Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge deals and reviews

Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge?

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is the near twin of the Samsung Galaxy S6. The two handsets share many characteristics, and reviewers in general agree that Samsung has restored its reputation after disappointment with the Galaxy S5 last year.

The standout difference between the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge is the curved screen of the Edge model. The curved screen is not a new idea - Samsung has used it before in its high-end Galaxy Note Edge. But it is different enough to raise eyebrows, and Samsung has added a few software features that make the most of the screen’s design, to help justify its presence beyond the ‘wow’ factor.

For many reviewers there is no doubting the appeal of this phone: Expert Reviews headlines its commentary with "the best Android phone ever." But this comes at a cost, so pros and cons need to be weighed carefully.

Specifications

Just like the Samsung Galaxy S6, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is powered by the very latest Exynos 7420 SoC octa core processor. Reviewers praise the phone as extremely fast and capable – though many point out that the phone can run hot. The Verge said "I often found that both versions of the S6 get warm, especially when using processor- or graphics-intensive apps."

The built-in storage offers an option of either 64GB or 128GB of data space, but - again, like the S6 - there is no microSD card slot to expand on this memory.

Casing

The metal and glass design gets lots of praise, with reviewers seeing this as a real step forward from past production materials. The Telegraph says "the tempered Corning Gorilla Glass and metal body is a world away from the sticking-plaster feel of the Galaxy S5's plastic back."

But the way the physical home button stands out is not universally liked – some say it is easy to accidentally press it when the phone is in a pocket. Reviewers are also not impressed with how the camera lens protrudes from the back of the case – the same feature that was criticised on the Samsung Galaxy S6. It is less pronounced in this case because the S6 Edge is not quite so thin as the S6, but it is still a notable blip in an otherwise very well received handset design.

As with the S6, some reviewers feel the glass back is slippery under the fingers, though for many it was felt to be better in this respect than the notorious Sony Xperia Z3.

A number of reviewers also point out their disappointment in the absence of waterproofing, commenting that they’d expect to see this in such a premium handset. For example, Pocket Lint says: "the Samsung hardcore may be left scratching their heads as to why a premium feature has been binned as part of the design process."

Screen

For many reviewers the curved screen makes this handset the one to get, but some critics feel that Samsung’s screen-designed software doesn’t provide sufficient additional usability. Engadget comments: "the few software gimmicks that make use of the Edge's beautiful curved display just don't do much to justify the extra cost. Buy it for its looks, not because it's any more functional."

In fact, the curved screen can sometimes hinder functionality, as Trusted Reviews points out: "the curved screen makes it all too easy for your hand to brush against the edge of the screen, which prevents you from scrolling or hitting a link with your thumb."

Some reviewers felt there were insufficient features developed for the curved screen in comparison to the curved Galaxy Note Edge – though the Note Edge is only curved down the right-hand side and the S6 Edge is curved on both, enabling right- or left-handed users to choose the side they want to use for features. The features it does have include the possibility to get caller alerts from up to five contacts, a nicely designed Information Stream for notifications and news feeds, and a handy night clock.

The 5.1-inch screen itself comes in for a lot of praise. It carries the same 2560 x 1440 pixels as the Samsung Galaxy S6 and reviewers noted how sharp it is. The screen is fitted into a relatively slim body – Trusted Reviews points out that "Samsung has managed to pack a 5.1-inch screen into a body not that much bigger than the 4.7-inch iPhone 6." This makes the phone easier to hold and use with one hand.

Camera

The 16 megapixel main camera gets wide applause from reviewers, and Expert Reviews points out that the "16-megapixel sensor has received several improvements since the Galaxy S5, including optical image stabilization." Pocket Lint adds "the interface is quick and easy to use, with speedy autofocus and face-detection." In addition, the camera can be launched with a double click of the home button, and real-time HDR is turned on by default, helping you to get fast, super-high quality images.

Battery

Reviewers disliked the non-removable battery, and the fact that while wireless charging is supported there’s no wireless charger provided with the handset. But what disappoints them the most is overall battery life – the Telegraph says "If there was a single point I'd fault the Edge on, it would be battery life, or lack thereof."

On the plus side, many reviewers highlighted the fast charging option which Samsung says will give you four hours of battery with just 10 minutes of charging.

Fingerprint reader and heart rate sensor

Reviewers note that the fingerprint scanning capability is improved in this latest Samsung phone, and with no need to swipe across the Home button it is easier to sign in using one hand. It is also praised for its speed so that for many reviewers, fingerprint sign-in is as convenient as using a passcode.

