Samsung Galaxy S6

The Samsung Galaxy S6 marked a significant design shift for Samsung’s flagship lineup. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S6:

Overview:

Introduced in early 2015, the Samsung Galaxy S6 was a departure from the design language of its predecessors. Samsung aimed to address criticisms of the Galaxy S5’s plastic build by introducing a more premium design with the S6, featuring glass and metal.

Features:

Operating System: Shipped with Android 5.0.2 Lollipop, with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI.
Display: 5.1-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels.
Processor: Exynos 7420 Octa-core.
Memory: Options of 3 GB RAM with 32/64/128 GB internal storage.
Camera: 16 MP rear camera with OIS and f/1.9 aperture. A 5 MP front camera.
Battery: 2550 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging and wireless charging support.
Other Features: Fingerprint scanner embedded in the home button, heart rate monitor, and Samsung Pay.

Pros:

Design Overhaul: The combination of metal and glass gave the Galaxy S6 a premium look and feel, distinguishing it from previous Galaxy S models.
Display Quality: The Quad HD Super AMOLED display was among the best in the market, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent brightness levels.
Camera Performance: The camera was a standout feature, delivering sharp, detailed photos, especially in well-lit conditions.
Performance: The Exynos 7420 chipset, combined with 3 GB of RAM, ensured smooth performance and multitasking.
Fast and Wireless Charging: The S6 introduced both fast wired charging and wireless charging, enhancing user convenience.

Cons:

No Expandable Storage: Unlike its predecessors, the S6 did not feature a microSD card slot for storage expansion.
Non-removable Battery: The shift to a sealed design meant users could no longer replace the battery.
Battery Life: The 2550 mAh battery was considered average, with many users finding the need to charge before the day’s end, especially with heavy use.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2015, the Galaxy S6 faced competition from various flagship devices:

LG G4: Known for its camera capabilities, removable battery, and leather back option.
iPhone 6: Apple’s flagship with its A8 chip, improved camera, and iOS ecosystem.
HTC One M9: Featuring a premium metal unibody design and BoomSound speakers.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy S6 was announced in March 2015 and released in April 2015.

Common Issues/Problems:

Battery Degradation: Over time, some users reported a noticeable decline in battery life, which was exacerbated by the fact that the battery was non-removable.
Software Bloat: While Samsung reduced some of the bloatware on the S6 compared to previous models, the device still came with a number of pre-installed apps that not all users found useful.
Glass Durability: The glass back, while premium, was prone to cracks and breaks if dropped.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S6 represented a pivotal moment for Samsung in the smartphone market. With its revamped design and focus on premium materials, it addressed many criticisms of previous Galaxy models. While it made some controversial decisions, like removing the microSD slot and sealing the battery, the overall package was well-received. The S6 laid the foundation for the design language of future Galaxy devices and solidified Samsung’s position as a leader in the premium smartphone segment.