Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ Review
Introduction
Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+, as its name suggests, is the bigger and flashier sibling of the original Galaxy S6 edge smartphone that dazzled the world with its dual-curve display a few months ago. The newcomer is aimed at users who want a premium phablet with distinct design, but don't necessarily need the S Pen of the Samsung Galaxy Note5.
Key features:
- 5.7" QHD (2560 x 1440 pixels) Super AMOLED display with dual-curve design; 518ppi
- 64-bit Exynos 7420 chipset with 14nm architecture; octa-core CPU (quad 2.1GHz & quad 1.5GHz), Mali-T760MP8 GPU
- 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM; 32/64GB of UFS 2.0 flash memory
- 16MP f/1.9 camera with OIS; Auto HDR; 4K video capture; IR white balance detection
- 5MP f/1.9 front-facing camera
- Cat. 9 LTE network support; WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz); GPS, GLONASS and Beidou; Bluetooth 4.2; NFC; USB 2.0
- NFC and MST mobile payment support
- Android 5.1.1 Lollipop with TouchWiz UX
- 3,000mAh non-removable battery; Qi (WPC) and PMA wireless charging support
- Wired and wireless Quick Charging
- Fingerprint scanner
- Heart-rate monitor
- Metal chassis; Corning Gorilla Glass 4 front and back
At a quick glance, Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ will be defined by its design and curved display. It was these two features that allowed the smaller Samsung Galaxy S6 edge to take the smartphone world by storm, so it is hardly a surprise that the company utilized them in larger form factor.
The hardware configuration of the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ is one of the best in the business, as well as a familiar sight by now. After all, the S6 edge+ is the fourth smartphone from the Korean giant to pack the power combo of an Exynos 7420 SoC, QHD display and 16MP camera.
Just like in the case of Samsung Galaxy Note5, the biggest question marks in the Galaxy S6 edge+ involve the lack of expandable memory. The absence of a user-replaceable battery is another potential letdown, though we found the Note5 to do quite alright with the controversial solution.
Unboxing
Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ has the same retail package as the Galaxy Note5. It includes the handset, wall charger, microUSB cable, stereo headset, as well as the usual set of booklets.
The retail package
As far as basic accessory needs go, the S6 edge+ has you covered right out of the box. Samsung is offering a range of optional accessories for the flagship phablet that include various cases, chargers, and headphones.
Design and build quality
There are no surprises here - Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ is a slightly stretched out version of the Galaxy S6 edge smartphone in terms of design. Just like its smaller sibling, the newcomer easily attracts attention with its curved display and metal/glass body.
The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ in the flesh
Overall, Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ is one of the best looking pieces of mobile hardware available on the market today. The Korean giant nailed it with the design of the Galaxy S6 edge several months ago, so it is hardly a surprise to see its looks delivered in a larger form factor.
Samsung Galaxy Note5 will be available in four colors - Black Sapphire, White Pearl, Gold Platinum and the newly introduced Silver Titanium. Color availability will vary depending on the market and the wireless carrier.
The build quality of Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ is excellent. With a body crafted from metal and Corning Gorilla Glass 4, the phablet will easily handle regular wear and tear, so long as no hard drops are involved.
Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ has physical measures of 154.4 x 75.8 x 6.9 mm, while its weight tips the scale at 153 grams. Thanks to the lack of S Pen on board, the handset is almost a full millimeter thinner than Samsung Galaxy Note5, despite packing the same 3,000mAh battery and you can tell this difference just by holding the two.
Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ next to Samsung Galaxy Note5 and Galaxy S6 edge
As expected, Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ is not as easy to handle as its smaller sibling. However, thanks to its curved display and flat back, the handset allows users to perform some common tasks with one hand.
We found the S6 edge+ to be more comfortable to handle than Samsung Galaxy Note5, though not by a big margin. Just like in the case of the S Pen-toting phablet, we recommend that users opt for a protective case that will enhance their grip of the device.
Handling the Galaxy S6 edge+
The tactility of the handset is superb thanks to the premium materials used in its making. However, the same materials make the edge+ prone to smudges.
Controls
Above the display is where the earpiece resides, accompanied by an ambient light and a proximity sensor. The 5MP front-facing unit completes the setup.
A look above the display of Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+
Samsung's signature home button sits below the screen of the Galaxy S6 edge+ - it contains a fingerprint sensor and is surrounded by a metal ring. A duo of capacitive keys flank the button as always. The blend into the front panel and become invisible when their backlight is off.
A home button with a fingerprint sensor
The volume control buttons of the phablet sit on its left side; its power/lock key is placed on the right. Because of the curved display, the sides of the phablet's metal frame are barely visible.
The sides of the S6 edge+
There is no IR port on top of the Galaxy S6 edge+. All you will find there is a nano-SIM card slot and a secondary microphone for active background noise canceling in calls.
The top of the handset
The bottom of the device features the exact same layout as Samsung Galaxy S6 edge. The device's loudspeaker, its 3.5mm audio jack, and its microUSB port are all located there.
The bottom of the S6 edge+
The back of the device is where the slightly protruding 16MP camera sensor can be found. The handset's heart rate sensor and LED flash sit on the right side of the camera.
The 16MP main camera