The heart rate sensor can be used in conjunction with Samsung’s S Health app to monitor physical activity. It is on the back of the phone and is a big improvement over the sensor on the Samsung Galaxy S5. Engadget notes there is "a tiny black divot where the LED flash and heart rate sensor live. Unlike the crater that marked the Galaxy S5's back, the assembly here is almost flush with the S6's rear. It's a small touch, but it makes taking heart rate and blood oxygen readings in S Health quite a bit easier."

Android OS and apps

Many reviewers note that Samsung has cut down on its pre-installed apps, but that there are still lots of them in addition to its own TouchWiz user interface that sits over Android. Expert Reviews says "there are less than two pages of pre-installed apps in the app tray when you first turn on the phone, which is brilliant news for anyone who's suffered through mountains of Samsung bloatware on its previous handsets". Pocket Lint notes "the only additional hoop to jump through is signing into a Samsung Account - but why wouldn't you, as that brings with it benefits such as the 100GB OneDrive [cloud storage]."

Also, the S6 Edge has Samsung’s new on-the-go mobile payment system, though the roll-out date for this in Europe is unconfirmed – CNET says "the S6 [is set] up for making mobile payments using Samsung Pay, which launches this summer in the US and South Korea." Although this tool is compatible with more tills than Apple’s alternative, as it works with mag-stripe readers, this may not give it a significant advantage in the UK and Europe, where card readers do not usually use the mag-stripe technology, and where contactless and tap-payment systems are already prevalent.

What the critics say (scores are out of 100)

