Sections
- Page 1 Samsung Galaxy S6 Review
- Page 2 Performance, Call and Sound Quality Review
- Page 3 Camera Review
- Page 4 Battery Life and Charging Review
- Page 5 Verdict Review
Other things to consider
The S6 also hails the launch of Samsung Pay, an advanced mobile payment system that allows you to make purchases with or without NFC enabled pay points. This is because it uses Magnetic Secure Transmission, so unlike mobile payment options from rivals like Apple, Samsung Pay can be used in 90% of stores in the US compared to Apple Pay’s 10%.
The IR Blaster and Peel Smart Remote on the S6 gives you control over a wide variety of tellevisions and set top boxes. The app makes it is easy to take over control of TVs and comes complete with local and personalised show guides. The S5 also had this functionality as does the HTC One M9, so it’s good to see this featured on the S6.
The fingerprint scanner is an improvement over last year’s model and allows you to store multiple prints to unlock the phone. Last year’s Samsung flagship required a precise finger swipe to read a finger print, this year a tap will do. It works as well as Touch ID from Apple. For a detailed breakdown of the S6’s additional features, head to the S6 Edge review.
Should I buy the Samsung Galaxy S6?
For its all-round performance, astonishingly good camera and stunning screen, absolutely. Along with its premium look and feel, future proof features like Samsung Pay and Wireless charging, the S6 feels like a phone that will age well.
It’s a step above the HTC One M9 and bests the iPhone 6 at present. The HTC One M9 is a little cheaper and has a microSD slot, but on specs and performance it simply cannot compete. Perhaps the One M9+ will change that, but the S6 wins that battle easily now.
The only reason not to is if you’re concerned about battery life. The S6’s battery life is good enough rather than great, and S5 owners will find it isn’t as good. Fast charging and wireless charging compensate somewhat, but you’ll have to make peace with this weakness. If you can’t then the Galaxy Note 4, which has better battery life and a microSD slot, might be better for you.
Verdict
Battery life is the only chink in this awesome phone’s armour, but it can be managed and isn’t a deal breaker for us. If you want the best smartphone money that can buy right now and don’t care about fancy pants curved edges, the Galaxy S6 is a top phone that shouldn’t disappoint.
How we test phones
We test every mobile phone we review thoroughly. We use industry standard tests to compare features properly and we use the phone as our main device over the review period. We’ll always tell you what we find and we never, ever, accept money to review a product.
Trusted Score
Score in detail
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Performance 9
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Camera 9
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Design 9
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Battery Life 7
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Value 8
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Software 9
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Calls & Sound 8
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Screen Quality 10
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
