Editorials
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Galaxy S6 Edge: 6 Key Differences
Samsung announced two new phones today that both arrive on major carriers in the U.S. in early April. The Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Galaxy S6 Edge comparison is an important one for buyers, but there aren’t as many differences as you would expect between two brand new devices.
The Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge are strikingly similar with the same 5.1-inch display and 2,560 x 1,440 resolution, but there are six key differences that buyers need to know as they try to figure out which phone they want to buy.
Prepare for a major change from the Galaxy S5. There is no Galaxy S6 Micro SD card or removable battery on either model, so you will need to rely on some of the exciting new Galaxy S6 features like wireless charging and faster wired charging.
The Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy S6 share the same upgraded front and rear-facing cameras, same sensors, processors and other Galaxy S6 specs all line up, but there are several key differences that you can study to figure out what you want to buy in April when the Galaxy S6 release date arrives.
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Galaxy S6 Edge Differences
Here are the most important Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Galaxy S6 Edge differences that we know now. We may see other differences as we go hands on with the devices in the coming weeks and months. Here are the six key details that you need to know.
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Galaxy S6 Edge Price
The Samsung Galaxy S6 price is $699 off contract according to a contest page for the device. It is very likely that this will translate into $649 off contract when the release rolls around. This turns into a $199 on contract Galaxy S6 price based on current pricing off major devices on U.S. carriers.
We are waiting for any confirmation of the Galaxy S6 Edge price, but the odds are very good that it carriers will charge $299 on contract for the base model.
Both models will come in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB models, which is especially important with no Micro SD card support. We don’t know what price Samsung and carriers will set for the increase in storage.
You’ll pay a premium for the Galaxy S6 Edge and it won’t be on as many carriers.
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Galaxy S6 Edge Carriers
You can read our Galaxy S6 release date breakdown for a closer look at more Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge release details. You will see both the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge on AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint and U.S. Cellular.
The Galaxy S6 release is also coming to Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless and MetroPCS, but the most important information is that these carriers did not confirm anything about the Galaxy S6 Edge.
It is important to note that rumors point to a low supply of the Galaxy S6 Edge, which is likely why some of the carriers aren’t going to offer it. You will also likely find it harder to buy the Galaxy S6 Edge during the early days of the release.
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Galaxy S6 Edge Screen
The big difference is the dual-curved edge display on the Galaxy S6 Edge.
The Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy S6 both feature a 5.1-inch display, with a 2,560 x 1,440 resolution, but there is a difference. The Galaxy S6 Edge features a dual-curved design that is not as prominent as on the Galaxy Note Edge, but it does deliver a new look and unlocks some added features.
With a curve on both sides of the display, the Galaxy S6 Edge, offers a completely different look that may be enough to convince consumers to spend the extra cash.
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Galaxy S6 Edge Software
The Galaxy S6 Edge does not show notifications and offer shortcuts like the Galaxy Note Edge, but it does deliver a few added features. The biggest one is that the Galaxy S6 Edge display lights up when you get a call and you can set a specific color for a caller so that you can tell who is calling without picking up the phone.
The Galaxy S6 Edge software offers notification options.
Both the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge come with Android 5.0 Lollipop with some Samsung customizations, but not as many as on earlier models. The Galaxy S6 Edge software may include some other customizations to let users customize these notifications and alerts.
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Galaxy S6 Edge Battery
With no removable battery users may want to go with the model that offers the biggest battery, but the difference is very small. The Galaxy S6 features a 2,550mAh battery and the Galaxy S6 Edge features a 2,600mAh battery. In real world use this will not dramatically change how long the phone lasts, but it is a difference worth noting if only so you don’t buy the Edge just because someone tells you it features a bigger battery.
Both models include wireless charging, fast wired charging and an ultra power saving mode.
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Galaxy S6 Edge Size
There are small size differences between the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge.
The Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge are similar in size and both use a mix of metal and Gorilla Glass, but there are important differences in design, size and weight. We already covered the dual-edge display of the Edge screen, which is a big difference. That plays into the different size and weight of the two devices.
- Galaxy S6 – 143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8mm – 138g
- Galaxy S6 Edge – 142.1 x 70.1 x 7.0mm – 132g
The Samsung Galaxy S6 is thinner, taller and wider than the Galaxy S6 Edge. The differences are small, but in smartphone terms there is enough of a change that you will want to see the two devices side-by-side before you buy.