100	Australian PC World | Tony Ibrahim It is the first smartphone in the world to have its screen curve on both sides, introducing some features of note as a result and redefining what was previously possible in smartphone design...The display technology is next-generation, the processor is fast, the battery lasts long and the camera is among the best performing. Read full review
100	AndroidPit | Tony Balt This smartphone opens up unexplored horizons and bring new ideas to the market, which has long since revolved around iteration rather than revolution. Read full review
100	Expert Reviews | Christopher Minasians It's expensive but the Galaxy S6 Edge is the most powerful Android phone to date, and its gorgeous curves make it very desirable too Read full review
100	Know Your Mobile | Paul Briden Design. Power. Performance. Imaging. Connectivity. Features –– the Galaxy S6 EDGE, like its EDGE-less brother, has them all to the max. Read full review
100	Recombu | Alex Todd If you want a device that looks and feels like it's on the bleeding edge (no pun intended) of mobile technology, this is that product. Read full review
100	S21 Featuring a double-edged curved screen with special edge display features, it's one of the best-looking phones you can buy. It's also super-powerful, with an 8-core processor, outstanding cameras, plenty of memory and the latest Lollipop flavour of Android. But make sure you're sitting down before you look at the price! Read full review
100	What Hi-Fi? A stunning handset, inside and out. It might be pricey but it's worth it for a phone this special Read full review
100	Stuff | Andrew Williams Really, it's a terrific phone. The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is crazy-expensive and is therefore going to be restricted to the most dedicated of gadget fans. If that's you, then we applaud you. And we know you'll be very happy together. Read full review
100	Digital Spy | Ian Morris The S6 Edge is a fabulous little phone. It's small, light and beautiful while still managing to be one of the most powerful handsets on the market. Like all great phones, it's a handset that makes you want to feel it. You want to use it purely because the design rewards your fingers. Read full review
100	The Gadget Show This is a great phone in just about every respect. And as part of the bargain you get something that feels better than any phone Samsung has made before. The high price keeps it out of reach of many, but rarely do we so want to get on-board with something that is likely to be seen by so many as a bit of a gimmick. Read full review
100	Pocket-lint | Mike Lowe When design is done correctly it fuses aesthetics with functionality. The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge does exactly that; it's a phone that will turn heads, rightfully reinforcing its position as the most enticing flagship on the market and the most exciting phone we've seen for some generations. Best go raid the piggy bank. Read full review
95	What Mobile | Alex Yau Looks aren't the only good thing the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge has going for it. An incredibly fast-processor will allow you to go through functions without any noticeable delay. Battery life doesn't last all day with intensive use and that metal frame can make the phone uncomfortable to hold. But those are only small flaws when you look at the phone's overall positives. Read full review
95	Neowin | Nirave Gondhia I'd say that the Galaxy S6 Edge is the smartphone that redefines what a modern flagship smartphone should be. From the outstanding display and camera to the vastly improved software and excellent performance, the Galaxy S6 Edge is everything I could look for in a flagship smartphone and more. Read full review
93	phoneArena | John V. Cost aside, if we're to choose a phone in this latest series, we'd have to go with the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge mainly because it's every bit the class-leading performer of its sibling, but in a more aesthetically pleasing design. If you have the money, we would vouch heavily to go with this one. Read full review
91	NotebookCheck | Daniel Schmidt With or without a rounded display, the smartphones from the Galaxy S6-series are equipped with the latest hardware components and the Galaxy S6 Edge once again shows how innovative the Koreans can be. You will have to decide for yourself whether the hefty additional charge of 150 Euros is really justified. The Edge is certainly an eye-catcher, but it does not offer any must-have features that would require a rounded display. Read full review
90	TheEffect.Net | David McGinley Quite honestly one of the best phone on the market. Samsung are listening, this can only mean fantastic things. Read full review
90	Brighthand | Dragan Petric The Galaxy S6 Edge takes everything great about the excellent Galaxy S6 and puts it in a more elegant package. If you have money to burn, it's the high-end Galaxy phone to get. Read full review
90	Trusted Reviews | Evan Kypreos It's easy to dismiss the Galaxy S6 Edge as a folly, but you shouldn't. It has one of the best cameras on a phone ever, it looks incredible and its minor shortcomings are forgivable. It's not a perfect 10 – better battery life and ergonomics would have made it that – but it's damn close. Read full review
90	Mashable | Pete Pachal The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is gorgeous, but don't get too lost in its enticing curves: Their compromises don't justify the phone's premium price tag. Read full review
90	TechnoBuffalo | Todd Haselton Most folks will be better served by the Galaxy S6, which is why this phone is receiving the same score despite its extra cost but arguably better looking industrial design. Even still, it's the best phone Samsung has ever built. Read full review
90	Mobile Choice | Sunetra Chakravarti Yes, the Edge is revolutionary in design, but currently it is just that. It does not revolutionise or change the way we use smartphones. Additionally, it also makes the phone very tricky to hold during conversations as you are in danger of setting off the speaker midway through your chat. Read full review
90	CNET UK | Jessica Dolcourt The new crowned king. The Edge's rounded edges are so successful because the phone's smoothness draws you in the minute you hold it in your hands and behold its slightly convex screen. Read full review
90	The Telegraph | Rhiannon Williams Samsung have excelled themselves by making their first handset that looks as good as an iPhone. Read full review
88	The Street | Gary Krakow The best edge feature is reserved for contact with your friends. You can set five boxes to let you know when certain friends (a maximum of five) text or call. The curved-edge screen provides an almost three-dimensional view of the icons on the home screens. Read full review
88	Engadget | Chris Velazco This more expensive version of the Galaxy S6 banks it all on looks. It performs just as well as its cousin in every task we threw at it, but the few software gimmicks that make use of the Edge's beautiful curved display just don't do much to justify the extra cost. Buy it for its looks, not because it's any more functional. Read full review
87	news.com.au | Harry Tucker While the Edge looks great, it doesn't add enough to justify the extra... price tag. But the Galaxy S6 is the best phone Samsung has ever made, possibly the best phone ever made. Read full review
87	The Verge | Dieter Bohn The Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge [have] become phones that are more than the collection of their parts. Read full review
85	pocketnow | Michael Fisher The Galaxy S6 edge is a pricey but solid buy if you want a flagship phone with the looks to match … and you don't mind being a wall-hugger. Read full review
85	Mobile Syrup | Daniel Bader Basically, you can't go wrong with either the Galaxy S6 or the S6 edge. I'd go with the plain S6 because it feels better in the hand, is cheaper and has no major downsides. The S6 edge arguably looks better, but the software features that take advantage of the curves feel tacked on. Both phones are pretty much the best Android devices currently available, especially if you're a camera buff. Read full review
80	Gadgets Now | Ravi Sharma If money is really not a problem for you, then the Galaxy S6 edge is the best smartphone with the best camera and performance that you can buy right now. Read full review
80	TechRadar | John McCann Thanks to the Android Marshmallow update, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is now a better smartphone than ever. Read full review
80	Phone Scoop | Eric M. Zemans To put it simply, Samsung killed it with the Galaxy S6 Edge. This is by far the company's best effort. It's well designed and well made with quality materials. The phone is a winner in most respects. Read full review
80	Tom's Guide | Mark Spoonauer While pricey, the Galaxy S6 Edge sports a sexier design than the competition along with awesome front and back cameras, a stunning display and friendlier software. Read full review
80	The Journal | Quinton O'Reily Bigger is certainly better, but not everyone will be enthused about the price or minor improvements... It's a refinement but only in a very specific sense and while it already had a great foundation to work with, this is a way to keep things ticking along until the next Galaxy S device arrives. Read full review
80	Gizmodo UK | Darren Orf The Edge looks great, and so far it doesn't seem even a teeny bit worse than the S6 in terms of performance and battery life. The ergonomic downgrade, the lack of useful software, and premium just doesn't make sense for me, and I suspect most people will feel the same. But if you want The Next Big Thing-just to show it off-well, that's what the S6 Edge is for. Read full review
80	The Inquirer | Carly Page The Galaxy S6 Edge, much like the Galaxy S6, is undoubtedly one of the best Android smartphones on the market. However, the Edge screen has limited functionality, so much so that we found ourselves rarely using it. The battery is nothing to write home about either, nor its lack of microSD slot. Read full review
80	T3 | John Mccann Aside from the beautiful design, the S6 Edge doesn't provide anything extra over the Galaxy S6. The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is an excellent smartphone and perfect for those with money to burn and the desire to turn heads wherever they go. Read full review
80	PC Pro | Jonathan Bray The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge has slightly longer battery life, and a few extra features over the standard S6. But in every other respect it's an identical piece of hardware: the features are the same as the S6, the camera produces the same great photographs and video, it's just as fast, and the display. Read full review
80	NDTV Gadgets | Jamshed Avari This phone is gorgeous, powerful and has no major flaws. There's nothing wrong with splurging on it if you feel like, because there are no compromises or trade-offs compared to the excellent Galaxy S6. Read full review
80	Digital Versus | Romain Thuret The Galaxy S6 Edge's curved sides are part of what make it one of the most gorgeous exploits yet on the smartphone market, although they don't particularly enhance the user experience in any way Read full review
80	The Guardian | Samuel Gibbs The Galaxy S6 Edge is the first Samsung smartphone that truly matches the craftsmanship of its top-end rivals. It is the best looking and feeling Samsung smartphone, is powerful, light and has much improved software. Read full review
80	PC Advisor | Chris Martin The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is a beautiful smartphone, one of the most attractive but the design has flaws such as sharp edges. The key point here is that while dual edge display sounds like an amazing innovation it has very limited in functionality so simply isn't worth the extra money compared to the regular Galaxy S6. Read full review
60	Digital Trends | Jeffrey Van Camp The curved screen on the Galaxy S6 Edge looks beautiful but harms the experience... The S6 Edge gets worse battery life than its sibling, and is far less comfortable to hold and use... There is no added benefit to a curved screen outside of looking at it, and Samsung's half-baked specialty features won't entertain you for long. Read full review

