Android
Sprint Galaxy S6 Release: 5 Things to Know Right Now
Shortly after Samsung took the stage, Sprint confirmed both the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge for release. Like its rivals, the carrier confirmed some release details but failed to confirm them all. In the hours since that confirmation, we’ve seen some new details emerge and today we want to take an in-depth look at what we know currently about the upcoming Sprint Galaxy S6 release.
In the weeks leading up to the Samsung’s Galaxy S6 launch date, we heard that Sprint was among the U.S. carriers planning Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge releases. Several Galaxy S6 rumors hinted at a widespread arrival in the United States and as expected Sprint and its rivals were quick to announce plans to release both models.
The Samsung Galaxy S6 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge are both official and they will be heading to all five major U.S. carriers which includes AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon. The regular version of the Samsung Galaxy S6 will also be heading to Cricket Wireless, Boost Mobile, and MetroPCS, three smaller U.S. carriers.
Shortly after Samsung’s announcements, we took an in-depth look at the Galaxy S6 release situation for the U.S. and for regions around the world. Samsung and its partners made a ton of details available immediately but there are still some Samsung Galaxy S6 release details missing for buyers here in the United States.
Over the past couple of days, we have seen new details emerge including new release information for the Sprint Galaxy S6. With those details in mind, we want to detail everything we currently know about the Sprint Galaxy S6 release and release date. This will help prospective Sprint Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge buyers prepare for the device’s arrival.
Sprint Galaxy S6 Release Date MIA
Sprint’s confirmed both the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge for arrival but the carrier still isn’t talking about a release date. Prior to their arrival, Sprint’s website teased a release that’s “coming soon” and those words still exist in the tags for the carrier’s sign up page. “Coming Soon” in carrier speak could mean anything though.
While we’re still at square one, we’re not clueless. The Samsung Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge release dates are both confirmed for April 10th. Samsung says that 20 countries will get the devices on April 10th though it’s not clear which countries will be included. We have our suspicions but nothing is confirmed yet.
What we do have are bits and pieces of information, none of which comes from Sprint itself. U.S. Cellular, the nation’s fifth largest carrier, says that it will be releasing both devices in April. If the nation’s fifth largest carrier is releasing the devices in April then we’d expect Sprint to release its new devices in April as well. This is a company that’s in desperate need of customers. No room for lagging.
Verizon, another top Sprint rival, says that it will release the device in early Q2. Q2 spans from April to June. That could mean April. At the very least, we’d expect Sprint’s release to fall in that same window. Verizon almost never beats its rivals to major Android smartphone releases. It’s typically the other way around.
Best Buy already has placeholders for the Galaxy S6 in its stores and the company is promoting AT&T, Sprint and Verizon phones on its latest mailer about the Samsung Galaxy S6. Best Buy always stocks Sprint phones so this, at least to us, is a sign that the AT&T, Sprint and Verizon Galaxy S6 release dates could be on the fast track.
All signs are pointing to a Sprint Galaxy S6 release in April.
Sprint Galaxy S6 Release Inches Closer
A specific release date is out of reach but we know that Sprint’s Galaxy S6 release date is making progress behind the scenes.
Earlier this week the Sprint Galaxy S6, also known as the SM-G920P, cleared the FCC. FCC approval is necessary before a device can be released to the public and this is a massive step toward an announcement and a release date.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Sprint Galaxy S6 recently got its stamp of approval over at Bluetooth. This is another necessary certification and it’s a clear sign that Samsung and Sprint are moving forward with their release.
Sprint Galaxy S6 Edge Release Also Moves Closer
Sprint’s Galaxy S6 Edge release is also inching closer. Like its counterpart, the Sprint Galaxy S6 Edge has received clearance at both Bluetooth and the FCC, a sign that a release date announcement is getting closer. The fact that both of these devices have gained approval is a sign that we probably won’t see any kind of delay for the curved model in the U.S.
Galaxy S6 Deal
It’s also worth noting that Amazon, a retailer that always stocks Sprint smartphones, is currently offering a deal ahead of the Galaxy S6 release. Amazon says that those who sign up for more information about its Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge release will receive a promo code for 10% off a “single item from select Samsung Galaxy S6 companion accessory items sold and shipped by Amazon.com.”
