Samsung smartphones truly aligns with your needs and preferences.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | s6 | s6 edge plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.1 inches | 5.7 inches |
| Display Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels | 1440 x 2560 pixels |
| Processor | Exynos 7420 | Exynos 7420 |
| RAM | 3 GB | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB | 32GB/64GB |
| Rear Camera | 16 MP | 16 MP |
| Front Camera | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Battery Capacity | 2550 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Dimensions | 143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8 mm | 154.4 x 75.8 x 6.9 mm |
| Weight | 138 g | 153 g |
| Build Material | Glass, Aluminum | Glass, Aluminum |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display Size & Resolution
- S6: Features a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with a QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution. This provides incredibly sharp visuals and vibrant colors, making it excellent for media consumption and everyday use. The smaller size also contributes to a more compact and pocketable device.
- S6 Edge Plus: Boasts a larger 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with the same QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution. While offering more screen real estate, which is great for multitasking and immersive viewing, it comes at the cost of a larger footprint and potentially less comfortable one-handed use for some.
- Winner: s6 Edge Plus
Design & Build
- S6: Utilizes a premium design with a metal frame and glass front and back. It feels solid and well-constructed, offering a sleek and modern aesthetic. However, the all-glass back can be prone to fingerprints and accidental drops.
- S6 Edge Plus: Shares the same premium materials but features a curved display that wraps around the edges. This curved design offers a unique visual appeal and can provide some edge-specific functionalities. It’s undeniably stylish but can also be more susceptible to edge damage and accidental touches.
- Winner: s6 Edge Plus
Performance (Processor & RAM)
- S6: Powered by Samsung’s Exynos 7420 octa-core processor and 3GB of RAM. This combination delivered top-tier performance at its release, handling demanding apps and multitasking with ease. It’s still a capable performer for most users.
- S6 Edge Plus: Equipped with the same Exynos 7420 octa-core processor but upgraded to 4GB of RAM. The additional RAM allows for smoother multitasking and better performance when running multiple applications simultaneously, providing a slight edge in handling intensive workloads.
- Winner: s6 Edge Plus
Camera System
- S6: Features a 16MP rear camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a 5MP front-facing camera. The rear camera is excellent, capturing sharp, detailed photos with good low-light performance. The front camera is also solid for selfies and video calls.
- S6 Edge Plus: Sports the exact same 16MP rear camera with OIS and 5MP front-facing camera as the s6. Both devices offer fantastic photographic capabilities, producing consistently high-quality images. There’s no significant difference in image output between the two.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- S6: Comes with a 2550 mAh non-removable battery. While adequate for moderate use, heavier users might find themselves needing to top up during the day. It supports fast charging to mitigate this.
- S6 Edge Plus: Features a slightly larger 3000 mAh non-removable battery. This provides a noticeable improvement in battery longevity, allowing for more extended use between charges, especially given the larger display. It also supports fast charging.
- Winner: s6 Edge Plus
Storage Options
- S6: Offered in 32GB and 64GB internal storage variants. There is no expandable storage via microSD card. The available storage is fixed at the time of purchase.
- S6 Edge Plus: Primarily launched with 32GB and 64GB internal storage options, also without expandable storage. The lack of microSD card support is a drawback for those who need extensive local storage.
- Winner: Tie
Software Features & Edge Functionality
- S6: Runs on Android with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI. It offered a feature-rich experience with Samsung’s suite of apps and services. It received regular software updates during its lifecycle.
- S6 Edge Plus: Also runs on Android with TouchWiz, but benefits from the curved display’s edge features. These include edge lighting for notifications, quick access to contacts, and other customizable shortcuts. These features add a unique layer of usability for those who utilize them.
- Winner: s6 Edge Plus
Price & Value at Launch
- S6: Was positioned as a flagship device with a premium price tag. It offered excellent value for its performance, camera, and build quality at the time of its release.
- S6 Edge Plus: As the larger and more stylistically distinct variant, it was launched at a higher price point than the standard s6. The increased cost was for the larger screen, curved design, and slightly more RAM.
- Winner: s6
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size | s6 edge plus |
| RAM | s6 edge plus |
| Battery Capacity | s6 edge plus |
| Design & Ergonomics | s6 edge plus (subjective, but the curve is distinctive) |
| Portability | s6 |
| Overall Performance | s6 edge plus (due to more RAM) |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both devices utilize Samsung’s vibrant Super AMOLED display technology, offering excellent color reproduction, deep blacks, and sharp visuals with a QHD resolution. This ensures an immersive viewing experience for media consumption and general use.
- Performance Core: Under the hood, both the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge Plus are powered by the same formidable Exynos 7420 octa-core processor. This chipset delivered top-tier performance for its time, handling demanding applications and multitasking with ease.
- Camera System: They share an identical, highly capable camera setup, featuring a 16-megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. This means you can expect similar photographic quality from both devices.
- Premium Build: Both phones boast a premium construction, combining a glass front and back with a sturdy aluminum frame. This design language was a significant departure for Samsung and contributed to a more elegant and durable feel.
