Looking to upgrade your mobile experience but torn between two Samsung titans? The Galaxy S6, a former flagship, still holds a special place, while the newer Galaxy A50 offers a more modern approach. Both promise the reliable Samsung ecosystem, but their approaches to design, performance, and features differ significantly. Let’s dive deep into what sets these two devices apart.
The S6, a premium device from its era, boasted a sleek metal and glass build that turned heads. It was all about delivering a top-tier experience with its powerful processor and excellent camera. On the other hand, the A50 represents Samsung’s mid-range prowess, packing in a large display, a versatile camera system, and a battery designed to keep up with your day.
Choosing between them isn’t just about age; it’s about prioritizing what matters most to you. Are you after raw performance and a premium feel, or do you seek a balanced, feature-rich device for everyday use? This comparison will help you navigate the nuances.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Samsung S6 | A50 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.1 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Display Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels | 1080 x 2340 pixels |
| Processor | Exynos 7420 | Exynos 9610 |
| RAM | 3 GB | 4 GB / 6 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB / 64 GB | 64 GB / 128 GB |
| Rear Camera | 16 MP | 25 MP (wide) + 8 MP (ultrawide) + 5 MP (depth) |
| Front Camera | 5 MP | 25 MP |
| Battery Capacity | 2550 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Operating System (Launch) | Android 5.0.1 | Android 9.0 |
| Water Resistance | No | No |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes | Yes (under-display) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung S6: Features a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels. It offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making for an excellent viewing experience. However, the display can be a bit reflective in bright sunlight.
- A50: Boasts a larger 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. While slightly lower in pixel density, it provides a more immersive viewing area with good color reproduction. The smaller bezels contribute to its modern look.
- Winner: a50
Processor and Performance
- Samsung S6: Powered by the Exynos 7420 chipset (or Snapdragon 810 in some regions) with 3GB of RAM. This was a flagship processor in its time, offering smooth performance for most tasks and gaming. However, it can experience thermal throttling under heavy load and is now dated.
- A50: Equipped with the Exynos 9610 chipset and typically 4GB or 6GB of RAM. It offers a solid mid-range performance, capable of handling everyday tasks and moderate gaming smoothly. It may not match the raw power of the S6’s original flagship chip but offers better efficiency.
- Winner: samsung s6
Camera
- Samsung S6: Features a 16MP rear camera with OIS and a 5MP front camera. The rear camera produces sharp and detailed photos in good lighting conditions, with good color accuracy. Low-light performance is decent but can be noisy.
- A50: Sports a triple rear camera system (25MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP depth) and a 25MP front camera. It offers more versatility with the ultrawide lens, and the higher megapixel count on the main sensor can capture more detail. Image processing is generally good for its class.
- Winner: a50
Battery Life
- Samsung S6: Comes with a 2550 mAh non-removable battery. Battery life is a significant weakness, often struggling to last a full day with moderate usage. Fast charging is supported, which helps mitigate this issue.
- A50: Equipped with a much larger 4000 mAh non-removable battery. This provides significantly better battery life, easily lasting a full day and often into the second day for many users. It also supports fast charging.
- Winner: a50
Storage and Expandability
- Samsung S6: Offered in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB internal storage options. However, it lacks a microSD card slot, meaning storage is fixed.
- A50: Available in 64GB or 128GB internal storage, and importantly, it includes a dedicated microSD card slot for expandable storage up to 512GB. This offers much more flexibility for storing media and apps.
- Winner: a50
Build Quality and Design
- Samsung S6: Features a premium build with a metal frame and Gorilla Glass 4 on the front and back. It has a sleek and modern design for its era, though the glass back can be slippery.
- A50: Utilizes a “Glasstic” back (plastic designed to look like glass) and a plastic frame, with Gorilla Glass 3 on the front. While not as premium as the S6’s materials, it contributes to a lighter device and features a more modern, edge-to-edge display design.
- Winner: samsung s6
Biometrics
- Samsung S6: Includes a front-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated into the home button. It was one of the earlier devices to feature a reliable and fast touch-based fingerprint sensor.
- A50: Features an in-display (under-screen) optical fingerprint scanner. While convenient and modern, its speed and accuracy can sometimes be less consistent compared to dedicated physical sensors.
- Winner: samsung s6
Software and Updates
- Samsung S6: Launched with Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and received updates up to Android 7.0 (Nougat). It is no longer receiving major OS updates, meaning it misses out on newer features and security patches.
- A50: Launched with Android 9.0 (Pie) and has received subsequent major Android updates, with a commitment to longer software support. This means it benefits from newer Android features, security enhancements, and a more modern user experience.
- Winner: a50
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality (Resolution/Sharpness) | Samsung S6 |
| Display Size | A50 |
| Performance (General Use) | A50 |
| Camera Versatility | A50 |
| Battery Life | A50 |
| Storage Options | A50 |
| Design (Subjective, but modern appeal) | A50 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both the Samsung S6 and the A50 utilize Super AMOLED display technology, promising vibrant colors and deep blacks for an excellent viewing experience.
