Samsung Galaxy S6 hype thread

[Achtung!]

The Verge: Samsung Galaxy S6 Review

The Galaxy S6 Edge is Samsung at its boldest. The Galaxy S6 is Samsung at its best

This is the highest rated Samsung device by The Verge. With 8.8 points/10 it beats the Galaxy Note 4.

Key points:

• The Verge loves the Galaxy S6 design, which they say "Samsung out-Appled, Apple" in. (this means they actually like the Galaxy S6 design more than the iPhone 6 design).
  
• They think the Super AMOLED display on the Galaxy S6/S6 Edge are the best mobile displays on the market
  
• They love the double home button click to camera function which works instantaneously and is highly reliable, which really makes it one of the best point-and-shooter smartphones
  
• The software, while improved, could still use more improvements
  
• Although they like the design on the Galaxy S6 Edge, the reviewer himself prefers the regular Galaxy S6 (I ordered the Galaxy S6 Edge because I like the modern look and feel)
  
• The battery life, although not bad, has been inconsistent

The Verge: Camera test: Samsung’s new Galaxy S6 versus the iPhone 6 Plus

I'm surprised that the Galaxy S6 camera actually beats out the iPhone 6 Plus' camera in most of the shots here.

Photo 1: Galaxy S6 is the clear winner here. The photo looks sharper and has superior lighting.

Photo 2: Not a huge difference but if you look at the car in the front, the Galaxy S6 resolves more detail. The Galaxy S6 also displays warmer colors, whereas the iPhone 6 Plus resolves colder colors.

Photo 3: The Galaxy S6 lets in more light with its F/1.9 aperture resulting in more of the room being able to be seen. The photos were captured at slightly different angles. The iPhone 6 Plus seems to resolve slightly less detail.

Photo 4: The iPhone 6 Plus photo is slightly more detailed here.

Photo 5: Tie. The Galaxy S6 seems to produce a slightly more sharper image, though.

Photo 6: The Galaxy S6 displays warmer colors, whereas the iPhone 6 Plus produces colder colors.

Photo 7: The Galaxy S6 lets in more light again with the F/1.9 aperture resulting in more of the room being able to be seen. Captured at slightly different angles though.

Overall the Galaxy S6 camera wins, period, especially if you take into account it's a 16MP sensor (yes, I know, megapixels aren't everything). I think they standardized the images to 8MP to make this comparison fairer. And even then, I would have to say the Galaxy S6 camera took superior photos in most of the shots (except for photo 4).

 

[dawheat]

I have to say - a black S6 Edge with a black wallpaper is pretty sexy. I think it'd look pretty amazing with a very dark/black live wallpaper. I'm personally still a fan of the bubbles live wallpaper that came out with ICS I think.

 

[ChronoReverse]

Crap that's slick. If only Google didn't make lollipop all white.

 

[Shlong]

Checked out the S6 Edge (all they had) at Best Buy today, was pretty shocked its already there... guess I'm behind the times.

Its a beautiful phone, lighter and smaller than my S5, but I'm not sure I have a specific reason to upgrade to it. I like the near lack of a bezel, but I'm not sure what the point of the curved edge screen is besides looking futuristic. Phone didn't seem any faster nor the screen any better than the S5 just from 5 minutes of playing around with it.

I still liked sense on my DNA better than anything I've seen from samsung... maybe HTC will have something better out by the time I can upgrade again.

You answered your own question. The point is: "I like the near lack of a bezel" and "looking futuristic." I'm in the camp of I will buy the Edge over the regular S6 because it looks much cooler and some people care about aesthetics.

 

[Achtung!]

Android Authority: Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Review

By far the best Galaxy S6 Edge review yet.

 

[WelshBloke]

The Verge: Samsung Galaxy S6 Review

Wow, the verge write some terrible reviews.

 

[lopri]

Verge is a propaganda site. Absolutely zero value in their writings. The site is tech equivalent of "Us Weekly" magazine.

This dude calls it as he sees it. I find it refreshing.

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/samsung-galaxy-s6-and-s6-edge-review-all-hail-the-114663736049.html

He managed to point out what I've always felt about photos taken by iPhones, too. I am glad that I am not alone thinking that.

