Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge vs S6 Edge Plus: Key Differences

Understanding the Galaxy S6 Edge and S6 Edge Plus

When comparing the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge versus the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, it's crucial to recognize their shared heritage and distinct evolutionary paths. Both devices launched showcasing Samsung's ambition in smartphone design, particularly with their signature curved displays. However, the 'Plus' variant was not merely a larger iteration but a refined offering aimed at a specific segment of the market, primarily focusing on enhanced multimedia consumption and extended battery life. Understanding these differences is key to appreciating their individual merits and target audiences.

• S6 Edge Plus is larger, with a bigger screen and battery.
• Both share core processing power and camera capabilities.
• Design and build quality are remarkably similar.
• The Plus model prioritizes multimedia and endurance.

The original S6 Edge, released earlier, introduced the dual-curved screen concept to a wider audience, offering a sleek, premium feel that differentiated it from its flat-screen counterpart, the Galaxy S6. The S6 Edge Plus followed, essentially scaling up the S6 Edge's successful formula while also incorporating subtle internal improvements. The primary distinction lies in physical dimensions and the resultant battery capacity, but it's the nuances in their user experience that truly set them apart for discerning users.

Shared DNA: Design and Core Features

At their core, both the S6 Edge and S6 Edge Plus are built on the same foundational principles established by the Galaxy S6 series. This includes a premium build utilizing a metal frame sandwiched between Corning Gorilla Glass 4 panels on both the front and back. This unibody construction, while beautiful, meant the end of user-replaceable batteries and microSD card slots, a significant shift for Samsung. The camera systems are also identical: a 16-megapixel rear shooter with optical image stabilization and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, both lauded for their performance at the time of release.

The user interface, Samsung's TouchWiz (now Samsung Experience), was also consistent across both devices, offering a feature-rich Android experience. Software updates, depending on carrier and region, would have followed similar trajectories. This commonality means that for many core functions and the overall aesthetic, the user experience would feel very familiar between the two models, with the most noticeable differences arising from the physical size and screen real estate.

Physical Dimensions and Display: A Tale of Two Sizes

The most immediate and significant divergence when comparing the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge versus the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus is their physical size and, consequently, their display dimensions. The S6 Edge features a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display, a size that was considered standard for flagship phones. Its dimensions were compact enough for comfortable one-handed use for most individuals. The curved edges were prominent, contributing to a feeling of the display melting off the sides, enhancing immersion and providing a unique aesthetic.

In contrast, the S6 Edge Plus boasts a larger 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display. This substantial increase in screen size directly impacts the overall dimensions of the device, making it considerably larger and heavier. While it retains the same dual-edge curvature, the implementation on the larger screen offers a slightly different feel, potentially enhancing the viewing experience for videos, games, and prolonged web browsing. The increased surface area means that one-handed operation becomes more challenging, often requiring a two-handed grip for optimal control and security. This makes the choice between them heavily dependent on user preference for portability versus screen real estate.

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Screen Technology and Resolution

Both devices utilize Samsung's acclaimed Super AMOLED display technology, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. They also share the same QHD (1440 x 2560 pixels) resolution. This pixel density, while slightly lower on the larger S6 Edge Plus due to its increased screen size, still delivered exceptionally sharp and detailed images. For the average user, the difference in pixel density would be imperceptible in daily use, with both screens offering a premium visual experience. The core display technology and resolution are therefore not distinguishing factors in a direct comparison.

Performance and Processing Power: Consistent Core

When evaluating the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge vs Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus from a performance standpoint, the similarities are striking. Both models are powered by the same Exynos 7420 chipset, a quad-core 2.1 GHz Cortex-A57 and quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. This octa-core architecture was a high-end solution at the time, delivering robust performance for demanding applications and multitasking. Coupled with 3GB of RAM in the standard S6 Edge and a slightly increased 4GB of RAM in the S6 Edge Plus, both devices offered a fluid and responsive user experience.

The bump in RAM for the S6 Edge Plus was a thoughtful addition, primarily to better manage the larger screen real estate and potentially accommodate more intensive multitasking scenarios that might be favored by users opting for a larger device. However, the core graphical processing unit (GPU) – the Mali-T760MP8 – is identical in both phones. This means that graphically intensive tasks, such as gaming, would perform similarly on both devices, with any perceived differences likely stemming from background processes managed by the increased RAM on the Plus model rather than raw GPU power.