Amazon says that the deal will last until March 31st and that promo codes will be sent out on or by May 1st. It’s worth keeping in mind if you’re already planning to buy one or the other on Sprint’s network.
Sprint Galaxy S6 Price, Colors & Storage
Sprint, like its rivals, remains quiet about the Galaxy S6 price, the colors that it will carry and the amount of storage it will offer. If you’re unfamiliar with Sprint’s past, here is a quick history lesson.
- The Now Network often tries to charge $50 more than its rivals on-contract. For example, the Sprint Galaxy Note 4 started at $350 before dropping down in price to $299.99.
- Sprint’s also been hesitant to offer every single storage option. Its Galaxy S4 arrived with just 16GB of internal storage (plus microSD) while its rivals AT&T and Verizon offered both 16GB and 32GB.
- We’ve also seen U.S. carriers, and retailers, get exclusive Galaxy smartphone colors in the past. Now that you’re caught up, here’s what we know right now.
A T-Mobile Galaxy S6 contest reveals the device’s ARV or its Approximate Retail Value. According to T-Mobile, the Galaxy S6’s ARV is $699. That doesn’t mean that carriers will charge $699 off-contract for the Galaxy S6 but it does give us a possible range for off-contract pricing at carriers like Sprint.
The Galaxy S5 arrived with an ARV of $700. Sprint, like AT&T, charges $650 off-contract for it. So with that in mind, we’re expecting a Galaxy S6 price that’s in the range of $600-700. On-contract, we’re not sure but we wouldn’t be surprised if Sprint tried to pull a fast one on customers. Either with a steeper price or some kind of rebate.
Thanks to pricing in Europe, we know that the Galaxy S6 Edge is probably going to be a lot more than the regular model. So if you’re leaning towards the Sprint Galaxy S6 Edge, you’re probably looking at a very expensive phone. While nothing is confirmed, this makes sense.
The Galaxy Note Edge, a curved Galaxy Note 4 variant, is $429.99 on-contact or $130 more expensive than the regular Galaxy Note 4. (See what we mean about Sprint charging more? The Galaxy Note Edge is $399.99 at other U.S. carriers.) We’ll almost certainly see a steeper price tag on the Galaxy S6 Edge, problem is, we still don’t know how the regular model will be priced.
As for storage, we know that Samsung’s going to offer three models for both. A 32GB base model, a 64GB model and a 128GB model. These will need to be considered because the Galaxy S6 doesn’t come with a microSD card slot. Sprint hasn’t confirmed anything and we’re already seeing confusing details emerge.
At Samsung UK, the Samsung Galaxy S6 is listed with 32GB, 64GB and 128GB storage options while the Galaxy S6 Edge is listed with 64GB and 128GB storage options. The 32GB model is nowhere to be found. At Samsung Netherlands, all three storage options are up for pre-order. A recent T-Mobile Galaxy S6 Edge teaser also touts the three storage options.
Again, we remind you that storage has been uneven in the past. While some carriers have opted to carry multiple options, others have opted to go with a more limited approach.
It will be interesting to see what Sprint and its fellow U.S. carriers do with the storage options. We’ve pointed this all out because you shouldn’t just assume that Sprint is going to carry all three variants.
The Galaxy S6 color situation is a mess too. Samsung UK lists all four colors for both the Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy S6. Samsung Netherlands has three color options up for pre-order (white, black, gold) and Samsung Canada only lists black and white options on its page.
We bring this up so that you temper your expectations as we get closer to the release. There’s a real good chance that Sprint will have a limited selection on release day so don’t settle on a color just yet.
So what are the key takeaways here? Let’s take a look:
- Sprint Galaxy S6 release dates MIA but April is looking good.
- Both models are moving closer to their public release.
- There’s an Amazon deal we think you should know about.
- And don’t settle on storage, colors or a certain price point just yet. There are some clues but it’s still very, very confusing. Not just in the United States but everywhere.
