Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge

For years consumers and experts complained about Samsung’s continued use of cheap plastic for their smartphones and unnecessary bloatware. With the Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung has finally updated the design of their smartphones. Unlike previous Galaxy phones, the S6 Edge offers a metal chassis and back coated with Gorilla Glass 4. While the glass back adds a premium feel to the phone, critics found it slightly difficult to grip especially when combined with its curved edges. Still, they add they wouldn’t give up the curved screen as they are able to reach further across it than other phones that have the same size display.

The S6 Edge has a 5.1 inch AMOLED display with a quad HD (1,440 x 2,560) resolution. This translates to a whopping 577ppi pixel density. Experts describe it as “gorgeous” with BGR going so far as to say, “I’m not sure we’ll see a better screen on a smartphone all year (2015).” Besides making the phone easier to use one-handed the curved display edges did not offer an improved viewing experience for experts.

Instead of opting for the standard Snapdragon processor, the S6 Edge comes equipped with an Exynos octa-core processor broken up into two sets of four cores with one set running at 2.5GHz and the other at 1.5GHz. As with a quad-core setup, the two sets are not utilized at the same time. Instead, each set is dedicated to different tasks for an allegedly more power-efficient performance. When combined with the 3GB of RAM critics had no issue flicking through the screens or starting up apps. While it doesn’t come with a microSD slot, it does offer up to 128GB of onboard storage.

In the eyes of reviewers, the biggest improvement is the TouchWiz interface. Samsung has reported it reduced the number of features by 40%, which ultimately leads to more available internal storage space and a cleaner user experience. Experts confirm that a large about of bloat has been removed and instead replaced by a few key Microsoft apps.

Jutting out slightly on the back of the phone is the 16MP camera with an f/1.9 lenses. It comes with optical image stabilization technology and real-time HDR mode. When experts put it to the test they were able to take very detailed and color accurate photos even in low lighting situations.

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is a clear departure from the rest of Samsung’s line with its updated Touchwiz interface, curved edges and more premium build quality. Experts view it as a defining smartphone for Samsung and other manufacturers. TechRadar states, “The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is one of those phones that sets a line in the sand for smartphones.”