- Premium Build Materials: While the S6 leans towards glass and metal, the A50 offers a modern plastic build that still feels solid in hand. Both aim for a premium feel in their respective eras.
- Samsung Ecosystem: Users of both devices benefit from Samsung’s software features and integration within the broader Samsung ecosystem, including access to Samsung Pay and other proprietary services.
- Capable Cameras for Their Time: Both phones offer respectable camera systems for their release periods, capable of capturing good quality photos and videos under favorable lighting conditions.
- Fingerprint Security: Security is a priority for both devices, featuring integrated fingerprint sensors for quick and secure unlocking of the phone and app access.
Samsung S6 Vs A50 Buying Guide
Performance and Everyday Use
The Samsung Galaxy S6, despite its age, still offers a capable performance for everyday tasks. Its Exynos 7420 chipset, paired with 3GB of RAM, can handle web browsing, social media, and light gaming smoothly. However, for more demanding applications or multitasking, you might notice some slowdowns compared to newer devices. The A50, with its Exynos 9610 processor and 4GB/6GB RAM options, generally provides a snappier and more fluid experience, making it better suited for intensive use and future-proofing. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Switch Lite )
Camera Capabilities
When it comes to photography, the Galaxy S6 boasts a respectable 16MP rear camera that can capture good quality images in well-lit conditions. Its optical image stabilization helps reduce blur. The Galaxy A50 steps up the game with a versatile triple-lens system, featuring a 25MP main sensor, a 5MP depth sensor, and an 8MP ultrawide lens. This setup allows for more creative shots, including wider landscapes and portrait effects with better bokeh, and generally produces more vibrant and detailed photos, especially in challenging lighting.
Display and Design
The Galaxy S6 sports a beautiful 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with a sharp QHD resolution, offering excellent color accuracy and deep blacks. Its premium glass and metal build feels sophisticated, though it lacks water resistance. The Galaxy A50 features a larger 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, though with a lower FHD+ resolution, which is still very pleasing for media consumption. Its plastic build is more durable and offers an in-display fingerprint scanner, a modern convenience absent in the S6.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a significant differentiator. The Galaxy S6, with its smaller 2550 mAh battery, often struggles to last a full day for moderate users. While it supports fast charging and wireless charging, the aging battery may not hold its charge as effectively. The Galaxy A50 comes with a much larger 4000 mAh battery, providing significantly better endurance and easily lasting a full day or more for most users. It also supports 15W fast charging, which is adequate for its battery size. (See Also: Pixel 6a Vs Iphone 12 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Samsung S6 If…
- You are a fan of compact, flagship-level phones from a few years ago.
- You prioritize a sharp, high-resolution display in a smaller form factor.
- You can find one in good condition and are comfortable with its older software.
Buy A50 If…
- You want a modern smartphone with a large, immersive display.
- You need a long-lasting battery to get through a full day.
- You desire a versatile camera system with ultrawide capabilities.
- You prefer a more up-to-date Android experience with newer features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better display?
The Samsung Galaxy S6 has a higher resolution QHD display, offering sharper details and pixel density. However, the Galaxy A50’s larger Super AMOLED FHD+ display is still excellent for media consumption and offers a more modern aesthetic with its smaller bezels. For pure sharpness, the S6 wins, but for overall viewing experience and size, the A50 is a strong contender.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The Galaxy A50 generally offers a better gaming experience due to its more powerful Exynos 9610 processor and potentially more RAM (4GB or 6GB options). This allows it to handle more demanding games with smoother frame rates and less lag. The Galaxy S6 can still play many games, but its older chipset might struggle with newer, graphically intensive titles.
Does the A50 have a better camera than the S6?
Yes, the Galaxy A50 features a more versatile and advanced camera system. Its triple-lens setup, including an ultrawide lens, provides more shooting options than the S6’s single rear camera. The A50’s 25MP main sensor also generally captures more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in various lighting conditions. (See Also: Galaxy Watch 6 Vs Active 2 )
Which phone has better battery life?
The Galaxy A50 has a significantly larger 4000 mAh battery compared to the Galaxy S6’s 2550 mAh battery. This translates to much better battery life for the A50, which can comfortably last a full day or more for most users, whereas the S6 may struggle to get through a day of moderate usage.
Is the S6 still a good phone in 2024?
While the Galaxy S6 was a flagship device in its time, its age means it will likely feel slower and less capable for modern applications and multitasking. Software updates are also likely discontinued. The Galaxy A50, being a newer device, offers a more up-to-date experience and is generally a better choice for current everyday use.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A50 is the clear winner in this comparison. It offers a more modern design, a larger and more immersive display, a significantly better battery life, and a more versatile camera system. While the Galaxy S6 was a premium device, its age shows in its performance and battery capabilities. The A50 provides a more well-rounded and future-proof experience for everyday users.
Winner: Samsung A50