 

[Achtung!]

Verge is a propaganda site. Absolutely zero value in their writings. The site is tech equivalent of "Us Weekly" magazine.

This dude calls it as he sees it. I find it refreshing.

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/samsung-galaxy-s6-and-s6-edge-review-all-hail-the-114663736049.html

He managed to point out what I've always felt about photos taken by iPhones, too. I am glad that I am not alone thinking that.

Yahoo reviews phones too?

I guess that review also likes the Galaxy S6 camera better than the iPhone 6.

 

[nageov3t]

Pre-ordered mine from Verizon today (128gb white, non-edge)

Was strongly debating between the S6 and the M9, but multiple reviews reporting that the M9's battery life was either the same or worse cinched it for me. Either should hopefully be an upgrade over my S4 with a dying battery.

The Sony Z3 is my dream phone, but I'm locked to Verizon because of work.

 

[Annisman*]

Pre ordered mine as well, though just the 32G edition. Anything will be better than this droid DNA. Decent phone for its time but it's really slowing down.

 

[touchstone]

128GB Black Sapphire Edge


Not pleased about the price samsung.

 

[deputc26]

Verge is a propaganda site. Absolutely zero value in their writings. The site is tech equivalent of "Us Weekly" magazine.

This is exactly what I thought, a shame as some of their older reviews were decent.

Edit: also the word "ontological" was used, this had to be noted.

 

[Dannar26]

See, it's crap like this:

http://www.wsj.com/articles/samsung-galaxy-s6-review-the-iphone-6-has-met-its-match-1427825674

"In this unpredictable world, it’s the constants in life that I can count on.
The sun rises in the East, Starbucks lattes always taste the same, and Apple’s iPhones are always better than Samsung’s Galaxy phones."

So, because the shell of the phone is more visually appealing, it's better? What a shallow opinion. Everybody is tripping over themselves about this thing because it has a prettier outer shell. I would say "Who the hell cares!?" but I guess the answer to that is everybody.

Suddenly the S6 is better because it looks nicer? Because it gave into the same unibody nonsense as every other phone out there? Because they lost value adding features such as a removable battery, expanded storage, and inherent water proofing?

I'm just baffled at how everybody eats this up. But I guess I shouldn't be. Look at pop music. Radio vomit from Kelly Clarkson is clearly superior to something engaging like Nightwish. Peoples tastes suck.

Clearly it's time to release a curved glass phone as wide as a card. It breaks instantly if you look at it, but HEY GUYS ITS PRETTY!

/nerdrage

 

[Radeon962]

Pre-ordered mine from Verizon today (128gb white, non-edge)

Was strongly debating between the S6 and the M9, but multiple reviews reporting that the M9's battery life was either the same or worse cinched it for me. Either should hopefully be an upgrade over my S4 with a dying battery.

The Sony Z3 is my dream phone, but I'm locked to Verizon because of work.

Z3v is the Verizon version of the Sony Z3. Sounds like it is a somewhat gimped version.

 

[lopri]

See, it's crap like this:

http://www.wsj.com/articles/samsung-galaxy-s6-review-the-iphone-6-has-met-its-match-1427825674

She's sticking to her iPhone 6 because of the S6's ugly icons. That suits her just fine, methinks. At least she is honest about it, even though that honesty reveals quite a bit about her. :biggrin:

 

[dawheat]

Eh I think reviews across the board are pretty positive, even from historical pro-Apple sites. Sure there's going to be some confirmation bias simply b/c most of them use iPhones. The S6 is really the first Android device that matches up in every way - looks, performance, camera usability and quality, screen, smoothness, biometrics, etc. So I don't have an issue with Apple getting the leader's benefit of the doubt.

I say this as a diehard Note 2, 3, and 4 user as my primary device - they are great, especially the Note 4, but they still weren't quite the total package.

The Note 4 with the S6 type Lollipop software (smoother, faster, and lighter) plus the new camera app (quick launch, focus tracking) however would be the whole package. The swipe biometrics is really the one knock but I've pretty much mastered it and can get unlocks on the first try. But I can certainly understand others giving up before building up the muscle memory.

