The Samsung Galaxy S6 is a very important phone. For something that is just 6.8 mm thick and weighs just 138 grams, this little smartphone bears the weight and hopes of a $300 billion conglomerate. Despite all that pressure, (the type Sachin would feel every time he went out to bat) the S6 does a neat job.
The Samsung Galaxy S6 thankfully does not look like a Samsung Galaxy phone. While that is one of its biggest advantages, there is also the small little details that it resembles the iPhone 6 and the Sony Xperia Z3 from the sides. But it is indeed a great feat that the Korean smartphone giant has finally discovered raw materials other than plastic. The S6 is a finely crafted phone that is lightweight and stylish. It might even fool some people to think that you have actually bought an iPhone. If that wasn’t the idea, I am not sure why Samsung did not think for something more radical, and original.
Video: Samsung Galaxy S6 Review: What’s good, what’s bad?
What is good?
If Apple is thinking of getting its next processors made by Samsung, there should be a good reason. Samsung showcases that good reason with the S6. The S6 is a blazingly fast phone that will never lag, stutter or even give a cursory glance back at the competition. Its 64-bit Octa Core processor is ahead of the other smartphones in benchmark testing and that shows in the way this phone works. Play a highend game or just toggle between multiple apps, you will have no issue with this phone.
The 16 MP camera is one of the best in the business. It is also one of the fastest. The camera app opens as fast as it clicks and there is no chance you will miss any of those moments that will get you a thousand likes of Facebook. The auto-focus is really fast, even when you are shooting ultra HD video. The front camera is also much improved and gives you a good selfie with natural skin tones.
For a flagship smartphone S6 has great battery life. In a regular use, always online mode the phone can easily last 24 hours. Over the weekend I managed to squeeze a few more hours as there were lesser calls to attend to. Plus, there is the added advantage that the phone can be charged substantially in just 10 minutes. There were occasions when I could add some serious juice by just plugging the phone on between two meetings, or while in the car.
The display is stunning as with most top-end Samsung phones. Yes, the world does look a bit better on these screens. Also, this phone will make you read more and be more aware. That is because you end up on Flipboard every time you are swiping the homescreen and find something new.
What is not that good?
The superb processing power means that the phone does heat up a bit near the rear lens at times. It is not as hot as it gets with some of the new Qualcomm processors, but it does get reasonably warm when you are playing a game or multitasking.
The software is uninspiring. That does not in anyway mean it is bad. But I struggled to find something that was not there is the Samsung Galaxy S5 or the Note 4. The slim, smooth build of the phone means you need to be extra careful holding on to it. I was under the constant fear that the phone will slip out of my hands. Also, I am not sure the reflective glass body upfront works. It is a bit like staring at yourself in the mirror every time you are looking at the phone. Not very welcoming if you look like me.
Should you buy this phone?
Looking to spend on a top-end Android phone? Then this is definitely one of your top bets. My big issue with this phone is that it does not have a good bait to steer you clear of the more affordable Android phones like OnePlus One or Xiaomi Mi 4 or for that matter even the Galaxy Note 4. However, I must confess that after a week with the phone I am tempted to buy it, which is a good sign. It is a bit like those AR Rahman songs that grow on you. They are seldom runaway hits.
Estimated street price: Rs 49,900
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