Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ vs Galaxy S6 Edge quick look

Samsung just took the wraps off of a larger version of the unique Galaxy S6 Edge, but does this Plus iteration bring anything more to the table other just a bigger size? We find out, in this quick look at the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ vs Galaxy S6 Edge!

Design

When it comes to the design, both devices sport identical design languages, save for the obvious fact that the Galaxy S6 Edge+ is the bigger of the two, courtesy of its larger 5.7-inch display, compared to the 5.1-inch screen of the Galaxy S6 Edge. This also means that the bigger sibling retains the build quality that was first introduced with the Galaxy S series flagships, with its sleek glass and metal unibody design.

All the signature Samsung elements are found with both, including the tactile home button up front, integrated with a fingerprint scanner, as well as the volume rocker and power button placed on the left and right respectively. The heart rate monitor is found on the back, and the headphone jack, microUSB port, and single speaker unit are all positioned at the bottom of both these devices.

Of course, the big story with these two smartphones is the curved edges along the display that curve into the metal frame. While it allowed for a unique look with the Galaxy S6 Edge, the functionality available with the edges was somewhat limited. That is set to change with the Galaxy S6 Edge+, which should make these edges a more compelling feature, instead of just being aesthetically pleasing. As far as the handling experience is concerned, the much larger Galaxy S6 Edge+ doesn’t allow for easy one-handed use, but it is easier to hold on to, given its slightly thicker profile.

Display

The similarities continue when it comes to the display as well, with both devices featuring Super AMOLED displays with Quad HD resolutions. The larger 5.7-inch screen results in a slightly lower pixel density when compared to the 5.1-inch display of the Galaxy S6 Edge, but with both pixel counts well over 500 ppi, you aren’t going to notice a difference.

Both displays offer everything we love about Samsung screens, from deep blacks and saturated colors that pop, to great viewing angles and high brightness. There won’t be any complaints with either display, but those of you who love to watch videos, play games, or simply just browse the web, will certainly appreciate the additional display real estate available with the Galaxy S6 Edge+.

Performance and hardware

Both devices also feature very similar processing packages with their octa-core Samsung Exynos processors, with the larger device coming with an additional gig of RAM. Performance was very impressive with the Galaxy S6 Edge, and that should hopefully continue with its Plus iteration, made even better with the availability of 4 GB of RAM. In the short time we spent with the device, everything looked as smooth and snappy as expected, and that is certainly a good sign.

While the Galaxy S6 Edge was available in 32 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB of on-board storage, the Galaxy S6 Edge+ comes with just the first two options. No expandable storage is available with either, leaving power users dependent on getting the higher storage versions, and of course, needing to pay the premium associated with it.

Additional hardware with both these devices include the fingerprint scanner integrated into the home button, with both being of the touch type variety, which is much faster and more accurate than Samsung’s old swipe method. On the back is also a heart rate monitor.

On the battery front, the Galaxy S6 Edge+ packs a larger 3,000 mAh battery, compared to the 2,600 mAh unit of its smaller sibling. The battery life of the Galaxy S6 Edge proved to be just about average, and that might also be the case with the Galaxy S6 Edge+, despite its larger battery, given the larger display it has to power, but of course, we can’t make any judgments until more thorough testing is done. While the batteries are not replaceable, both devices also come with fast charging capabilities, and are also compatible with both the PMA and Qi standards for wireless charging.

Camera

The Galaxy S6 Edge+ comes with the same camera setup as the Galaxy S6 Edge, with its 16 MP rear camera with an aperture of f/1.9 and OIS. On the front, both devices also come with a 5 MP camera with a wide angle lens. The cameras of the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge are widely considered to be some of the best in the smartphone world right now, and that will most likely be the case with the Galaxy S6 Edge+ as well, and we can’t wait to put this camera through its paces.

Software

On the software side of things, the Galaxy S6 Edge+ is running Android 5.1.1 Lollipop with the latest version of the TouchWiz UI, while the Galaxy S6 Edge is still on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. The software experience remains largely the same however, with only the rounded off square icons found with the Galaxy S6 Edge+ being the notable aesthetic difference.

This toned down version of TouchWiz is one of the reasons for the smooth performance now available with Samsung’s current flagships, and while there is very little bloatware, Samsung did introduce a few new features to take advantage of the edges of the Galaxy S6 Edge+. Features from the Galaxy S6 Edge like Night Clock, People Edge, and edge lighting all make their way to the larger device, but Samsung added another layer of functionality by adding user defined applications to be added to the People Edge, and this handle can now be relocated to anywhere on either edge to make it easier to reach. A triple tap of the home button also shrinks the screen to a smaller size to allow for easier one handed use.

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Conclusion at a glance

So there you have it for this quick look at the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ vs Galaxy S6 Edge! Outside of a few software tweaks and the difference in size, these are both practically the same device, so it is really going to come down to whether you prefer a larger screen, or a device that is easier to use in one hand, but you can’t go wrong either way. Stay tuned with Android Authority as we continue to bring you more great hands on coverage of the Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy S6 Edge+!