 

[Annisman*]

I bought it because it is really fast and has a nice camera....

 

[ThisIsChrisKim]

See, it's crap like this:

http://www.wsj.com/articles/samsung-galaxy-s6-review-the-iphone-6-has-met-its-match-1427825674



So, because the shell of the phone is more visually appealing, it's better? What a shallow opinion. Everybody is tripping over themselves about this thing because it has a prettier outer shell. I would say "Who the hell cares!?" but I guess the answer to that is everybody.

Suddenly the S6 is better because it looks nicer? Because it gave into the same unibody nonsense as every other phone out there? Because they lost value adding features such as a removable battery, expanded storage, and inherent water proofing?

I'm just baffled at how everybody eats this up. But I guess I shouldn't be. Look at pop music. Radio vomit from Kelly Clarkson is clearly superior to something engaging like Nightwish. Peoples tastes suck.

Clearly it's time to release a curved glass phone as wide as a card. It breaks instantly if you look at it, but HEY GUYS ITS PRETTY!

/nerdrage

America-centric Wall Street Journal? Of course anything by an American company is better.

I've never loved Joanna Stern. She's super opinionated, even for someone who curated her chops with guys over at The Verge, and her personality (particularly in videos) is a bit... off putting.

 

[krumme]

To my eyes the s6 screen is visible sharper than s5 and note 4. Its perfect. I dont care about 300ppi. Its nonsense. My take at least for pentile is that up to 600 is visible. I have good sight and its just a pleasure to watch.

I prefer the smooth plastic sides of the old s3 for ergonomics, - contrary to the hard, cold metal edges - but the speed, camera and especially screen is just stellar. Makes an ip6 look 2 years old imo. Expensive but worth the small premium compared to prior galaxy generations. Looking forward to the Note 5. Need even faster A72 or samsung own core - and will pay for it. 4k video with superior digital stabilization would be welcome to.

 

[krumme]

When the s6 edge hits the streets big time. Man, when Apple supporters look at it, brand loyality will take a big hit. Its striking - and it will hurt. I think its importance goes far beyond its - huge - pre order numbers. Its a game changer - because it makes a highly visible difference. And especially feels different. This will put big pressure on Apple when it hits the streets.

 

[Oyeve]

Tmo has the 128 gb ones for 199 down, 32 a month. Im tempted.

 

[darkswordsman17]

See, it's crap like this:

http://www.wsj.com/articles/samsung-galaxy-s6-review-the-iphone-6-has-met-its-match-1427825674



So, because the shell of the phone is more visually appealing, it's better? What a shallow opinion. Everybody is tripping over themselves about this thing because it has a prettier outer shell. I would say "Who the hell cares!?" but I guess the answer to that is everybody.

Suddenly the S6 is better because it looks nicer? Because it gave into the same unibody nonsense as every other phone out there? Because they lost value adding features such as a removable battery, expanded storage, and inherent water proofing?

I'm just baffled at how everybody eats this up. But I guess I shouldn't be. Look at pop music. Radio vomit from Kelly Clarkson is clearly superior to something engaging like Nightwish. Peoples tastes suck.

Clearly it's time to release a curved glass phone as wide as a card. It breaks instantly if you look at it, but HEY GUYS ITS PRETTY!

/nerdrage

I was with you til the Kelly Clarkson and Nightwish comparison, although I think it's funny that you completely miss that your nerdrage rant is doing exactly what you're complaining about as taste is very subjective (what I'm saying is, Clarkson isn't even close to being a really horrible pop singer - actually I don't even know why you picked her since she hasn't been popular in years - and Nightwish is hardly some band I'd hold up as some contrasting good music).

Oh and actually the curved display apparently is pretty resistant to breaking so that argument doesn't really hold water. I admit I don't understand the appeal of the Edge version much. Seems like most people really just want front glass that goes the full width with no frame lip around it. I'm doubly baffled at the "no bezel" comments since it absolutely has one and the curved sides in no way changed that at all. And to top it off you have to pay $100 more.