Compare Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge specs side-by-side with other phones COMPARE SPECS

Dimensions & Form	Form factor: Touchscreen bar Dimensions 142.1 x 70.1 x 7 mm (5.59 x 2.76 x 0.28 in) Weight: 132 g (4.66 oz)
Screen	Size: 5.1 inches diagonal Resolution: 2560 x 1440 pixels Screen Density: 576 ppi Screen-to-Body Ratio: 72 % Display Type: Super AMOLED
Runs
Performance	Chipset: Exynos 7420 Octa CPU: Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & Quad-core 2.1 GHz Cortex-A57 GPU: Mali-T760MP8 RAM: 3GB
Camera	Main Camera: 16 megapixels with dual LED flash, 4K video recording Secondary Camera: 5 megapixels
Storage	Built-in Storage: 64GB, 128GB Expandable Storage: Not Available
Battery & Charging	Capacity: 2600 mAh Removable Battery: No Wireless Charging: Yes Quick Charge: Yes (v2)
SIM standard	Nano SIM Compare SIM Only deals
Water & Dust Resistance	Not Available
Fingerprint Reader	Front
References & More info	Official website GSMArena specs page

Photos taken with the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge

We've used Flickr to find a selection of pictures taken by the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge camera. Here is a selection of photos taken by users from around the world so you can see what kind of picture quality you can expect from real-world use of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge.

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All images shown are used under the rights and terms specified by the Creative Commons.