Yesterday, I have the chance to be the first few in Singapore to check out the Samsung Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 edge. Thanks to Samsung for the invite. Both of them are beautifully made. That is my first impression.

For the first few minutes, I already decided that the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge will be the one for me. The reason is simple. Nowadays, the shape of the phones are so similar and uninteresting. Samsung Galaxy S6 edge is the only one in the market (currently) to have curve edges. And when you grab it with your hand, you have that sense of security that it will not drop from your hand.

Some will argue on this point though. The edges tend to apply more forces onto your palm when you hold it. Some might say it is not comfortable but that is also the reason why I mentioned that it felt more secured when I hold it.

Here are a few comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge.

Bottom view

No differences between the two models.

 Top view

As you can see, the top is slightly different. The SIM card (Nano SIM) Slot is on top of the phone for S6 edge while it is on the side on the S6. Because of the curve screen on the S6 edge, it is not possible to add in the SIM card slot to the side.

Although the Samsung Galaxy S6 is 0.2mm thicker than S6 edge, the chamfered look of the S6 edge makes it even thinner or bezeless in this sense.

Apart from this difference, the exterior are almost the same.

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge

Front

Back

The main button that has built-in fingerprint scanner.

The top part with all the sensors and front camera (The front camera is 5 MPX with an aperture of F/1.9. Very bright and really good to take pictures even at low light location).

The back consist of the Rear Camera (16 MPX with OIS and aperture of F/1.9). It is a very fast camera. Double click on the main button to activate the camera. One of the reasons that it can react so fast is because Samsung chooses to put the camera app on standby (rather than close it). So, when needed, it will spring into action.

Next to the camera is the flash and the heart rate monitor.

Here is the look of the edge. There are basically nothing by the sides except the volume up/down buttons and power on/off on the other side.

Samsung Galaxy S6

Front

Back

Same as S6 edge

Same as S6 edge with fingerprint capability.

Side

Volume buttons

Power on/off button and NanoSIM Card slot

If you look carefully at the edge, you will nothing that it is not exactly flat. Samsung has taken some effort to ensure that it is not sharp to the hand.

The camera and the heart rate monitor are the same as S6 edge.

That is it for the physical comparison.

Here is a screen shot of the software. It is running on Android 5.0.2

And here is something worth discussing. The S6 edge has a feature that is not available on the S6. You can assign 5 contacts that will appear on the side. Each one of them will have an unique color. When the S6 edge is facing down, the color on the edge of the screen will light up in accordance when someone called one of the assigned numbers. This is quite cool.

As you may or may not know, Samsung has revamped its UX. One of them is the quick menu for camera. Slide your finger across the screen and you can access the common features. Good if you are in a hurry to change some settings.

Themes

Now, there are themes that you can download from the Store. According to Samsung, the phone will come with just a few themes as they understand that not all users are in favor of having many themes.

Here is the Avenger Theme

Another look of the theme on another page.

And here is the Store where you can download more themes.

Accessories

There are many accessories for Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge. Most of them are covers. The most interesting one (in my opinion) is the wireless charging.

As both the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge have built-in induction charging, you just need to place the phone on the charging pad to charge. Very simple as it is compatible with two main wireless charging standards (WPC and PMA).

Wireless Charging

Here is another one in White.

And with its packaging.

A demonstration on how to charge the Galaxy S6 edge.

Do note that although the input for the wireless charging is 2 A, the output is much lower. I am suspecting it is in the 1A range. Based on minutes, it will take 80 minutes to fully charge the Galaxy S6 with its rapid charger and 187 minutes (not very sure on the value) to charge the same phone using Wireless.

BTW, since it is compatible with both wireless charging standards, I took out my Motorola Moto 360 to charge (it is using Qi standard). It works.

Covers

I am actually quite disappointed with the full range of covers from Samsung except this transparent one that has special features. Do not be mistaken that there are spots on the cover. It is mirror finish. The dots are reflection of the ceiling. You can use it as a mirror.

This feature is similar to HTC Dot View Cover except that it is using a transparent casing instead of a casing with dotted holes.

I have no comments with the rest of the covers. They have the usual Flip Cover and etc. You can take a look below. They come in many colors and in different materials.

 Summary

I think it takes a lot of courage to change a feature that many have consider a plus point over competitors. Yes, I am talking about the battery. Samsung must have thought hard before deciding on using internal battery. I guess with the built-in battery, the whole chassis becomes more stable and rigid.

But it also means that the advertisement by Samsung last year showing how Samsung users can change their batteries while Apple users have to hog the power sockets becomes literally a joke after Samsung’s announcement during the Samsung Unpacked 2015.

For the benefit of doubts, if Samsung battery can last two years without significant decrease in the battery life, I think this will not be a big issue. But I am sure for those who do not have the luxury to be always near a power source, will be disappointed. The only way now is to carry a portable external battery and a cable to charge. Previously, you just need to carry a second battery.

Let me know you thoughts on the S6 or S6 edge.

PS: Did you notice that the word GALAXY has been changed to lowercase (Galaxy)?

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