But that aside, the S6 and S6 Edge seem to be great phones and with the M9 being an utter disappointment and if the G4 has the 810 in it then it'll likely disappoint as well, Samsung took themselves to the next level and should rightly dominate Android sales and even push Apple again. I'm personally waiting to see how the S6 Active ends up, if they manage to make it even sturdier, it has that big battery, and they retain the components of the normal S6 it should be a real winner and would be worth the extra cost over the normal S6 for me. But then I'm not in the market for a new phone just yet so will be waiting to see what's in store for the fall (Note 5, iPhone, and new Windows phones). I'm really hoping they can improve the water/dust resistance of the Note 5 while also retaining the swappable battery and SD slot and offering the positives of the S6 with the positives of the Note line (display size and stylus).

S6 is a winner, and while the battery and SD slot are disappointments, it more than made up for their loss with how much it improved other key aspects. I think that's the key and that's what I hope Samsung takes away from this, although I'm guessing they'll probably go "oh people don't actually care about the battery or SD slot, but they really want a pretty iPhone like phone!"

 

[nageov3t]

Tmo has the 128 gb ones for 199 down, 32 a month. Im tempted.

doesn't it still end up being like $850 (aka: full retail) over the life of the phone, though?

 

[Artdeco]

http://www.wired.com/2015/04/review-samsung-galaxy-s6/

David Pierce at Wired:

The knock against the Galaxy lineup has always been that Samsung’s marketing team must be better than its engineering team, because they manage to sell incredible numbers of mediocre smartphones. This time, the job’s easy: Samsung just went out and made a flat-out phenomenal phone. That’ll sell itself.

 

[Dannar26]

I was with you til the Kelly Clarkson and Nightwish comparison, although I think it's funny that you completely miss that your nerdrage rant is doing exactly what you're complaining about as taste is very subjective (what I'm saying is, Clarkson isn't even close to being a really horrible pop singer - actually I don't even know why you picked her since she hasn't been popular in years - and Nightwish is hardly some band I'd hold up as some contrasting good music).

Oh and actually the curved display apparently is pretty resistant to breaking so that argument doesn't really hold water. I admit I don't understand the appeal of the Edge version much. Seems like most people really just want front glass that goes the full width with no frame lip around it. I'm doubly baffled at the "no bezel" comments since it absolutely has one and the curved sides in no way changed that at all. And to top it off you have to pay $100 more.

But that aside, the S6 and S6 Edge seem to be great phones and with the M9 being an utter disappointment and if the G4 has the 810 in it then it'll likely disappoint as well, Samsung took themselves to the next level and should rightly dominate Android sales and even push Apple again. I'm personally waiting to see how the S6 Active ends up, if they manage to make it even sturdier, it has that big battery, and they retain the components of the normal S6 it should be a real winner and would be worth the extra cost over the normal S6 for me. But then I'm not in the market for a new phone just yet so will be waiting to see what's in store for the fall (Note 5, iPhone, and new Windows phones). I'm really hoping they can improve the water/dust resistance of the Note 5 while also retaining the swappable battery and SD slot and offering the positives of the S6 with the positives of the Note line (display size and stylus).

S6 is a winner, and while the battery and SD slot are disappointments, it more than made up for their loss with how much it improved other key aspects. I think that's the key and that's what I hope Samsung takes away from this, although I'm guessing they'll probably go "oh people don't actually care about the battery or SD slot, but they really want a pretty iPhone like phone!"

It would certainly be nice if the note 5 had those resistances, though that line never had those features. With the current design language, they may never. It would be worth waiting for though, if it were a reality.

I'm hoping we at least get an active. Sometimes my work takes me out in the elements; it would be nice to have one less thing to worry about. That and kids, you know?

It seems unfortunate that the real reason for the S6's popularity is because it looks more like an iPhone. Or because it's "different. " I guess to be a success in the mobile phone space you have to wildly differentiate yourself visually each iteration. I feel bad for HTC because they're getting the shaft for keeping their design language.

My music/radio example is just to illustrate that you're outnumbered by people who want crap. You're more likely to hear kesha and pit bull than anything even remotely good. So too it is with opinions about phones.

For lulz (NSFW language):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FL7yD-0pqZg