- Storage Options: You’ll find the same internal storage configurations available for both the S6 and S6 Edge Plus, typically offered in 32GB and 64GB variants, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
- Wireless Charging: Both models support wireless charging capabilities, allowing for convenient cable-free power-ups. This feature was a key selling point for the S6 series, offering a more modern charging experience.
S6 Vs S6 Edge Plus Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy S6 boasts a premium, all-metal and glass construction, offering a sleek and solid feel in hand. Its design is a significant upgrade from previous plastic models, exuding a sophisticated aesthetic. The flat display contributes to a comfortable grip and a classic smartphone look.
Conversely, the S6 Edge Plus takes this premium design and elevates it with its signature dual-curved edges. This not only makes the phone visually striking but also offers some functional benefits, like edge notifications and quick access to contacts. The larger screen size, however, makes it slightly less pocketable for some users. (See Also: Apple Iphone 14 Vs 15 )
Display and Visuals
Both devices feature stunning 5.1-inch Quad HD (2560 x 1440) Super AMOLED displays, delivering incredibly vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional sharpness. This resolution ensures that text is crisp, images are detailed, and videos are immersive on both phones. You’ll experience fantastic viewing angles and brightness, making them great for media consumption and general use.
The primary difference lies in the curved edges of the S6 Edge Plus. While the core display technology is identical, the curved glass on the Edge Plus can offer a slightly more immersive experience for certain content, making it feel as though the display extends beyond the bezels. This can be particularly noticeable when watching widescreen videos or playing games.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, both the S6 and S6 Edge Plus are powered by the same robust Exynos 7420 octa-core processor paired with 3GB of RAM. This means that for everyday tasks, app launching, multitasking, and even demanding games, you can expect virtually identical, top-tier performance from both devices. They are both incredibly fast and responsive.
The S6 Edge Plus does come with slightly more internal storage options, often starting at 32GB and going up to 128GB, whereas the standard S6 might have had more limited options initially. However, the core processing power and graphical capabilities are on par, ensuring a smooth and lag-free experience on either. Battery life, while improved on both, can be a deciding factor due to screen size differences. (See Also: Texas Vs Wyoming Llc )
Camera Capabilities
Both the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge Plus share the same impressive 16-megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. This means that in terms of photo and video quality, you’ll get remarkably similar results. Both devices excel in capturing detailed, vibrant, and well-exposed shots, even in challenging lighting conditions.
The quick launch feature, accessible by double-pressing the home button, is present on both, allowing you to snap photos instantly. Low-light performance is a strong suit for both, thanks to OIS and their advanced image processing. You won’t be disappointed with the photographic prowess of either phone; they are essentially identical in this regard.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy s6 If…
- You prefer a more compact and pocketable smartphone.
- You are looking for flagship performance without the larger screen size.
- You want a premium Android experience at a potentially lower price point.
- You don’t need the absolute largest display for media consumption.
Buy s6 edge plus If…
- You desire a larger screen for enhanced media viewing and multitasking.
- The unique curved display design appeals to your aesthetic preferences.
- You want slightly more RAM for smoother multitasking and future-proofing.
- You need a larger battery to get through a full day of heavy usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the S6 and S6 Edge Plus?
The most significant difference is the design. The S6 has a flat display, while the S6 Edge Plus features a larger screen with dual curved edges. This aesthetic change on the Edge Plus also brings some unique software features for edge notifications and quick access, though the core performance and camera hardware are largely identical.
Is the S6 Edge Plus significantly larger than the S6?
Yes, the S6 Edge Plus sports a larger 5.7-inch display compared to the S6’s 5.1-inch screen. This makes the S6 Edge Plus taller and wider, and while it maintains a slim profile, it can feel less manageable for one-handed use for some individuals. The S6 is more compact and pocket-friendly. (See Also: Swagbucks Vs Survey Junkie )
Which phone has better battery life?
The S6 Edge Plus generally offers slightly better battery life due to its larger physical battery capacity (3000 mAh vs. 2550 mAh on the S6). However, the larger, higher-resolution screen on the Edge Plus also consumes more power. Real-world battery performance can vary based on usage, but the Edge Plus typically has a slight edge.
Are the cameras on both phones the same?
Yes, the rear and front-facing cameras on the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge Plus are identical. Both feature a 16-megapixel rear camera with OIS and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. This means you can expect the same excellent photo and video quality from both devices, with comparable low-light performance and detail capture.
Which phone is better for gaming and media consumption?
Both phones offer a fantastic experience for gaming and media due to their Quad HD Super AMOLED displays and powerful processors. However, the larger 5.7-inch display on the S6 Edge Plus provides a more immersive viewing and gaming experience. The curved edges can also enhance the sense of depth for some multimedia content, making it a slightly better choice for entertainment.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus stands out as the superior device due to its larger, more immersive curved display and slightly better battery life. While the core performance and camera capabilities are identical to the standard S6, the Edge Plus offers a more modern and visually appealing aesthetic with added functional flair from its unique edge features. If you value a larger screen and a premium, cutting-edge design, the S6 Edge Plus is the clear winner.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus