The Samsung Galaxy S6 and the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge have both similar names and similar specs, but there are some differences and they go beyond just one having a curved screen and the other not.
So if you’re struggling to choose between them, read on for a rundown of the ways in which they differ.
Screen
Both the Samsung Galaxy S6 and the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge have a 5.1-inch 1440 x 2560 Super AMOLED display with a pixel density of 577 pixels per inch, so they’re both tremendously high resolution.
But where they differ is in that while the Galaxy S6 has a standard flat screen, the S6 Edge’s display is curved at both edges.
That instantly makes it more eye catching as it’s a highly unusual design, but it also serves a purpose. For one thing it means that the flat part of the screen is actually slightly smaller than on the standard Galaxy S6, which makes it easier to reach the full expanse of the display without adjusting your grip.
But you don’t lose any size really as the rest is just on the curved sections, which can be used to display context sensitive controls- for example the pause button when you’re watching a movie, so it doesn’t obstruct the main image.
The curves can also be configured to flash in custom colours when specific contacts call you, so you know who’s calling you before you even read their name.
Design
Both phones have a metal frame and a glass back, but with its curved screen the overall look, size and weight of the Galaxy S6 Edge is slightly different. Obviously the curved screen itself looks good, leaving the handset arguably better looking overall than the Galaxy S6.
But in having a curved screen the metal frame is necessarily smaller and slightly curved too, giving that a slightly different look.
The dimensions and weights of the two phones are almost imperceptibly different but different nonetheless. The standard Samsung Galaxy S6 is 143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8mm and 138g, while the Galaxy S6 Edge is 142.1 x 70.1 x 7mm and 132g, so it’s ever so slightly thicker yet lighter than the Galaxy S6.
One final design difference is the colours that each handset is available in. Both phones come in white, black and gold, but the normal Galaxy S6 also comes in blue, while the Galaxy S6 Edge comes in green.
Battery life
There may be a very small difference in the battery life of the two handsets, as while the Samsung Galaxy S6 has a 2550 mAh juice pack, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge has a 2600 mAh one. 50 mAh is a tiny difference and it will likely be used to power the curved edges of the screen, which essentially act as separate displays at times, but it’s worth being aware of as it could give the Galaxy S6 Edge a marginally longer battery life.
Price
Samsung is yet to officially confirm the price of either of these phones, but some UK retailers have already put the Galaxy S6 up for pre-order starting at £579, while the Galaxy S6 Edge is now available for pre-order in some places starting at £649.
So assuming those price are roughly accurate you’re looking at around £70 more for Samsung’s curved screen marvel than for its already expensive Galaxy S6.
Conclusion
While the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge are identical in many key areas, such as power and camera, the curved screen on the Edge has ramifications beyond just the display, bleeding down to the design and even the price.
The changes probably make for a better phone, but they certainly make for a more expensive one. So what it really comes down to is whether or not you want a curved screen and if you do then whether it’s worth an extra £70 or so to you.