Storage Options and Expandability

Both the S6 Edge and S6 Edge Plus adhered to Samsung's decision to omit microSD card support in favor of internal storage. This meant users had to choose their storage capacity at the point of purchase and could not expand it later. Common configurations for both models typically included 32GB and 64GB internal storage options. The S6 Edge Plus, however, was more commonly found in a 64GB variant, aligning with its positioning as a premium multimedia device where users might store more photos, videos, and apps. It is important to check the specific model's original packaging or device settings to confirm the available internal storage, as these devices are no longer in active production, and individual units may have been sold with different configurations in various markets.

Battery Life and Charging: The Plus Advantage

One of the most compelling distinctions between the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge versus the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus lies in their battery capacity and, consequently, their battery life. The standard S6 Edge is equipped with a 2,600 mAh battery. While adequate for moderate use, it could be a point of contention for heavy users, especially given the power-hungry QHD display and the sleek, non-removable design. Users often found themselves needing a midday charge if engaging in extensive video playback or gaming.

The S6 Edge Plus addresses this directly by incorporating a larger 3,000 mAh battery. This 400 mAh increase provides a noticeable improvement in endurance. Coupled with similar software optimization and processing cores, the larger battery capacity translates into extended usage times. For users prioritizing longer screen-on time and less frequent charging, the S6 Edge Plus presents a clear advantage. This increased battery capacity is a primary justification for the 'Plus' designation, aiming to satisfy users who consume more media or require their device to last longer throughout demanding days.

Charging Capabilities

Both devices support Samsung's Adaptive Fast Charging technology, which allows for rapid charging of the battery. They also feature wireless charging capabilities compatible with Qi and PMA standards, offering convenience and flexibility. The charging port on both is a standard micro-USB, which was typical for devices of that era. While the charging speeds themselves are comparable due to the underlying technology, the larger battery in the S6 Edge Plus will naturally take longer to reach a full charge from empty, even with fast charging, simply due to its greater capacity.

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Camera Performance: Identical Hardware, Similar Output

When examining the camera capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge vs Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, the specifications are identical, meaning users can expect very similar photographic results from both devices. Both phones feature a 16-megapixel rear-facing camera with an aperture of f/1.9, optical image stabilization (OIS), and LED flash. This combination was state-of-the-art at the time, enabling excellent low-light performance and sharp, detailed images with good color reproduction. The front-facing camera on both is a 5-megapixel unit, also with an f/1.9 aperture, perfect for high-quality selfies and video calls.

Samsung's image processing software plays a significant role in the final output, and since both devices run on very similar software versions from their launch era, the aesthetic of the photos—color saturation, contrast, and sharpness—will be remarkably consistent. Features such as Pro mode, Selective Focus, and Panorama are present on both, allowing for creative control over photography. Therefore, neither device holds a distinct advantage over the other in terms of raw camera hardware or the fundamental quality of images produced.

Video Recording Capabilities

Both the S6 Edge and S6 Edge Plus are capable of recording video in up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. They also support 1080p video recording at both 30fps and 60fps, and 720p slow-motion video. The presence of OIS on the rear camera helps to stabilize footage, reducing shakiness, especially during movement or in lower light conditions. The consistency extends to video recording, where users should experience similar quality, detail, and stabilization across both models.

Software Experience and Updates

The software experience on the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge vs Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus is largely congruent, as both devices launched with Android Lollipop (5.1.1) overlaid with Samsung's TouchWiz interface. TouchWiz, while historically criticized, had matured significantly by the S6 generation, offering a more refined and feature-rich experience. Key features included split-screen multitasking (Multi Window) and various customization options. The curved edges on both phones also enabled specific software features, such as Edge Lighting for notifications, displaying contact information on the side, and quick access to favorite apps or contacts.

The primary difference in software support would have stemmed from the timing of their release and subsequent Android version updates. While both received major updates, the S6 Edge Plus, being released later, might have received slightly longer official support or initial availability of newer Android versions compared to the original S6 Edge. However, both are now considered legacy devices and have reached the end of their official software update cycles from Samsung. Community-driven custom ROMs might offer newer Android versions, but this is outside the scope of official support. For users looking at these devices today, the software experience will be based on their final official firmware, which is generally consistent between the two models in terms of core functionality and feature set.

Edge Panel Functionality

The unique curved edges on both devices were integrated with software features known as Edge Panels. These panels allowed users to swipe in from the edge of the screen to access shortcuts to favorite apps, contacts, news feeds, or other customizable content. The larger screen of the S6 Edge Plus potentially offered a slightly more expansive canvas for these panels, but the fundamental functionality remained the same. Users could configure these panels to suit their workflow, making quick access to frequently used features more convenient. The implementation and customization options for these edge features were consistent across both models.

Target Audience and Use Cases

When deciding between the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, understanding the intended user and typical use cases is paramount. The original Galaxy S6 Edge was designed for the discerning user who appreciated cutting-edge design and premium build quality, but preferred a more manageable, one-handed device. It appealed to those who wanted a stylish smartphone that stood out from the crowd, with enough power for daily tasks and good photography, without necessarily needing the absolute largest screen or longest battery life.

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The Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, conversely, was engineered for the power user and multimedia enthusiast. Its larger 5.7-inch display made it ideal for consuming video content, playing games, and browsing the web, offering a more immersive experience. The increased battery capacity also catered to users who relied heavily on their phone throughout the day and needed greater endurance. This model was for individuals who prioritized screen real estate and battery longevity, often using their phone as a primary entertainment and productivity hub on the go. The choice ultimately hinges on whether portability and a more compact form factor are more important than a larger viewing area and extended battery performance.

Connectivity and Sensors

Both the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and S6 Edge Plus offer a robust suite of connectivity options and sensors for their time. This includes support for 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, and GPS. They both feature an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, and heart rate sensor. The inclusion of a barometer on both devices was notable for providing more accurate altitude and weather data. For audio, both possess a 3.5mm headphone jack and a speaker, though neither features stereo speakers. These fundamental connectivity and sensor features are identical, ensuring a similar functional experience for tasks like navigation, fitness tracking, and wireless communication.

Making Your Choice: Which Galaxy S6 Edge is Right for You?

The decision between the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus boils down to a clear trade-off: size and battery versus a more compact form factor. If you prioritize a device that is comfortable for one-handed use, easily fits into smaller pockets, and offers a premium curved-edge aesthetic without an oversized footprint, the original Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is likely your better option. It still provides excellent performance, a high-quality display, and capable cameras, making it a solid choice for general smartphone use.

Conversely, if you find yourself constantly reaching for your phone to watch videos, play games, or browse extensively, and you desire the longest possible battery life between charges from this generation of Samsung devices, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus is the more suitable candidate. Its larger screen enhances multimedia consumption, and the beefier battery ensures you can keep going for longer. For users who do not mind a larger device and value screen real estate and endurance above all else, the Plus model offers a superior experience in those specific areas. Both are now vintage devices, so condition and price will also be significant factors in any current purchase decision.

Considerations for Today

When considering either the S6 Edge or S6 Edge Plus in the current market, it's important to remember they are older models. This means official software updates have ceased, and the battery health of any pre-owned unit will be a major concern. Their processors, while capable at launch, will struggle with the demands of modern, resource-intensive applications and games. However, for basic smartphone functions like calls, texts, web browsing, social media, and media consumption (especially on the Plus model), they can still perform adequately if in good condition. The unique design, particularly the curved edges, remains visually appealing, offering a distinct alternative to the more uniform slab designs of current smartphones.

Comparing Specifications Side-by-Side

To provide a clear overview of the differences and similarities between the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, a direct comparison of their key specifications is invaluable. This table distills the core technical attributes, highlighting where they align and where they diverge, particularly in physical dimensions and battery capacity.

This detailed comparison underscores that while the core performance and camera hardware are shared, the larger screen and battery capacity are the defining characteristics that differentiate the S6 Edge Plus from its smaller sibling. These specific differences directly influence the user experience, particularly concerning multimedia consumption and battery endurance.